Compiled by Charles Moore
and edited by Dan Knight
- 2005.10.27
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 Lawsuit
News and Comment
Tips
Products and Services
Software
iPod nano Lawsuit
Suit Filed Over nano Scratches
CNET News.com's Ina Fried reports:
"Claiming that the iPod nano has a widespread propensity for
scratching easily, lawyers this week filed a class action suit
against Apple Computer on behalf of those who have purchased the
diminutive music player.
"The lawsuit, filed Wednesday on behalf of all those who have
bought a Nano, alleges that Apple violated state consumer
protection statutes, as well as express and implied warranties. The
complaint charges that Apple knew that there were design problems
with the Nano."
Class Action Suit Alleges iPod nano Defective
in Design
"On Wednesday, October 19, consumers filed a nationwide
class-action lawsuit against Apple Computer, Inc., claiming the
world's largest manufacture of portable music players knowingly
manufactured, marketed, and distributed defective iPod Nanos.
"The suit
alleges the company's new iPod nano is defectively designed,
allowing the screen to quickly become scratched with normal use.
According to the complaint, Apple advertised and marketed the Nano
as being impossibly small and durable; however, in an effort to
make the device as small as possible Apple compromised the quality
of the Nano.
"Named plaintiff, Jason Tomczak, purchased a Nano and used it in
a manner that was consistent with Apple's advertising. Within a few
days the Nano became so scratched he was unable to view the screen.
After receiving a new Nano due to a battery problem with the first,
Tomczak went to great lengths to protect the screen but in the end
decided to return the device after lightly rubbing a corner with a
paper towel and found significant scratches. Apple did allow the
return, but not without charging a $25 return fee.
"According to Steve Berman, lead attorney for the proposed
class, Apple chose to disregard the design problem with the Nano
before its release and has not taken any steps to correct it since
then. 'We intend to prove that in an effort to rush the iPod nano
to the market, Apple ignored obvious defects in the design and
later tried to cover up negative responses received from
consumers,' said Berman. 'We seek to recover money lost in
purchasing this product as well as the $25 fee Apple has chosen to
impose on those who have returned their product after it became
unusable.'
"Previous versions of the iPod separated the screen and controls
from the case and was covered with a thick film of resin. In
designing the Nano, Apple reconstructed the housing into a seamless
front where the screen and controls reside directly under a much
less durable film of resin allowing irreparable damage to
occur.
"The suit claims Apple knew the Nano was defective, but chose to
go forward with the release and pass the cost of replacing the
defective device on to class members. The suit also claims that
instead of admitting to the flaw after widespread complaint, Apple
concealed the defect and advised class members to purchase
additional equipment to prevent the screen from scratching
excessively."
News and Comment
Watching iPod Video a Delight
The New York Times' David Pogue says:
"With each successive version, the iPod, Apple's
30-million-selling music player, gets thinner and thinner, but its
feature list grows longer and longer. By next year, no doubt, the
iPod will act as a radio, remote control and coffee stirrer but
will be thin enough to roll up in a tube.
"The latest model, unveiled last week, is deliciously thin at
4.2 by 2.4 by 0.5 inches, or 10.6 by 6.0 by 1.3 centimeters. In
addition to its usual repertoire of music, digital photos,
calendar, address book and song lyrics, it can now play video.
"But there is no such thing as a Video iPod. The new model is
simply called the iPod; its thicker, videoless predecessors have
gone off to the great eBay in the sky."
iPod Convergence Brings Obsolescence
Cox News Service's Don Fernandez says:
"'It's brutal,' said John Jackson, senior analyst at the
Boston-based Yankee Group, a technology research and consulting
agency. 'You resign yourself to purchasing this thing knowing the
next best thing will launch in a month or two. What do you do?'
"The wicked pace of technological progress is resulting in
brand-new products' appearing instantly obsolete. From cell phones
to MP3 players - and even televisions - today's cutting edge is
often dulled by the promise of what's next.
"Faster generations with richer storage and more function are
mere months away. Why settle for something that's already second
best?
"A better question: When is the time right to actually buy
something?
"It's a question that makes even manufacturers fret."
NYU Students Denounce iPod Because It Is
Successful
nyunews.com's K. Shea O'Rourke says:
"If CAS junior Emily Nassberg were ever to receive a free iPod,
she knows exactly what she would do with it.
"'I would probably bash it in,' she said.
