iPod armbands

	Model SL-nano-108 case from mainland China's Shenzhen SoonLeader makes use of TPU material.

R&D teams find that the best demand and popularity cues come from watching the up-and-coming gadgets in the market today.

Suppliers of iPod and portable media players (PMPs) from Greater China have different product development priorities, but all agree on one decision-making factor—the ubiquitousness of the iPod and other high-end PMP product releases.

Makers from mainland China are focused on improving product quality and compatibility. They are also pushing for more environment-friendly products. Taiwan makers, on the other hand, are looking to develop trendier, more ergonomic multifunction designs. Most of their new models will have a USB interface and wireless connectivity. In Hong Kong, makers have eased on product development, although the R&D focus is on churning out high-end accessories with value-added features. Makers from the three regions also emphasized portability as evidenced by car adapters and travel chargers.

Except for some high-end and midrange electronic iPod/PMP accessories, prices of most accessories are set to increase before the year ends. Makers from mainland China, Taiwan and Hong Kong are almost unanimous with regard to countermeasures against the increasing costs of raw materials, fuel and labor. Even with stiff competition and efforts to increase efficiency and cut down production costs, most suppliers will increase the prices of their iPod/PMP accessories by 10 percent at most.

Models that do not use a common mold are priced higher. Likewise, products with quality approvals from legitimate certifying organizations are priced higher.

	Taiwan's Songtak has a capacitive stylus pen that uses durable soft rubber. The model is ideal for the iPhone and iPod touch.

Accessories from mainland China have stylish ergonomic designs, and are multifunctioned and easy to use. Makers strive for compatibility and supplying products that have passed international environmental standards and regulations.

Product development in the region targets the latest PMPs and iPod products. Makers highly anticipate a decrease in the price of such devices because this will boost the gadgets' sales, which will ultimately increase demand for accessories made for them.

Wellsun Industry (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd supplies clients such as Carrefour, HP and Samsung. It makes iPod accessories, USB chargers, USB cables, USB tool kits, computer tool kits, mobile phone chargers and optical mice.

One of its offerings is the HX-011B2 USB car charger adapter with 1,000mA maximum current. The unit, which uses Wellsun's own mold, supports iPods, iPhones, MP3 players and MP4 players. Its charge voltage is 5V and its input voltage is DC 12V to 24V. It has an LED indicator.

Model HX-011C2 AC power adapter, also from Wellsun, also uses the company's own mold. The unit has a USB port, an LED power indicator and a retractable cable. Its charging voltage is 5V at 50Hz/60Hz frequency and its input voltage is AC 100V to 240V. The model is compatible with the iPod, iPhone, mobile phones, MP3 players and MP4 players.

C&T Industry Co. Ltd mainly offers mobile phone cases, MP3/MP4 player peripherals, and PDA and iPod accessories. One of its products is model CT-DUSB-01, an iPod and PMP charger with a dual USB connector. It can be used in the car to charge iPods, mobile phones, MP3 players and PDAs. The CE-approved product has an input voltage of DC 12V to 24V and output voltage of DC 5V.

Model CT-IPH-1301, also from C&T, is a silicone multicolor case for the iPhone.

HLT Electronics Co.Ltd manufactures iPod and PDA accessories. Its iPod travel charger has a built-in IC for overcharge protection. The charger's input voltage is AC 110V to 250V at 50Hz/60Hz frequency. Its maximum current is 1,000mA. The unit measures 30x50x60mm and weighs 80g, and is compatible with the iPhone and all iPod models.

Shenzhen SoonLeader Electronics Ltd offers more than 400 battery packs, 100 chargers and numerous cases and handsfree kits. Its SL-nano-108 case adopts TPU material to protect the iPod or PMP player from rips and scratches. The environment-friendly product comes in various colors.

The company also has the SL-MN999C mini speakers designed for the iPod and PMPs. It has 28mm speaker units and a built-in 200mAh lithium battery. Its output power is 2x1W.

	Taiwan's Lee Yang has launched a series of ergonomic and lightweight armbands that feature detachable earphones and retractable cables.

Major accessories for iPods and PMPs in Taiwan include docking stations, portable speakers, earphones, headphones and FM transmitters. USB connection for power and data transfer is the most popular interface for electronic accessories such as docks and chargers. Wireless connection is a feature also being added to some models—RF and Bluetooth technologies are usually adopted. Some Taiwan makers have also released accessories that support touchscreen for future iPod products and PMPs with touchscreen displays.

Protective cases and bags, sport sleeves and armbands, travel chargers, and remote controls are also available from suppliers on the island. Most of these products are ergonomically designed, can readily be printed on and come in various colors.

OEM/ODM company Songtak Technology Co. Ltd offers a capacitive stylus pen series intended for the iPhone and iPod touch. The series was created for users of the handwriting function. It has a patented tip design that allows it to write on a capacitive touch panel. The stylus pen comes with a clip design. It is RoHS-compliant.

Twinwin Technology Co. Ltd has launched model TWV-906 Bluetooth adapter for the iPod family. The device, which also supports the iPhone, transmits audio to other Bluetooth-enabled devices such as headsets or speakers, with support for A2DP and AVRCP. It can also charge devices via its USB port. Its other features include a volume control button and LED indicators.

Lee Yang Investments Ltd (Grandmax) has released a series of armbands that come with earphones. Its Music Band-It series is targeted at people who loves sports or have active lifestyles. The series is designed for the iPod family. The armbands have an adjustable fit-all strap, and are ergonomic, lightweight and comfortable to wear. They are washable and have detachable earphones with retractable cable.

