News and Comment
Clarion Intros iPod-compatible GPS Car
Stereo System
tomshardware.com
reports:
"If you have an iPod, you might be happy to know that Clarion
developed a key-on-the-dashboard solution for the usage of your
music device in your car.
"It's not a simple iPod compatible car stereo, but rather a full
car GPS stereo system. The MAX950HD consists of a DVD player, a 30
GByte harddrive, a 6.5-inch colour touch screen that displays TV,
DVD movies and GPS maps."
Flap over Hebrew on iPod
Gizmodo reports:
"It seems a developer named Edo Mendelson has created a program
to allow Hebrew support on the iPod but the Apple distributor in
Israel won't support or repair any devices that have been updated
in such a grave and Hebraic manner."
Belkin USB 2.0 Hub Doubles as iPod
Shuffle Dock
iPodlounge's
Larry Angell reports:
"Belkin today announced its new Hi-Speed USB 2.0 4-Port Hub,
which features a top-loading port that allows you to dock your iPod
shuffle for syncing/charging. In addition to the top port, the Mac
and PC compatible device sports three ports on the back for
connecting other various USB devices. All four ports are compatible
with USB 2.0 and USB 1.1 gear."
Will iPod Get Stereo Bluetooth Headset?
InfoWorld's E
Schwartz says:
"I met with Michael Foley, executive director of the Bluetooth
SIG and asked him if he heard anything about enabling iPod with
Bluetooth so that you can use a Bluetooth wireless stereo
headset.
"Foley said everyone is waiting for it but he's heard nothing
from Apple.
"However, here's the straight skinny on what it would take to
add Bluetooth to the iPod."
Onkyo's Dock for iPod
Japan
Today reports:
"Onkyo's new RI Dock provides an interface between its
audio-video systems/components and Apple's iPod. After placing the
iPod in the RI Dock and connecting it with an Onkyo audio-video
system, basic iPod functions, such as volume control, play, stop
and skip, can be operated via remote control.
Small Firm Aims High with iPod Add-on
Daily Yomiuri's Ayako Hirayama
reports:
"Macintosh product maker Sonnet Technologies Inc. has kept the
faith with Apple Computer Inc. through good times and bad. With the
iPod now taking Apple's profits into the stratosphere, the
50-employee firm is hoping to hitch a ride to the big time.
"After serving the Macintosh community by offering processor
upgrade products for nearly two decades, the Irvine, Calif.-based
company aims to carve out a niche in the consumer electronics
market.
"Sonnet's new pursuit started last year when it added a new
product, PodFreq, to its lineup. PodFreq, which transmits FM
frequencies, is an add-on device for the hugely popular iPod
digital music player.
"The translucent shell allows users to listen to music on their
iPods without earphones in a car, home or anywhere with an FM radio
receiver."
iPodlounger Creates iPod
Coffee Table
iPodlounge's
Larry Angell reports:
"iPodlounger Ashley Burrows let us know that he recently
finished his iPod inspired 'iTable.' He said it was a project for
his A-level Design Technology course and that it took months to
complete. Burrows was kind enough to share the process of building
it along with a handful of photos, including his initial
illustrated design."
New Products
RoadTrip!+ Takes Tunes on the Road While
Charging Your iPod
PR: The new RoadTrip!+ being
offered by Other World Computing (OWC) and Newer Technology, Inc.
allows consumers to take their tunes on the road and charge their
iPod at the same time.
For $27.95, the RoadTrip!+ provides clean, dynamic audio to a
user's FM stereo while also charging the iPod's internal battery.
It is compatible with third- and fourth-generation, photo, and mini
iPods.
Users simply hook the RoadTrip!+ to the 12-volt power source in
their car, plug the dock connector into their iPod, tune their
radio to 87.9 MHz and enjoy.
"I personally use one and love it," said Larry O'Connor,
president of OWC. "It's just like listening to the radio, except
it's my music that's playing. I used to burn CDs to listen to my
tunes on the road, but not since I starting using the RoadTrip!.
Now I've got it all at my fingertips right from my iPod!"
Newer Tech and OWC have paid particular attention to ensuring
the RoadTrip! product line allows you to hear your music as though
you are listening to your favorite FM station. It was
dissatisfaction experienced with other FM transmitter products,
some costing as much as five times more, that resulted in OWC and
Newer Tech developing the RoadTrip! line.
