No matter what Apple opt to release , or not to release , Macworld Expo should be quite exciting for iPod owners this year .

When Apple released theiPod nanoandiPod with video , the fellowship got free of the remote porthole — the small , oval - shaped expansion slot next to the headphone jack . While it ’s a change some iPod owners might not even immediately mark , it was a gravid slew for accessory makers as many products — especially FM tuners , transmitter , and remote command — relied on the remote porthole to lock .

What ’s more , both of the most late additions to the iPod line feature new , slimmer , form - factors . The result : many old bottom - out dock add-on looked like an infant in a chef ’s hat . While these accessories might still work out well — or not , due to constancy return — having an accessory twice the size of it of your iPod is not most users ’ idea of timbre industrial pattern .

As a result , supplement maker have been scramble to roll out new products design with the nano and video in mind . And thankfully , some of those products are beginning to come to market .

Many of these new add - ons will be on presentation at Macworld Expo — some for the first time , others appearing at Expo after debut at last calendar week ’s . Over the retiring few weeks , Playlisthas been talking to accessory makers , and we ’ve total away quite mad about all the unexampled products that are shoot retail shelves in the coming workweek .

Of special interest are the novel contemporaries of FM transmitters that allow you to play music stored on your iPod through the FM band of a car stereophonic system or radio . We ’ve come a long way from former model that breastfeed up battery life , performed poorly , and required you to draw over or risk certain peril if you ever wanted to change the place while driving .

Belkin(Booth 717 on the Expo show story ) will be register off its new TuneBase FM and TuneBase FM for iPod nano . Both $ 80 devices — which also appeared atCESlast week — are both pocket-sized and sleek to complement the new strain - factors of the video and nano , severally ( though the TuneBase FM has adjustable trays to figure out with work earlier full - size iPods and the iPod miniskirt ) . The transmitters charge and climb through the car coffin nail charger port , with a pliable neck that allows each to sit upright and face the machine driver . Four built - in buttons allow for drivers to flip between preset stations — anything between 88.1 - 107.9 . Both arrive in black or blank and will embark in January .

Coming a piece later from Belkin but also to be on display at Expo are the $ 50 TuneFM and Tune FM for iPod nano . Belkin tells Playlist these are designed to be more portable than its TuneBase channel — designed for on - the - go employment by the consortium , in a hotel , or elsewhere that the elevator car charger and riding horse might not be ready to hand . Like the TuneBase argumentation , each has four buttons on the bottom where user can enter FM presets , which are shown on the iPod ’s display . These FM transmitters rely on the iPod battery for power , but both also have a mini USB connector that attaches to an include automobile great power cable for on - the - go recharging .

Interestingly , the Tune FM for iPod nano practice both the 30 - PIN number ( dock ) and the 3.5 - mm ( headphone ) connections . Belkin say this is to reduce accent and preclude clothing and shoot on the 30 - pin connection .

Belkin will also be showing its Tune Command AV , an $ 80 AV dock that will play an iPod ’s music , photos and picture over your video and stereophonic speakers . Not shipping until April , the Tune Command join either via S - Video or standard AV cables and has an interchangeable tray design to fit fourth - generation , nano , miniskirt , pic , and television iPods . An RF remote control with arrangement without requiring line - of - visual modality ; Belkin claims it has a range of up to 120 metrical unit .

DLO(Booth 425 ) is showing its $ 100 Transpod , a bottom - out FM transmitter for the iPod that will work with the nano and video , as well as earlier models of docking iPods . The Transpod program from 88.1 to 107.9 , and expose the post information on a backlit LCD at the theme of the equipment . Plugging into a gondola butt lighter port , the Transpod bit as a mountain for the iPod and charge it while in consumption . The Transpod is shipping now .

DLO will also be show its new $ 100 HomeDock , a moorage base that permit drug user to seamlessly connect their video - capable iPod to a home entertainment system of rules . The HomeDock connects to a home amusement inwardness or television system either via an S - Video connection or a stock AV cable , and will pipe up your video from your iPod to your television . There ’s a USB connection in the back for sync with a data processor , while a 14 - function IR remote control allow user to wirelessly assure all the action .

Griffin Technology(Booth 1935 ) , Lord of one of the first FM transmitters , the iTrip , will be showing its Modern $ 50 iTrip nano . Already available for purchase , the iTrip nano uses the nano ’s cover to expose station selective information , and work via plug - and - diddle with no software to install . It remembers three drug user - programmable preset post at a time , and has a mono mode for country with a portion of encumbrance . The sled - form intent place of origin an iPod nano from the bottom and back side and allow it to charge while it is in use .

For the same price as the iTrip nano , Griffin is also sell its revamped iTrip ( $ 50 ) , which has been redesigned to use the dock connection rather than the headphone jack and removed port . A backlit LCD screen displays station information , and broadcasts can range from 88.1 - 107.9 . A ascendancy boss on the side allows for easy switch between stations .

Griffin will also be showing the iTrip Auto , a $ 70 FM sender specifically design for the car . The iTrip Auto , which fits third - contemporaries or newer iPod ( admit the iPod with video ) uses the audio line out from the iPod ’s dock connector to broadcast a signaling . Users can select any FM post between 88.1 and 107.9 , and the iTrip Auto will display the line number on a backlit LCD exhibit . An attached cable connect to the cigarette light port to charge the gimmick and iPod while in use .

For more on the iPod , please chat theiPod Product Guide .

[ Mathew Honanis a San Francisco - found author and photographer . He will be walk the floor at Expo , so if you see him say hello . ]