Pay Less For iPods

Saturday, May 31, 2008

by: William Moore

The buzzword in today's society is "wireless." Everything and everyone is on the go. It's not uncommon for the older generations to comment that the younger generation cannot live or stay by themselves for a long period of time. This would seem to be true, considering that almost everyone seems to be wearing a pair of earphones and are listening to their favorite music tracks, or watching videos on their portable players. It seems as though today's generation is dependent on the new technology.

One of the most popular wireless devices on the market today is the Apple iPod. Its popularity is due to its small size, which makes it easily portable. Additionally it is no longer necessary to bring a CD, cassette tape, or other media outside the player itself. However, with this convenience comes a shortcoming. IPods are quite expensive, often impracticably so. It is due to this high price that the iPod is so universally sought as a status symbol, while simultaneously floating just outside the reach of many people's finances.

For many people, daily life simply does not permit indiscriminate spending. Since these gadgets are not the first priority for most people, they remain in the possession of a relatively small number of people. For the rich and the more financially affluent, this want is not a problem. But for those with tighter budgets it becomes necessary to look for alternate solutions in order to obtain an iPod.

For those who want to have an iPod but don't have the budget to support the purchase of one, there are places where iPods can be purchased more cheaply. These cheap iPods are not copies, imitations, or fakes. These cheaper iPods were most likely built using cheaper materials or may not offer the same special features. The cheapest model currently available is the 512-megabyte iPod shuffle. This device can hold up to 120 songs at an average of 4 minutes per song. This can provide 8 hours of continuous music before repeating a song. This model runs around $70.

That is the cheapest iPod currently offered and as one would expect, the price varies according to the memory capacity of the iPod. Though they are all iPods, the quantity of memory contained can be different from model to model. Some have bigger memories that allow them to save more songs, while others have a smaller memory to allow them to be built smaller and less expensively. A simple rule of thumb is that the bigger the memory capacity, the more expensive it is going to be. If the only criteria are to have a device that is portable, can play music, and wears the iPod name, the cheapest iPod is probably going to be the best solution.

Remember, 120 songs is nothing to sneeze at for an iPod this small. Taking into consideration the comfort, convenience, and enjoyment it will bring, the price is not outrageous. Instead of spending too much on a bigger iPod than is really needed, the smaller version can fill the need while leaving a sizeable portion of money left-over to be spent on more important things. For this reason it is recommended to consider seriously the cheaper models of iPod.

The next rung up in the ladder of cheap iPods is another iPod shuffle. Like it's smaller brother, it is not as big as the other iPods that are available but it still plays the same music. There really isn't much of a difference beyond the memory capacity. The next larger iPod shuffles is still considered to be a cheap iPods, but it has a much larger capacity of 1GB.

While this may not seem like much, it can still allow a significant number of favorite hits to be stored. Since it has a bigger memory compared to the smaller model, it is also more expensive. This cheap iPod can store up to 240 songs, double of that of the cheapest iPod. This simply goes to prove the saying, "You get what you pay for."

Fortunately it isn't necessary to pay too much simply to be entertained. The iPod shuffle provides that entertainment, but it doesn't carry an unreasonable price tag. Weighing in at around 100 dollars, the 1GB iPod can fit most budgets. While it carries more songs than the 512MB version, the physical appearance of these iPods is the same. These are the cheapest iPods available on the market.

Selecting Speakers For Your iPod

by: Nick Segrue

More and more people are purchasing a set of speakers for their iPods, some to replace their current home audio set ups in order to get rid of the cd collections that take up so much room, some to have a portable audio source for when they are away on holiday, some just for having some iPod speakers because everyone else is buying them! One of the problems we come across the most is people being faced with a huge selection of choices and feeling bewildered about what to buy. What I am aim to do is make your choice that little bit easier.

We can break down the different sets of speakers into the following categories:

Portable and powered by batteries.

Portable and powered by mains adapter.

Home Set up powered by mains adapter.

