With the advent of iPods with large screens that can play video, the iPod has become a great mobile platform for watching movies and TV shows. Whether it's commuting to work or taking longer trips - on a bus across the country or flying at 35,000 feet - an iPod packed with movies and TV shows can be a great way to pass the time. If you've got a big movie or TV fan in your life, here are some ideas for great presents this holiday season.
1. iPod touch
image copyright Apple Inc.
The iPod touch - the most capable traditional iPod - is a great option for movie fans. Its chief feature for movie fans is its screen size. The 3.5-inch screen is the same size as the iPhone's and offers the same high-quality viewing experience. The iPod touch displays movies in widescreen format, improving the viewing experience. Now that the iPod touch offers up to 64 GB of storage (enough for 40-80 hours of video) it's made the iPod Classic nearly irrelevant for movie fans. Combine this capacity with a great music player and all the options the App Store offers, you've got a terrific gift.
2. iPod video-out cables
image copyright Apple Inc.
iPods don't just display video on their built-in screens. They can also output video to TVs. While obviously not a good alternative for watching video while traveling, if your videos live on your iPod, or you want to bring a big selection of movies to friends' houses, these cables are great. The cables cost from about US$20 to about $75.
3. iPod Video Docks
image copyright Altec Lansing
If your traveling movie fan wants a bigger screen to watch, but doesn't have a TV handy, a video dock could be the key. These docks, which house an iPod Classic, iPod touch, iPod nano, or iPhone, have larger screens than the iPod (usually a 7 or 8-inch LCD) and built-in speakers. They also tend to be small, sometimes foldable, and almost always portable. Expect to pay around $100-$150 for these.
4. DLO Homedock Deluxe
image copyright DLO
This docking station plugs your iPod into your home entertainment system. Not only can it output video to your TV, it can also send music to your stereo (assuming you have everything set up right). It's even got a remote control so you don't need to get off the couch to skip to your next movie.
5. Big-screen Glasses
image copyright Vuzix
Want a really bigscreen viewing experience without the need to lug a 100-pound HDTV around with you everywhere you go? Check out the iWear video display glasses from Vuzix. These glasses plug into your iPod and, when you look through them, show the viewer the experience of a 44-62-inch screen. They even have headphones built in. You won't want to try walking while watching these, but a long plane or bus trip can be turned into a home theater experience for a couple hundred dollars.
6. DVD Ripping software
For movie fans with big DVD libraries, these programs can help them convert DVDs into iPod-compatible video files. There are many programs that do this, ranging from free to those that cost $20-$40. They vary in output quality, so try a free download or read reviews before buying.7. iTunes Gift Card
image copyright Apple Inc.
Every iPod owner can do well with an iTunes Store gift card. With that card, they can buy music and videos for download. Though the selection of movies at the iTunes Store is smaller than its selection of music, more movies and TV shows are being added all the time. An iTunes gift card is a perfect accompaniment to any gift of an iPod model.
8. 5th Generation iPod nano
image copyright Apple Inc.
If your movie fan not only likes watching movies, but also making them, consider picking them up the 5th generation iPod nano, a handy little movie-making machine. While also offering all the traditional iPod features, this nano adds a video camera capable of taking 640 x 480 video at up to 30 frames per second. The nano even offers 15 built-in special effects modes to give the movies some style. While these movies aren't HD quality, they're solid for short, fun memory-making.
