A battery pack can keep your iPod charged for a long road trip; most car mounts, however, are not designed to accept an iPod with a battery pack.

Power adapters

If you plan on using your iPod in your car everyday, or are gearing up for a long road trip, you'll want to be sure to have an auxiliary power supply with you. There are two types of power supply accessories for using your iPod in the car. Each connects to your iPod via the dock connector.

1. Cigarette lighter power adapters
   

   Pros: A cigarette lighter power adapter provides a steady supply of power to your iPod and charges the internal iPod batteries, so you don't have to worry about running out of juice while you're on the road.

   Cons: You have to deal with wires hanging over your dash.

2. Backup battery packs
   

   Pros: Whether you have a rechargeable battery pack or one that accepts AA batteries, these backups typically attach directly to your iPod via suction cups or clips. You don't have to worry about wires draped across the dash.

   Cons: These provide anywhere from 8 - 20 hours of battery life (depending on the type of iPod you have), but once they are drained, you'll have to replace the batteries or charge it up again. Most iPod car mounts are not designed to accommodate battery packs.

Car mounts

There are several different ways to securely mount your iPod in your car:

A cupholder mount is a convenient way to secure an iPod in a vehicle.

• Vehicle-specific mounts
  

  Mounts designed to mount to the dash or center console with a strong adhesive backing or bolts.

• Cup holder mounts
  

  Simply place these in one cup holder and use the suction cup to attach your iPod.

• Flexible gooseneck arms
  

  These may screw into the floor, fit in a cup holder, or even attach to a cigarette lighter power adapter. They allow the most freedom of viewing angle.

  If you do not have a good option for mounting your iPod in your car, experiment with placing the iPod in various console pockets or your dashboard. The last thing you want is to place the iPod directly on a seat or the floor, where it can move about freely.