Car and travel chargers, speakers and cases lead output of iPod/PMP accessories from Hong Kong. Other accessories such as remote controls, A/V cables, external voice recorders and earphone splitters can also be sourced from the region.

Parco Pacific Ltd's most successful iPod/PMP accessory is the PSP-004 iPod speaker with volume control. The model features a patented egg-shaped design. It is suitable for the iPod nano and doubles as a memo pad holder. Model PSP-004 requires no batteries as it draws power through the iPod. It has a logo imprint area, making it a suitable gift and premium item. Various colors are available.

Model PMI-001AV, also from Parco Pacific, is an iPod A/V cable for viewing iPod photo and video content on a TV screen. It has standard RCA connectors for compatibility with most TV brands and models. The accessory is RoHS-compliant and includes a retractable cable and logo imprint area.

Parco Pacific as also released a leather pouch for the iPhone and iPod touch. The PLP-001 is a protective black leather pouch with a secure snap button belt loop design and micro suede inner lining. It comes with a front cover that opens and connects as a stand in two different angles. A cable management strap helps keep the earphones neatly stored. Logo imprint is supported.

Hip Hing Cable & Plug Mfy Ltd began manufacturing accessories for the iPod in 2005. The company can release an iPod-compatible cable within 30 days after a new iPod model is released. One of Hip Hing's most successful iPod accessories is the iPod auxiliary input adapter. Compatible with many Toyota, Honda and Volkswagen car models, the iPod auxiliary input adapter keeps the iPod charged while retaining digital sound quality and eliminating the use of noisy FM modulators.

Also from Hip Hing is a 2-in-1 iPod car charger and FM transmitter available in two versions, one of which has a display for showing the selected FM channel. A 3.5mm connector is included to accommodate MP3 players and PMPs.

Model HH-58 from Hip Hing is an iPod docking station with A/V cable and remote control. It enables any iPod nano, iPod video and other models to be connected to a home stereo and TV. It also charges the iPod while in use and synchronizes it with a PC via USB. The remote control supports 18 functions, including video playback and photo slideshow. Color LEDs indicate charging and remote control status. AC power supply is bundled with each unit.

Hip Hing also offers various iPod A/V cable assemblies, including a stereo RCA cable and stereo RCA+S-Video+3.5mm plug version. It has an earphone splitter compatible with any iPod, PSPand MP3 player, white remote control and earphones, and iPod adapters suitable for different countries.

Mainland China makers project a 5 percent price increase for iPod/PMP cases in the next six months. Factors include price competition, increase in labor cost, and increase in the costs of raw materials such as ABS, PU, EVA, rubber, plastic and leather.

For electronic iPod/PMP accessories, there are no expectations of a significant price change compared to non-electronic accessories. Makers say that the prices of low-end electronic accessories are already rock bottom. Some makers are even willing to decrease the prices of midrange and high-end electronic accessories by 5 to 10 percent because of cutthroat competition.

On the mainland, the price of a iPod/PMP player case ranges from 40 cents to $20. Low-end models come with basic dust and rub resistance, while high-end models may have metal, leather, diamond and crystal material.

iPod/PMP cables are priced from 50 cents to $1, depending on the type and number of connectors and cable length.

iPod/PMP chargers are priced from 60 cents to $12. iPod/PMP chargers with a built-in IC and fuse are priced $1.50. High-end chargers with a portable lithium battery station are priced more than $10.

Taiwan makers' main concern in pricing is competition. Many of them have transferred production operations to mainland China to reduce production costs and keep up with rivals from other regions. Some companies are exploring the possibility of using new materials for low-end accessories.

Makers also determine prices depending on how hard it is to produce an accessory. For instance, if a certain accessory uses a mold owned by the company that produces it, chances are the resulting accessory would be priced higher that those produced using a public mold.

For cases and pouches, low-end models made from silicone are priced less than $1. Midrange neoprene or microfiber models are priced from $1 to $2. High-end models made from leather, PVC or inertia sponge are priced from $2 to $2.50. Hard-shell cases are also available with ABS and acrylic materials. Aluminum cases are priced as high as $3.

Car and travel chargers are priced $2 and up. Docking stations are priced from $3 to $20. Portable speakers are from $5 to $40. FM transmitters that may have charging function are priced $8 to $25. Rechargeable portable battery chargers are priced more than $50.

Cables and PET panel protectors, meanwhile, are priced less than $1.

Hong Kong's Parco Pacific and Hip Hing have striven to maintain their prices for the most part of 2008 amid the surging cost of raw materials, fuel and labor. Both companies have employed various ways to increase efficiency and lower costs in order to keep their current price levels.

ICs and other electrical components take up a huge part of overall material costs, so the makers are continually on the lookout for lower-cost alternatives to the components they are already using.

Whenever necessary, suppliers could incorporate the iPod license fee into the product unit price, but customers also have the option of obtaining the iPod license by themselves.

Parco Pacific forecasts that it may be forced to have a 3 to 5 percent price increase before yearend to avoid losses. Hip Hing expects total price adjustments for the year not to exceed 10 percent.

Parco Pacific's iPhone/iPod touch leather case is priced at about $6. The iPod A/V cable is about $1.50, while the PSP-004 iPod speaker is quoted at $3.50. A minimum order of 1,000 units is required.

Hip Hing's iPod AC/DC charger is quoted at $3 to $4, while the car charger is from $2 to $3. Its iPod A/V cables are about $3, but models with metal plugs and those with the iPod connector are $6 to $7. The supplier requires a minimum order of 3,000 units.