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Macworld’s Jim Heid reviews the Belkin Media Reader for iPod

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.

“Although the iPhoto-import issue still has me stymied, I’m impressed with the Belkin Media Reader for iPod. It’s beautifully integrated with the iPod’s software—if you know how to navigate the iPod’s menus, you know how to use the Media Reader.”

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Sick iPod? How about some rage?

  • October 24, 2003

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

“Um, I dropped my iPod on the floor at work and I damaged it. It looks OK, but it won’t charge or work. I just get an image of a folder with a warning sign!

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

“I threw the thing on the floor a few times in anger and noticed that the back was coming off. I pulled off the back and it started up.”

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

15 comments.

Mac: iPodScripter 1.0 Released

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.

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ThinkDifferentStore launches new store and iSkin eXo deal

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.

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MacMinute: iPod, iTunes heavily promoted on Stern, Cane show

“Apple has increased its advertising presence for iTunes and iPod on New York’s WXRK (K-Rock) radio station as of late. According to numerous MacMinute readers, live ads are being read regularly by Howard Stern on his morning talk show for the iTunes Music Store and the iPod. Stern stresses the fact that both products are now Windows compatible. He has also been giving away 40GB iPods to callers. Meanwhile, The Cane Show is currently holding an “iPod Song of the Day” contest in which winners receive a free iPod. Cane also mentions the iTunes Music Store and its pricing throughout his show.”

15 comments.

Marware launches Free case contest

  • October 23, 2003

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.

“Are you buying that special someone an iPod for Christmas? Or is that special someone you? Wouldn’t it be great if you could save yourself some extra cash by getting a FREE case? We at Marware are holding a Holiday contest. If you can tell us in 100 words or less why you deserve a free Marware iPod case of your choice, you just might get one and the accessory of your choice.  The deadline for all entries is November 24th.”

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CNET: Apple cracks open the iPod, carefully

  • October 23, 2003
  • iPod

“Tim Deal, an analyst with Technology Business Research, said that Apple is trying to strike a balance by opening the iPod to some developers but not making it an open platform.

‘I think by offering a (developer) kit they would expand their opportunity for innovation, and thus multiply their organic development efforts,” Deal said. “However, by being selective, they are maintaining a conservative approach, which will help them avoid becoming entangled in a quagmire of whimsical yet useless ideas.’”

9 comments.

Griffin PowerPod iPod Auto Charger: $19.99 Shipped

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.

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Apple 20GB iPod w/iTrip for $380

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.

1 comment.

Recommended FireWire and USB 2.0 cards for iPod

  • October 23, 2003
  • iPod

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.

7 comments.

Replacement battery for 3G iPods released

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.

20 comments.

iSkinWorld.com UK

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.

2 comments.

MacMinute: Apple readying ‘iTunes Producer’ for record labels

“Apple is in the process of launching new applications and marketing tools for its iTunes Music Store that aim to make it easier for record labels and artists to sell and promote music on the service. According to Billboard Bulletin (paid subscription required), Apple is preparing an application called iTunes Producer, which will help labels submit content for inclusion in the store. The free software, expected to be released on October 31 in a beta version, allows users to encode their music (enter album, song and artwork information) and send the files directly to Apple.”

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iDJ an iParty with iPods

  • October 22, 2003
  • iPod

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.

“DJs pick the tracks for their seven-minute sets from a vast playlist that their hosts change weekly. But you won’t find Andrew Andrew schlepping cartons of heavy vinyl and bulky analog turntables to and from the club. The duo travel far lighter — in fact, their entire setup consists of a pair of iPods and a mixer.”

1 comment.

Mossberg: “Apple’s iTunes is the best…”

  • October 22, 2003

Walter S. Mossber of “The Mossberg Solution” has posted a review of the three main legal Internet music stores:

“All three major download services we tested did a decent job, and each has some nice features. Overall, I believe Apple’s iTunes is the best combination of a music store and jukebox program for Windows users. It has an elegant, easy-to-use design, and a large music catalog. It loads and runs crisply on Windows, and is the only Windows downloading service that works with the best, and most popular, portable music player, Apple’s own iPod.”

19 comments.

Apple Store for Education offering free iPod engraving

Apple Store for Education is now offering free engraving on iPods for individuals. “Purchase any iPod w/personalization between October 22, 2003 and November 5, 2003 and get personalization for free.

5 comments.

Waterfield announces iPod Gear Pouch

  • October 22, 2003

Waterfield has announced a new case designed for the iPod and it’s accessories:

“No more scrambling around to find all your iPod gear; keep them all together in this slender padded case! Individual pockets for the iPod, docking station, and power supply keep them from bumping into each other, plus there’s extra space for other accessories, like an FM transmitter. To prevent tangling, cables are housed in a separate front pocket. This portable case lies flat when full, and can easily be stowed in a backpack, bag, or briefcase. Made of Ballistic nylon with soft interior lining and self-locking zippers.”

The Pouch comes in red, white, blue or lead colors and costs US$35.

16 comments.

iTunes for Windows 4.1.1 Fixes Bugs

“Apple Computer plans on Wednesday to release an updated version of its iTunes program intended to fix bugs encountered by some Windows users.

The company is in the process of posting to its Web site version 4.1.1 of iTunes, which aims to remedy some initial glitches with the jukebox software that Apple released last week. As previously reported, some Windows users were reporting bugs with the software, including a problem that caused some Windows 2000 Professional machines to freeze after installing iTunes.

“A few customers reported conflicts with specific PC configurations and we quickly updated the iTunes software in response,” Apple said in a statement. “iTunes 4.1.1 addresses an isolated incompatibility with Windows 2000 and older third-party CD burning software, as well as problems caused by corrupt MP3 files on some users’ PCs.”“

6 comments.

Macworld UK: Readers want iPod radio next

  • October 22, 2003
  • iPod

“The Macworld Online Poll asked: “What are the missing features” just days before Apple added support for a new Belkin voice-recording and photo-storage accessories to its dockable iPods.

Before the iPod update the most popular requested features were a radio with 36 per cent of the vote, and a voice recorder - selected by 20 per cent of readers. Following the update 37 per cent were still looking for radio, but the percentage of readers looking for a voice recorder (now provided) fell 8 percentage points to 12 per cent.”

13 comments.

BusinessWeek: Everybody Wants A Piece Of The iPod

“The risk is that Apple could end up where it has so often before—with only a high-end niche of a market it pioneered. To keep that from happening again, it’s betting Windows users will be drawn to Apple’s trademark elegance and ease of use. Moreover, the emerging MP3 player business will remain highly fragmented, much like the early days of the PC market, when Apple prospered with an 11% share. In the short term, at least, the launch of the Windows Music Store is expected to galvanize iPod sales.”

2 comments.

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