The popularity of portable audio players has spawned an entire sub-industry of MP3 accessories. No matter what kind of player you have, you can find all sorts of extras for it – some useful, and some not.

As the leader in the field, the Apple iPod has the greatest number of available accessories. Some of these are manufactured by Apple, but many are supplied by aftermarket companies.

Mp3 AC - DC adaptors

Most MP3 players run for about 10 to 20 hours on fully charged batteries. Rechargeable batteries are the most economical in the long run, but to extend their life even more, AC or DC adaptors can be used.

AC adaptors can be simple 'wall wart' converters, or they can be integrated into 'docking stations' that offer loads of features in one unit. A typical docking station plugs into a wall outlet or the USB port of your computer. The MP3 player simply snaps into the docking station and if it uses a re-chargeable battery, the battery will be topped up.

Some docking stations also synchronize your music collection.  Any new songs that you have download to your computer will automatically transfer to the MP3 player when it is installed in the docking station. 

Docking stations can also have integrated speakers, allowing you to use the MP3 player as a substitute for your home stereo system. When you come home, simply pop the MP3 player into the docking station, listen to music all evening through the speakers, and in the morning the battery will be fully recharged for another day of portable music.

DC adaptors allow you to use the MP3 player in the car. They usually plug into the cigarette lighter and can recharge the battery while listening to music. A car adaptor kit will include a DC adaptor and a device to listen to the player over the car sound system.

Car audio adaptors come in two basic styles - FM transmitters or cassette converters. Transmitters send the audio signal to an FM frequency band which can be picked up on the car radio. Cassette converters are inserted into the cassette deck so you can listen to the MP3 player on the car stereo.

Both types of adaptors are equally suited in the car or in the home, although the power source for the FM transmitter needs to be the correct type. Cassette adaptors don't need a power source.

Mp3 Remote Controls

To control the MP3 player, wireless or wired remote controls are available. Remote controls are especially useful in the car because they allow you to adjust the player without taking your eyes off the road. There are remote controls which connect to the steering wheel and allow you to adjust the volume, browse through your music collection or advance to the next song.

Remote controls are also useful if you keep your MP3 player on an armband or attached to your belt. In this situation, the remote control can be stored conveniently in your pocket or purse for quick access when you need to adjust the volume or change songs. Some of them have displays which allow you to pick songs by name.

For those who use their MP3 players at home, a wireless remote control allows you to adjust the volume, browse through your music collection, pause or mute the MP3 player from almost anywhere in the house. 

All of these functions can be done from the comfort of your arm chair. No longer do you have to get up and fiddle with the player itself. A remote control is the perfect complement to a docking station with integrated speakers. 

Some remotes have displays that show the current song being played and allow you to browse through your music collection. You probably won't get full control over the player with a remote but there will be enough options for general use.
 
Remote controls are not generic - you have to match them to a particular model of MP3 player. Some manufacturers offer remote controls for their own players, and there is a sizeable after-market offering remotes for various brands of personal audio players.