Compiled by Charles Moore
and edited by Dan Knight
- 2005.09.15
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.
iPod nano News
iPod: The Downside
News and Comment
Advice
iPod nano Accessories
Products and Services
Software
iPod nano News
iPod nano Small, Slender, Surprisingly
Powerful
The Wall
Street Journal's Walter S. Mossberg says:
"Grab a standard American business card. Now, get a pair of
scissors and trim the long side of the card by 20 percent. That's
all the space you need to hold over 1,000 songs, plus audio books,
podcasts and photos if you buy Apple Computer's newest iPod model,
the gorgeous and sleek iPod nano.
"...I have been testing a nano for the past few days, and I am
smitten. It's not only beautiful and incredibly thin, but I found
it exceeds Apple's performance claims.
"In fact, the nano has the best combination of beauty and
functionality of any music player I've tested - including the
iconic original white iPod. And it sounds great. I plan to buy one
for myself this weekend, when it is due to reach stores in the
U.S., Europe and Asia."
iPod nano Torture Test
ars technica's Jacqui Cheng reports:
"As we all know, Apple's iPod has dominated the digital music
player scene since its launch in 2001, much like an aardvark
busting through a termite mound. As hard-drive-based players have
gotten smaller and the price of flash-based players has dropped,
Apple seized on the opportunity to dive into the flash-based market
with the iPod shuffle. It was a wildly successful move for Apple,
which has grabbed close to 46 percent of the flash-based player
market since its inception. However, there were still many reasons
for users not to get the shuffle - namely, the lack of a screen and
sophisticated controls. The task for Apple was to create a music
player that was somehow a marriage between the minute size of the
iPod shuffle and the versatility of a regular iPod.
"Last Tuesday, Apple's solution came in the form of the iPod
nano, a mini-mini-version of their current iPod color line. That's
right, it's more miniature than the iPod mini, and the display is
color! It's clear that these two superior elements are the reasons
why Apple decided to do away with the original iPod mini line;
however many consumers are upset that the iPod nano's storage
capacity is smaller than what the iPod mini used to be. At
2 GB and 4 GB, though, the capacities are higher than the
current iPod shuffle line and the pricing falls right in line in
between shuffles and regular color iPods.
"A brief word about sound quality: the iPod nano essentially
uses the same sound codec as the regular iPod. It sounds just like
any other iPod."
iPod nano Might Be Apple's Boldest Move
Yet
iPod Garage's Bill Palmer says:
"When the iPod mini first launched in January 2004, analysts and
geeks everywhere complained that it was overpriced and
under-featured, and were convinced that it wouldn't sell very well
and that it wouldn't be around for very long. But nineteen months
later it turns out that not only has the iPod mini been very much a
success, it has in fact become the world's most popular MP3 player,
surpassing even the standard iPod in popularity. So today Apple
decided to capitalize on the popularity of the iPod mini by
discontinuing it. Huh?"
Will Current Accessories Work with the iPod
nano?
PlayList's Dan Frakes reports:
"Amidst the brouhaha of Wednesday's announcement of the iPod
nano, most people - especially those of us lucky enough to see the
new player in person - were enthralled by just how incredibly
small, yet full-featured, the nano is. But as the initial
excitement passes, the question many people are likely to be asking
is this: 'Will the iPod accessories I already own, or the ones
currently on the market, work with the nano?' Playlist has spent
the past couple days with a new nano (check out Chris Breen's First
Look), and here's what we can tell you."
iPod nano Doesn't Work When Plugged into
Keyboard
A new Apple Knowledge Base article says:
"To charge and sync iPod nano, make sure that you connect its
USB cable to one of the built-in, high-powered USB ports on your
Mac (USB 2.0 recommended) or to a powered USB hub that's connected
to your Mac (for example, many Apple displays contain powered USB
hubs). iPod nano will not work when it's plugged into a USB port on
your Mac keyboard."
iPod nano Hacking
makezine.com says:
"The new iPod nano is out and while it's not as hackable (yet)
as it's older cousins, you can do a few things like change the text
strings, mod the font -and- even change the graphics (sorta).
Here's HOW TO mod a pod, a work in progress for the iPod
nano....
"Like everything else in the household here, the new iPod nano
was quickly hacked and modded to see what was possible. The value
of a gadget for us here is more than just features, style and
function - it needs to be malleable to bends, tweaks and
personalization. While the iPod nano isn't as hackable as older
iPods (run Linux, record high quality, etc...) there are some
things you can do, here are just a few to get started."
Adding Lyrics to Songs for iPod
nano
A new Apple Knowledge Base article says:
"If you like to sing along with your tunes, iPod nano can
display song lyrics right on its screen. Here's how to add lyrics
to and view them on iPod nano."
More iPod nano Knowledge Base
Articles
iPod: The Downside
iPod Backlash Puts Down Roots
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Corilyn Shropshire says:
"Spending $350 to buy stock in Apple Computer Inc. makes more
sense to Lindsay Patross than paying a similar amount to own the
company's popular iPod digital music player.
