Friday, September 30, 2005

Finally: Griffin is Shipping the SmartDeck

As I reported with great delight back in January (wow... it HAS been a long time), Griffin designed this really cool cassette adapter with a brain-- it allows you to use your car's casses deck controls to control your iPod.

I had almost given up on the whole thing, but over 50 hits a month to MacGadgetry via the search keyword "smartdeck" prove that others hadn't. Now, only nine months later, Griffin is actually shipping the SmartDeck.

As soon as I post this, I'll be entering my credit card number to get mine into the mail. You can get one too for $29.99 ($5 more than the originally published price).

Thursday, September 29, 2005

Another Nano Case from Tunewear (this one's leather)

Tunewear has announced the Prie Ambassador leather case for iPod nano.

Not much to say-- it's leather, it has a clip, and it's not available until October. Prie Ambassaddor cases will be available for other iPod models, too.

Get one (someday) for about $50.

(from iLounge)

Wednesday, September 28, 2005

Exotic Speaker System for iPod Nano (and others)

Kensington has announced a speaker system worthy of the International Space Station: the SX 2000 Speaker System for iPod.

The flat-panel, bi-directional speakers feature "clearly superior bass and sound balance from both sides of the unit", and the dock comes with adapters that allow any style of dock-connector-enabled iPod to work with it.

The SX 2000 is priced at $159.99. And in case you are wondering... no, it won't be available until mid-November.


(from Engadget)

Tuesday, September 27, 2005

Silicon Sleeve for Nano from Tunewear

Worried about scratching that new iPod nano? It's looking like you should be... so consider the Icewear silicon sleeve from Tunewear.

The Icewear nano is made of the same high density silicone as found in diving masks! It protects your iPod, yet gives you complete access for controls and ports.

Like nearly all new stuff for the iPod nano... it doesn't really exist yet. Tunewear says these will ship in October.


(from TUAW)

Monday, September 26, 2005

Yep, it's a Shirt for your Shuffle

Like I said before, that Shuffle gets all the cool stuff. Why bother buying an arm strap or a lanyard for your iPod Shuffle, when you can just get a ShuffleShirt?

Just drop your shuffle into the custom pocket on the left sleeve, and show off your clever slogan on the front. You can choose from a few different colors, choose ShuffleCulture slogans, or go with a blank T-shirt.

ShuffleShirts are $20.

40-hour Li-Ion Battery for Shuffle

Taking Amtrak across the country? Now you can listen non-stop, thanks to the iRecharge from Cellboost.

Your iPod Shuffle clips to the rechargeable Lithim-Ion Battery, giving it 40 hours of playing time. Before you can run your Shuffle on the iRecharge, you have to connect the iRecharge to your computer using the included USB cable.

As a bonus, Cellboost includes three colorful protective sleeves for your Shuffle.

It should be available in early October, and will retail for $39.99.

Friday, September 23, 2005

New Leather Cases for Nano

Belkin has annouced a new line of leather cases for the iPod nano.

All of these cases fit snugly, and come in four colors (white, black, pink, and blue). Three different models are available:

  • Carabiner Case - a form-fitting case with an attached carabiner. Clip it on!
  • Flip Case - it has a flap which completely covers the front of the nano, and flips open for easy access. Comes with a multi-mount clip.
  • Folio Case - Similar to the Flip Case, but opens like a book.
All of them will sell for $24.99, but like all new nano gizmos, they are not yet available.

Song Sling Lanyard Headphones for Shuffle

Mophie is offering a pretty innovative product: An iPod Shuffle lanyard with integrated headphones called the Song Sling.

The headphones retract, and are color-coded to always get 'em into the correct ears. The custom-molded mount looks like it will definitely hold a Shuffle securely, and the three available colors contrast nicely with the white iPod.

iLounge has an in-depth review, and gives it a good grade. Get one for $39.95.

Thursday, September 22, 2005

iPod Shuffle Sound System

GreenHouse in Japan has this cool-looking speaker system for the iPod Shuffle.

I don't read Japanese, and their site does not have an english version, so I can only tell so much about it. It produces 6 watts per channel, comes in two colors, and also acts as a dock (it includes a USB 2.0 connector for syncing and powering the iPod Shuffle).

I couldn't find a price... but maybe someone else can.

(from Gizmodo)

Wednesday, September 21, 2005

Belkin TuneBase for Shuffle

Belkin already makes the coolest car mount/charger for the iPod Mini. Now, they make one for the littlest iPod: The TuneBase for iPod Shuffle.

