iLounge

The folks over at Computerlove are having a poster design contest. First place prize is an iPod for one lucky person. There are also many other great prizes up for grabs. There is a certain theme which must be followed, and more details are available on their website.

Michael Prager of the Boston Globe has written a review of Griffin’s new iTrip, and despite all we’ve been hearing, it’s not a favorable one…

A word of advice when ordering iPods from the Apple Store. Sometimes iPods are shipped directly from an overseas warehouse. In this case, they always come by international 3-day shipping, regardless of what shipping option you chose. If you paid the extra $9 for 2 day shipping, then you’ve wasted your money. I complained and Apple refunded my $9.

iPod Software 1.3.1 improves compatability between Mac OS X, version 10.3 Panther, and your iPod: If your iPod requires updating, the iPod Software Updater will run and allow you to install iPod Software 1.3.1 the next time you plug in your iPod and iTunes is launched.

New York, NY – October 24, 2003 – Tekserve, New York’s independent Mac shop, will be celebrating the launch of OS X 10.3 with a Think Panther event on Friday, October 24th from 7:30 to 11 PM. There will be live music by Andy Stein and His Swing Quartet, refreshments, and raffles. Dancing is optional.

Of course, the new Mac OS 10.3 “Panther” will be available for purchase starting at 8PM, and five dollars will be donated to Defenders of Wildlife for every copy sold.

A 15GB iPod will be raffled every hour on the half hour starting at 8:30PM. Tekserve will also have an exceptional special offer on the 1.6 GHz Power Mac G5, and deals on closeout Macs, including the PowerBook G4 867 with 640 MB and Airport Extreme for $1500, and a the 17” 1GHz PowerBook G4 with 1GB of RAM for $2500.

I’ve published a review of the Belkin Media Reader for iPod at my Mac iLife site. Overall, I really like this device, though I have yet to get iPhoto or Image Capture to recognize that the iPod contains photos.

A visitor over at MacWorld UK has posted this in the fora:

When told that he would probably need to get it repaired by a Mac technician, he promptly replied:

Editor’s note: We here at iLounge DO NOT recommend throwing your iPod ANYWHERE… Just a helpful reminder

iPodScripter allows you to set your Mac to do virtually anything when your iPod is plugged in. Whether you want it to open iPodRip, run an AppleScript or even a shell script, iPodScripter can do it all.

ThinkDifferentStore.com has launched a new online store and are offering the iSkin eXo case, Maclear zip case, iShade screen protector and belt clip all for $15. Also available is the iSkin for 2G iPods for $14.99.

Marware is offering a Holiday contest where by readers are encouraged to submit a 100 word or less eassy on why they deserve a free case by Marware.

Deals On The Web: MacResQ has the new, retail boxed Griffin PowerPod iPod Auto Charger for $19.99.  Use coupon code “SHIP6” to get Free ground shipping.  The device works with all versions of iPods. With Free ground shipping, it’s the best price we’ve seen.  Coupon expires 10/29/03.

Dealmac: MegaMacs.com offers the second-generation Apple 20GB iPod with the Griffin iTrip FM Transmitter for $379.99. That’s $15 less than the best price we could find for a third-generation iPod and iTrip purchased separately. Shipping starts around $5.

Apple has posted a Knowledge Base document listing several FireWire and USB 2.0 cards tested for compatibilty with iPod using Windows XP drivers. Manufacturers listed are Belkin, Orange Micro and Adaptec.

LaptopsForLess has released a battery replacement for 3rd generation (docking) iPods. The kit includes battery, installation instructions and a small screw driver. We do not recommend using the metal screw driver, because it can scratch your iPod when trying to open the case. Try using a thin, sturdy peice of plastic instead. The battery kit costs $49 and includes a one year warranty.

Having bought an iPod myself, one of my first observations was how prone the iPod was to scratches. As a frequent follower of the news in iLounge, I found that my fellow ‘loungers advised an iSkin as a good protection choice. Searching the net for a place to get my iSkin (UK) I came across iSkinWorld.com. This site sells new generation iSkin eXos in a variety of colours at a great price, the iSkins come with a belt clip and free iShade screeen protector. Only problem is minimum spending of £20 and only Paypal or Cheques accepted, but at £10.98 each I don’t think there is a better deal.

DJs Andrew Andrew offer up to two iPods at club APT in New York that allows anybody to grab a number, wait their turn, and DJ 7 for minutes.