"'Do I really need to carry 20,000 songs around with me?'
Patross said. 'I don't have one and I don't need another
gadget.'
"Patross would seem to be one of a small number of music lovers
who are shunning iPods as if they were the coming of the plague.
But there are signs that a backlash against one of the hottest
gadgets to hit the market in years may be building.
"Throngs of 'anti-iPoders' are popping up on the Web to
pooh-pooh the sight of those increasingly ubiquitous white
headphones and pocket-size, rectangular digital music boxes. The
iPod, which retails from about $100 to $400, is just another
super-trendy, overpriced status symbol, say the critics, who insist
you can be a music fan and still do without instant access to the
thousands of songs the iPod can store."
Libraries Shut the Books on iPod Owners
Spymac's Judy Westcott reports:
"More and more libraries are offering patrons the convenience of
downloading book titles to which they can listen on their computers
or portable music players at their leisure. But there is a major
roadblock to this new service for iPod owners.
"If you're an iPod owner, don't count on your local library
supporting your choice in portable music players.
"The leading vendors such as OverDrive Inc. and NetLibrary that
provide the libraries with digital books have chosen to use
Microsoft's Windows Media Audio format that can't be played on any
of Apple's iPod products. OverDrive files can be burned to CDs and
converted to iPod friendly formats, but NetLibrary's cannot."
Buggy iPod Almost Infestation New Zealand
The Register's Charles Arthur reports:
"The iPod's global popularity has been revealed as an agent of
environmental destruction in which the entire country of New
Zealand was only saved by a quick-thinking owner and his freezer
cabinet.
"A report on the Pestnet discussion forum, where people in the
Pacific region gather to discuss, well, pests, reveals that an
innocent Kiwi returning from Fiji to New Zealand bought an iPod in
a duty-free zone at the homebound airport. What he didn't know
until he got home was that the packaging was infested with
Monomorium destructor, a.k.a. Singapore ants."
iPods a Popular Workplace Accessory
The Quad-City Times' Mike Musgrove reports:
"The popularity of the iPod is visible on city sidewalks and in
gyms; now the popular digital music player's distinctive white
earphones are becoming a more familiar sight at the office.
"Phyllis Davis, a business etiquette expert, condemns listening
to music on the job as 'tantamount to stealing' because, she said,
workers who are listening to digital players aren't as focused.
"But some bosses say they don't mind. Timothy Shey, cofounder of
Washington-based Proteus, said 'half the office at any given time
is listening to music' at his company, which builds software for
mobile phones. The popularity of iPods means that workers use
e-mail and instant messages to communicate, even if they are
sitting practically next to each other."
News and Comment
iPod Retail Store Opens on Long Island
[PR] Long Island based Think Different Store has
announced the opening of its first 1-800-ipod.com retail location.
The grand opening celebration is scheduled for Saturday, September
24, 2005, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the 1-800-ipod.com store at 280
Middle Country Road in Selden. For maps and directions to the
store, visit http://www.1-800-ipod.com and follow the "Find Us"
link at the top of the page.
Over $1,000 in iPod and Macintosh related merchandise will
be given away during the celebration, including an Apple iPod nano.
Local radio station WBLI will be appearing live from the grand
opening from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Covering 3000 square feet of prime retail space along a major
thoroughfare in Suffolk County, the store features a wide range of
accessories and enhancements for Apple's wildly popular iPod music
player and Macintosh personal computers. Staffed with a friendly,
knowledgeable group of Long Island techno-wizards, the
1-800-ipod.com store is destined to become an easily accessible
local resource for iPod and Macintosh users.
"There's no doubt that the iPod is one of the hottest
techno-toys of the last several years," stated 1-800-ipod.com owner
Joe Ryan. "We've had great success in building an online outlet for
iPod and Mac accessories, so it was a natural next step to
establish a brick- and-mortar presence in our own backyard. Initial
response to the store has been excellent. We're confident that
we'll soon become the center of the iPod and Mac universe on Long
Island."
Carrying a dizzying and ever-expanding array of iPod and Apple
Macintosh accessories and enhancements, 1-800-ipod.com gives iPod
and Macintosh enthusiasts a direct path to the products they need
and want at excellent prices. Online product reviews, deep discount
specials, and superior customer service round out the
1-800-ipod.com customer experience.
iPod, iPod nano and Macintosh are trademarks of Apple
Computer.
Accessories Abound for Apple's Digital
Icon
The Washington Post's Anjali Athavaley reports:
"iPod owners spend an average of more than $150 on accessories,
according to the Envisioneering Group, a market research firm based
in Seaford, N.Y.
"'This is the first music product that people consider to be an
emotional statement,' said Richard Doherty, the firm's research
director.
