iLounge

A brief check of Dell’s website, www.dell.com, revealed a distinct lack of iPods.  Only 5 mp3 players are listed, and the iPod is not among them.  Whether or not the absence is temporary remains to be seen.

Contour Design, makers of the popular iSee clear case will be releasing a new version of the iSee later this year.  Unfortunately no pictures have been posted but hopefully iLounge can squeeze a prototype of the case from Contour. Can’t wait to check this out!

Dealmac: MegaMacs.com offers the second-generation Apple 10GB iPod for Windows for $279.99. We couldn’t find a better price for it elsewhere, although we’ve seen it for much less in the past. (The current 10GB model typically costs about $20 more.) Shipping starts around $5.

Brick and mortar retailer FutureShop (similar to BestBuy) in Canada has added an Apple product section to its online store which includes iMacs, iBooks, eMacs and iPods as well as official Apple accessories.

Charles Haddad, correspondent for BusinessWeek writes:

I discovered today that Apple has discontinued the remote for previous model iPods. After my remote cable twisted I decided to call the Apple store today to order a new one. A very apologetic representative informed me that it had been discontinued and the new remote was incompatible with the old iPod. I was told that I could use any earphones with my iPod, but no longer use a remote.

MacMice, the company behind the DVBase and PodPerch stand designs are at it again. This time they have announced an all aluminum stand for all iPod models, and the design pays homage to the recently released Apple Power Mac G5. The GPerch is priced at $39.99 and is now available for pre-order. Shipping is expected to start July 15th.

Vaja has announced the new Classic 665 and 667 cases which have been redesigned to accomodate new dock iPods. Both cases feature flip-top leather design, snap closure, screen protector, padded lining, optional belt clip, headphone access, and FireWire access. The Classic 665 fits 10 and 15GB iPods, while the Classic 667 fits 30GB iPods. Both cases start at $34.90 (w/o belt clip) and are available for pre-order. Custom cases start at $54.90 with options for embossing, color combos, lining, etc.

Deals on the Web: Dell Home: Take $40 off an an order of $400 or more. Click the link and use coupon code “118627D45335” during checkout to get the discount. Expires 7/1/03 at 11 PM CT. Can be combined with Dell’s ongoing 10% off digital cameras, MP3 players (iPods), camcorders, LCD monitors, printers and more.

Phillip D. Long, senior strategist for the Academic Computing Enterprise at MIT writes about the iTunes Music Store and gives a beginner’s lesson on audio formats titled “Audio File Formats 101.” Also included is a list of websites for further reading about AAC, MP3, MPEG-2 and MPEG-4.

Dealmac: MegaMacs.com offers the second-generation Apple 10GB iPod for Windows for $279.99. We couldn’t find a better price for it elsewhere, although we’ve seen it for much less in the past. (The current 10GB model typically costs about $20 more.) Shipping starts around $5.

Gregory Ng at AppleMatters writes about the one million strong iPod Nation.

I couldn’t find a perfect case for my iPod so I did it myself. I’d like to share it with all of you. You can download the DIY instructions and diagram as a PDF. Have Fun!

John Corbin, the creator of the PodPac iPod wrap has announced the PodPac pattern for download for $1.35. The PDF document can be printed and used to cut your own PodPac out of vinyl.

Developer Charles Kelly has released four new AppleScripts for use with MacinTalk and iPod.

Drag-n-Drop-Text to AIFF 0.01
Drag text files and convert them to AIFF files spoken by MacinTalk.
TextEdit to MP3 0.01
Converts whatever is in TextEdit to an MP3 file spoken by MacinTalk.
TextEdit to AIFF 0.05
Converts whatever is in TextEdit to an AIFF file spoken by MacinTalk.
DJ Track Names to AIFF 0.06
Gives your iPod or iTunes a DJ announcing tunes and artists.

Coach, maker of fine leather goods has a case for classic iPods selling for $68. “The luxurious way to carry your music.” Its made of calfskin leather and is available in Red or White (strap version) and Black or Doe (belt loop version).

Last week ackNOWLEDGE announced their new iSkin eXo for new iPods and it’s now available for pre-ordering online for $29.99 and includes belt clip and screen protector. “Customers who pre-order the new iSkin will receive a free bonus MaClear iPod pouch and free ground shipping (for continental U.S. and Canadian destinations) until July 14, 2003.”

Dealmac: MegaMacs.com has used, first-generation iPod 10GB for PC MP3 players for $249.49 each. We’ve seen 10GB iPods for up to $50 less, but those offers have since expired. A 30-day MegaMacs.com warranty applies. Shipping starts at around $6.

Today through the end of June, you can get PodHolder - our popular stand/display unit for iPod - for $12.95.  This is a savings of nearly 20% off our regular price.

PodHolder’s formed clear acrylic design is the perfect complement for iPod, especially the 1st and 2nd generation models.  Get yours today at this special sale price while quantities last!

Jon Fortt writes about Apple’s recently announced Power Mac G5, iSight and upcoming Panther OS X. In the article, Fortt speculates using iSight with iPod for recording video.