Date Archive > February 2005

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February 28, 2005

Talking Heads: Stop Making Sense

I watched the Talking Heads concert film Stop Making Sense (Amazon link) over the weekend. I've never been a huge fan, but have a couple of their albums and like them well enough. This film came out in 1984 and I had never seen it, but have heard really good things about it and I had seen stills of the 'big suit' of course. If you can overlook the horrible 80's fashions (not easily done) then it's a very good film. Part theatre, part concert, it really highlights that these guys are excellent musicians. In particular, the guitarist they've got on stage - not Jerry Harrison, I don't know this guy's name - is just amazing.

At one point they light the musicians from the front with a big spotlight and project shadows on the backdrop. It looks just like the dancing iPod shadow people in Apple commercials. You've probably heard about how it starts, but it is really cool - just David Byrne, his acoustic guitar, and a boombox start playing on a fully lit empty stage. Slowly, during the course of the next few songs, more musicians are rolled in… then some platforms… singers… until it becomes a huge multimedia spectacle. Very cool.

Category: Music | Comments (0)

Hidden features of the iPod shuffle’s USB plug

Chipmunk International has posted a careful dissection of an iPod shuffle and they notice a very interesting feature of the USB plug. A standard USB plug has 4 connections, right? Not so with the iPod shuffle's plug, which features an extra 5 contacts. That's right kids, there are 9 contacts in the USB plug (and I use that industry-standard term loosely) and you can clearly see them yourself now that you know to look for them. Those Apple people are always doing something clever, aren't they?

So, what does Apple have up their sleeve for the shuffle? I have to think that they do have plans for this, otherwise it would have been easier and cheaper to use a standard 4 contact plug. Whatever attaches to the plug would need to have a special pin layout in order to hit those extra contacts. So far, there is no audio line-out available for the shuffle so that could account for 3 (maybe 4) of those contacts, but I'd like to think it would be more exciting than just that.

Category: News | Comments (7)

Negativeland iPod up for sale again

After being squashed by the massive corporate domino effect of Apple and eBay last December, Francis Hwang has regrouped and is ready for another round. You may have heard that Francis created an original Negativland iPod fashioned from a U2 iPod and loaded it with eight Negativland discs. Apple forced eBay into removing the auction, citing a copyright infringement argument. Francis, who says, "I'm pretty annoyed with them [Apple] in this case," is selling the controversial iPod again, this time on his own web site. I wonder why Apple cares about this so much? It doesn't seem like such a big deal to me.

The Wired article has more info and a short interview and it's worth reading if you're interested in this matter. Just like before, the proceeds will go to Downhill Battle, a non-profit organization that aims to build a fairer music industry.

Related: Apple Makes Francis Hwang a Happy Guy

Category: Culture | Comments (0)

iPod, Meet Camera

AppleInsider reports that on Friday representatives from Apple Japan held a press briefing and displayed a slide of the new $29 iPod Camera Connector. I've got two issues with this: 1) why would Apple quietly reveal this peripheral to a Japanese press gathering? Seems like they would have made a bigger deal of it. There is still no image on their web site, I just checked. 2) Is it as simple as a USB-to-dock adapter? Is there something else to it? Anyone with an iPod photo and a Sendstation PocketDock care to try it? Maybe it is as simple as an adapter but there will be a firmware update that goes along with it? I don't know. It still seems like a useful and convenient accessory. The price of $29 is a good bargain when you consider the cost of a high capacity media card for your camera, and it is multiple times cheaper than those Belkin readers are.

Category: News | Comments (0)

New XtremeMac shuffle gear

If any manufacturer carried 13 items for an iPod I would consider that a thorough product line, but when XtremeMac debuts 13 accessories for the iPod shuffle at the same time you have to take notice. The catch is you can't get them yet. Seems that all of them have a ship date of sometime in March, but you can pre-order them at the XtremeMac web site. The new products include a really good choice of cases that seem to fill every niche imaginable, and an aluminum clip that looks very handy and I think I would dig it. Some of the accessories seem superfluous (audio splitter for the shuffle) and some of them are relatively expensive when you consider the price of the shuffle itself. But if you love your shuffle like a sweet sweet first drink of illicit champagne on prom night then you may want to open a line of credit with XtremeMac.

Category: Gear | Comments (0)

New WaterField Designs iPod mini gear pouch

WaterField Designs, maker of excellent computer/iPod related bags, have debuted a new gear pouch specifically designed for the iPod mini. It features two padded compartments for storing the iPod mini and the power charger on one side and it's got two slots for keeping your headphones and cables/etc neat and organized. It comes in five colors; blue, checkers, celeste, lead, and taxi and costs $29.00. Looks like your iPod mini lays on it's side in this bag, which would make it kind of wiener-dog shaped for improved aerodynamics.

It has been my experience that products from WaterField designs are absolutely fantastic. Worth every penny. If you're looking for any sort of computer or iPod related bags, I would highly recommend them.

BTW, they also announced a Sleevecase for the Mac mini which looks really sharp. I'd love to get one of their Sleevecases for my 14" iBook.

Related: iPoditude Review: WaterField Designs iPod Gear Pouch

Category: Cases | Comments (0)

February 25, 2005

When the going gets tough, the tough access iPod diagnostic mode

There are some hidden diagnostic tools built into the iPod. These tools consist of a series of tests that can help troubleshoot hardware problems. They're not a lot of fun to play with, so I don't recommend that you go poking around just to see what happens. But if you're afraid that your iPod is giving up the ghost, the diagnostic mode can help figure out what the problem is.