"Consumers are dressing up their iPods with the same pride and
affection that car fanatics apply to their Cadillac Escalades. The
iPod's success has spawned a more than $2 billion business for iPod
accessories, with companies ranging from electronics maker Belkin
Corp. to fashion designer Kate Spade jumping into the market for
the key lifestyle symbol of the digital music era."
Over 1,000 Accessories Available for iPod
Apple has announced that there are more than 1,000 accessories
made specifically for iPod. The iPod economy has flourished with
over 21 million iPods sold and a wide range of companies creating
products ranging from high-end fashion cases to speaker systems to
automobile integration kits for iPod. Apple also announced that
there are more than 700 products bearing the Made for iPod logo on
the market or in development, assuring customers that an electronic
accessory has been designed specifically to connect to iPod and has
been certified by the developer to meet Apple performance
standards.
"The iPod economy is thriving with over 1,000 accessories now
available," said Greg Joswiak, Apple's vice president of Worldwide
iPod Product Marketing. "There are more ways than ever to get the
perfect accessory to complement your iPod for use at home, on the
go and in the car."
Clothing Makers Latch on To iPod Craze
Reuters' Alexandria Sage and Michael Kahn report:
"With no end in sight to the iPod craze, everyday clothing
makers are offering a growing selection of apparel designed so
consumers can easily carry their digital music players without
getting their wires tangled.
"For years, sports apparel manufacturers and haute couture
brands have sold Apple Computer Inc.'s iPod-friendly products, but
now mainstream clothing manufacturers are hoping to cash in on the
trend."
iPod Updater 2005-09-06
About iPod Updater 2005-09-06 includes new iPod Software 1.0 for
iPod nano. iPod Updater 2005-09-06 contains the same software
versions as iPod Updater 2005-06-26 for all other iPod models.
To learn how to use your iPod with step-by-step instructions and
easy-to-follow movies, see the iPod tutorial at http://www.apple.com/support/ipod.
Click Show Details in the tutorial to see more great tips and
instructions.
Note: If you are not sure which iPod you have, and you want to
find out if your iPod needs updating, simply follow the directions
below to use iPod Updater 2005-09-06. If the software on your iPod
can be updated, the Update button in the updater application will
be available.
What's new in iPod 2005-09-06
With iPod nano Software 1.0 you can:
- Listen to music and view album art
- Browse your photo collection or view photo slideshows with
music
- Listen to audiobooks purchased from the iTunes Music Store or
audible.com
- Listen to podcasts, downloadable radio-style shows delivered
over the Internet
- Store or back up files and other data, using iPod as an
external disk
- Store and synchronize contact, calendar, and to-do list
information from your computer
- Play games
- Store notes
- Add clocks for multiple time zones
- Use stopwatch as you work out to track your overall time and
your lap time
- Lock your iPod Screen to prevent your iPod from being used by
someone without your permission
System Requirements
- Mac OS X 10.2.8 or later
- or Win2K, Win XP
Link: iPod
Updater 2005-09-06
Hitachi Touts Microdrives' 'Bling' Factor
The Register's Tony Smith reports:
"Hitachi Global Storage's addlepated attempt to define 'hard
drives as the new "bling"' - 'it's me 'ard drive, innit' -
shouldn't detract from the fact that the company has begun to ship
its promised 8 GB 1in HDD.
"The Microdrive 3K8 - which Hitachi is calling 'Mikey' in a lame
attempt to gain urban cool - is also available with a 6 GB
capacity. It consumes 40 per cent less power than its predecessor,
the 3K6, and is almost 20 per cent lighter, the company said.
"Hitachi was Apple's original iPod mini hard drive supplier, so
today's announcement may presage higher capacity Minis in due
course. The 3K8 is shipping in limited quantities now, but should
enter mass production next month, just in time for Apple's
Christmas push."
Apple discontinued the iPod mini a few days after the Reg
published this article.
iPod Came and Broke Your Heart
New Republic senior editor Michael Crowley says:
"Rock snobs' days are numbered when their collections can be
downloaded in minutes
"'Since the dawn of rock, there have been individuals, usually
young men, of argumentative tendencies who have lorded their
encyclopedic musical knowledge over others.' So states the
introduction of the Rock Snob's Dictionary, compiled by David Kamp
and Steven Daly. I like to believe I'm not the insufferable dweeb
suggested by this definition. But I do place an unusual, perhaps
irrational, value on rock music. I take considerable pride in my
huge collection and carefully refined taste. And I consider bad
rock taste - or, worse, no rock taste at all - clear evidence of a
fallow soul. I am, in other words, a certified rock snob. But I
fear that rock snobs are in grave danger. We are being ruined by
the iPod."
iPod: The Obsession
Buffalo News's Robert Kirkham says:
"It all started just a few years ago, with the original model
back in 2001. Then came the popular, colorful mini version, which
was soon followed by the high-tech photo edition. And most recently
introduced was the slim, compact, and inexpensive shuffle. Thus
began the iPod revolution.
