iLounge

Weather for Me is a program created by Staylazy.net Software to grab a detailed ten day forecast from weather.com and place it on your iPod. All iPod versions are compatible.

Apple’s “yellow, green, pink, purple” iPod ad created by TBWA/Chiat Day is up for a D&AD (Design and Art Direction) Award, known as the Oscar’s for the creative industry. “The iPod took a much-coveted Gold Award in 2002.” The winners will be announced on May 26.

EphPod is a full-featured, easy-to-use Windows application that connects with Apple’s iPod. With a FireWire card and EphPod on a PC, it takes under 30 minutes to transfer 1,000 songs to an iPod. In addition, EphPod supports standard WinAmp (.M3U) playlists, includes powerful playlist creation features, and will synchronize an entire music collection with one click. EphPod also includes powerful music-information (“tag”) editing options, as well as support for Audible and MP4/AAC files (although not the “protected” MP4/AAC files sold at the iTunes Music Store). EphPod is designed to be completely compatible with iTunes, so that you can use both EphPod and iTunes interchangeably with your iPod.

Gizmodo reports that a reader has spotted several iPod parody ads in New York City commenting on the recent Iraqi prisoner-abuse scandal. The ad depicts the silhouette of a hooded prisoner hooked up to electric wires. The tagline reads, “10,000 volts in your pocket, guilty or innocent” and says iRaq instead of iPod in the upper right corner.

Dennis Sellers, senior editor for MacMinute.com has published an editorial on the recent news of Apple’s new iPod division on his website Macsimum Perspective. In it he states, “All things considered, the split should be a good thing. The iPod is a tremendous contributor to Apple’s bottom line and its potential must be exploited. But by setting up a separate Mac division, Apple is apparently demonstrating that its warhorse hardware and software products are still as important as ever. Hopefully, the two divisions will work hand-in-hand. After all, any Mac-specific attributes the iPod offers can only benefit the computer line.”

The Apple Store has factory refurbished 20GB ($299) and 40GB ($399) iPods listed on its ‘Special Deals’ page. Both models include free ground shipping and a 1 year limited warranty.

As an exclusive offer for iLounge.com readers, Microphone Solutions is extending the promotion for the Shure E5 earphones. Use Coupon Code F369E5 for a $130 discount. Your price will be $369 + shipping (you pay for shipping). This promotion has been extended until June 15. Also an exclusive offer for iLounge.com readers, Microphone Solutions is extending the promotion for the Shure E2. Use Coupon Code F75E2 for a $24 discount. Your price will be $75 + shipping (aprox. $5.00). This promotion has been extended until June 15.

Deals On The Web reports that “Amazon.com is once again offering iPod Minis in all colors at $231.44 with Free ground shipping. Amazon actually had stock of silver and blue mini’s this morning at this price and they are taking orders on all colors and filling them on a first come, first serve basis. Note that Amazon changes their prices often and we expect a return to the $249 price at anytime.”

iCompositions has updated its iPod mini Giveaway to include Apple In-Ear Headphones as a prize bringing the total value of prizes to $290. Simply register for a chance to win the two prizes.

A UK reader notes that Amazon UK is selling the iPod 20GB for £259.99, including delivery and VAT. “This is the cheapest price I have seen in the UK for an iPod.”

In his latest column for PBS, Robert Cringely has written an editorial on why Apple recently created a separate division for the iPod. “Apple is essentially getting out of the business of making its own products… Why would they take someone used to producing products like the G5 workstation and turn his attention to little music players? It’s hardly a comparable challenge… I think it comes down to a combination of structural changes in the industry and Apple trying harder to cut costs, which really means raising profit margins.”

Although many companies are accepting pre-orders for the Griffin iTalk, i-magine claims it is the only internet-based reseller within the UK and Europe to actually have the iTalk in stock now and ready for immediate dispatch. As with almost all of their products, i-magine also notes it is selling the Griffin iTalk at the lowest price throughout the UK and Europe at £32.00.

Global Source PDA has released several new iPod accessories including two new cases for the iPod mini. The iPod mini Metal Case ($32.99) features an anondized aluminum construction, access to all functions, and the interior is lined with neoprene. The Metal Case is apparently the same case recently released by Rhino Skin. The iPod mini Deluxe Leather Case ($27.99) features a flip-lid design with magnetic closure, access to all functions, and includes a belt clip. Global Source has also released retractable USB ($15.99) and FireWire ($16.99) docking cables for iPod. Note: The FireWire cable can be used for both charging the iPod and data synchronization, whereas the USB cable can only be used for data synchronization. Global Source PDA is now accepting pre-orders on the Metal Case and all other mini products are now shipping.

Dealmac: Other World Computing offers the NewerTech 1600mAH Replacement Li-Ion iPod battery for first- and second-generation models for $37.95. It has 30% more capacity than Apple’s stock battery, according to the product description. Intallation tool included. Shipping starts around $4.

MacMinute reports that “W Hotels is launching a new promotion dubbed “iTunes Days” starting next month. The monthly events—scheduled for June, July and August in Chicago, New York and San Francisco—will feature live DJs spinning music from iPods, free iTunes Music Store downloads, “AppleiTini” drink specials, and iPod/iMac giveaways. W Hotels has also put together a number of compilations on the iTMS that aim to ‘take you on a journey of mind and body, heart and soul… the perfect complement to every mood, emotion, and experience.’”

JAVOedge has announced a promotion on the JAVOScreen (protector) for the iPod mini and iPod.  The 3x bundle pack is now available.  With this bundle you will save 15%, not to mention the shipping charges you will save compared to buying 3 separately. Both 3x bundles go for $15.17 per bundle pack.

Apple has created a new division within the company to sell and promote the iPod. Jon Rubinstein, who has led Apple’s hardware engineering efforts, will run the new division. Timothy Cook, head of the company’s worldwide sales and operations, will now lead a newly organized Macintosh division. The moves were announced today in a company-wide internal email sent by Apple CEO Steve Jobs. “This organizational refinement will focus our talent and resources even more precisely on our industry-leading Macintosh computers and the wildly successful iPod,” an Apple spokesman told Reuters.

LoadPod has launched as a new service that takes an iPod user’s entire CD collection and rips it into their iPod for them…so that they don’t have to. LoadPod currently offers local service in several areas including Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Houston, Indianapolis, South Carolina, and Minneapolis, and is bringing local service to new markets daily.  LoadPod will pick up a customer’s iPod or iPod mini, along with their CD collection, from their home or place of work, and then return it to them within five days, fully ripped and loaded…allowing customers to use their time for more valuable things.