10 Cool Things To Do With Your iPod

In the four years since its introduction, the iPod has proven to be a versatile little device. Despite a relatively closed architecture, hackers have found their way in. Content creators and software makers put information at your fingertips when you're on the go. Would-be designers have added to the fashionable stylings of the now-ubiquitous white ear buds. Hardware makers and enthusiasts have augmented the iPod with new add-on gadgets. Here are a few things you can do with your iPod besides listen to music.

1. Make your own pirate radio station

Just expose the antenna on your iTrip FM transmitter and you can broadcast your iPod's music library to any radio a short distance away. Useful for silencing loud radios or just messing with people.

2. Find good NYC pizza

The piPod software will guide you and your musical friend to some of the best pizza places in New York City.

3. Dress it up

If Apple's iPod Socks don't catch your fancy, there's always the iPod Hoodie, complete with drawstring enclosures. Either is perfect for a cozy afternoon nap on the couch.

4. Record audio without extra hardware

Rather than buying the iTalk for $40, you can install a program called Podzilla on your iPod and use a regular old microphone to record high quality audio.

5. Listen to your mp3 collection in the car

Griffin and Kensington (among others) sell FM transmitters for the iPod. Just tune your radio to the proper frequency and out comes your music collection.

6. Store your photos on the go

If you're out shooting and don't have enough room on your camera's memory card for all the photos you want to take, offload them to your iPod with Media Reader, erase the card, and shoot away.

7. Call your friends

Combine the iPod with early 1990s mobile phone tech, and you can play music and make calls with the same slim device. Fits neatly in the pocket of some very large pants.

8. Share your music with complete strangers

Approach someone with the signature white ear buds, smile, and trade headphone jacks to get an earful of your new friend's music.

9. Find your way in the dark

Griffin's iBeam turns your iPod into a laser pointer (for presentations, annoying people at the movies, or exercising your cat) or a flashlight. If only it would shine the currently playing song info.

10. Listen to text

If you're sufficiently clever about Linux, you can install a text-to-speech app on your iPod, making it possible to listen to your menus or text files through your ear buds.