iLounge

Want to listen to your iPod and your cellphone using one headset? MacMinute reports that Skullcandy, makers of cellphone headsets has released a hands free headset which will allow you to switch from cellphone to audio input, vice-versa or listen to both at the same time.

PodWriter is a (now Cocoa & Objective-C, was Java) application to display notes on your iPod.

What’s new in v2.2b1:
Adds some basic mp3 transfer functions. It’s not anywhere near finished, but here’s a look at it. Choose List Music from the mp3s menu and then make sure you select your destination folder. Once I figure out how to read mp3 tags correctly, it’ll get some more functions and a nicer appearance (function is more important than looks).

Tom Gromak of The Detroit News has a written an article describing several useful add-ons for iPod users. Included is the free and famous EphPod software for Windows, Marware’s SportSuit Convertible case, Koss KSC55 headphones and an in-dash JVC MP3 player for your car with audio input for your iPod.

gtkpod is a platform independent GUI for Apple’s iPod using GTK2. It allows you to import your existing iTunes database, to add songs/directories/playlists, to edit ID3 tags, to modify the iTunes database without the iPod connected and to synchronize at a later time. gtkpod also features international charset support for ID3 tags, detects when adding already existing songs, and more.

Macfixit reports that several readers are having trouble unmounting their iPod after applying the iPod Software 1.2.6 Updater.

PodWriter is a (now Cocoa & Objective-C, was Java) application to display notes on your iPod.

What’s new in v2.1.1
Added German localization thanks to Volker Riebartsch.

On The Go Depot has announced an introductory price special for the iPod Armor case. The aluminum hard case is on sale for USD $49.95 (CAN $79.95) and includes a free belt clip and anchor ($20 value).

MacOS X Hints reports today on an alternative method for using an iPod with a Wallstreet PowerBook. Previous methods required jumping through many hoops, and even then it wouldn’t always work. This new method, however, seems to be a little more fool proof.

Apple has posted new Knowledge Base Documents for iPod Software 1.2.6 Updater for Mac OS X, Mac OS 9 and Windows.

iPod Software 1.2.6 Updater for Mac OS X: Information and Download
iPod 1.2.6 for Mac OS 9: Information and Download
iPod 1.2.6 for Windows Updater: Information and Download

XtremeMac has announced the release of the new and improved XtremeMac Deluxe case. They have redesigned the popoular case using a softer, more supple leather. The new XtremeMac Deluxe case is available in three bundled configurations; the $39.95 HipTunes bundle includes a belt clip and detachable earbud pouch, the $49.95 Mobility bundle includes a belt clip, two (2) swivel mounts, neck-lanyard, and earbud pouch, the $59.95 Essentials bundle includes a belt clip, two (2) swivel mounts, neck-lanyard, earbud pouch, and the Premium iPod Car Charger. Also, new leather fashion colors have been added; Caribbean Blue, Chestnut Brown, Butterscotch Checker, Apple White, Embossed Black, Embossed Moss Green, Gray and 3 new fabric colors; Dark Denim, London Plaid and Camouflage.

iLounger John Paul Davis has released several new AppleScripts for use with iTunes and iPod.

Import Selected iPod Tracks
This script will copy the selected files on an iPod to your iTunes Library in Artist:Album:file.mp3 format, import the files to iTunes, and display them in a playlist called “Imports from iPod”. Includes Read Me and Installer.

Backup iTunes Tracks to DVD
Makes a DVD-sized dmg and copies files in Artist:Album:song.mp3 organization to it - it works using the same xml functionality as Backup iTunes Tracks to MP3 CD, and is actually designed to work in conjunction with that script.

Backup Selection or Playlist to DVD
Makes a DVD-sized dmg and copies files in Artist:Album:song.mp3 organization to it based on either user selection or a selected playlist.

Backup Selection or Playlist to MP3 CD
Will make as many MP3CD -sized playlists as needed, organized by album, based on user selection or a selected playlist.

Make BackUp MP3 CD
This script will collect tracks into a playlist and sort them into MP3 CD-sized playlists by album. Your end product will be a batch of playlists, each small enough to fit on an MP3 CD, grouped by album. Read Me explains more. Includes link to required “XML Tools” Scripting Addition.
Now includes installer script.

You’ll find more useful iTunes and iPod scripts at Doug’s AppleScripts for iTunes:

Apple has posted “Special Deals” on refurbished 10GB and 20GB iPods at $329 and $399 respectively. These are the new “touch pad” models and includes; remote, carrying case and one year limited warranty.

We have received strong evidence that Burton and Apple will be releasing the Amp Pack backpack for iPod within the next week or two. The black Amp Pack features an iPod storage pocket on the back, headphone cable port on the left shoulder strap and sound system controls on the right shoulder strap using the same Softswitch Technology found on the Amp Jacket. It will cost about $200 and will be available through Burton retailers, and we are assuming Apple retail stores and online.

In a report by The Mac Observer, the iPod is ranked number one in dollar market share for MP3 Players. “Apple’s dollar market share reached 27 percent compared with 10 percent for second-ranked SONICBlue and its Rio players , according to market research firm NPDTechworld.”

Allen Evans, creator of the iPod External Charger pack is now accepting orders for $38.50 via PayPal. The iPod External Charger is a small portable charger pack for iPod and uses 9V or AA batteries. Allen’s how-to website provides detailed instructions on how to build your own portable charger or you can opt to have Allen make one for you.

The Apple store is now offering custom laser engraving for iPod at $19.00. That’s more than a 50% reduction from the original price of $49.

Tracy Peacock of News.com Australia reports that the University of Western Australia are loaning out iPods to students in mulitmedia courses.

OSXFAQ has posted another set of tips for iPod. This time they concentrate on using Mac OS X freeware applications to help you get your contacts and other information onto iPod.

OSXFAQ has posted 8 tips on how you can extend battery life on your iPod. With so much talk about the iPod’s battery, it’s a good set of tips to help you make the most out of a charged battery.

Mike Slone of wirednomad.com sent us email to let our readers know about their iPod giveaway. Take a virtual journey with two “WiredNomads” as they document their travels and share it with the online world. Soon wirednomad.com will “allow travelers to document their own travels.” Sign up at their website to become a WiredNomad and enter for a chance to win the grand prize iPod 5GB. Deadline for entries is April 14.