"Since it first came out, the Apple iPod has launched a new
generation of how Americans, along with millions of others around
the world, listen to music. Who knew that such a small MP3-playing
device could turn into something so huge and help put Macintosh, a
company that was constantly being overshadowed by Microsoft
products, back on the map as a leading competitor in the
business?
"References to this tiny gadget are turning up everywhere in the
entertainment industry, from characters in movies who are casually
seen listening to them all the way to high fashion models in
designer Dooney and Bourke's 2005 spring catalog toting around the
hot item in their ads. New car models from brands like BMW,
Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, and Nissan even offer special audio
integration systems so the iPod can be easily hooked up to the
vehicle's stereo and sound outlets."
How to Make Everyone Like the iPod
iPod Garage's Eric Nguyen says:
"As I'm writing this column, I'm six miles in the air, somewhere
over Japan or the Bering Sea. I'm returning from a vacation in
Vietnam, where there is little sign of the iPod's usual dominance.
There have been a few iPods in store windows, but they're nothing
compared to cell phones and digital cameras, which comprise about
one in three storefronts. So how does Apple make more people buy
the iPod in poorer countries such as this?
"First, they need to learn that more choice is better. Take a
look at Creative's lineup - ten different colors! So, the easiest
thing for Apple to do will be to make the iPod available in more
colors, such as Blue Dalmatian, Flower Power, Chocolate Chip Cookie
Dough, and &endash; of course &endash; Mango Surprise. In
fact, Apple could buy up Baskin-Robbins, and then they could have
thirty-one colors of iPod! Take that, Creative! Not so creative
now, are you?"
Real Wood iPod Wins Great MacMod
Challenge
Jacob Thomason says:
"Hey guys, we just announced the winners of the 'The Great
MacMod Challenge 2005 Sponsored By dealmac.com.' The competition
was incredibly fierce this year with over 30 mods. These mods
ranged from a Mac Mini installed into a Millennium Falcon to a hand
painted hieroglyphics-inspired PowerMac to the world's fastest
overclocked Bondi iMac. The winners were as follows:
- Mod of the Year: The Real Wood iPod
- 2nd Place: The Millennium Falcon Mini:
- 3rd Place: Wallstreet Road Warrior:
Link: 2005 Great MacMod
Challenge Results
Advice
Wake Up To Music
How would you like iPod to soothe (or rock) you awake in the
morning with your favorite playlist? With its built-in clock and
alarm, iPod makes it simple.
Charging Your iPod Battery
An Apple Knowledge Base article says:
"All iPod models have an internal, non-removable, lithium-based
rechargeable battery. A fully charged battery can provide anywhere
from up to 8 hours to up to 15 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.
"You can charge your iPod battery by connecting it to an Apple
iPod Power Adapter or by connecting it to a high-power USB port (or
FireWire port, if applicable) on your computer....
"FireWire ports on all Macs and some PCs provide electricity. If
your PC's FireWire port only has four pins, it doesn't provide
electricity. If you're using FireWire, connect your iPod to a
FireWire port on your computer using the FireWire cable that came
with your iPod (or an Apple-branded cable).
"Once connected, your iPod battery will be 80 percent charged in
about an hour, and fully charged in about 4 hours (time may vary
with models - iPod nano is 80 percent charged in 1.5 hours and
fully charged in about 3 hours). You can disconnect and use your
iPod before the battery is fully charged, and you don't have to
wait until it's completely empty before charging it again. This is
because lithium-ion batteries, such as those used in iPod, have
none of the memory effects seen in nickel-based rechargeable
batteries."
iPod nano Accessories
IceWear nano
[PR] First there was IceWear for the iPod mini, one
of the most popular silicone iPod cases ever made. Then we created
IceWear 3G, IceWear 4G and IceWear photo which were also popular .
Recently we hit another home run with IceWear shuffle which
received rave reviews. Now Apple has released iPod nano and
subsequently we are proud to announce IceWear nano. Just like the
rest of the IceWear series, IceWear nano utilizes high density
silicone as found in diving masks and our patent pending
Rib-Technology to protect your iPod nano. We think that the new
iPod nano is the most beautiful iPod yet, and you need the serious
protection that only TuneWear's IceWear can offer to keep it that
way.
IceWear nano will be available online and in stores in October
2005.
ezSkin nano
[PR] ezGear has announced the ezSkin cases for the new
iPod nano. The ezSkin Nano cases are made of high quality silicon
and have openings on the top for access to the hold switch. The
opening on the bottom provides access to the iPod dock connector
and headphone jack. Each ezSkin comes with a neck strap, an
integrated removable belt clip, and a clear ezShade screen
protector.
ezSkins
Nanos come in five stylish colors &endash; Sky Blue, Princess
Pink, Lime Green, Onyx Black, and Frost White. The Onyx Case is
opaque and the other 4 cases are semitransparent.
ezSkins come with an integrated sturdy belt clip. The belt clip
is made of high quality high impact plastic so that it lasts long.
