iPod Remotes

Although the iPod is usually a hand-carry device that is within easy reach, there are still occurrences when the user is not able to locate it conveniently. Apple sells a wired remote that lets you control your iPod when it's in a pocket or bag. This is great when your iPod is not so far from you, but what if you listen to your iPod when it's connected to your stereo at home-or sitting in your car's glove compartment, or attached to a set of portable speakers in a hotel room-and you want to be able to control the music when your iPod's out of reach? The solution is a wireless remote control.

Nowadays, plenty of manufacturers have come up with a myriad of choices. Most of the remote control systems nowadays include a battery-powered transmitter and a receiver that plugs into the headphone/remote jack on "dockable" iPods-making them compatible with 3G and 4G iPods, iPod photos, and iPod minis. The receivers get their power from the iPod's headphone jack; the battery used by the transmitters is a user-replaceable CR-2032 cell. One of the most important features of an iPod remote-yet one that most consumers are unlikely to be aware of-is the technology it uses for transmitting and receiving commands. Most popular remotes use one of two technologies: infrared (IR) or radio frequency (RF).