Saturday, December 14, 2002
Apple Store Restocks Refurbished iPods
iLounger Tom has informed us that Apple has replenshished its supply of refurbished iPods.
“It looks like Apple has more refurbished iPods (5 GB and 20 GB) available at the Apple Store as of this morning. I just bought the 5 GB (woo hoo – my first iPod!), but I’m sure there are plenty available.”
Mac: Pod2Go 0.4 Released
“Pod2Go will download news, weather, stock quotes, and more onto your iPod so you can take it anywhere to read.
It supports articles from all the iPod websites and many Mac news websites and more. You can also sync weather from any location. There is an autosync feature which will automatically sync your iPod when it is connected to your computer.”
- What’s new in v0.4:
- Stock quotes and Text sections.
- RSS support
- Plain text support (via internet)
- About 40 more news sources.
- Major interface improvements.
- New vCard output.
- Improved auto syncing.
- Improved icon color settings.
- New preferences window layout.
- Improved Read Me
- Other minor bug fixes.
License: Freeware
System requirements: Mac OS X 10.2 or later and iPod Software 1.2
Friday, December 13, 2002
“PodWorks is the latest entry in the crowded field of iPod song copying utilities, but it has several important differences that I feel distinguish it immediately from the competition. In developing PodWorks, I spent a good deal of time (6+ months) working to ensure a superior user experience in almost every aspect of the song copying process.
The most important chunk of this time was spent developing a parser for the iPod’s proprietary, internal database format (the same data source used by iTunes in examining the iPod). This gives PodWorks a distinct advantage over other, similar applications, which typically have to pull ID3 data out of every file on a given iPod to obtain song information (a very time consuming process). By contrast, when a new iPod is detected by PodWorks, that iPod’s song list is rendered nearly instantaneously from the database—no “scanning” of the iPod necessary!”
- Additional features include:
- Drag-and-drop song copying to the Finder.
- iTunes-style type-ahead search of song data (title, artist, album).
- iTunes-style song sorting by multiple columns.
- Preferences for song renaming and copies into directory hierachies.
- Optimized, fully multithreaded copy routines for superior performance.
- Automatic detection of iPod mounts and unmounts.
- Support for multiple simultaneous iPods.
License: Shareware (US $11.95)
System requirements: Mac OS X 10.2 (Jaguar) and a Mac iPod
“iPod accessory price cuts at SiK”
Dealmac reports:
“SiK trimmed prices on three of its popular iPod accessories. The HotWire power-only cable costs $13, down $3, the Auto Adapter | iPod costs $19, down $2, and the FireJuice power-injector costs $25, down $2.”
Thursday, December 12, 2002
“Mobile Computing: Cool Gifts for Mobile Mavens”
James A. Stewart of PC World magazine rounds up the latest cool gadgets for the holidays and rates iPod as “the coolest portable gadget.” You’ll also find a list of his favorite accessories for iPod.
“The IPod has a practical side, too. I use mine to back up big folders on my PC that won’t fit on a CD or Zip disc. Other things I love about the IPod are its impressive sound quality and its 21 preset equalizer settings that enhance the sounds of rock, Latin, piano, hip hop, jazz, and other music styles.”
The PodShop introduces PodHolder
The PodShop has developed a clear acrylic stand for iPod. The PodHolder features six small rubber pads to grip your iPod and sells for $15.95.
The PodShop is offering free shipping until Christmas to anywhere in the US.
iPod Knowledge Base Documents Updated
- iPod: About Battery Care
- iPod: How to Charge iPod’s Internal Battery
- iPod: How to Check How Much Charge Is Left in the Battery
- iPod: How to Get the Most out of the Battery
Wednesday, December 11, 2002
Cases: New Neoprene iPod/MP3 Pouch
Shoreline Cases and Accessories has released a new case for iPod. The iPod/MP3 Pouch is made of Neoprene with a flip-lid design and has a nylon belt loop with snap-closure. The iPod is protected by a clear vinyl front panel with a hole for accessing the scroll wheel. There is also enough room at the top fo the case to stow your earphones. Available in black, royal blue and indigo, the iPod/MP3 Pouch sells for $14.99.
Cases: New Action Jacket from EverythingiPod.com
EverythingiPod.com has released a new iPod case called the Action Jacket. Constructed of 2.5” Neoprene with rubber side grips, the case includes a Neoprene arm band and swivel belt clip. The Action Jacket provides full-access to your iPod, fits all iPod models, comes in four colors (Licorice, Indigo, Apple Red and Graphite) and costs $29.99.
Look in “Cases and Clips” > “Neoprene”
For more info…
Mac|Windows: iPod+ 0.0.5 Released
“There are several utilities available to synchronize text files with your iPod (displayed as special Contacts). Some also support web pages. But none to my knowledge support rdf/rss news feeds embedded in named Calendars. iPod+ supports all of these features and runs on both MacOS 9.x and MacOS X. The only caveat is that it is pre-alpha. But give it a shot anyway.
There is even a bit of documentation.”
- What’s new in v0.0.5:
- Support for Windows (in addition to OS 9 and X)!
- Stock Quotes, Weather Info, and Sports Schedules are now all supported data sources in addition to RSS/RDF news feeds and text and html files
- HTTP Proxy support if you are behind a firewall
- User configurable auto-deletion of old iPod+ data
- Many ease of use enhancements
License: Pre-alpha
System requirements: Mac OS X 10.x, Mac OS 9.x, and/or Windows.
For more info…
Download for Mac OS 9/X…
Download for Windows…
Mac: iPodium 4.0 Released (Japan)
Miku-soft in Japan have created a virtual iPod MP3 player for your Mac. It can play your iTunes or iPod playlists, has Contacts, Calendar, Clock and even has the Breakout game …just like the real iPod. Navigating through the interface is just like on a real iPod also including a “click” sound. Although the user can choose between English or Japanese for the interface, the user manual has not yet been translated to English.
License: Shareware
System requirements: Mac OS X 10.1 or higher, Mac OS 9.x, QuickTime 5 and iPod Software 1.2.1
For more info (English translation)…
Download for Mac OS X…
Download for Mac OS 9…
iPod 5GB for $239.00
Deals On The Web reports:
“PowerMax offers the factory refurbished Apple iPod 5 Gigabyte MP3 player for $239.00. It’s the lowest current price we’ve seen. A 1 year warranty is included.”
For more info…
Apple Releases Limited Edition Celebrity iPods
Update: We just discovered that rock band No Doubt is among the list of limited edition iPods that are now available. Apple is not promoting these new iPods on its own website, but rather on the celebrity’s website.
MacRumors.com report…
No Doubt iPod…
Update: There is also a limited edition iPod with laser-engraved signature of musician Beck. Looks like all limited edition celebrity iPods are available until January 8. Who will be next?
MacMinute.com report…
Beck iPod…
Apple is selling limited edition, laser-engraved iPods with signatures by Madonna and pro skateboarder, Tony Hawk. The limited edition iPod 5GB sells for $348, the 10GB for $448 and the iPod 20GB for $548, and are available for Mac or Windows. According to Madonna.com, her signature iPod is only available until January 8. Does this mean we can expect more limited edition celebrity iPods will be released?
CNET News.com Report…
Madonna iPod…
Tony Hawk iPod…
iPod Makes TechTV’s Top 20 Gifts
The TechTV Labs, Leo and Sumi have listed iPod as the number 2 pick, placed between a Samsung portable DVD Player (3) and the TiVo (1).
