Yes, I'm probably in the 2% of Northern California residents that don't own an Apple iPod. That doesn't mean I can't appreciate the style and convenience of the device. But, if I did own a device I would pick up The Free iPod Book 2.0. The folks at iLounge did an excellent job presenting the best accessories and tips for the iPod in this 194 page guide. If you think the iPod is just about music, you need to read this guide. And if your Dad or grad is an iPod owner, this guide should trigger some great gift ideas.

Despite the fact I don't own an iPod, I downloaded this guide. I'll admit it's a large download at 21 mb. The zip file expands into a 28 mb PDF file with oodles of pictures of accessories ranging from docking stations to speakers with plenty in between. At first, I thought the guide was mostly an accessory catalog similar to a Sharper Image catalog. Then I realized the guide was interspersed with lots of great content and tips.

If I had to highlight everything, it would be a long list. I'll just hit some of the high points so you realize the breadth of the guidebook:

• Review of companies that can rip your music collection
• Legal issues of copying video
• Travel goodies such as subway maps and tours
• How to sync calendars and contacts to your iPod
• Using your iPod as a hard disk
• Repairing your iPod
• Average selling prices on eBay
• Other iPod web sites
• iLounge Report Card (Grading of products they've reviewed)

About the only thing I wish the guide contained were live hyperlinks. As I was browsing through the contents, there were times I wanted to jump to a website, but couldn't. This is a small issue in comparison with what the guide offers. Whether you're a current owner or someone searching for a gift for an iPod owner, this guide is a great read

• Site: iLounge: The Free iPod Book v 2.0