The belt clip is removable so you can use your case without it.
Each ezSkin comes with a clear ezShade screen protector.
ezShades are a clear plastic screen with rubber bumpers on each
corner that fits over the screen of your iPod.
ezShades for iPod and ezShades for iPod mini are available in 5
pack color screens &endash; pink, blue, clear, orange, and
green.
The ezSkin Nano suggested list price is $24.98. ezSkin Nano
cases will be available in two weeks through iPod resellers and
distributors, electronics superstores, and online.
PopTune nano
[PR] PopTune for nano is a clean removing, wearable
wrapper for Apple's iPod nano series digital music players. PopTune
for nano comes in a pack of 12 stylish patterns including: tropical
"Aloha", fierce "Dragon", pretty "Sakura" and more.
PopTune for nano will be available in October.
SkinIt.com Launches Skins for iPod
nano
[PR] SkinIt.com is first to launch removable, adhesive
backed vinyl skins for the innovative Apple iPod nano. SkinIt's
iPod nano skins are manufactured with the highest quality materials
and are precision cut to insure a perfect device fit. Consumers can
choose one of over a thousand different designs or upload their own
photo or artwork to be transformed into an Apple iPod nano
skin.
"Once again Apple redefines the meaning of cool with the launch
of the iPod nano," said Mike Stemple, Cofounder of SkinIt, Inc.
"With a SkinIt skin on the nano it becomes even cooler."
Apple iPod nano skins can be purchased online at
http://www.SkinIt.com or through numerous retailers and
international channel partners and includes free shipping
worldwide.
PULL-i Cover for iPod nano
[PR]
Cutting edge as usual, PULL-i is now available in all variations
for the brand new Apple iPod nano. Thus an indispensable accessory
not only for Munich people is this year's new edition of the
"Oktoberfest Special". PULL-i is a cool protective cover for your
small electronic devices: iPod, mobile phone, laptop, digital
camera.
Made of high-quality wool felt in seven bright colors, PULL-i
fits snugly around your device and protects it against scratches
and impact. Every PULL-i is made entirely of finest new wool. The
material is 2 mm thick, and is kept together by three threads of an
overlock seam. The PULL-i is open at the top. Thus, your device can
be slipped in and out of the protective cover easily and can remain
connected for charging / working. Dock connector / power supply or
audio outputs are always freely accessible.
TuneWallet nano
[PR] TuneWallet nano is a business card sized
genuine leather case for iPod nano. TuneWallet nano is made from
smooth ultra high quality genuine leather. With the flip-cover
closed the TuneWallet nano provides protection for your iPod nano
against dirt and scratches. There is also a card slot inside the
flip-cover to fit credit cards, business cards and more.
Products and Services
Tired of White Earbuds? Here's Some
Color for You
[PR] Mix and match with your case, shoes, hat,
outfit, whatever...
Available in 3 unique colors, these high quality, fashionable
earbuds by Jasper Unltd. are sure to set you apart.
Finally, now's your chance to get some earbuds that match your
style.
No longer are you bound by black, grey and the played-out white
earbuds.
Features:
- Powerful drivers for great sound
- Non-slip design keeps Earbuds in the ear, where they
belong
- Cool metal case protects and ensures long-life (for the
Earbuds)
- Showcase your individuality- three unique colors to choose
from
- No giveaway to crooks that you have an expensive MP3 player-
unlike some earbuds
- Exclusively available online- get yours now!
Compatible with:
- iPod
- Dell DJ
- Creative Zen
- CD players
- Anything with a headphone jack
- That cute coed that sits in front of you
Suggested uses:
- MP3 earphones - drowning out annoying roommate
- Laptop headphones - pretending to listen to music while really
snooping on other people's conversations.
Link: Jasper
Unlimited
TuneBox Speaker System for iPod
shuffle
[PR] Plug your shuffle into the docking connector
between TuneBox's twin speakers for instant gratification. TuneBox
charges your shuffle's battery while it's playing.
TuneBox's micro drivers and efficient amplified speakers
generate a powerful, dynamic sound, with unexpected clarity and
great highs and lows.
TuneBox keeps the shuffle's clickwheel controls up front within
easy reach. Though it's designed to visually complement the iPod
shuffle, TuneBox delivers great sound from any MP3 player or other
audio device that uses the standard 3.5mm stereo jack.
With a space investment of less than 4 square inches, TuneBox
delivers impressive sound and functionality.