"You just can't beat it - this economical solution lets you plug
and play your iPod to listen to tunes and keep it charged up on the
road," O'Connor said. "You enjoy tunes from your iPod while you
iPod gets a charge."
The RoadTrip!+ combination FM transmitter and iPod charger is
available now.
The original RoadTrip! FM transmitter only models also remain
available for $14.99.
MailToPod 1.0 Transfers Email Messages To
iPod
PR: Are you too lazy to check your email in the morning,
or would you just rather have your messages with you in your
pocket? If you have an iPod, now you can! MailToPod
synchronizes your Apple Mail mailboxes with your iPod or iPod mini
to keep your mail messages conveniently available wherever you
go.
You can sync your mail when you want to update it, let MailToPod
run periodically at a specified interval or whenever you plug in
your iPod. It's your choice which mailboxes to sync and how many
messages to read from each. If you use IMAP, that's no problem -
messages are downloaded from the server.
MailToPod synchronizes your Apple Mail mailboxes with your iPod
or iPod mini to keep your mail messages conveniently available
wherever you go.
You can sync your mail when you want to update it, let MailToPod
run periodically at a specified interval, or whenever you plug in
your iPod. It's your choice which mailboxes to sync and how many
messages to read from each. If you use IMAP, that's no problem -
messages are downloaded from the server.
System requirements:
- Mac OS X 10.3.x
- One or more POP/IMAP e-mail accounts
- 3rd generation iPod or later, including iPod mini
MailToPod does not currently work in Mac OS 10.4. Watch for a
Tiger version soon!
MailToPod is $10 shareware.
TuneJuice Battery Backup for iPod and iPod
mini
PR: Ever run out of iPod battery without a power source
in sight? TuneJuice
is perfect for extending the play time of your iPod for those times
when you just gotta have more than what your iPod battery can give
you.
TuneJuice works with any dockable iPod or iPod
mini. If your iPod has some charge, the TuneJuice will provide up
to 8 hours of additional play; a completely drained iPod will get
up to 4 hours. Pop a standard 9-Volt battery into the TuneJuice and
keep rocking.
It's the perfect carryon for airplanes, road trips and ski
trips. Anytime you need some serious play time and don't have
access to charge your 'Pod, TuneJuice is a lifesaver.
Made for:
- iPod mini
- iPod Photo
- 4th Generation iPod with Click Wheel
- 3rd Generation iPod with touch wheel and buttons
Griffin Technology recommends the use of rechargeable batteries
to help reduce waste.
Price: $19
Environmentally Friendly 100% Organic Natural
Hemp iPod Cases
PR: No more petroleum-based iPod cases!
A woman-owned Northern California company has introduced a new
line of extreme Apple iPod cases that fit
both 3rd & 4th gen. iPods as well as a smaller size for the
iPod mini models. HotRomz.com raises the bar with its unusual cases
in mohair, faux fur and feathers, and environmentally friendly 100%
organic natural hemp.
Industrial hemp fiber is making a huge comeback and
can now be found legally in the United States in clothing, bags,
fabric, soaps, shampoos, cosmetics, and many more products. The
world's first all natural 100% organic natural hemp iPod cases are
environmentally friendly, colorized with only natural dyes, and
found through HotRomz. The green-conscious iPod owner can now
encase their iPod without worrying about the impact their case
might have on the world's pollution and environment and still enjoy
a really cool case.
HotRomz.com cases are available in a wide variety of beautiful
colors and textures with new styles added to the line constantly,
including mohair, delightfully furry tribble-like iPod cases
reminiscent of the original Star Trek "Trouble With Tribbles"
episode first aired in 1967, as well as a softer hemp/wool blend
line of cases. Each high-quality case is handmade by the owner of
HotRomz.com, Debbie Ann, and no two cases are exactly alike. They
are distributed by such high-profile iPod accessory stores as
thinkdifferentstore.com, www.1-800-iPod.com , and exclusively in
the United Kingdom through iPodX.co.uk. HotRomz.com cases were
given the coveted "Case of the Month" award in the May 2005 issue
of MacAddict magazine based in Brisbane, CA.
Debbie Ann says, "HotRomz iPod cases allows you, the unique iPod
user, to get wild, show off your true individualistic style, and
have more fun with your iPod, while protecting it from scratches.