For those of you looking for a portable set that is powered by batteries there are a variety of excellent options at varying prices. Personally I am of the belief that whatever amount of money you are spending it is important that sound quality is pretty good as what use is a light speaker set that has crackily sound! If you are looking to spend under £50 then we highly rate both the Logic 3 i-Station 7 and the Monster iSpeaker. Both of these are very light to carry, are of a size very conveninet for putting ina backpack or suitcase and run for a good amount of time on batteries, sound from both is exceptional for this pricepoint with great clarity.

If you are looking to spend a little more then a lot of options open up in the £50 to £150 bracket. If lightweight is your number one problem then you will not go far wrong with the JBL On Tour, this is an incredibly lightweight unit that what it lacks in bass it makes up for in the sound clarity department. If you would prefer better sound quality then a step up to an Altec Lansing IM5 or Logitech MM50, Saitek A250 and for iPod Nano Owners the XtremeMac MicroBlast. All of these provide excellent sound alongside good looks and a highly portable structure. Once your budget is going over £150 you are in to the realms of a great portable system in the Altec Lansing IM7, thumping bass, crystal clear treble and a great portable structure, definetly the daddy of portable iPod Docking Stations and Speaker units.

If you would like something that can be considered portable but don't mind having to use a mains charger then there are a couple of good options available. One of our favourites is the Macally IceTune, this is indeed one of our top 5 iPod accessories altogether, when stacked up it looks like a coke can and has two separate speakers that can be removed and pointed to send sounds in different directions, the sound quality is excelletn for only £39.99 and it is very much portable but does require mains power. The JBL On Stage is another wonderful compact and lightweight unit that can be plugged into the mains for power and will charge your iPod while you listen to it, very high quality sound, lacks bass a littel but you are compromising bass to have such a small portable unit, clarity of sound and loudness are both very impressive. Another excellent unit in this bracket is the Logic 3 iStation 8, newly released and keeping up the fabulous reputation of the iStation 7 this really is worth the money, great combinations of bass and treble and very much a portable size and weight.

For the home set up there are a variety of options and in honesty the best value speakers in our opinion come at this price point. For just £59.99 you can have a pair of JBL Creature II's, these are surely one of the greatest home electronics products to ever hit the market, the bass is phenomenal and the clarity is superb, vocals sound great for many types of music, they also look very appealing and are bound to interest visitors who glaze their eyes upon them! Also in the JBL range are the Encounters, these expand on the Creature philosophy of an alien themed set of speakers and have even stronger bass, they are quite simply phenomenal! At this price point we also have the Harmon Kardon Soundsticks, for a long time these have been my individual favourite speakers, they are see through so you can have a look at what is going on inside and provide possibly the clearest vocals you will hear from iPod focused speakers they are simply outstanding, perhaps not as strong bass as the Encounters but still more than enough for most pallettes. For anyone considering a home iPod set up I strongly suggest a very close look at the Harmon Kardon Soundsticks they are oustanding and will fit in to 99% of home settings in the living room, dining room, kitchen etc!

Hopefully this guide has been of some use to you choosing your speakers, firstly establish which of the three categories your requirements for speakers come into and then you can use the above advice to direct you to some great units, we wish you the best of luck in your choice!

Selecting a Case for your iPod

by: Nick Segrue

The iPod Case:

The iPod Nano was an absolute marvel from Apple, a tiny bit thicker than a credit card and about the same length, so light you barely knew you were holding it yet it had one thing that was the bane of many Nano owners, it scratches like crazy! This prompted many owners to search out a protective case immediately but with over 500 available just for the Nano it can be a minefield to choose yours. Here we want something that will stop the Nano scratching, give it some protection if it falls and of course it must look good!

