Oct. 12--Just over the divider from the iPod and MP3-player aisle, the accessory aisles lurk.

Headphones? Dozens of styles. Cases? Pick a color, material and size.

And it doesn't get any better in the mobile phone section.

Buying the latest gadget isn't as simple as taking it off the shelf and swiping your card. It probably needs to be protected somehow, and it might need a spare battery.

A sales associate at Best Buy's Village Pointe store, who declined to be named, said accessory sales are very healthy.

"We sell a lot of cases and chargers," he said.

There's no end to the accessories available for today's small electronics. Many devices are somewhat delicate, making protection a priority. Some users like a customized gadget in whatever color they choose.

"We have a little phone bag that literally looks like a mini Gucci purse," said Andy Fillingsness, a sales representative at Phones Plus in Omaha. "It looks like something you'd see on a lady who has a little dog in her purse."

Sometimes accessories can add significantly to a new device's cost. But some are actually low-tech, low-cost solutions to common complaints.

Take a product called BudFits, for example. The soft, C-shaped rubber pieces attach to iPod earbuds to provide a secure fit while exercising.

BudFits are a good choice for those who like stock iPod headphones but don't like how they tend to fall out while running. Best of all, a pair of BudFits is only $9 on Amazon.com. Those with larger ears should be warned, though -- you might feel pressure on the back of your ears due to BudFits' shape.

And for those who don't like Apple's stock iPod earbuds in any configuration, there are plenty of good options for under $20 from Sony, Panasonic, Philips and Koss.

Having an armband for your iPod or Zune is ideal when running. Though the options are numerous, those with a wider strap are better. They'll provide more support and security while eliminating any bouncing.

It could be argued that the boom in available accessories for all media players has everything to do with the iPod. The standard model, now called "Classic," has always had a polished metal back. While aesthetically pleasing, the surface was a fingerprint -- and scratch -- magnet.

"If you've got a full-size iPod, chances are you've got a full-size iPod with scratches," wrote Dan Frakes in a MacWorld article from 2005.

Enter the iPod case industry. The current-generation iPod Touch, released in September, also has a scratch-prone back, as did the original and third-generation Nano models.

Options include cases and shells made from silicone, hard plastic, leather and even recycled tires. Such cases start around $25 and can top $100 on the high end. For users who often toss their iPod into a bag or are prone to dropping things, they're a good idea.

But such cases usually cover the design of the device, which is a major draw for some users. In that case, a clear, adhesive film is the best option. Power Support and BodyGuardz both offer film sets for the Classic and Touch models.

Power Support's films use static cling to remain in place, but they don't provide full coverage for the device. The rear film covers only the back of the device, not the sides, and the front films cover only the screen or -- on a Classic -- the click wheel. Power Support screens are $15 and come in anti-glare or crystal-clear variations.

BodyGuardz films offer more protection, but at a greater time commitment. The films are cut to wrap around the sides of the iPod, but they are attached with an adhesive. So sticky is the glue, the package ships with a water and baby shampoo solution to neutralize the glue and allow for multiple attempts -- and it will take multiple attempts -- at precise placement.

Once they're on, BodyGuardz films do the trick. Car keys can be scraped across the device with no scratches to the film, let alone the iPod. BodyGuardz are available in full protection (front and back films) or in separate front or back films for between $15 and $25. Each package contains two of each film.

Both companies also make protective films for mobile phones, laptops and cameras, though prices vary depending upon the size and shape of the device.

While headphones and cases are evolving with each new phone or portable media player, one accessory will probably remain the same for a long time -- the car-charging adapter.

"About 75 to 80 percent of the time, when somebody buys a new phone they get at least a charger, and sometimes a case or a holster," Fillingsness said.

The batteries in your gadgets won't last forever, and they may run out of juice while you're away from a wall outlet. In that case, the trusty car charger can step up.

Unchanged for years, it plugs into a car's cigarette lighter and goes to work. And it still costs only between $20 and $30.

You'll probably have to get a separate one for your media player and phone, but it's better than being without your toys.

--Contact the writer: 444-1387, bryan.redemske@owh.com

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