Saturday, May 11, 2002
Software: PodNews 2.0 Released
“Mac & geek news, lyrics from lyrictracker.com, bookmarks from your favorite web browser, notes on your iPod.”
- What’s new in v2.0:
- Added several new news sites
- Added lyrictracker.com support
- Added email support
- Added bookmark support
- Bug Fixes:
- Fixed all the minor and major bugs ALL OF THEM!
- Better notes support
Friday, May 10, 2002
Update: Non-Mounting iPod Problem Discovered
iPoding reports reader Mark. L has discovered burnt-out components on his iPod’s circuit board.
“Broken solder points are not the only cause of non-mounting (or non-charging) iPod’s. Reader Mark L. sent in this link showing a different hardware related cause. The issue here is burnt out components on the board, interestingly the components that are damaged are the ones removed in the last revision. Also note that the same symptoms may result from other hardware or software issues.”
Non-Mounting iPod Problem Discovered
iPoding reports a story from reader “deadipod”, who has discovered the cause of his malfunctioning FireWire port.
“…after I decided that I did not want Apple to replace my ‘Not mounting anymore’ iPod [for] $250. I had some files I worked on last night at home and needed them. I wasn’t going to have a replacement. So before deciding on getting a new 10 gig I decided to see if I could remove the HD. (Apple doesn’t fix iPods, they replace them)
At this point I knew the HD was fine since I could play MP3s and I could recharge the iPod too, also all hardware tests were working. But I noticed that if I moved the firewire cable a bit while it was plugged the iPod would not charge anymore. I knew it was a connector issue then.
“
Reviews: iPod Silicone Jacket
Jason O’Grady at O’Grady’s Powerpage has written a review of the Silicone Jacket (a.k.a. the Groove Jacket).
“Although you can’t easily attach it to yourself with a clip, you can throw it into a pocket or into another case. The SiliJacket is perfect for shuttling your iPod from pocket to desk to car.”
Cases: Willow Design Releases iPod BiFold Case
The new Willow Design case is made of foam laminated fabric with snap closures. The BiFold’s reinforced, front face cover opens and closes like a book. The inside front cover offers a pocket for business cards. It’s fully-functional design also provides a snap closing flap to protect the FireWire port and “Hold” switch. The case accommodates an included earbud pouch you can attach to the bottom panel. The BiFold case comes in 9 colors and retails for $30 with a detachable belt clip. Optional accessories include an armband and power supply case.
Thursday, May 9, 2002
Software: Mediafour Extends XPlay Preview 6
“XPlay TP6 was originally to function through May 8, 2002. Because the next prerelease is not quite ready yet, we have decided to extend TP6 through June 5, 2002.
The feature-complete XPlay Beta 1 is currently being tested, and is coming very soon.
To update your TP6 installation so that it will work longer, simply leave TP6 installed and run the updater.”
And The Winner Is?
Apple has made the short list for the distinguished 2002 British D&AD Awards. The iPod has been nominated into the Products for Health & Leisure category, while the Titanium Powerbook G4 and iBook have been nominated into the Products for Work category. Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony in London, May 22.
“Nomad Jukebox 3: Why it’s better than Apple’s iPod”
Janice Chen, Editor in Chief, CNET/ZDNet Reviews has written an article telling us why she prefers the Nomad Jukebox 3 over the iPod.
“Well, I’m getting the last laugh after all, because I just went shopping for the new Creative Labs Nomad Jukebox 3. Not only is this 20GB hard-drive-based MP3 player PC-compatible, it also serves up twice the storage capacity of the iPod—and you can buy it for about $100 less.”
Software: PodUtil v1.0b1 Released
“PodUtil is (another) management program for the Apple iPod. It allows you to directly edit the Contacts on your iPod, presenting them in a list for one-click editing. As soon as you’re done editing, the contact(s) are saved for immediate use on your iPod. No more fiddling around copying .vcf files everywhere, PodUtil does it in one click!
Another function PodUtil can do is to copy the music from your iPod back to your computer. While doing so, it can organise your music by artist and/or album, and will also change the creator codes to match the one of your favourite MP3 player.
All this, and a friendly interface to boot! Oh, and it is free!”
- System Requirements:
- OS 9 or above with CarbonLib and Quicktime
- OS X 10.1 or higher
Wednesday, May 8, 2002
“iPod 5GB for $370 at JandR.com”
Dealmac reports JandR.com is selling the 5GB iPod for $369.99.
“A reader found that JandR.com offers the iPod 5GB MP3 player for $369.99. It’s the lowest price we’ve seen, excluding rebates and educational promos. To get this price, click on the “Get Latest Price” link, enter your email address. A price quote will then be sent with a link to purchase the iPod. Shipping starts at $4.95.”
Tuesday, May 7, 2002
$80 Shopping Spree with 5GB iPod Purchase
Amazon is offering $80 toward CDs with the purchase of a 5GB iPod.
“Start your new Apple iPod off with the right tracks… of free music! Add the 5 GB Apple iPod MP3 player to your Shopping Cart and then shop at the Amazon.com Music store to get $80 toward your purchase of new CDs”
There is a limit of one offer per customer. The offer is valid from 12:01 a.m. PDT, May 1, 2002, through 11:59 p.m. PDT, May 30, 2002, or while iPod supplies last.”
Monday, May 6, 2002
“iPod Autopsy”
In the June 2002 issue of MacAddict magazine, page 18, the staff performs an “iPod Autospy” on the 5GB iPod. They strip the iPod down to it’s bare components, but they didn’t take the scroll wheel off because they were “too chicken” and wanted to have “some hope of putting our iPod back together”. Each major component such as the battery, CPU, FireWire chip, and memory chip are described.
“Sex and The Single iPod”
Also in the June 2002 issue, page 96, a funny bit of fictional humor as they turn their iPod into an iDate iPod via the iDate antenna and iDate Pro software. Plug in the iDate antenna via the headphone jack, install the software, point it at a potential date candidate and watch as the iDate software gives you the truth about your “target”. Get the June 2002 issue to read more.
Cases: Vaja Cases Release iPod Case
An iPod case has been released by Argentine case maker, Vaja Cases. The 664 Flip Top case is available with ($44.90) or without ($40.90) Ultra Clip system.
“The new 664 model case has been specially designed to take the iPod MP3 device, providing it with the protection, practical use and durability this device requires. This case has been handmade with high-end Argentine leathers following the same quality standards all our cases have, and it has an exclusive design that allows the access to all the essential IPOD functions, without having to remove it from the case turning it into the perfect case for MP3 users who want to have a case which offers them usability as well as style.”
- Magnetic Closure
- Optional Belt Clip
- Padded
- Scroll wheel access
- Soft Leather Lining
- ABS inserted protection
- 2-4/8” x 4-2/8” x 1-1/8”
Look for the 664 iPod case in the PDA section.
For more info…
“ExperCom: $40 off Apple’s iPod”
Dealmac informs us, web retailer ExperCom is offering a $40 rebate on the 5GB and 10GB iPod.
“A reader discovered that ExperCom offers a $40 mail-in rebate with the purchase of an iPod. The iPod 5GB is $399 before rebate, $359 after, while the iPod 10GB is $499 before rebate, $459 after. Each is the lowest price we know to be available for new units, excluding educational promotions. Rebate ends May 10, 2002.”