XtremeMac have been making iPod accessories since 2002 and are dedicated to producing cases and skins of the absolute highest quality. No where is this more recognizable than with their XtremeMac Microglove, a phenomenal invention for the iPod Nano that will go down in iPod Folklore by many of its devotees, available in 5 colours including a gorgeous red and tasty bright green the case provides ample protection for the Nano’s Aluminum casing and has a fantastic look that is instantly recognizable from a distance, they even were generous enough to include a Carabiner for clipping your Ipod nano in its case to your belt loop or rucksack, this case certainly does enough to get our award as the best iPod case on the market.

Another excellent Nano offering from XtremeMac is their Tuffwrap Accent pictured on the left, these are aimed to appeal to all age levels especially younger trendy iPod users. Available in 6 different colour combinations they really did make one for everyone and the protection for your iPod nano is nothing short of outstanding with a firm silicone protecting almost the whole iPod leaving good access to the click wheel and screen and the headphone socket uncovered. Both cases from XtremeMac provide excellent protection as well as great access to the headphone socket.

Our number one case for the 5G Video iPod simply has to be the Tunewear PRIE Tunewallet. Tunwear are a niche company producing a range of accessories from Japan for Apple iPods that are of the highest quality. Never has the iPod been integrated so well into a protective case with room for cards and money as in the case of the PRIE Tunewallet. Made of genuine Nappa leather and priced at £24.99 at most good stores these are also superb value and would not be out of place protecting the Video Ipod of a student or Chief Executive of a large Corporation, they really are wonderful to look at, offer strong protection for the Video iPod and have room for your cards and some money, unbelievable!

For those that like something high tech for their Video iPod and like their accessories strong Matias offer something very special. A full cover case made out of Aircraft Grade Aluminum! Matias have been making their Armour range for Laptops for years but saw an opportunity with the iPod range to get something very special made. They certainly succeeded, a Video ipod incased in a Matias iPod Armour gives the appearance of something completely bombproof and if your iPod gets dumped n a bag or you are accident prone this will certainly keep your Video Ipod in top condition. Inside is a very neat tough almost suede like material to cushion your iPod in the event of any accidents. The headphone port is clear for your listening pleasure but the rest of the iPod is as safe as Fort Knox.

When the iPod Shuffle was released many wandered whether the idea of listening to your music in random order would catch on, it is hard to say what people’s true feeling about random order music was but one thing is sure they bought the value iPof in their thousands as they flew off of our shelves and continue to do so. There are less cases offered for the Shuffle than the Nano and Video but fortunately what we are offered is quality as opposed to quantity in the form of the Griffin iVault. This case is so far ahead of the competition that it is not a competition. Offered in five very eye catching and appealing metallic colours it certainly makes your Shuffle stand out from the crowd. The case screws shut with 4 screws leaving your Shuffle very very secure and still allowing access to the headphone port, control wheel, usb port and LED light. The Shuffle incased in an iVault weighs in at less than 1.5 ounzes so it is still the featherlight Shuffle that you bought it for, a great case from Griffin Technology.

Sharing the Apple iPod

by: Ned Roberts

The iPod, while standing as a technological marvel, perhaps will ultimately claim its place in history as a connector of societies and people.Yes, everyone knows and appreciates the fact that the iPod, or one of the other versions of the iPod, such as the iPod Nano can store, list and play hundreds, if not thousands of songs. The iPod's most powerful ability is the one that brings people together. The Apple iPod will never bring world peace, but it may bring together two strangers.When an iPod user sees another iPod user, a bond is created. Those ubiquitous white ear buds are more than just something that delivers music from the player to the listener.The ear buds act as the symbol and insignia of the iPod revolution.The iPod has something unique that can't really be translated into other forms of portable technology.The iPod is both personal and shared; everyone has an iPod story, or they accessorize their iPod in a certain manner. And, most important of all, many iPod owners and users are dying to either share the music on their iPod with a fellow iPod user, or is interested in listening to what's on someone else's iPod.

