Compiled by Charles Moore
and edited by Dan Knight
- 2006.02.02
This Week's iPod News
PowerBook,
iBook, iPod, and other portable computing is covered in The 'Book Review. General Apple and Mac
desktop news is covered in The Mac
News Review. News about Apple's transition to Intel CPUs and
other Intel developments is covered in The Macintel Report.
All prices are in US dollars unless otherwise noted.
News and Comment
Tech Tips and Info
Products
Content
News and Comment
Expert Replaces iPod Batteries Blindfolded
PR: As far as technical announcements at the 2006
Macworld Conference and Expo, nobody could compete with Apple CEO
Steve Jobs' stunning introduction of new Intel-based Macintosh
computers.
Of the popular demonstrations taking place on the floor of the
world's most comprehensive event for Mac users, nobody could come
close to topping the standing room only crowds generated by Jamie
Dresser, Product Manager and New Product Development, at the Other
World Computing (OWC) booth.
Acting on a challenge, Dresser performed a series of iPod
battery replacements - fully blindfolded!
"Other World Computing is proud to supply the best solutions
available for technology users and we're also proud to employ the
most talented technical experts for the direct benefit of our
customers," said CEO Larry O'Connor.
With his eyes completely covered with a seamless blackout
blindfold, Dresser took iPods from audience members and went
through the intricate technical process of opening the iPod casing
without damage, removing the fading manufacture's battery,
installing a higher capacity NewerTech NuPower replacement battery,
and sealing the casing to a like-new appearance in perfect working
order.
Each step of Dresser's skill display was broadcast on an
oversized, state-of-the-art plasma screen behind him, drawing
audible fascination from the continually growing audience.
"Never before has battery replacement been a spectacle event,
much less one of the top draws at an international expo," said Jen
Soule, Sales Manager. "It's a rare talent to make battery upgrades
playful and exciting."
Word of Dresser's blindfolded NewerTech NuPower iPod battery
replacements quickly spread throughout the convention and media,
drawing encore performances each day for standing room only
crowds.
Over the four day Macworld Conference & Expo, Dresser
changed out batteries on photo; mini; and first-, second-, third-,
and forth generation iPods. NewerTech NuPower replacement
batteries, which retail for prices as low as $14.99 and provide up
to 78% more capacity than factory issued power units, were used
exclusively.
"Do not try this at home," joked Dresser to the capacity
audience as the blindfold was secured on him during each
demonstration - referring to the act of replacing an iPod battery
blindfolded. For the act of replacing MP3 player batteries with
one's eyes open, however, Dresser points iPod owners to Other World
Computing's website where QuickTime videos guide novices
step-by-step through the installation process.
If the hands and voice in the demonstration look familiar to
those who witnessed Dresser's blindfolded demonstration at
Macworld, it should come as no surprise that he is the expert
providing the technical advice in the macsales.com/ipod
installation QuickTime videos.
Dresser has a perfect record of success in replacing iPod
batteries - both standard and blindfolded. He has performed over
500 iPod battery replacements using NewerTech NuPower high capacity
batteries.
For customers intimidated at the idea of opening up their iPod
to replace the battery, OWC offers replacement installation
services with under 72-hour turn around.
OWC's guarantee for customer peace of mind on iPod battery
replacements? Simple and ironclad: Jamie Dresser personally
supervises all OWC replacement installations booked through
www.macsales.com - and he does it with his eyes open.
Link: Other World
Computing
Tech Tips and Info
Charging Your iPod's Battery
A new Apple Knowledge Base article says:
"All iPod models have an internal, nonremovable, lithium-based
rechargeable battery. A fully charged battery can provide anywhere
from up to 8 hours to up to 20 hours of battery life, depending on
the iPod model and its use. After about 14 to 28 days of nonuse,
you will need to charge the battery.
"Your iPod displays a battery icon in the upper-right corner of
the screen to show approximately how much charge is left."
Link: Charging
Your iPod Battery
Products
Belkin TuneTalk Stereo Mic for Video iPod Nabs
iLounge 2006 'Best of Show' Award
PR: Belkin Corporation took the iLounge "Best of Show"
Award for its new TuneTalk Stereo, a new voice recorder for iPod
video. iLounge made the announcement on January 11, at the 2006
Macworld Conference & Expo in San Francisco.
iLounge editors scoured both the International Consumer
Electronics Show (CES) and Macworld Expo for iPod accessories that
not only enhanced the iPod video and nano user experience, but that
also stood out from the masses. Winners ranged from docking speaker
systems and iPod remotes to cases.