Say good-bye to boring silicone and petroleum-based iPod
cases!"
iPod owners are notorious for their pride in being different. In
a Google search you can find 10,000 results for "iPod cases"
consisting of miles and miles of the same silicone, leather or
plastic cases. Hotromz separates the iPod fanatic from that sea of
sameness with its outrageously different and environmentally
friendly iPod cases.
iPod-Linux Installer 0.3b Installs Linux on
Your iPod
PR: iPod-Linux
Installer is an easy to use GUI application that enables
Mac OS X user to install Linux on HFS+ formatted iPods while
still allowing you to keep and use the Apple Supplied OS.
The goal of this project is to create an easy to use GUI program
that enables Mac OS X user with iPods to install Linux on HFS+
formatted iPods while still allowing users to keep and use the
Apple Supplied OS. Currently this project supports 1G, 2G, and 3G
iPods. Photo, 4G, U2, and Mini iPods are still not supported
officially. Support for these and other iPods will come according
to what progress is made on the iPodLinux kernel.
Installing Linux on your iPod gives you more functionality in
terms of games, recording, image viewing, and more. Because Linux
is open source, installing it also gives you the ability to make
your own applications.
New in this version:
- Includes the newest iPodLinux Kernel and podzilla as of April
4th, 2005.
- Fixed update, mount/unmount bug.
- Added eject button, enabled users to select installer output,
clarified output text, and corrected typos.
- Installer creates recording directory if one is not already
present.
- Installer tells user if they have a windows iPod.
- Installer checks to ensure Mac OS X is not installed on the
target iPod.
System requirements:
- Mac OS X 10.2.8 or higher
- iPod: 1st, 2nd or 3rd generation
iPod-Linux Installer is freeware.
Recipods, PodMeals, and mFinder: Emeril's Free
iPod Apps
Recipods
PR: Now can you have Emeril's
restaurant information in the palm of your hand. You'll
find addresses, phone numbers, hours, management, attire and
parking for all of the restaurants in five different cities! Now
can you have emerils.com
weekly menus in the palm of your hand. Jamming to tunes in the
grocery and can't think of what to make for dinner - check your
Apple iPod for podMeals! 10,000 songs in your pocket? Big deal! How
about 1000 Emeril recipes in your pocket? Go home, put on some
tunes and create a little love and magic in the kitchen!
System requirements:
- Mac OS X 10.2 or greater
- iPod Firmware 2.0
- 3rd Generation iPod or iPod Mini
Recipods is freeware.
PodMeals
Now can you have emerils.com
weekly menus in the palm of your hand. Jamming to tunes in
the grocery and can't think of what to make for dinner - check you
Apple iPod for podMeals!
System requirements:
- Mac OS X 10.2 or greater
- iPod Firmware 2.0
- 3rd Generation iPod or iPod Mini
PodMeals is freeware.
mFinder
Now can you have Emeril's
restaurant information in the palm of your hand. You'll
find addresses, phone numbers, hours, management, attire and
parking for all of the restaurants in five different cities!
System requirements:
- Mac OS X 10.2 or greater
- iPod Firmware 2.0
- 3rd Generation iPod or iPod Mini
mFinder is freeware.
iPod Deals
For current iPod prices from a variety of sources, see our
Week's Best iPod Deals. 
Recent iNews Reviews
- Old iPhone Options, 3G Connectivity Underperforming, iPhone 'OK for Business', and More, 08.15.
Also reasons not to upgrade, mobile Internet not always on, 'a decent Bible app' for the iPhone, turn your iPhone into wireless storage, and much more.
- iPhone Could Reach Vermont, Huge Demand for Original iPhone, 19 Bible Translations for iPhone, and More, 08.08.
Also tethering your computer to your iPhone, BlackBerry vs. iPhone for smart phone lead, ColorWare colors the iPhone, $1,000 'I Am Rich' iPhone app, and much more.
- White iPhones Cracking, iPhone as Modem, 3G vs. EDGE, Share Your iPhone Apps, and More, 08.01.
Also the lowdown on battery life, iPhone as a wireless drive, iPhone Missing Manual, learn languages with your iPhone or iPod, and more.
- More in the iNews Review index.