TuneBox Features:
- Total power output of 2+2 Watts for amazing power and
volume
- 3.5mm jack input (compatible with other MP3 players and
devices)
- Stylish design that complements Apple's award-winning
industrial design
- Functional design keeps shuffle controls handy
- Dimensions: 4.32 inches x 2.44 inches x 4.4 inches
- DC power cable for use in office or home
- Slim design AC adapter fits easily on crowded power strips or
wall outlets
- Input: 100-240 VAC 50-60 Hz 0.5A
- Output: 12VDC 1.0A 12.0W
Price: $39
OtterBox Sportcases for Full Sized
iPods, mini, and shuffle
[PR] Need rugged iPod protection? Otter Products, LLC.
completes the OtterBox for iPod line - waterproof, interactive
cases designed for Apple iPod 20 GB, 30/40/60 GB, mini and recently
the iPod shuffle.
Whether biking, hiking, boating, working out or just relaxing at
the beach, the OtterBox for iPod family provides vital protection
for active lifestyles. Retail prices range from $29.95-$49.95.
"Available in a variety of sizes, the OtterBox for iPod
safeguards expensive music collections no matter where your
adventures take you. With cases available for the iPod, iPod photo,
mini and now the shuffle, OtterBox offers the most complete line of
iPod protection on the market," said Curt Richardson, CEO of Otter
Products, LLC.
With durable yet compact designs, the OtterBox for iPod enables
users to take their music virtually anywhere. Innovative rubber
lining inside the case cradles the iPod and an easy-open, yet
secure-close, latch adds additional protection. Each case contains
a waterproof headphone jack that facilitates use with any style
headphone. When combined with waterproof headphones, the OtterBox
for iPod can even go swimming.
The OtterBox for iPod mini, 20 GB, and 30/40/60 GB, enable user
interaction with the iPod Click Wheel through a clear membrane on
the front of the case. A hard screen cover shields the display and
offers drop-protection and screen visibility. An included belt clip
on the back allows handsfree carrying and integrated headphone
cable management. For more flexibility, an armband is available for
$14.95.
Slightly different from the other cases, the OtterBox for iPod
shuffle enables iPod control access through a flexible, rubber
button on the front. On the back, a clear window offers visibility
of the on/off switch and a rubber button provides battery check
access. The case also includes a removable neck lanyard for added
convenience. An optional armband retails for $14.95.
First released in 2004, the original Otter Products iPod case
was well received by iPod owners. Customer feedback offered
valuable information about design and functionality, and the
waterproof case line entered the market.
DLO mini fm Adds Radio to Mac mini
[PR] Snap on the self-powered DLO mini fm to add a FM
radio to any iPod mini. Check the weather, sports scores or the
latest news, and then switch back to your iPod mini's music with
the push of a button. The DLO mini fm gives your iPod mini the best
of both worlds: thousands of your favorite songs AND access to
current news & information - in one convenient device. The DLO
mini fm even gives your iPod mini's music a boost by amplifying its
volume by over 25%. Get the DLO mini fm to keep your iPod mini in
tune &endash; with the rest of the world.
In addition to adding FM radio
capability to the iPod mini, the mini fm also amplifies your iPod
mini by boosting the volume capacity by over 25%. This improves the
sound experience for certain muted tracks, or while using a
headphone splitter (for two people) or when in crowded, noisy
environments. The mini fm matches the shape and style of all iPod
minis and its beautiful silver finish is a perfect complement when
attached to your iPod mini. It's ideal for gyms and health clubs
that broadcast their televisions' audio over FM radio. The mini fm
will also work with workout cases with armbands like the DLO Action
Jacket or DLO Jam Jacket Pro.
The mini fm can be tuned either manually or automatically by
using its built-in search mode. To switch to FM radio mode or back
to iPod mode, you simply press the Mode button on the top of the
mini fm. The mini fm will automatically pause whatever track or
playlist is playing on the iPod mini when you switch over to FM
radio mode. The mini fm's Mode button will also conveniently power
your iPod mini on or off by simply holding it for a few seconds.
Using the mini fm, you can control your iPod mini's volume using
the mini fm's volume buttons as well.
Quick Facts
- Adds an FM radio to any iPod mini
- Requires no batteries, powered via the iPod mini
- Switch between FM radio and iPod's music with one simple
button
- Internal amplifier boosts iPod mini's volume by over 25%
- Manually tune or automatically search up or down for available
FM stations.
- Beautiful silver finish complements any color iPod mini
mini fm - $39.99
Limited Edition Green Day Flip Case
Available at Circuit City
[PR] Pacific Design announces a limited edition, 4th
Generation iPod Flip Case designed specifically for fans of Green
Day.
Retailing for $39.99, the special edition case is available at
Circuit City stores nationwide and online in the iPod accessory
category. The package is valued at $59.00 and includes fan club
stickers, a two free song downloads card, and an in-store coupon
for Green Day music. The 5,000 promotional packages have been
designed exclusively for Circuit City.
Pacific Design was founded in 1995 to raise the standard of
products, and individualized client services, in the carrying case
market. The company excels at designing and manufacturing
intelligent, high quality cases for all types of mobile technology
products and is headquartered in Austin, Texas.