"Several companies have been working on microphone adapters for
Apple's latest iPods," says Jeremy Horwitz, iLounge
Editor-in-Chief, "but Belkin delivered the first actually working
ones we've seen. We were impressed by TuneTalk Stereo's compact,
double-microphone design and clean sound, which make good use of
the new iPod's improved recording capabilities."
One of the many new iPod accessories to be showcased by Belkin
at Macworld, TuneTalk Stereo features two directional microphones
and a speaker for instant playback. A line-in jack connects an
external microphone or electronic guitar for recording. The first
product to record in stereo and mono, it will be offered in both
black and white when it is formally released.
About iLounge
iLounge is an independent provider of information about Apple
Computer Inc.'s iPod mobile digital devices, accessories, and
related software, and is published online. Based in Irvine,
California, the iLounge website is owned and operated by Dennis
Lloyd's company, The Media LLC, and is not affiliated with Apple
Computer or the manufacturers of iPod-related products.
SmartShare Headphone Splitter with Volume
Control
PR: This indispensable accessory lets you share your
music and videos with a friend; great for car trips, plane flights,
waiting rooms - anywhere you're in the mood to share. Plug
SmartShare into the mini-jack of any iPod, MP3, CD, portable DVD
player or laptop computer and invite a friend to a party of
two.
Since some partygoers like their music and soundtracks louder
than others (you know who you are), Griffin has integrated a slim
volume control slider into each of SmartShare's output jacks. Share
your music, not your volume preferences.
Great design, small enough to carry anywhere, makes SmartShare a
must-have addition to any accessory bag.
Works with: any iPod, or other headphone-capable devices.
Preorder now for $19.
Link: SmartShare
Headphone Splitter with Volume Control
PocketPower Reserve Power Pack and Battery
Recharger for iPod
PR: Is there anything more frustrating than your iPod
running out of battery while away from a power source? That's why
you need the GEAR4 PocketPower, an iPod battery back up that fits
neatly into your pocket.
Especially designed for easy use and portability, the GEAR4
PocketPower will provide up to 8 additional hours of playback. The
PocketPower can then be charged back up via USB.
Features
- 2 in 1 reserve power pack and AAA battery recharger
- Can provide up to 8 hrs of additional play time to your
iPod
- Will charge any USB charging device e.g. camera or phone
- Ideal for use with the GEAR4 / PodGear SyncBuddy USB
retractable cable
- Recharge any AAA rechargeable batteries using the
PocketPower
- Bright LED Torch built into PocketPower casing
- 4 x AAA Rechargeable Batteries included
- Male to male USB cable included
- Lightweight and portable
*iPod USB cable required
8 hrs of reserve iPod power in your pocket!
Will power any USB charging device
- iPod 4G
- iPod mini
- iPod nano
- iPod shuffle
- video iPod
Link: PocketPower
Reserve Power Pack and Battery Recharger for iPod
Scratched iPods and iBooks Revived with
NewerTech Polish Kit
PR: Newer Technology Inc. (NewerTech) has introduced the
NewerTech Clean and Polish Kit, engineered to remove scratches,
restore color, and return original off-the-shelf shine to Apple
iPods, iBooks, and all high quality plastic technology
products.
Each easy-to-use, three-component kit literally makes plastics
look like new again and includes a specially formulated Heavy
Scratch Remover solution, Fine Scratch Remover solution, and
Plastic Clean and Shine protection polish. A valued-added free
polishing cloth and step-by-step instructions are included.
Packaged in three convenient, long-lasting one-ounce application
bottles, all NewerTech polish components are nontoxic and
nonflammable, ensuring safety to iPods, iBooks, and users.
The NewerTech Clean and Polish Kit utilizes advanced chemistry
bonds to remove heavy scratches, abrasions, fine marks and delicate
cuts from virtually all plastics and acrylic surfaces without
unsightly filling. The scratch remover elements also restore faded
and discolored plastic.
A state-of-the-art, Level 3 plastic polish leaves a lustrous
shine that resists fogging, repels dust, resists fingerprint marks,
and eliminates static.
Retailing at NewerTech.com, through source distributor Other
World Computing at www.macsales.com and (800) 275-4576, and through
fine technology retailers and resellers, the NewerTech Clean and
Polish Kit is priced at $17.99.