Here is a list of pages that contain info about diagnostic mode. This list is certainly not comprehensive, as there is a lot out there about this, but these sites should give you reliable information:

- The iPod's Diagnostic Mode at MethodShop

- Diagnostic Mode at iPoding

- iPod Photo Diagnostic Mode revealed at iPodlounge

- Run iPod diagnostics at Extreme iPod

Category: Resources | Comments (0)

I’ll take the music, hold the photos

CNET.com runs a critical opinion piece written by two analysts from Forrester Research titled, "Commentary: iPod Photo? Stick to music." The title pretty much sums it up, their argument being, "Photos are a lean-forward activity that centers on the screen, whereas music is a mostly lean-back activity where sound is the critical component." They do, however, like the color screen. But, skip all that and go right to the bottom of the article because the really interesting part is their suggestions for what Apple should do with iTunes, Airport Express, and Podcasting. Very creative and exciting ideas.

I don't agree with them about the incongruity of the iPod photo. The way I look it is that music and photos are two very important parts of a person's life. They both inspire creativity, both can be a person's hobby (or profession), and it is great that not only can you carry portable catalogs of both your favorite music and favorite photos, but the iPod photo actually lets you combine them. Digital music and digital photography are key components in the digital lifestyle. (I just wish that Apple would include the damn A/V cable in the box, but that is another conversation and we've had that one already.)

Category: News | Comments (0)

HotRomz Tactile iPod Case

What do you get when you've got a flair for the eccentric, some time on your hands, and a sewing machine, (and maybe a Muppet fetish)? The HotRomz Super Soft Tactile Designer iPod Case, of course. The design looks to be the typical lidless pouch but they offer them in crocheted as well as wild, trippy, space-muppet fabrics. If you take the time to read their detailed descriptions of each style, you will find that some of them are rather suggestive and somewhat racy, which I like very much. Prices range from the low $13 to the reasonable $25. They also do custom tattoos.

And if you like this style of case, take a look at the foofpods as well.

Via MacMinute

Category: Cases | Comments (0)

Firewire or USB? Why not both?

MacDailyNews points out the most obvious, and probably best, solution to the 'what?! no firewire cable?' furor - include both. Apple has long had a dual USB/Firewire cable that retails for the same $19 at the Apple Store. Because they did such a nice job with this rant I thought I'd quote MDN:

Why isn't this cable in the iPod boxes instead of just a USB 2.0 cable, Apple? You already have the cable. Are there margin issues? Does it cost a few pennies more per cable? Was this just an oversight, a tiny miscalculation? Wouldn't this cable be a better solution for your Mac users? You do care about your Mac-using iPod owners, right, Apple?

Category: News | Comments (0)

February 24, 2005

More Firewire hubbub: The petition

With yesterday's announcements, Apple has moved in the direction of supporting the USB v2 transfer protocol that is more prevalent in the Windows/PC world. Apple has long pioneered the benefits of Firewire (also called IEEE 1394 if you don't want to pay the royalty fee to use the wicked name) and the removal of the Firewire cable from the iPod box has surprised some and dismayed even more. Apparently, people are pretty pissed off that Apple has removed the firewire cable from the new crop of iPods.

There is now a petition encouraging Apple to rethink their strategy and to bring back the included iPod Firewire cable. The inference is that since Apple was so Firewire-centric that many of their own computers do not feature a USB v2 port. A mister Gary Reich has channeled his frustration into action and created the Apple should bring Firewire back to iPods. I'd be pissed too (well not really angry, but certainly IRRITATED!) if I had to buy a cable along with my new iPod. Well, I don't know if the petition will amount to anything other creating an Internet buzz, but it should at least make you feel better after signing it.

I just wanted to add another option for you people. Don't forget about the SendStation adapters. The PocketDock Combo has ports for both USB and Firewire cables and costs $23.

Category: News | Comments (0)

Afternoon Links

Lots o' good stuff today:

Category: News | Comments (0)

iPoditude Review: Two Timbuk2 Bags

I've got two Timbuk2 bags that I'm going to tell you about. Quality gear, if this is what you're looking for.

Continue reading "iPoditude Review: Two Timbuk2 Bags"

Category: Reviews | Comments (3)

Playlist: new mini examined

Chris Breen has posted initial impressions of his brand new verdant mini. I agree with a criticism that he makes about the firewire cable and AC charger no longer being included. I guess I don't really care if I've got a firewire or USB cable, I can use either one, but I do want an AC adapter for charging without my computer. Additionally, he's got the first picture that I've seen where you can actually see the difference with the new hue and the matching pictographs on the click wheel. I borrowed it (at right) but click through for the full size image and his notes.

Category: News | Comments (1)

The Hartford Courant examines the iPod

When I think of good resources of iPod information on the web, my mind does not immediately think of the Hartford Courant, but it will (at least for today). They've been hard and work and saving them up to bazooka you with a collection of no less than seven iPod articles. They examine topics like the lack of radio implementation in the iPod, the impact the iPod has had on our culture, and reader-submitted stories (I always find that kind of thing interesting). They've even compiled a little glossary of iPod terms. Since there is such a variety of article there, I'm sure you could find something of interest.

The iPod Revolution at the Hartford Courant

Thanks to Jim for finding this.

Category: News | Comments (0)

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