Pacific Design Green Day 4G iPod Flip Case
Flip case: Show off your sense of style and keep your 4th
generation iPod safe at the same time with this carrying case. An
ultra-slim design fits your player like a glove, making this flip
style case a great choice for work or play.
Color: The olive green, black and red Green Day graphic that
mimics their album looks great and proclaims your taste in
music.
Compatibility: Works with 4th generation iPods.
Software
PodQuest Stores Driving Directions on
Your iPod
[PR] PodQuest is an application for Mac OS X that allows
you to download driving directions to your iPod.
Once you have downloaded your driving directions to your iPod,
you can conveniently access the driving direction any time of the
day, thanks to the backlighted display on your iPod.
Map Sites
The current version of PodQuest supports the following map
sites:
- Google Maps (North America/UK)
- Yahoo Maps (North America)
- MapQuest (North America/Europe)
- MapBlast (North America)
- Mappy (Europe)
- RandMcNally (USA)
- ViaMichelin
- WhereiS (Australia)
- Krak (Denmark)
- Wises (New Zealand)
- MapsOnUS (USA)
- Maporama (Worldwide)
- Multimap (Worldwide)
New in this version:
Fixed incompatibility with MapQuest.
Added support for the Canadian version of Google Maps.
System requirements:
- Mac OS X 10.2.8 or later
- Safari 1.0.3 or later
- iPod with disk usage enabled
- PodQuest supports all model of iPods, except, for obvious
reasons, the iPod Shuffle.
PodQuest is $9.95 shareware.
Pod2go Adds Local Gas Prices
[PR] Pod2Go 1.5 is now available! Now you can view the
cheapest local gas prices on your iPod, import music from your iPod
back to your computer, and much more.
Think your iPod was designed just for music? Think again.
If you're not taking full use of your iPod's extended
capabilities, then you're missing out! You may ask, "What other
capabilities?" The iPod has a few extra features on it that allow
you to view your address book contacts, calendars, to-dos, and even
notes.
This is where Pod2Go comes in to play. Pod2Go takes any iPod
(except the shuffle), whether it's the first iPod ever created, a
brand new iPod color, or an iPod mini, and expands the
functionality of it by putting a variety of textual content onto it
for your reading enjoyment.
For example, on your ride to work, you could be staying
up-to-date with the latest news, checking tomorrow's weather
forecast, browsing the local theater's movie showtimes, or getting
directions to that new restaurant across town. Or if you're a
college student, you could be studying those Word formatted notes
your buddy emailed you before your exam, without books or papers.
If you're an email addict, you can keep those important messages
with you wherever you go.
Pod2Go includes a unique set of features, based upon a plugin
structure so additional features can be added quickly and easily in
the future. The current features in Pod2Go are:
News: Using Pod2Go's huge collection of news sources, you will
never be without something to read. Choose from over a 1,000
built-in feeds, or add your own. Any RSS or Atom feed can be added
also.
Weather: Stay on top of the day with Pod2Go's weather feature,
which lets you view forecasts and current conditions for cities
around the world. Simply provide it with your city, and it will do
the rest.
Movies: Pod2Go makes finding movie showtimes for the US and
Canada a breeze. View movie titles, ratings, and showtimes all from
your thumb.
Stocks: Need to stay current with your stock quotes? Pod2Go can
show you info such as last price, open, change and more.
Lyrics: Pod2Go makes it simple and easy to read lyrics on your
iPod. Download lyrics from selected songs in your iTunes library,
search for a specific song, or import a song's lyrics from an
existing file.
Text: Take your text documents with you on your iPod! Formats
supported are plain text, RTF, HTML (both off and online), Word
(requires 10.3 or greater), and PDFs (requires 10.4 or greater).
Pod2Go also allows the creation of text notes directly within the
app for quickly jotting down your thoughts.
Horoscopes: Read your horoscope each and every day! Choose to
select only one, or all of them for your entertainment.
Directions: Using Pod2Go's easy to use Directions feature,
finding your way across town will be a piece of cake. Download
directions for the US and Canada, or many European countries.
Gas Prices: Gas prices in the US are soaring - find out which
gas stations near you have the lowest prices. Information displayed
is gas station name, price, and location.
Apps: Turn your iPod into a PDA! Sync your Address Book
contacts, iCal calendars, Mail messages, Stickies notes or Safari
bookmarks to your iPod!
Backup: Everyone knows that regular scheduled backups are very
important, but not everyone does it. With Pod2Go, backing up your
data to your iPod is extremely simple. Pod2Go will backup your
files to your iPod every time you sync.
Launcher: Open any application, AppleScript, or Automator
workflow when Pod2Go syncs. With AppleScripts that can execute
command line utilities, there are an infinite ways of improving
Pod2Go's automation.
Utilities: Included with Pod2Go are two simple, but useful
utilities:
Music: Music allows you to import music from your iPod back to
your computer, in case songs are deleted from your hard drive, for
example. It features smart searching, sorting, easy iTunes
importing and powerful customized file importing, drag and drop,
and more.