This cute little device lets you mount a Shuffle securely in your car, power and charge it, and gives you a line out jack to connect to your car stereo. The attachment point swivels to allow fflexible positioning of the Shuffle, too.

Like so many devices announced these days, you'll have to wait: It doesn't ship until November. But when it does, the retail price will be $39.99.

Tuesday, September 20, 2005

Earbuds like no other

XtremeMac has announced new high-definition earbuds: FS1.

From XtremeMac:

FS1 High Definition Earphones deliver richer sound than you've ever heard before. Featuring a professional-grade audio driver designed by Future Sonics, they utilize technology developed exclusively for live music performances.

In addition, FS1 earphones reduce outside noise and produce a wide spectrum of sound. That means you experience outstanding vocal tones, crisp instrumentals and exceptional bass response.
Sounds pretty impressive, huh? Well, they better be: These earbuds will sell for $150. They won't be shipping until sometime in November, so start saving!

Friday, September 16, 2005

Cool new cases for the iPod nano

Speck, the maker of the iGuy, has already announced nine cases for the iPod nano... and I like 'em.

There's something for everyone in this new collection, and yes-- they have made a nano iGuy.

I'm sorry to say that they're not going to be available until October, so keep your nano safe somehow until then.

Sunday, September 11, 2005

A new Fur for your iPod

HotRomz makes some pretty wild cases for iPods-- cases that look like the fur of some pretty wild animals.

These furry cases are available for all models of iPods, even shuffles and the new nano. There are so many different fur patterns and colors that I lost count.

You can get one for $24.95.

Saturday, September 10, 2005

Waterproof Speakers

Wanna listen to your iPod in the shower? Now you can with the MUJI Waterproof case.

Just place your iPod inside the case, plug it into an internal cable, and seal up the case. Now you can listen to the built-in speakers in the shower, by the pool, or anywhere else it's wet without worrying about damaging your iPod.

Get one for $65 from MomaStore.

Wednesday, September 07, 2005

The iPod Mini is Dead... here comes the nano

The rumor sites got it right-- almost-- when they predicted a smaller, thinner, flash-based iPod Mini with a color screen. The only place they missed was the name: iPod nano.

Here's what you get:
  • 2 or 4 GB of storage
  • Color display
  • 14 hours of battery life
  • .27 inches thick
  • Click wheel
  • White or Black
The 2GB model sells for $199, and the 4GB model sells for $249.

Tuesday, September 06, 2005

A Better FM Tuner for the iPod Mini

I was glad to see Griffin introduce the iFM, but I didn't like all the hardware (a separate remote control and extra cables). I wanted something that just attached itself to the top of my iPod and gace me FM radio listening pleasure... just like DLO's new Mini FM.

It attaches to the top of the iPod Mini, and provides you with an LCD display of the station you're tuning, easy-to-use controls on the top, and you can listen to FM or get the tunes off your Pod in passthru mode. It has no batteries, but instead draws power from the iPod itself.

It's not available yet, but iLounge (read their review) says it is expected to retail for under $50 and release before year's end.

Saturday, September 03, 2005

An iPod Case With a Good-sounding Bonus

iSoundz has a very cool iPod wallet that has something most iPod cases don't: Speakers.

The .6 watt-per-channel speakers are powered by a Ni-MH battery, good for two hours of listening. You can recharge the battery by plugging it into your computer's USB port.

Get one from Digital Age for just $29.95.

Friday, September 02, 2005

iPod Shuffle Speaker System

Man, that Shuffle gets all the cool stuff. Check out this great new speaker system from Griffin Technology called the TuneBox.

According to Griffin, the "TuneBox's micro drivers and efficient amplified speakers generate a powerfful, dynamic sound." This little package sounds good, and only consumes 4 square inches of desk space.

At $39.99, they sound like a good idea to me.

Thursday, September 01, 2005

Fashion Meets Function in the Mini Fling

The DLO Mini Fling case is a wonderful fusion of style and functionality.

It's an eye-catching little pouch, sporting a shiny exterior and coming in over a dozen lively colors and patterns. It's useful, too. the case provides ample protection for your Mini in case it gets dropped, and the matching wrist strap helps you avoid dropping it in the first place. There's a handy elastic pocket for your headphones, cash, whatever, and the included cosmetic mirror completes the package.

Okay... not too many guys are gonna be buying this, but the ladies are going to love it.

Get one for $34.99.