With its popular iPod chalking up sales of $2.2bn (£1.2bn) last year, Apple Computer is setting out to cement its dominance of the market by inviting third-party innovators to develop an "ecosystem" of accessories for the digital music player.

These other groups make the accessories that cool-conscious iPod buyers cannot seem to get enough of. Whether they are carrying cases, adaptors, microphones or software, these accessories give consumers the edge as they take their iPods on the road, into classrooms and even to Bible study.