iLounge

Piel Frama, makers of fine leather cases based in the south of Spain has released a new case for 30GB/40GB iPods. The Piel Frama case features a flip-lid design with two interior credit card slots, one money slot, soft leather lining, ABS insert (rigid case), access to all iPod functions, snap closure, detachable swivel belt clip and comes in three colors; black, tan and black/tan. The case can be purchased direct from PielFrama’s website and is priced at $59 or 50€. UPS                   express or TNT shipping costs are included in the price, and delivery time is noted at 30 days.

Apple has posted a QuickTime movie of the new iPod television commercial on its website. The spot features several black silhouettes dancing and grooving to “Hey Mama” by the Black Eyed Peas.

SmartPlaylists.com is a new website focusing on Apple’s iTunes Smart Playlists. “This new website is a resource for creating, sharing, and chatting about iTunes’ Smart Playlists. Why? Because they’re cool and there are many ingenious ways to use them to keep your music fresh.” Some of the website features include Tunes Top 20 Smart Playlist Strategy, How to Create a Smart Playlist, Top Rated, How to Edit Smart Playlists, Recently Played, Announcements, and iTunes Tips.

A reader at MacRumors reports that Apple had posted information about a new ‘Home on iPod’ feature in its not-yet-released Mac OS X Panther upgrade. Apple’s Mac OS X Mobility page described the ‘Home for iPod’ feature as:

Home away from home
Ever thought you could carry your home in the palm of your hands or in your pocket? You can. Panther’s Home on iPod feature lets you store your home directory — files, folders, apps — on your iPod (or any FireWire hard drive) and take it with you wherever you go. When you find yourself near a Panther-equipped Mac, just plug in the iPod, log in, and you’re “home,” no matter where you happen to be. And when you return to your home computer, you can synchronize any changes you’ve made to your files by using File Sync, which automatically updates offline changes to your home directory.

Apple has since removed the ‘Home for iPod’ description, but MacRumors has mirrored the content for viewing. MacRumors also notes that this feature is not in the latest version of Panther (build 7B85).

MacMinute is reporting that Apple has started to air new iPod television commericals. The spot features animated versions of the current print promotions featuring black silhouettes against colored backgrounds.

Jason D. O’Grady of Powerpage.org got a chance to interview Brad Sands, Phish’s Road Manager about “the huge impact that the iPod has had on the band.”

####, the designer manufacturer of eXo and all [url=http://www.####.biz]http://www.####.biz[/url] distributors and resellers are compensating iPod owners for the launch delays of eXo by offering a 2 for 1 deal on every eXo purchased from now until November 1. This means that when you buy one eXo you can choose a second (free) eXo and both will be shipped complete with a TPU zip case, a screen protector and a belt clip.

Modern life means multiple calendars, and iCal makes it simple to deal with them. You can see your schedules for both work and home, color coded, from within a single window to let you identify conflicts and free time. You can look at your family’s calendars the same way, and publish your calendars for friends. Search globally for dates and times of upcoming events. Even share calendar information with other Mac OS X v10.2 “Jaguar” applications. All quite easily.

Pacific Rim Technologies, makers of cases and accessories for PDAs is about to release a new hardcase for iPod. The not-yet-named case features anodized aluminum with scratch-resistant surfaces, screen protection, neoprene lined interior, multiple attachments for use while at home, the office, gym or other sports activities, cleaning cloth, and comes with removable color inserts in cobalt blue, green, burnt orange, and silver. The case and website is set to launch October 15, and pre-ordering will be available for $49.99 with all four inserts and $39.99 with one insert of your choice. If you are interested in pre-ording now, please contact .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). Any orders before November 1 will be entitled to a free extra insert. Click ‘Read more’ for photos.

Incase Designs has released an updated Folio case for new docking iPods at the online Apple Store. The new nappa leather Folio features a front flip-lid, access to all iPod functions, suede non-scratch lining, belt or strap attachment and FireWire protection plug. Although Incase has not yet updated its website with the new case, the Apple Store has it available for $29.95 and estimated shipping is 1-2 business days.

Contour Design has announced the Showcase iPod case on its website. The new Showcase fits all 3G iPods and features a hard plastic case, clear plastic front lid, integrated shock-absorbing rubber interior, access to all iPod functions, and a removable horizontally mounted belt clip. Contour Design expects the Showcase to ship on October 20 and pre-ordering is now available for $39.95.

James Kim of TechTV has reviewed the latest crop of digital audio players and mentions that the iPod is still “the de facto player on the market.” Kim also compiled a dollar-per-megabyte chart and the $500 iPod 40GB comes in at $.012 per megabyte.

A reader notes that Target is offering 10% off all iPods in stock.  Enter code “TCAB2SAVETEN” at checkout to save 10% on 10, 30 and 40GB iPod models.

One can only imagine what the next generation iPod design will be. An iLounger in the forums has imagined the 4th generation iPod and another has illustrated an iPod watch remote concept.

Macworld columnist, Chris Breen has written several tips to help you ‘master’ your iPod.

Today Griffin Technology announced that the new iTrip for 3G iPods is now shipping. “The new model ($35) improves upon its predecessor with an even sleeker body style, new power saving features and a red LED light to match the new iPods red backlight perfectly.” As reported earlier, Grifffin has also officially released over 100 new international frequencies for use on original and new iTrips.

DogCollarLabor has updated the ModPod iPod stand in multiple colors; translucent blue, glowing orange and glowing green. The ModPod stand is made from transparent Lucite, fits all iPod models and is priced at $14.95.