There are instances where people ask other iPod users 'what are you listening to on your iPod?' The Apple iPod Nano has a common element that isn't found in a Walk man, Disc man or a Blackberry. It is inconceivable that someone would walk up to a Blackberry user and inquire about the phone list that they have stored. Granted, a phone list is to be more protected than a music play list, but song selection is much more personal than the phone number of your hairstylist.

Seeing someone else with an iPod can sometimes create a sense of comraderie. The Apple iPod is, without question, the world's most popular portable music player. However, even though it has and enjoys tremendous popularity, not everyone has an iPod. And you can't really understand the iPod culture until you actually own an iPod.The Apple iPod is truly unique and stands alone in terms of appearance, design and accessories.And once you become a member of the iPod family, you want to meet all of your relatives. And you also want to share, and have music, shared with you.

Will the iPod open the lines of communication around the world and get people talking, listening and sharing? No, it won't do that, unfortunately. But, what it can do is that it can introduce iPod listener A to iPod listener B and exchange music, ideas, and maybe even an email address or two. Think about it: if you were in a foreign country, and wanted to know what was popular among the youth of said country, the best way to do so would be to listen to the music of the land. And, depending on your demeanor, most people with an Apple iPod Nano would be receptive to sharing their music with you. That doesn't mean running up to someone like a madman, trying to shove your ear buds into their skull. Rather, simply introduce yourself and your purpose, and you may find someone who is on the same mission as you!

How To Take Advantage Of Your iPod

by: Pat Flouster

We all know what the Apple iPod is capable of. Of course, one is able to download, store and play an almost infinite number of songs on just about any version of the iPod Nano. There are also iPods that can play movies, videos and show pictures and photographs as well. Indeed, the iPod is a fantastic item for someone to bring all of their favorite songs and singers with them wherever they go. Yup, the iPod pretty neat in that regard.

So, why would you want to waste the capabilities and abilities of your iPod Nano on stuff you already know and like?

Now, there are always favorite songs that you have to have with you each and every minute of each and every day. That makes sense, so go ahead, put that song on your iPod. But, even though it's easy, effective and enjoyable to plaster your iPod full of familiar songs, that's incredibly boring and bland. It's like going to a high-end car dealer to test drive a Porsche, but you pout with your arms folded because you want to drive a Tempo. Exactly what do you have to lose?

You can translate the same principle to the usage of the iPod. The Apple iPod Nano is made to hold and playback songs download onto it via a computer. Why not then take advantage of that fact and listen to everything you've ever wanted to hear and listen to? Doing this will either cost you nothing or about a dollar a track, depending on your downloading methods. If you're paying for your downloads (good for you), set aside some money for new chances and discoveries.

In the old days of buying tapes or CD's, you're choices were limited in terms of listening before you buy. Usually, one had to buy the whole album to be able to really check it out. And, if you found that the artist or album wasn't to your liking - or just plain sucked - well, too bad for you, because most record stores wouldn't take the album back. Many people complained that this wasn't particularly fair, but, hey, that's the way it was. Then, the Apple iPod Nano arrived.

Now, the technology exists to listen to just about anything you want wherever you want. So, what do most people do? Most people, though, only download the popular song of the time onto their Apple iPod Nano. Of course, if that is what you want to do, go right ahead and do it! But why not take the chance and listen to something you've always wanted to check out?

Another great thing about the iPod is its portability. You can take your music and singers with you wherever and whenever you want. That gives you more options of where and when you listen to your new discoveries. You can get the tracks on your iPod, go for a walk or sit quietly and really immerse yourself and decide if you really like the songs and singers or not.

The Apple iPod is incredibly easy and fun to have and use. That being said, some people aren't really exploring the limits of their iPod because they don't realize that the iPod is designed to play music - all kinds and forms of music.

IPod Nano Accessories - Must Have Gadgets

by: Korbin Newlyn

Apple's iPod Nanos can give you 2000 songs right at your fingertips and with all the iPod Nano accessories available you can expand its capabilities greatly. With some of the convenient cases available the miniature player fits easily in your pocket or armband. Numerous people realize that the simplified access to the music on the tiny player as an easy and viable method to enjoy their music.