"Despite the iPod's ubiquitous presence on campus, many students
are dead-set against ever owning one. These students cited the high
price of the iPod, and also believed that the iPod's popularity is
due to advertising, rather than to some special quality.
"'People are just paying for iPods - they're not paying for an
MP3 player,' said Nassberg, who began a Facebook.com group called
'No, I Don't Have an iPod' which currently has 50 members at
NYU.
"Several students in the group denounce Apple products in
general, but many simply refuse to buy the little white moneymaker,
and cite the excessive advertising as the reason for its
success."
Video iPod Giveaway
PR: On Thanksgiving 2005 Think Different Store will give
away Apple's latest addition to the iPod family. One lucky
contestant will win the white, 30GB iPod that holds music, photos
and video that is viewable on a 2.5-inch color display.
To win the new iPod participants may visit Think Different
Store's website or retail store located in New York
The winner will be selected by random drawing on November 24,
2005 and will be announced on the website.
iPod Updater 2005-10-12
Includes new iPod Software 1.0 for iPod. iPod Updater 2005-10-12
contains the same software versions as iPod Updater 2005-09-23 for
all other iPod models.
System Requirements for Macinstosh
To install and use iPod Software 1.0 for iPod, you need:
- An iPod
- A Macintosh computer with built-in USB (USB 2.0
recommended)
- Mac OS X v10.3.9 or later
- iTunes 6 or later (included on the CD)
- iPhoto 4.0.3 or later recommended
Note: iTunes versions earlier than 6 are supported for music,
photo and podcast syncing only and will not sync videos properly
with iPod.
System Requirements for Windows
To install and use iPod Software 1.0 for iPod, you need:
- An iPod
- A PC with a USB port or card (USB 2.0 recommended)
- Windows 2000 with Service Pack 4 or later, or Windows XP Home
or Professional with Service Pack 2 or later
- iTunes 6 or later
- Adobe Photoshop Album 2.0 or Elements 3.0
System Requirements
- Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later
- Windows 2K with Service Pack 4
- Windows XP Home
- Windows XP Professional
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
Tips
Tips and Tricks to Get the Most Out of Your
iPod's Battery
An updated Apple Knowledge Base article says:
"To get the most out of one charge of iPod's battery, install
the latest iPod software, use the Hold switch, and keep iPod at
room temperature."
Products and Services
Ultra Slim Hard Case for shuffle
PR: Swedish Clips 4 introduces a new stylish way for
you to carry your iPod Shuffle. Produced in slim, high strength PC
plastic, the C4 Shuffle Clip lets you securely and fashionably
carry your iPod. The ultra-light case is a unique combination of
color, cover, and clip.
"The C4 Shuffle clip is more than a cover, more than a clip, and
more than just color. In the C4 Shuffle clip we've combined
function and esthetics, giving you the perfect accessory to your
iPod Shuffle. It keep your Shuffle safe from scratches, give you a
stylish way to carry it, and the option of glowing neon colors or
sleak deep, piano plack. An absolut must for the shuffler" Magnus
Norberg, Managing Director - Clips 4
Available in glowing translucent neon pink, lime, non-colored
translucent, and deep Piano black.
Kenpo's Jacket for iPod - Wearable Music
PR: Kenpo Jacket for iPod enables wearers to control
their iPod from the 5-button control system on the lower portion of
the sleeve, redefining the way that iPod users take their music
with them.
In a harmonious convergence of fabric technology and
fashion forward style, Kenpo Inc., a leading manufacturer of
apparel, has redefined the iPod listening experience and ushered in
a new lifestyle reality with the unveiling of the Kenpo Jacket for
iPod. Empowering everyday music enthusiasts to seize control of
their listening experience, Kenpo's innovative union of fashion and
technology enables wearers to keep their iPod device in the
jacket's inner pocket, and still manage the pause, skip tracks and
volume using the easily accessible interface located on the lower
portion of the jacket's sleeve without fumbling with zippers,
gloves or pockets.
Allowing iPod-users to wear their music on their sleeve, Kenpo's
technology enabled line of jackets employs ElekTex patented "smart
fabric" touch pad technology to transform the sleeve into a
5-button electronic control panel for use with the iPod and iPod
mini models. The discreetly placed 100% fabric interface utilizes
touch-sensitive buttons that are identical to those found on the
iPod Device, meaning wearers can Play, Pause, Track Forward, Track
Back, and change the Volume Levels without ever removing their iPod
from the specially designed, padded interior pocket. Absent of any
wires or a metal contact, the jacket is machine washable,
completely self-powered and requires no batteries.
