We know convergence items aren’t the best, let’s say. Ok, some of them plainly suck.

But the idea of an old-fashioned tool like a notebook and a modern gadget like an iPod coming together is strangely appealing… The iPod Notepad is basically a simple item: a cover binding a 70-pages notebook and a padded iPod holder, but it’s so retro-cool it makes me want one.

The case comes in nine colors and is only compatible with the 3rd generation iPod Nano for now, but a version for Gen4 is in the works.

How much under $29.99?
A little: €18 on Scripta.dk.

Via BoingBoing

Headphones and beanies don’t mix, but get a pair of earbuds and you’re set, it’s that easy.

However, if you’re picky and looking for something designed especially for music lovers, go for the Noggin Net instead.

A regular skullcap at first glance, it’s actually a music system designed to house both the mp3 player and the earbuds. It comes with a pocket that can hold iPods and Zunes (and any other player of the same size) and internal earbud management channels for the cables.

Although it’s practical, this can pose a problem for regular-length earbud cables, so LimbGear also offer special earbuds with a shorter cord (for a total price of $29.95 per beanie). A bit expensive indeed, but you have to pay if you’re not happy with the old-fashioned system.

How much under $29.99?
A little: $21.99 on LimbGear.com.

Via ubergizmo

If you style yourself a follower of techo-fashion, you know that custom headphones are seriously cool. But there’s that little problem called “money”… a designer won’t paint them for free.

It might not be so brag-worthy, but a pair of Hype Custom Earbuds will set you apart without the need for any fancy designer’s input (and without a big budget hole).

The earbuds have 3 customizable areas: base (3 colors to choose from), rim (12 colors) and artwork (a lot of patterns). Mix and match, and there you go: you can now listen to music and know that the earbuds match your purse.

How much under $29.99?
Some: $19.99 on iFrogz.com.

Via ChipChick

In the age before iPods and mp3 were all over the place, when cassette tapes ruled, music boxes were fascinating. Especially at 10 or 12 years old. Too bad mum and dad wouldn’t let us disect the boxes…

The Mechanical Music Box Set is a gift for the nostalgics, and this time it’s not about taking apart, but assembling, which is twice the fun. The kit comes with one song (“Happy birthday”), but includes three extra sheets and a hole puncher so you can compose your own songs… less generic and annoying ones.

But we know the appeal is not the music itself. It’s reliving a childhood memory many years after the fact.

How much under $29.99?
Some: $15 on Amazon.com.

Via Core77

We decorate our bodies, our clothes, our bags, our iPod, our laptops… our headphones?

Yes, and it’s not the first time someone’s come up with the idea; the Gribbits were featured here a while ago.

But the Bloomingbuds Headphones come with a different approach: their decorations only works with their type of eabuds, so each pack comes with a pair of headphones and two sets of blooms. This is both good and bad. Bad, for the obvious reason, you’re tied to their brand. Good, because the charms fit better than on regular headphones, hence they look better.

If you hurry, you might still be in time for the special offer too: two additional pairs of blooms at check-out. And when you see the selection, you’ll want to get as many as possible, because they’re adorable.

How much under $29.99?
Some: $19.99 on MyBloomingBuds.com.

Via ChipChick

Good-ol’ speakers have had many various shapes and sizes along the years, but until now one thing had remained unchanged: they weren’t interactive.

Not any more! The iBoogie Speaker and Dance Machine not only broadcasts your tunes, but also entertains you. The little LED light man on the front panel has over 50 choreographed dance moves and can demonstrate them as your music is played.

Of course, you’d have to be pretty bored to be actually entertained by this, but at least it will light up your desk a bit. And it looks good for staring at when you’re trying to clear your head for that world-changing idea. Ooooh pretty lights…

How much under $29.99?
Some: $19.95 on HSN.com.

Via BoingBoing

Although the iPod is definitely a perfect example of eye-candy design, it is possible to get bored with it. It’s natural. And when that happens, you need to make it look different: get a skin. Of course, you don’t have to wait until you get bored: skins also comes with extra protection, which is never a bad idea. And as far as this goes, the iSkin Vibes for iPod Nano 4G have both the looks and features parts covered.

They come in 7 patterns with funky (and silly, to be honest) names like Croc, Enchanted, Ivy, Orbitz, Tao, Argyle or Camouflage. They’re transparent and patterned using a special method, and you can even virtually try them on your exact mp3 player color to see how it will look.

But appearances aren’t everything: the iSkins not only cover the body of the iPod, but they protect the click wheel and even the docking port (do you really want to know how much dust and crumbs can fit inside it?).

Perhaps a tad pricey at $24.99, but with so many features they’re worth it.

How much under $29.99?
A little: $24.99 on iSkin.com.

Via GearDiary

If you live in an area where winter is real winter (i.e. cold and snowy), something to keep your ears from freezing is a must, unless you come from a penguin family. But a hats has two disadvantages:
1. You can’t do anything fancy to your hair, because after 10 minutes under the hat it will look awful anyway.
2. You can’t fit your headphones under it.

No combination is ideal: earbuds + hat messes with your hairdo, regular headphones without hat leaves your ears freezing.

Or at least no combination was ideal… The Stereo Toasters are the result of ear warmers mating with earbuds, and boy was it a good idea. Music lovers who just can’t walk out the house without their mp3 players will be delighted to know they don’t need to sacrifice comfort or looks anymore… at least I know I am.

How much under $29.99?
A little: $23.95 on HerringtonCatalog.com.

Via DVICE

Although summer is over (at least in the northern hemispehere), we can all remember the sweltering heat. If you’re not lucky enough to be in an air conditioned space… ouch. Naturally, fan sales take a leap during summer and everyone is trying to make their products look best. Then it’s in the closet with them until next year.

But the O2Cool 8″ MP3 Speaker Fan just might be spared that fate, because it’s got one extra feature: two 3″ speakers. Convenient, right? Sitting at your desk, listening to music, cool wind blowing in your face… Just one problem: if you thought you cool hook it up to your laptop, tough luck: there’s no USB connection. The fan can be battery or AC powered and works with most mp3 players, which means it’s best suited for people who don’t use a computer all day. Too bad, I’m sure even these tiny things are better than my laptop speakers, and a breeze would make hot days at work much more pleasant.

How much under $29.99?
Exactly $29.99 on Lowes.com.

Via ChipChick

From the land of cases comes another unusual one. Apple products get the attention yet again: your 80GB/120GB iPod Classic can be housed from now on in a Proporta Playback Pack.

Retro is the new cool, so this emulates an old-school cassete tape case. Don’t tell me that you don’t miss the noise those favorite tapes made when you took them out! However, although the case might bring nostalgia, it does look a bit clunky for my taste, honestly.

The good part is that the design allows it to be used as a stand for the mp3 player too. And, best of all, the pack comes with goodies: a Proporta Stereo Y Splitter Cable and a pair of headphones.

How much under $29.99?
A little: $28.95 on Porporta.com.

Via GearDiary