Pimp My iPod

School is starting up again, are you prepared? More importantly, is your iPod prepared? Gone are the days of lounging around in front of the TV, and here are the days of trekking back and forth across campus with singing headphones in your ears. Here are some things you can do to maximize the mobile rock box to its full potential:

1. Blow out your MP3 collection: Spring clean those 90's boy bands from your music library and stack up on songs from artists you discovered this summer. Forgot an awesome band's name? Try searching for them and other bands you might like with Hype Machine or Pandora. Burn songs from your own new albums onto your computer, or download them straight from MP3 stores like eMusic or iTunes.

2. Protect you iPod in style: iPods and other MP3 players can take a brutal beating if not protected. Since they are about to come back into heavy use, make sure you have a sturdy enough case to protect its longevity. You can get protective cases designed specifically for your iPod model, whether it's a Nano, Video iPod, or other. Different cases are also practical for different uses. For example, if you are going to work out with your iPod in tow, you might want a sports sleeve to keep it strapped to your arm as you flex and sprint.

3. Accessorize for grades: Believe it or not, but accessorizing your iPod can aid you while in class and help you study better. Record your professor's lectures for review and easy note-taking with this iPod voice recorder. Add music or sound to class presentations and group projects with an attached iPod speaker system or boombox to amplify music to more than your own ears.

3. Accessorize for fun: Maximize your down time between classes on campus with video. Record your favorite TV shows, documentaries, or music videos and transfer them directly to your video iPod with a DVD video capture device.

And finally, drag your butt out of bed after all those all-nighters with a hip new iPod alarm clock. Your roommate will thank you.