"The Kenpo Jacket for iPod is the pinnacle of form, function and
personal style, in that technology and fashion, the two factors
that have the greatest influence on the daily lives of the
consumer, are now fully integrated to create an entirely new
lifestyle genre," said Joel Bernstein, vice president of Kenpo,
Inc. "Both fashion and music have always defined and inspired
attitudes and personal style, and now people have the opportunity
to better control their own environment, while enhancing their
everyday life by setting it to music."
Designed to keep current with the hottest trends and styles, and
appeal to the general consumer, the Kenpo's Jacket for iPod is
available in four men's styles, has a suggested retail price of
$275 and is available at leading department stores as well as
online.
Pricing and availability varies by market.
muzikwear iPod Wire Management
System
PR: muzikwear.com announces a patent pending wire
management system. The muzikwear wire management system is the only
system that fully integrates a digital audio player into
apparel.
muzikwear.com has announced the availability of it's wire
management system on its' first product, a short sleeve moisture
wicking crew T shirt.
The shirts will be available in black, navy, and, white. Sizes:
S-XXL
The shirts are $29.99 each and are available for purchase
online.
Difusi Introduces High Quality Leather
Cases for 5G iPod
PR: Difusi Corporation, best known for its development of
Apple accessories, today announced the first in a series of new
products aimed at the new Apple 5G iPod video/music players.
Difusi Corporation, introducing series of new high quality,
ultra stylish, iPod 5G protective cases called the videoFlip and
videoValet.
"Difusi
Corporation, has held a long tradition of introducing high-quality,
functional devices and accessories for the Mac platform,
Continuing in this tradition, difusi introducing a series of
fashionable and affordable carrying cases for the 5G iPod, without
sacrifice to its sophistication, useability or quality."
"Owning an iPod is as much about lifestyle as it is about
music," said Difusi President and CEO, Michael Wright. "People want
to protect their investment and we feel this is an elegant,
affordable solution for every iPod nano owner to protect their nano
from the daily bumps and scratches that occur from use."
Made from soft black Sheepskin leather, the videoFlip &
videoValet series also feature reinforced exterior stitching and
provides the user with a snug yet easily removable protective
carrying case offering quick, easy access to all ports and
buttons.
In designing the videoFlip & videoValet series, Difusi also
spent time considering the amount of handling the new 5G iPods are
going to get from people handling the unit more frequently that the
previous generation of iPods, due to the video functionality. The
Valet is like having a small insurance policy to protect your new
video capable iPod that is both affordable and stylish.
The videoFlip & videoValet series comes with several methods
of carrying your iPod in the case, keeping your hands free.
Carrying methods include a belt loop; key clip; removable swivel
belt clip with metal spring; and a hand-held Lanyard strap.
Pricing, Warranty and Availability
The videoFlip & videoValet comes with a lifetime replacement
warranty so you can protect your iPod and feel at ease with your
investment. Available for the 30 GB and 60 GB 5th generation iPod,
the videoFlip & videoValet will be available the second week of
november. Preorders are being taken directly from the Difusi Web
site.
The items will be available for purchase online and should be
shipping mid-November through select retailers worlwide.
Difusi has been developing solutions for the Apple Mac platform
since the 1990's. Today, Difusi is reigniting the mac accessory
market through its introduction of innovative solutions and
original designs to the platform.
PRIE Ambassador for 5G iPod
PR: PRIE Ambassador for iPod is a versatile genuine
leather case for the iPod 5G. PRIE Ambassador is made from smooth
ultra high quality genuine nappa leather and provides protection
for your iPod against dirt and scratches.
The
very stylish PRIE Ambassador for 5G is also extremely versatile.
First of all, you can use the removable hook to attach your iPod to
a belt loop or bag strap. There is also a removable belt clip so
you can clip PRIE Ambassador for 5G to a pocket or belt. Finally
you can remove both the hook and the clip and simply use the case
on it's own and slip it into a pocket or in a bag, knowing that you
iPod is safe from scratches from keys or coins. You also have the
option of clipping on your own strap (not included) to hang PRIE
Ambassador for 5G around your neck or shoulder.
TuneFilm
PRIE Ambassador for iPod 5G will be available in 3 colors: black
leather with red stitching [B/R], black Leather with white
stitching [B/W] and white Leather with white stitching [W/W].
