Tuesday, August 30, 2005

Inexpensive Car Charger for iPod

If you need a cheap solution for charging your iPod in the car and you already have a FireWire sync cable, the MacAlly iPod Car Charger is for you.

There's not much to it-- you insert it into your cigarette lighter (aka DC power outlet), plug your fireWire sync cable into it, attach your iPod, and start chargin'.

If you have one of the newer iPods that only ship with a USB sync cable, well, you might want to get something else.

Buy.com has the MacAlly iPod Car Charger for just $9.99.

Monday, August 29, 2005

Deal of the Week: 4GB iPod Mini for $169

Here's a great bargain for you: A brand-new, 4GB Silver iPod Mini for just $168.35!

I know you already know them, but here are the features:
  • Up to 18 hours of battery life
  • Comes with earbud headphones, belt clip, and USB 2.0 cable
  • 4 GB model holds up to 1,000 songs; supports MP3, AAC, WAV, MP3 VBR, Audible (6), and AIFF formats
  • Mac and Windows compatible; FireWire and USB 2.0 interface for fastest digital transfer available
  • 1.67 inch (diagonal) backlit screen displays full song names and more
Get one now from Amazon.

Recipes for your iPod

We already know you can synchronize your calendar and contacts to an iPod, and I even sync my "next actions" lists (from Getting Things Done) to my 3G iPod as text files. Yes, I'm hinting that there's more: Kraft Recipes for your iPod.

Kraft is offering over 100 dinner recipes which, once downloaded, allow you to have your shopping list instantly available at the grocery store, plan dinner at work or on the train, and more.

The files for the recipes go into your Notes area on the iPod, and require you to enable the iPod for use as a hard drive (all instructions are provided). I don't know if the recipes are any good or not, but they cover main dishes, sides, desserts, appetizers, and grilling ideas. I'm gonna download 'em real soon now, and I'll let you know what I think.

They're free! get the recipes here.

Friday, August 26, 2005

Here Comes Another Car Mount for the Shuffle

It's another iPod Shuffle Dock and FM Transmitter for your car: the iTube 101 from Digiana.

It provides power to your Shuffle, a place to put it, and an FM transmitter to send your shuffled tunes to your car stereo. There are a lot of details at their website, except for any clues as to price or availability. We'll let you know!

(from iLounge)

Thursday, August 25, 2005

Wireless Music System from Logitech

From the Logitech Press Release:

The Logitech Wireless Music System for iPod allows people, in a matter of minutes, to wirelessly connect their iPod or MP3 player to a stereo or speaker system, share their digital music out loud, and control the music using their player as a remote control.


Cool! From a usage standpoint, you get to carry your iPod around with you, and send the music you select to your home stereo system. The iPod becomes your stereo remote control!

It's easy to set up-- just plug the basetation into an A/C outlet, connect it to your stereo via RCA jacks, and power it up. Crystal-clear music can be enjoyed with your iPod up to 33 feet away from the receiver.

It's pretty pricey at $150. I think I'd rather connect a standard dock to my stereo, and then control my iPod remotely using something like the naviPod, which sells for under $35 on Amazon.

Wednesday, August 24, 2005

PivotDock for iPod Shuffle

A couple of premier gadget sites have already trashed this item, saying that since the iPod Shuffle is already designed to plug directly into the USB port of your Mac without the need for wires, there's no neeed for an adapter which claims to do the same thing.

Personally, when I'm sitting around using my Powerbook, it's either on my lap or on a table in a coffee shop. And in both of those cases, I'm not all that comfortable with the idea of an iPod Shuffle sticking out laterally from the 'Book. Seems like a great opportunity to break an iPod, a port, or both.

Anyway, I think that for the price, the PivotDock is a great item. It keeps you Shuffle out of the way, and, well, that's about it. Order one now for just $9.99 (they're not shipping until the first week of September).


(from Engadget)

Best Car Charger for Shuffle Yet?

SendStation has a new car charging unit for the iPod Shuffle that also provides a mini-jack audio output: smartCharge.
The tilt-able mount for the Shuffle allows it to be used in almost any DC power jack, and if you have a cassette adapter for your car stereo, the built-in 3.5 mm (1/8") stereo audio jack lets you listen while you drive and charge.

No price yet, but it'll be available in September. Click here to be notified when the smartCharge can be ordered.

Saturday, August 20, 2005

Deal of the Week: Logitech mm22 Portable Speaker System for $27

We covered the Logitech mm22 Portable Speaker System some time ago, and it was selling then for around $55.

Now, you can get the mm22 at Buy.com for just $27 after rebate! It qualifies for free shipping, too.

