Merrill Lynch has downgraded Apple’s stock to “neutral” from “buy.” Merrill analyst Richard Farmer said Apple’s iPod line would “continue its hot streak, but noted that the growth rate for the MP3 player would have to decelerate—he projects leaps of 33% in 2006 and 25% in 2007,” reports Forbes.
In an article entitled “Why Apple Won’t Up-Charge Downloads,” BusinessWeek’s Arik Hesseldahl writes about the iTunes pricing battle and the war of words going on between Warner Music and Apple CEO Steve Jobs.
The Wall Street Journal reports [paid sub.
req.]: “Walt Disney is set to announce today the release of a $49 digital audio player aimed at 6- to 12-year-olds. Like most digital audio players, Disney’s Mix Sticks allows users to download music from the Internet or from CDs copied on a computer. But the device also allows users to plug-and-play music by inserting postage-stamp-size memory cards called Mix Clips, which can hold about the same amount of music as a CD.” [via PaidContent.org]
DAP Review has an article on how to build your own “Nanyard Lanyard” for the iPod Nano with the dock connector of a spare iPod USB or FireWire cable, a chain, a drill and some black spray paint.
Simpl Acoustics has provided a 15% off coupon for all iLoungers on its A1 headphone amplifier for iPod. Enter coupon code LOUNGE at checkout. Meanwhile, Proporta is offering one Advanced Wash-and-Replace iPod nano Screen Protector free to each of the first 25 people who use promo code NANOPROTECTED. After the first 25 sales, they’re offering 50% off your purchase.