IceWear 5G for iPod
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 shuffle which were also popular . Recently we hit
another home run with IceWear nano which received rave reviews. Now
Apple has released iPod 5G and subsequently we are proud to
announce IceWear 5G. Just like the rest of the IceWear series,
IceWear 5G utilizes high density silicone as found in diving masks
and our patent pending Rib-Technology to protect your iPod 5G. We
think that the new iPod 5G is the coolest iPod yet, and you need
the serious protection that only TuneWear's IceWear can offer to
keep it looking good.
IceWear 5G comes in two sizes, one for the 30 GB and another for
the 60 GB model. No matter which iPod you own, TuneWear has you
covered.
IceWear nano will be available online and in stores in November
2005.
iDiddy Opticover for 5G
Pacific Rim Marketing introduces Opticover for the new Black and
White iPod G-5. The Opticover is thinnest case available for your
Apple iPod 5G.
Made from aerospace polyurethane, iDiddy Opticover will protect
your 5G from scratches with a tough barrier so durable that its
offered in the aftermarket for use on the front of Ferraris and
Porches and other high end cars to protect the paint from rocks and
road rash. iDiddy Opticover is so thin you will hardly know
itís there. It is so clear; you will think it came from the
factory this way.
The iDiddy Opticover for the iPod 5G is simple to install.
Simply peel back the die cut material, and carefully align it with
the click wheel and screen. Apply it on slowly using the included
squeegee to help eliminate any air bubbles that may get trapped
between the surface of the iPod and the Opticover material. Slowly
work the air bubbles out and in just a few minutes you have
remarkable protection for your 5G.
Opticover for the iPod G5 is both permanent and removable. Once
you put it on, you will want to leave it on. If you ever want to
remove it, the special adhesive will not stay on your 5G. The
adhesive will come off with the Opticover material leaving your 5G
fresh and new.
Opticover for the iPod 5G is inexpensive protection at only
$14.99 including shipping. You will find no finer protection for
daily wear and tear than your Opticover for the iPod 5G. It is
available immediately.
PRIE shuffle Leather Lanyard Case for
iPod shuffle
PR: PRIE shuffle is a high quality genuine leather
lanyard case for iPod shuffle. PRIE shuffle cases provide excellent
protection for your iPod shuffle against dirt and scratches, yet
still allow complete access to the iPod shuffle's controls pad,
slider and earphone jack. There is also removable USB cap cover.
Opening the USB cap cover will allow you to connect the USB
connecter for charging and syncing with your computer.
The attached lanyard strap can be used to hang PRIE
shuffle around your neck and carry your iPod shuffle anytime and
anywhere. You can also use your own strap (not included).
We spent hours at the drawing table to make sure that we got the
design of PRIE shuffle right!
The lanyard is of course removable so you can use your favorite
strap if you like.
The TuneWear logo has been subtly embossed so that it
compliments the design.
Best of all, the USB cap cover has a clever snap stopper to
prevent it getting lost and allows you to connect your iPod for
syncing without the need to remove it from this stylish case.
WaterWear shuffle
PR: WaterWear shuffle is made of solid toughened
plastic with a waterproof seal to stop any liquid from entering the
case. Useful for situations like sunbathing on a sandy beach or
poolside, skiing in winter and fishing or rafting. You get to take
your iPod music to places you never even imagined possible. The
controls are accessible through our patent pending silicone wheel
window and with virtually no moving parts, this case also adds a
headphone isolator plug so that you get to use your own
headphones.
How to use WaterWear shuffle
- Admire the beauty of WaterWear.
- Open and seperate the top and bottom.
- Insert the iPod shuffle.
- Close the clasps and rock out.
Software
Podner Helps Make the Most of the Video
iPod
PR: Wondering how to make the most of the new iPod
&endash; the one that plays movies and music videos? Looking
for an easy way to get your movies into an iTunes-compatible
format? Not sure how to get the best results from QuickTime
Pro?
Say howdy to your new Podner.
Reformatting your movie collection into iPod-ready files is a
cinch with Podner. Just drag your movie files to the Podner window,
tweak the settings (if you want) then let Podner get to work.
Afterwards, your movies show up in a special playlist in iTunes.
Then, just let iTunes synchronize with your iPod and you're good to
go. It's all in a day's work for you and Podner.
Still waiting for your new iPod, or just want to use iTunes to
manage your movies? Podner can retune your movie files (even AVI
and DivX, when installed) while preserving their original
quality.