TuffWrap Accent for Video iPod
PR: TuffWrap Accent gives your iPod durable
protection against scratches and bumps, and protects the screen and
Click Wheel with optional inserts. This two-tone silicone case
features stylish ribbed sides that not only look great, but also
provide a comfortable and secure grip. TuffWrap Accent's tactile
finish prevents your iPod from sliding on surfaces like the
dashboard or center console of your car.
- Durable silicone case protects iPod from scratches
- Rugged styling provides secure grip and prevents slipping
- Provides full access to all controls and ports
- Includes screen protector and play-through Click Wheel
protector
Expected Ship Date: 02/15/2006
Link: TuffWrap
Accent for Video iPod
Content
WCITIES Reveals Top 20 iPod CityGuide
Downloads
PR: WCITIES, provider of travel and destination content,
reveals the Top 20 CityGuide iPod Downloads. Since launching late
last year, Pod CityGuides are rapidly filling an important niche in
the travel content market. In 2005 alone Apple sold 32 million
iPods, or over "100 a minute, 24/7," according to Steve Jobs, Apple
CEO. Pod CityGuides allow you to customize your travel itinerary
with the same ease and convenience that you program music on your
Apple iPod. With tens of thousands of downloads from around the
world, the Top 20 CityGuide Downloads indicate travel preferences
among the hip iPod crowd.
Top 20 iPod CityGuide Downloads
- New York
- London
- San Francisco
- Paris
- Rome
- Hong Kong
- Los Angeles
- Chicago
- Las Vegas
- Washington, DC
- Sydney
- Boston
- Bangkok
- Amsterdam
- Barcelona
- Montreal
- Tokyo
- Prague
- Toronto
- Vancouver
Pod CityGuides is the source for the coolest clubs, hippest
hotels, trendiest restaurants, top attractions, and hottest events
in more than 300 cities around the globe. Pod CityGuide lets you
forget your calendar because the personal event guide keeps you up
to date with timely events including movies, concerts, sports,
theater, festivals and museums, in cities across the USA and around
the world. Get tickets for these events at wcities.com. Pod
CityGuides can be personalized with the WCITIES TravelBag, letting
users customize their download. TravelBag enables users to select
the clubs, restaurants, and events they want to keep track of and
take with them.
WCITIES supplies destination information and travel guides to
travel providers and website operators. Select clients include
Yahoo, Orbitz, American Airlines, and Sabre. This content gives
locals, business and leisure travelers all they need to know about
a particular city. WCITIES has a whole suite of downloadable travel
products. The CityGuide lets user get an entire city's worth of
content, and the Pocket CityGuide includes full mapping and
navigation. Compatible with the world's most popular devices,
WCITIES content can be downloaded for Nokia, Sony-Ericsson, Palm
Treo, HP iPaq, and dozens of other brand names.
Party-Pod Pro 7.0 - The Ultimate Party Guide
for Your iPod
PR: Party-Pod Pro gives your iPod:
- The 800 most used drink recipes
- 55 drinking games
- Global Bar & Club database for every major US + European
city
- Bartender 411 (Tips and Tricks)
- 100 Pick-Up Lines for Both Men & Women
- Post-Party Solutions
New In Version 7.0:
- Simple Installer for Mac + PC Users
- 5 Cities added to the Global Bar & Club database
- Improved Bar & Club Locator
Easier to Use + More Functional
Improved Functionality
No Hassle
Revised Content + Up to Date
System requirements:
- Mac or PC formatted iPod, iPod firmware 2.0 or later.
- Compatible With All iPods
Last Generation iPods: With Party-Pod Pro allows you to access
all features from the "Notes" folder on your iPod. The
illustrations of drinks and drinking glasses are also included but
only viewable on a Color Screen iPod. Party like a pro and be the
envy of your friends the next time you want to have a good time.
Party-Pod Pro - for a great time, anywhere you go.
iPods with Color Screens: With Party-Pod Pro allows you to
access all features from the "Notes" folder on your iPod. The
illustrations of the top rated most popular drinks are included as
well as pictures of common drinking glasses. All these can be
viewed on the iPod's screen. Party like a pro and be the envy of
your friends the next time you want to have a good time. Party-Pod
Pro - for a great time, anywhere you go.
System support: PPC/Intel
$9.50 shareware
Link: Party-Pod
Pro
iPod Deals
For current iPod prices from a variety of sources, see our
Best iPod Deals.
