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New memory upgrades, floppy and hard drives, sound and video enhancements are among the growing list of options being readied for the launch.

VST Technologies became one of the first to announce an array of products for the iBook, including floppy and hard drives that can be outfitted with mobile power sources.

Due in September, VST's 4Gb USB hard drive will cost $330 in the US, and a 6Gb hard drive will be $430. Both drives will be available in iBook-compatible blueberry and tangerine colours.

In the same month, VST plans to ship a 12-volt DC car adaptor priced at $80, followed in October by a $70 AC adaptor and an iBook battery and charger.

One product from VST likely to appeal to education customers is the Base Station Charger.

This product, which will be able to charge multiple iBook batteries simultaneously, is scheduled to ship in the fourth quarter for an as-yet undisclosed price.

The iBook Smart Charger will cost $150, and lithium-ion batteries will be priced at $150 each.

In addition, VST said it will deliver an iBook Mobility Bundle that will include a Smart

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Charger, a lithium-ion battery and an AC adaptor. The bundle is due in October, with pricing to be announced.

One company has seen a missing feature on the iBook and quickly moved to fill the void with a microphone.

The "iMic", a new audio adaptor from Griffin Technology, has a USB output and RCA left and right inputs and will support a wide range of microphones as well as headsets. It will cost $25.

The iBook will gain a USB video-out option thanks to the USBPresenter from AVerMedia Microsystems.

Due in early October for about $100, the device will display computer-screen images on televisions and other video display and recording equipment. It outputs to an NTSC or PAL (composite or S-Video) video source.

Powered by the USB port, the device will support video at up to 30frames/sec.

Troll Touch will soon be rolling out a touch-screen for the iBook and is currently taking pre-orders.

The $495 TouchStar iBook must be factory installed so purchasers will have to buy an iBook directly from Troll Touch.

RE:Active will soon release the iStrap, a continuous piece of fabric that can be attached to the iBook for carrying on the shoulder. A price has not yet been announced.

Contour Designs - the company behind the Contour UniMouse and other products - is developing the Uniriser.

This is an attachable device that will "elevate your iMac to the style and look of the G3 Studio Display".

Similar to an elevated monitor stand, Uniriser will create a space for other USB accessories to sit underneath an iBook and offers a translucent frost design.

UK pricing and distribution details for the new iBook products have yet to be announced.