Features:
- MPEG-4 and H.264 Export to iPod
- H.264 Singlepass and Multipass Support
- Variable Quality Export
- Poster Frame Support During Encoding Process
- iTunes Integration - Processed Files Are Sent to iTunes
- And More!
System requirements:
- Mac OS X 10.4
- iTunes 6
- Quicktime 7.0.3
- Temporary hard drive space equivalent to 3x the size of each
processed movie file
$9.95 shareware
birdPod, an iPod Loaded with Bird
Songs
PR: BirdPod is an Apple iPod Device loaded with bird
songs - and lots more. Unlike a typical bird song CD set, birdPod's
bird songs are organized to enable quick identification of bird
songs in the field. We think birdPod is the best tool yet for
learning bird songs. And, it's fun!
BirdPod makes use of the Apple iPod, considered by most critics
to be the best digital music player on the market. Its major
strengths - an intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface, small size
and light weight, make it the perfect tool to adapt for bird study
- particularly for bird study in the field.
At it's core, birdPod is an extremely well organized series of
bird song playlists. Generated from a large collection of excellent
recordings (the Stokes Field Guide to Bird Songs, Eastern Region),
these playlists group birds by habitat or family group - which
makes the playlists very useful for both learning bird songs and
the identification of birds.
And, because birdPod uses the iPod, it's easy to pick a playlist
to match any need even on the spur of the moment. For field work,
we carry our birdPod on our belt, along with ear buds. We have what
we truly believe is the most portable, easy-to-use, quality tool
available for learning and identifying birds through their
songs.
How well does it work? Here at birdPod we can typically identify
an unknown bird song in a couple of minutes - sometimes almost
immediately (the list of unknowns is getting shorter and shorter,
thanks to birdPod!). Pick the habitat or group, eliminate the birds
you know ... and, there it is!
For some reason, after we go through this process, the bird
songs we correctly identify seem to stick in our minds. We find
that the next time we hear that same song we are likely to identify
the bird more easily. That's our goal: to facilitate the learning
of bird songs.
System requirements: Mac OS X
birdPod sells for $118 with the Stokes Field Guide CDs. Prices
for iPods with the software installed range from $297.98 for a
2 GB iPod nano version up to $497.98 for a 60 GB video iPod
version.
Prevent PodPorn in Your Kids'
Pocket
PR: Solid Oak Software, Inc., publishers of the popular
CyberSitter Internet filter has already begun research on the
mechanics of filtering the coming onslaught of adult oriented video
content for the iPod.
Brian Milburn, president of Solid Oak Software, and the original
developer of CyberSitter loves the iPod. He has four of his own,
gives them as gifts to friends and family and is eagerly awaiting
delivery of his new, shiny black, video capable iPod. Milburn also
knows how pornography purveyors do business.
"Gone are the days when little Johnny would steal his dads'
Playboy and share it with the other kids behind the dumpster during
recess. Now they will be showing full color, stereo, high
definition porn clips," says Milburn.
According to Milburn, the immense success of the Internet has
largely been driven by pornography as were the BetaMax and VHS home
video players years before. Making adult content easily available
has been the genesis of many technologies. In fact, the early uses
of GIF and JPG file formats were primarily by publishers of adult
content that posted their efforts on early bulletin board systems
and services such as CompuServe, Genie and Delphi. That in turn
drove sales of VGA color monitors, hard drives, scanners, and
modems.
Marketing executives for hardware manufacturers all know that
pornography has been, and still is responsible for a substantial
portion of their revenues. "I wouldn't expect that Apple is any
different," says Milburn. "I would be surprised if they are not
counting on adult content to contribute to the demand for their
product to some degree."
Illegal music downloading is what created the demand for
products like the iPod. Consumers wanted a way to take their music
with them, and companies like Apple responded in a big way. While
it will never make the headlines like illegal music downloading
has, PodPorn will be a new hot market. "You have to ask yourself
whether little Johnny would rather download the latest episode of
'Desperate Housewives,' or a steamy adult video," says Milburn.
After 15 years in computer security and Internet content
management, he is pretty sure he knows the answer and vows
CyberSitter will be ahead of the curve. He expects that peer to
peer file sharing services, popular with teenagers, will soon adapt
to meet the demand for PodPorn.
"The handwriting is on the wall," says Milburn, "Come Christmas
morning when hundreds of thousands of 'Little Johnnys' find a new
video iPod under the tree, they will already know where to get the
porn to put on it."
Link: CyberSitter
iPod Deals
For current iPod prices from a variety of sources, see our
Best iPod Deals.