It is to your benefit if you have high quality headphones when listening to your iPod. Headphones such as MacAlly's mTune-N are an excellent choice and it works with a dock for the iPod Nano. But with this device the iPod is already docked to the headphones so you do not really have to deal with wires or cables. This particular iPod Nano accessory gives you the ability to connect your player into a built in slot for your Nano. They are somewhat larger however.

Most iPod accessory manufacturers produce small forms of headphones depending on what suits you and your ears. The first that comes to mind would be the iPod Nano accessory that is the case. The manufacturers of the iPod Nano accessories that specialize in cases provide a numerous choice of styles for your use.

Protective Cases - Thick or Thin

Some are within thin sheaths that fit over your iPod kind of like a second skin and other types are solid cases. A manufacturer called iJacket makes a great case for the small iPod. The plastic that they use is thicker and therefore makes it more resilient. It has a small opening for the Click Wheel and a large opening for the screen. Retailing at about $16 for the iJacket case protects your player from rough handling or accidental bumps.

Additional accessory manufacturers who specialize in cases include XtremeMac makers of Iconz. They have licensed with other companies to put characters on their covers such as ScoobyDoo, SpongeBob, and Batman. Marware, Speck, Pacific Design and the BeatBuckle are some other iPod Nano case accessory manufacturers.

Because of the versatility of the iPod Nano you may have other accessory needs. An additional iPod Nano accessory is the iTrip FM transmitter. This give you the ability to listen to your iPod from any FM radio. You can choose any station for the single. You can recharge your player with the Griffin Power Duo. It has both AC chargers and a car charger.

If you want to bring your personal library home Apple has an iPod AV accessory that gives you the ability to hook up your iPod to your home entertainment system. Additionally there are docking systems available that will give your iPod the ability to turn it into its own music system for your entire home to enjoy.

There are numerous suppliers that support the iPod and bring out new cases and other accessories for your player. With so much choice it is very likely you will be pleased with all the choices you will have.

Facts You Should Know About iPods

by: Roberto Sedycias

iPod is one of the most successful consumer electronic products in history. It is the best selling mp3 / mp4 player in the market today. The combination of sound quality, sleek design and unique user interface, made the iPod a hit, causing an entire industry of accessories to emerge almost overnight.

The Apple Corporation first released the iPod on October 23, 2001.

Presently we are now on the 5th generation of iPod.

The first generation - Mp3 player with mechanical scroll wheel and four buttons.

The second generation - It has touch-sensitive wheel, 10 GB and 20 GB hard drives.

The third generation - It has touch-sensitive bottoms and USB connectivity.

The fourth generation - It has click-wheel and only two hard disk version, 20 GB and 40 GB.

The fifth generation - Mp4 player with 60 GB memory storage and video capability.

iPod has won several awards ranging from engineering excellence, to most innovative audio product. Very often it receives favorable reviews on looks, designs and handling.

iPod was designed as an mp3 / mp4 player for people with an active lifestyle. It is compact, sturdy and lightweight enough to take with you wherever you go. It was designed to fit comfortably in the palm of your hand or to be carried into a pocket or purse for easy transportation.

It comes in many storage capacities from 512 MG to 80 GB. The amount of memory it can hold, depends on the model or on the compression rate of your songs.

As an mp3 player it was designed to provide the best quality sound. It has a powerful 60 MW amplifier so it can deliver audio as loud as you want. It also has a 20 MZ to 20 KHZ frequency response, which means you can hear distortion free music at the lowest pitches.

iPod built-in rechargeable battery provides between 8 to 20 hours of music playtime depending on your model. Using the appropriate stereo adapter your iPod will sound great on your home or car stereo system. All iPod`s come as standard with a non removable lithium rechargeable battery. The battery charge will last about 14 to 28 days without use. The lcd display shows the battery level on the upper right corner of the screen. You may charge your iPod by connecting it to an Apple iPod Power Adapter or connecting it to a USB port of a computer. A full charge takes approximately four hours while 80% charge will require at least one hour.

