Date Archive > August 2005

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August 26, 2005

SendStation smartCharge car charger for iPod shuffle

SendStation is one of my favorite iPod accessory manufacturers. Instead of flooding the market with a bunch of "me-too" accessories that may or may not work very well, they rely on quality and innovation with their insanely handy PocketDock line-out adapters.

They've just announced a new product called the smartCharge. This swiveling car charger features (can you guess?) a line-out audio jack for listening (why can't we get that feature in a shuffle dock?!) a hinge that angles up to 72 degrees for in-car adjustments, there is an invisible power indicator encased within its sleek grey housing, and it weighs only 1.1 oz. It'll be available in September and no price has been determined yet.

Category: Car Gear | Comments (0)

iSkin Duo: Two-layer skin for iPod shuffle

Outdoor-savvy adventurists know that dressing in layers can provide the best protection from the elements. Apparently, this advice can now be applied to your iPod. The iSkin Duo is a unique case for the iPod shuffle in that it combines two thin skins to provide complete coverage for the iPod. The inner skin is .5mm thick and the outer skin is 1.5mm thick. Each Duo comes with a removable neck strap that attaches to the case and a flap that folds down to provide access to the iPod's USB plug.

I like that translucent color effect that silicone cases can provide (the XtremeMac TuffWrapz comes to mind) and it seems that this is a nice looking case. But I would also guess that it's kind of a pain to put on and take off.

Available now for $20 at the iSkin web site. The iSkin Duo comes in four color combinations: Adrenaline (outer blue layer, green inner layer), Vigor (red outer layer, frosted clear inner layer), Oxygen (frosted clear outer and inner layers) and Impulse (grey outer with frosted clear inner layer). But you can choose to purchase an additional inner skin in green or frosted clear for another $10 to mix and match.

Category: Cases | Comments (0)

AudiaX iTube FM transmitter/charger for iPod shuffle

If Dr. Seuss were to design an automotive FM transmitter/charger it would look a lot like the AudiaX iTube. Suspended by a flexible segmented stalk, this FM transmitter features 4 station memory (gotta love that), automatic on/off, full frequency band transmission, and a blue back lit LCD display. Preorders will be taken starting next week. I wonder if they have any Dr. Seuss audiobooks?

Update: Digiana tells me that the price will be $45 and it will bear the "Made For iPod" logo. Preorder will start on Monday, August 29th, with an expected ship date of September 19th.

Category: Car Gear | Comments (1)

Reminder: Last day to enter the iPoditude contest sponsored by Speck Products

You've got until midnight tonight to enter the contest.

Category: | Comments (0)

Deathmatch: iPod versus toilet

I hadn't realized how much of a problem this had become, I guess it's the iPod problem no one likes to talk about, but MethodShop.com has a whole article, "iPod Toilet Trap," devoted to iPod misshaps involving toilets. Read through the comments and you'd think it's nearing epidemic proportions. What are you people doing?!

Category: Culture | Comments (0)

August 23, 2005

Afternoon Links

- Enter a contest to win an iPod mini at the PaperMate web site. Visit daily.

- I was afraid of this. The Adventures of iGuy blog.

- Read Portugese? The iPodPortugal blog. Looks nice, and I can actually understand a lot of it.

Category: News | Comments (2)

iPoditude Contest: Speck Products SkinTight 3-pack

I'm happy to announce iPoditude.com's first prize giveaway. I'm starting our first one with something pretty simple to make sure this will work out.

Up for grabs is a 3-pack of SkinTight cases from Speck Products. You know that I dig this case, so the lucky bastard who wins them better appreciate it.

Click through to learn how to enter and for the rules (the boring stuff).

Continue reading "iPoditude Contest: Speck Products SkinTight 3-pack"

Category: General | Comments (0)

2GB and 4GB iPod shuffles “Not yet available for sale.” at shopping.com

Shopping.com lists 2GB and 4GB shuffles on their web site with a status of "Not yet available for sale." This could very well be as simple as somebody typed in the wrong numbers, but it certainly looks interesting. And the differing storage capacity for the 4GB (listed as 4.1GB) lends some credence to it. But, do you really want 4GB of music without a display? 512MB is plenty of shuffletastic music for me.

via ipodstudio

Category: News | Comments (2)

iPoditude Review: ezGear for iPod’s ezPower wall charger and ezCharge car charger for iPod shuffle

Not everybody has their plug with them all the time, and not everyone's plugs are conveniently located. Wait, that sounds funny. I'm talking about USB plugs, and how the iPod shuffle charges from them. ezGear for iPod sells two USB chargers that allow you to charge your shuffle without needing to plug it in to your computer and these little devices can really come in handy. Read on for the full review.

