The SendStation Systems PocketDock Combo is a must-have item for every iPod and iPod mini owner. It is not even a debatable topic. Second in importance only to a protective case, the PocketDock Combo allows you to connect your dockable iPod to a regular USB Type B or 6-pin FireWire cable. Since you can use your iPod as a portable hard drive, this means that you can backup up or share information with any Mac or PC equipped with USB or FireWire connections.

On the road and out of battery power? No problem, you can charge your iPod from another computer even if your docking cable is at home. The PocketDock Combo simply fits into the iPod\'s Dock Connector, add a cable (that you can steal from a printer or spare drive) and you\'re charging.

This tiny device is only 1.25 inches long and .5 inches thick so you barely even know you\'re carrying it. Thankfully the fashion industry is now selling women\'s purses with small makeup cases attached, perfect for tiny iPod accessories like the PockDock. If you\'re a diehard Mac fan, you can even get a Mac see-through vinyl case, from M •A•C, Make-up Art Cosmetics, Inc. that is!

Co-authored by Ilene Hoffman, Reviews Editor