News
iPod 20GB for Windows for $339
- December 16, 2003
- Deals
Dealmac: MegaMacs.com has stock of the second-generation iPod 20GB for Windows for $339.49. It’s the lowest price we know to be available for a new, factory-sealed unit. (Open-box units cost $10 less.) Ground shipping starts around $5.
iPod Season: Vaja Announces 24% Off iVod Cases
- December 16, 2003
- Deals
Vaja has announced it’s iPod Season with a special discount on iVod cases starting at $49.90 for 3G iPods. The iVod features fine Argentine leathers, padding, easy access to functions, available in a multitude of color combinations and comes either with or without a belt clip.
iPod in top 5 for holiday wish lists
- December 16, 2003
- iPod
“In a new online consumer survey conducted by New Media Strategies (NMS), 54% of respondents say they will spend more this holiday shopping season than they did last year. [...]
NMS projects that Hollywood should have another stellar year as movie DVDs dominate wish lists for Electronic Gifts at 43%, followed by video games at 29%. Apple’s iPod (6%), stereo equipment (6%) and plasma TVs (5%) round out the Top Five Electronic Gifts on Holiday Wish Lists for consumers.”
Griffin iTrip 2 FM Transmitter for iPods w/Dock Back at $34.99
- December 16, 2003
- Deals
Deals On The Web: MacResQ has restocked the Griffin iTrip 2 FM Transmitter for iPods with a dock interface for $34.99. MacResQ also has the original Griffin iTrip for iPods with a FireWire port for $29.99. Both are among the best prices we’ve seen.
iPod Remote Mod for Motorcycle
- December 16, 2003
- Hacks | Mods
Fred Harmon has modified his iPod Remote and integrated it with the audio system on his Honda Gold Wing motorcycle. He’s posted a photo gallery of his step-by-step mod.
TidBITS: iPod Offerings, Part 2
- December 16, 2003
- iPod Accessories
Video iPods?
- December 16, 2003
- iPod
“PortalPlayer, the company behind the hardware, software and processor technology that powers Apple’s iPod, will soon launch a upgraded version of its chip/firmware combo that paves the way for a Photo iPod.
PortalPlayer Photo Edition will support synchronising digital photos between portable devices and host PCs, along with on-device playback, according to CEO Gary Johnson,interviewed by EE Times.”
Europe to fight music piracy with lawsuits
- December 16, 2003
- Digital Media
“The European music industry plans to take the fight against Internet piracy right to the doors of file sharers with individually targeted lawsuits, the head of the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) has said.
And the subpoenas could start flying next year.”
Apple blasé about online music rivals
- December 16, 2003
- iTunes
“Jobs says he has no plans to lower prices or dramatically change iTunes to address the new threats. “We’re going to continue on our winning strategy,” he said in an interview. [...]
Rivals such as Dell have introduced more flexible portable players for other services. Jobs says Apple “trounced Dell this quarter” in music player sales. Researcher Jupiter predicts the $80 million digital music market will hit $1.6 billion in 2008. The field is quickly getting more crowded.”
Australia: Apple iPod Hats and Buttons
- December 15, 2003
- iPod
MacMinute forwarded us an iPod related news item from reader Edouard Mouy who reports that Australian Apple resellers are giving away official Apple iPod hats and buttons. “There are some new iPod hats and badges being given out at Apple resellers around Melbourne (Australia).
The hat only comes in pink. Also, showroom staff have been given name tags with the silhouettes from the iPod ads.”
Monster Cable Releases New iPod Accessories
- December 15, 2003
- iPod Accessories
Monster Cable Products has released several new iPod products in addition to the recently reported iCarPlay Wireless. The Monster iCase Travel Pack ($70) is a large carry case which comes with a Monster iCarCharger to charge your iPod, a Monster iSplitter to share music with a friend, and room for all your gear. The Monster iSpeaker Portable ($60) is a portable speaker system for iPods and laptops and features eight hours of playtime on a set of four AA batteries and includes a three foot mini to mini stereo cable. The Monster iSportCase ($20) features a white translucent rubber case with an open-face design, belt clip and self-adhesive car mount for use in the car. The iSportCase comes in small (10, 15, 20GB) and large (30, 40GB) size for all iPods with dock connectors. As of this posting, Monster Cable does not yet have any of the new accessories available for purchase, but Apple Store online has the iCase Travel Pack for $69.
Advertising Age names Apple ‘Marketer of the Year’
- December 15, 2003
- Apple
Technology News: No Other Internet Music Service Has Touched iTunes Music Store
- December 15, 2003
- iTunes
“While piracy continues to threaten the music business, Apple Computer’s iTunes Music Store is the digital hit of the year with 20 million 99-cent-a-song download since April.
The thunderous response to iTunes helped push four other music services to market, with several more planned. But their initial success has been much more muted.
The first to take on Apple was BuyMusic.com in July. It expected 1 million daily song downloads. ‘We’re not achieving that at all,” says BuyMusic CEO Scott Blum. “I’ve spoken with my competitors, and we’re nowhere near (Apple’s) numbers.’”
Macworld UK: iPod news frenzy gathers pace
- December 15, 2003
- iPod
“Apple’s iPod continues to collect column inches here in the UK, with the Times, Observer and others noting the level of demand for the market-leading music player.
In a piece titled: “iPod is favourite stocking thriller as Internet shopping finally booms,’ The Observer notes: “The iPod… has become a cult consumer gift that has achieved a unique festive status over the past few days: it is the fastest-selling item being snapped-up by Internet shoppers.’”
AudioRevolution.com names iPod No. 3 in Top 100
- December 15, 2003
- iPod
iTunes Music Store - More than 25 Million Songs Downloaded
- December 15, 2003
- iTunes
Monster Cable Releases iCarPlay FM Transmitter & Charger
- December 14, 2003
- iPod Accessories
iLounger ‘Indolering’ has informed us that Monster Cable Products has quietly released a new FM transmitter for 3G iPods on its website. The Monster Cable iCarPlay Wireless - FM Transmitter features an inline, one-button FM channel selection with eight available channels, Smart Digital Charger and 24k gold contacts. “ Plug the iCarPlay Wireless charger end into the 12v outlet (cigarette lighter) in your car and plug the other end into the dock connector on the bottom of your iPod. Select an FM station on the iCarPlay Wireless, and find the same station on your car stereo; pick your favorite song on your iPod and you’re ready to roll. Your music transmits wirelessly to your car stereo using FM radio frequencies.” The iCarPlay is available now at the online Apple Store for $69 with an estimated 1-2 business days for shipping.
iPod 30GB for $399 shipped
- December 13, 2003
- Deals
Dealmac: Apple’s iPod 30GB MP3 Player, a discontinued model, costs $399 with free shipping at Amazon.com, as a reader found. (It’s new, not refurbished.) That’s the same price as the current 20GB model at The Apple Store.
24K Gold iPod on eBay
- December 13, 2003
- iPod
iLounger ‘ExtraT’ reports that eBay Germany has an auction listed for a 24K gold 5GB iPod. The following has been translated into English:
The apple of our I
- December 13, 2003
- iPod
“GERMAN philosopher Friedrich Nietzsc once grumbled, “Only sick music makes money today.” But in the 103 years since his death, the most beautiful music-playing moneyspinner to inspire the sin of envy is unquestionably the Apple IPod.
At a time when computer laptops are viewed by grave-faced airline security staff as possible bombs, Apple have breathed fun, possibility and beauty back into technology.
Anyone who wakes on Christmas morning, pushes their hand down into a stocking and clutches an IPod will break into the type of smile Adam and Eve might have brandished when eating their first pineapple.”