Notes: A simple notes reader for viewing the notes on your iPod.
Multiple iPods are supported, with automatic saving.
Prosoft Engineering Releases TuneTech
for iPod
[PR] Prosoft Engineering has announced the availability
of TuneTech for iPod for Mac OS X.
TuneTech for iPod is a comprehensive software utility geared
specifically toward iPod users.
"iPods have quickly become the hottest, must have gadget. With
all the songs and files, our iPods can quickly become overloaded
with files. Mechanical parts wear and fatigue, your iPod begins to
operate more slowly, and eventually fails. Your only defense is to
carefully monitor and manage your iPod so you can be sure it is in
good health and working at peak efficiency at all times
&endash; You've invested a lot into your iPod and music, you
want to make sure your iPod will faithfully perform and your
investment is well-protected," states Greg Brewer, CEO of Prosoft
Engineering. "We are dedicated to providing a feature rich, easy to
use software utility that will let you take control of your iPod,
and your digital life."
TuneTech for iPod &endash; Maintain, Manage, and Optimize
Your iPod.
TuneTech for iPod is the only comprehensive software utility
geared specifically toward iPod users. Recover lost or damaged
music, repair corrupted data structures, backup your iPod to an
exact copy, permanently delete unwanted files, or optimize the file
layout of your music. You've invested a lot into your iPod and
music, with TuneTech for iPod, you can be sure your iPod will
faithfully perform and your investment will be protected.
TuneTech for iPod's eight must-have utilities in one
package.
- Backup: Make an exact clone of your iPod for safe keeping. Use
your backup as protection against data loss.
- Optimize: Increase battery life and minimize wear-and-tear.
Your songs get optimized in the order that you want to hear them,
minimizing hard drive access and reducing the work your iPod has to
do.
- Undelete: Accidentally deleted music? Undelete quickly recovers
them in perfect condition.
- Shred: Permanently delete your songs and files from your iPod.
Do your part to protect against music piracy... if you sell or
donate your iPod, shred your music to prevent unauthorized
use.
- Duplicate: Make an exact copy of your iPod on another iPod
&endash; perfect when you are migrating your music to a newer
iPod model.
- Scan: Analyze your iPod's hard drive for media defects that can
endanger your music files.
- Info: Display detailed information about your iPod's hard drive
to enable sophisticated troubleshooting.
Link: TuneTech
MusicExporter Copies Music from
Directory, iPod, iTunes to a Target Directory
[PR] MusicExporter copies music files from iPods, iTunes
music libraries and directories into a target directory. The target
directory may be structured according to album, artist or
composer.
- Copies music from iPods, iTunes and directories.
- Reads ID3-tags and iTunes music libraries.
- Simple and intuitive file selection.
- Grouping according to album, artist and composer.
- Generates index page with album covers.
System requirements:
MusicExporter is freeware for private use.
xPort 3.3 Tool to Copy, Backup Music
from Your iPod
[PR] xPort is the ultimate backup tool for your iPod, it
enables you to directly transfer songs from your iPod to your PC
without loosing ratings, it recognizes playlists. You can export
all your iPod's content in only a few clicks. In addition, the
program can create an internal list that contains the songs that
you want to export; it includes a lyrics search, allows to make a
text listing of your database and lets you create m3u playlists. It
runs on all iPods and supports all file formats (MP3/AAC).
The ultimate tool to copy music from your iPod
- Mac OS and Window support,
- iTunes 5.0 support,
- New : View and copy the pictures from the MP3-tags,
- for iPod Shuffle, iPod photo, iPod U2, iPod mini, iPod nano and
iPod Generation 1,2,3,
- Don't lose your songs ratings.
xPort 3.3 , the ultimate backup tool for your iPod.
- New design for xPort,
- New : view and export the pictures from your MP3 Tags,
- iPod Shuffle, iPod photo, iPod Gen 4, iPod Gen 3, iPod mini,
iPod U2 support,
- Don't loose your iPod songs ratings,
- Copy more than 25 Go in one hour from your iPod,
- Copy all your songs before sending the iPod for repair,
- Export the iPod playlists or all the apple iPod music,
- Allow creating a playlist with the button add to xPort with
iPod music,
- Transfer music form iPod to PC or from iPod to Mac,
- xPort interface Available in French, English, German,
- Search for lyrics on Internet and save in your file Notes on
your iPod,
- Possibility of creating m3u playlists compatible with iTunes,
Window Media Player and WinAmp,
- Play the iPod songs on double-click,
- Possibility of exporting your iPod music in files according to
several choices :
- genre\artist\album\song,
- artist\album\song,
- album\song,
- song,
System requirements: Java virtual machine
xPort is $11.50 shareware.
iPod Deals
For current iPod prices from a variety of
sources, see our Best iPod
Deals.