Recent Content on Low End Mac
- Why Linux Isn't Mainstream, Used PowerBooks a Poor Value, the iMac G3 Legacy, and More, Dan Knight, Low End Mac Mailbag, 08.19.
Also installing Leopard on a PowerPC Mac from an Intel installer, NeoOffice opens WordPerfect files, emulating old Macs, and where to download an iMac manual.
- What's the Best Mac OS for Your iBook, PowerBook, or MacBook?, Charles W. Moore, 'Book Value, 08.19.
Tips on choosing the best OS for your PowerBook 500 Series or newer Mac notebook.
- Best iMac G4 Deals, Low End Mac Deals, 08.19.
Used 15" 700 MHz CD-RW, $279; 800 Combo, $300; 1 GHz $390; 17" 800 MHz SD, $439; 1.25 GHz, $449; 20", $569.
- Best 15" MacBook Pro Deals, Low End Mac Deals, 08.19.
Used 1.83 GHz Core Duo, $999; 2.16, $1,125; new, 2.2, $1,450 after rebate; refurb 2.4, $1,649; 2.5, $1,999; 2.6, $2,299; rebates on new.
- Best Mac OS X 10.0-10.3 Deals, Low End Mac Deals, 08.19.
Mac OS X 10.0.3, $30; 10.1, $20; 10.2, $60; 10.3 CD, $70; DVD, $90; 10.1 Server, unlimited users, $72; 10.3 Server, unlimited, $130.
- Mac of the Day: Outbound Laptop and Notebook, Sep. 1989 - The best known among the early Mac clones.
- List of the Day: Mac Pro List is for those using a Mac Pro.
- August 20 in LEM history: 98: Unplanned obsolescence - 99: Open Link Policy - 01: Video editing on low end Macs - Picking a PCI video card - 02: iTunes 3 review - 04: Bad RAM can crash your Mac - Dual-core G4s coming - 07: White iBooks still a good bet? - VMware Fusion good for fusing Windows with OS X - Restoring PowerBook batteries
- Snow Leopard, Windows 7, Midori, and the End of Windows, Frank Fox, Stop the Noiz, 08.18.
A look at some of the technologies planned for Mac OS X 10.6, Windows 7, and Midori, Microsoft's future OS that could be the end of Windows.
- Using Low End Macs for Internet Radio, Gordon R. Brown, My Turn, 08.18.
When the local public radio station moved classical music to HD radio, it was time to find another way to listen. An old iMac with iTunes solved the problem.
- PCs Not Like Macs, Claris Home Page Fan, iMac G4 Upgrade Tips, iBook Prices, and More, Dan Knight, Low End Mac Mailbag, 08.18.
Also using PC3200 RAM in a Mirror Drive Door G4, cloning the classic Mac OS to a new hard drive, and thoughts on a Windows App Store.
- REALbasic Growing to Include Cocoa, Mobile, and Web Development, Rick Lawson, Pioneers in Mac Development, 08.18.
REALbasic is a cross platform development tool for Mac, Windows, and Linux. The company is working on expanding that to the Web, mobile devices, and the Mac's Cocoa.
- Best Mac mini Deals, Low End Mac Deals, 08.18.
Used 1.25 GHz G4 SD, $549; 1.42 Combo, $409; new 1.83 Core2 Combo, $569 after rebate; 2.0 SD, $769 after rebate.
- Best 12" PowerBook G4 Deals, Low End Mac Deals, 08.18.
Used 867 MHz Combo, no APX, $490; 1 GHz SuperDrive, $625; 1.33 GHz, $611; 1.5 GHz SD w/o APX, $660; w/APX, $675.
- Resetting the iPod's Display Language When You Don't Know the Language It's Using, Charles W. Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 08.18.
If you've ever set your iPod's language to one you can't read, there is a way to reset it.
- iPod 'Missing Manual' Grows but Drops Coverage of Older iPods, Charles W. Moore, Miscellaneous Ramblings, 08.18.
The 6th edition of iPod: The Missing Manual has extensive coverage of all the current iPod models, but at the cost of dropping coverage of all earlier models.
- Best Apple TV Deals, Low End Mac Deals, 08.18.
Refurb 40 GB Apple TV, $199; new, $224; refurb 160 GB, $279; new, $322 - prices include free ground shipping.
- More links in our archive.
