I suspect that I'm getting old because I see things like this Kenpo iPod jacket (warning: the site is a Flash nightmare), and instead of being excited about having yet another iPod accoutrement, I just wonder, "why?" Once your iPod is attached to the jacket, the soft controller pad on the underside of your sleeve becomes your player remote. However, what I'm having trouble figuring out is how this is vastly easier than reaching into your pocket and controlling the click wheel. In fact, the jacket controller involves both your hands since you need to control the buttons with the arm that isn't wearing the remote control sleeve. There are some interesting aspects, though. The controller itself is made with "smart fabric touchpad technology" so the remote is as soft as the rest of the sleeve and shouldn't be uncomfortable or constrict movement. There are also no wires, metal attachments or need for an additional power source so just a quick plug-in and you can drop the iPod into the special padded pocket and go. I don't think anyone would wear a coat that required even 30 seconds of wiring. That said, the only reason I'd think of getting one of these coats is if I loved it as a coat, and although the website shows two women in iPod parkas, the press release only mentions "four styles for men".

The Kenpo jackets for iPod will be available next month, at prices starting at $275.