I don't think you can beat this value for portable iPod speakers.

Friday, August 19, 2005

TuneGuard Covers for 4G iPods

There's a new iPod cover in the market: TuneGuard.

The TuneGuard is different from other skins, since it clips onto the front and sides of the iPod. All ports and controls are accessible, and it is thin enough (1 mm) it does not interfere with the belt clip cover. It is available in sizes to fit either the 20 or 40GB iPod, and comes in five colors.

they're available now for just $19.99.

Thursday, August 18, 2005

Griffin Brings FM Radio to the iPod

Okay, I'm gonna write the praises of the new Griffin iFM, but I definitely have some issues with it.

When I read about the iFM, I was thinking to myself, "Finally! Someone is going to let me listen to music of my own choosing AND FM radio (remember the Walkman? This is NOT a new idea...). But geez-- it sure is unwieldy, with that separate control unit and cord. Why didn't they just make it sit right on top of the iPod?"

I understand that the iFM doubles as the remote control for the iPod (hey-- it even looks a little like an iPod...), but couldn't they just design it to sit right on top of the iPod (you know, kinda like the Griffin iTalk and iTrip...)?

Oh well. It's still a very cool and functional device. Not only can you listen to radio or iPod tracks through the same headphones, the iFM even allows you to RECORD LIVE RADIO TO YOUR IPOD. Heck, I didn't even know that I wanted that feature until I read it!

You can't get 'em yet, but you can pre-order one for just $49.99.

Tuesday, August 16, 2005

Belkin Announces iPod Shuffle Dock Adapter

Belkin today announced a Dock Adapter for the iPod Shuffle.

This add-on lets you connect iPod accessories with the Dock Connector through the shuffle's USB port. Now your iPod Shuffle can connect to anything its big brothers can use, such as battery packs, auto power cords, iPod speakers, and USB/FireWire cables that have a Dock Connector.

Belkin will sell the Dock Adapter for $19.99, once it begins shipping in late September.

JBL Creature II Ststem is a steal at $62

JBL's Creature II Speakers have been around for a while, but they're my favorite computer speakers. They're also a great alternative to the expensive home audio systems that have been popping up for the iPod.

The sound is exceptional, and let's face it-- they're oozing with cool. The volume is controlled via touch-sensitive sensor on the right speaker, and green LEDs give of an alien glow in the dark. They're rated at 8 watts per channel
, and the subwoofer pumps out 24 watts of power.

The best part: The Creature II's are only $61.22 at Amazon!


Friday, August 12, 2005

iPod Speakers

Podgear has designed a new audio system for any iPod: The Houseparty.

The speakers come with separate cradle adapters for each kind of iPod, except first- and second- generation models.. While using these speakers you can also sync and charge your iPod at the same time.

The Houseparty speakers sell for about $90.00.

(from Gizmodo)

Saturday, August 06, 2005

Home iPod Music System from Monitor Audio

Monitor Audio has a very cool home audio system for the iPod: the i-deck.

The i-deck transforms your iPod into "a full blown separates hi-fi system with stunning sound quality." It sports a female dock connector so you can connect to your computer, and a docking connector for your iPod. Adapters ensure that the i-deck can work for all models of iPods, and your iPod can charge while connected.

A remote control means you can stay on the sofa, and the hi-fidelity speakers reward you with wonderful audio quality.

The i-deck ain't cheap-- it sells in the UK for 249 pounds, which translates to over $440.



(from Engadget)

Wednesday, August 03, 2005

iPod-Style Clothing for Your Baby


Wanna disguise your baby as an iPod? If so, go to iPod My Baby.

There are 3 different iPod-like colors in which to dress your baby, with a click wheel on their stomach! The colors are pink, white, and blue. There are 3 different sizes for you to choose from, as well.

The iPod My Baby jumpers cost $15.95.

Tuesday, August 02, 2005

iPod Mini Shieldz Cases

Xtrememac has announced a new iPod Mini case: Shieldz.

This new case comes in 6 different fun colors. The case can work with the Apple Mini belt-clip and armband.
Protects the screen the iPod Mini's exterior, while providing complete access to your click wheel.

The Xtrememac iPod Mini Case costs
$12.95

Monday, August 01, 2005

Cheap Speakers for iPod

PC Micro Store has an inexpensive, portable speaker solution for the iPod and iPod Mini.

They're powered by four AAA batteries (and can also be powered by a not-included A/C adapter), fold up for easy transport, and provide nearly one watt per channel! Not sure how good they'll sound, but at least they don't cost much.

Get 'em now for just $13.99.