Continue reading "iPoditude Review: ezGear for iPod’s ezPower wall charger and ezCharge car charger for iPod shuffle"

Category: Reviews | Comments (0)

August 19, 2005

Tweaking the iPod Equalizer at DAPReview

DAPReview.net has an interesting article entitled Tweaking the iPod Equalizer in which they discuss ways to boost the bass output of the iPod without distorting it. Personally, I am a purist who doesn't believe in EQ unless I really have to, but if you like to spice up the mix, or you have to overcome some odd room or headphone deficiencies, this article might give you a hand.

Category: Resources | Comments (0)

Xhifi giveaway at ipodstudio

The Xhifi loudspeaker system is a thing of beauty. With the European cherry finish (specifically chosen for its acoustic properties) and their Radial Ribbon™ technology designed for superior sonic dispersion, these bad boys give the name 'computer speakers' a whole new meaning. And at almost $1,000, they're not cheap either! Well, ipodstudio.com is giving away a set this month and all you have to do is head on over to this page and enter.

BTW, did you know that ipodstudio has over 7,000 images in their DAP gallery? Wow.

Category: News | Comments (0)

August 15, 2005

Afternoon Links

- iBeat illuminating headphones: ipodstudio writes, "...how great these would be for getting mugged pretty much anywhere in the world..if the white buds don't do it, the synchronized flashing cables should get you there quite nicely!"

- See ya, 4GB mini: AppleInsider postulates that Steve Jobs will announce new 6GB and 8GB mini models with color displays and photo viewing capabilities at next month's Apple Expo in Paris. It's been nice knowing you.

- Return of the Murse (Man Purse) at Techie Diva: Not directly iPod related (really, I just wanted to write the word 'murse' in a post), but I carry a messenger bag and would be in sorry shape without it. I just hate to carry a pointy, unwieldy wad of keys or a thick wallet in my pants pocket. Remember that Seinfeld episode with George and his one inch thick wallet? Uncomfortable.

- Apple jumps into bed with Google?: Two innovative companies working together - what more can I say? via iLounge

- Apple: Deaf to the Rent-a-Tunes Beat at BusinessWeek Online: "The iPod maker still has no plans to enter the nascent subscription music market..." Why mess with a good thing?

Category: News | Comments (1)

August 10, 2005

iPoditude Review: DLO Action Jacket for iPod shuffle

When I first heard it, the name Action Jacket immediately made me think that this is something you'd wear out for a night of clubbing. But, apparently the action referred to in the name of this product by Digital Lifestyle Outfitters is a different sort, the kind you'd get by going for a jog or spending a day out hiking. So I got some action - the wholesome exercise type of action - with my Action Jacket, and I'll tell you about it when you click through for the full iPoditude review.

Continue reading "iPoditude Review: DLO Action Jacket for iPod shuffle"

Category: Reviews | Comments (0)

iArmor by iKeychain: Aluminum case for iPod and iPod mini

iKeychain, makers of the iKeychain (duh) aluminum case for iPod shuffle, have announced their intentions to produce aluminum cases for iPods of all flavors - and we're talking about iPods mini, 20GB, 30GB, 40GB, 60GB, 2nd and 3rd generation. They're highlighting the iPod mini version on their web site right now and it features interior rubber padding and a standard belt clip button on the back (love those). There will also be an optional lid with no access holes that covers the iPod display and Click Wheel. The polished aluminum version, which looks really sharp, will ship in one to two weeks, and additional anodized colors will ship in two to four weeks. It's not cheap at $50, but the peace of mind knowing that if you get run over by a truck at least your iPod will survive is priceless.

Category: Cases | Comments (1)

August 08, 2005

Waking Up to the iPod Alarm Clock at MethodShop.com

Like the rest of you, I like to make a cup of hot tea and cuddle up with my iPod before retiring for the night. He shares the pillow with me as soothing thoughts of navigating playlists and activating shuffle play lull me to that serene land of dreams where everything is glossy white and has rounded edges.

MethodShop.com takes this a step further with their tutorial Waking Up to the iPod Alarm Clock. "Whether you prefer to be woken by the scream of a rock star or the French horn in a classical symphony, the iPod’s Alarm Clock can help you open your eyes every morning with style!" If you haven't used the alarm function in the iPod, this is a great primer. If you're already familiar with it, this tutorial still has some valuable hints in it.

Category: Resources | Comments (8)