Apple has designed the iPod, as an mp3 player, to work with the iTunes media library software, which allows you to select your music on your computer and on your ipod. iTunes can automatically synchronize this mp3 player with specific playlists or with the entire content of a music library each time you connect your iPod to a host computer.

The first three generations of iPod used two ARM 7TDMI derived CPUs running at 90 MHZ, while later models have variable speed chips which run at a peak of 80 MHZ to save battery life. Another great feature of owning an iPod is the fact that someone can record a discussion and then post the audio file on the internet. This means people can download the file and listen to the file on their iPod. As an mp4 player, with iTunes 4.9, you can now browse and subscribe to podcasts at the iTunes Website. Podcasts are radio shows or other audio/video programs that are downloadable over the internet.

In order for you to be a more satisfied iPod customer, as to the usability and longer battery life spam of this mp3-mp4 player you should consider the following tips:

- Keep it turned off when not using it.
- Update to the latest software.
- Keep it at room temperature whenever possible.
- If you are not using the backlighting, turn it off.
- Turning off the equalizer will save you battery.
- Use compressed songs.

With the availability of compact audio format, we have had mp3 players such as iPod, which provided an unprecedented portability to eager electronic consumers. Now iPod, as mp4 players, is already able to deliver video capability and a whole new set of features and services yet to come.

This article is under GNU FDL license and can be distributed without any previous authorization from the author. However the author´s name and all the URL´s (links) mentioned in the article and biography must be kept.

The Ipod Generations

by: Roberto Sedycias

The original iPod (mp3 mp4 player) introduced on 23 October 2001 marked the first iPod generation, and the latest iPod introduced on 12 October 2005 marked the fifth iPod generation, which was subsequently revised with a revision iPod model on September 2006, often referred to as generation 5.5. Note that the generations are referred with reference to the model name and not with reference to the date of release.

For a better understanding about iPod generations, check the following:

On October 23, 2001, the first generation of iPod was released. The model name was iPod and had the storage capacity of 5 to 10 gb. It used FireWire connection to computers and it had a mechanical scroll wheel.

On July 17, 2002, the second generation of iPod was released. It had the storage capacity of 10, 20 gb. It used FireWire connection to computers and it had a touch-sensitive wheel. The Hold switch was revised. The FireWire port had a cover.

On April 28, 2003, the third generation of iPod was released. It had the storage capacity of 10, 15, 20, 30, 40 gb. It used FireWire connection to computers (USB for syncing only), and it had a central row of touch sensitive buttons. New backlit screen was introduced. Dock connector port was introduced.

On January 6, 2004, the first generation of iPod mini was released. It had the storage capacity of 4 gb. It used FireWire or USB connection to computers, and it introduced the "Click Wheel", which was later adopted by the fourth generation iPod. It was available in 5 colors.

On July 19, 2004, the fourth generation of iPod was released. It had the storage capacity of 20, 30, 40, 60 gb. It used FireWire or USB connection to computers, and buttons were integrated to form "Click Wheel". The monochrome model was replaced in June 2005 by the color display with photo viewer, which was introduced in October 2004.

On January 11, 2005, the first generation of iPod shuffle was released. It had the storage capacity of 512 mb, 1gb. It used USB connection to computers, and it had no screen, no click wheel. It used flash memory instead of hard drive storage.

On February 22, 2005, the second generation of iPod mini was released. It had the storage capacity of 4, 6 gb. It used FireWire or USB connection to computers , and it had longer battery life, and brighter color variants. Gold model discontinued. No AC adapter. The body color matched the click wheel lettering.

On September 7, 2005, the first generation of iPod nano was released. It had the storage capacity of 1, 2, 4 gb. It used USB connection to computers (FireWire for charging only), and it was the successor of iPod mini. Slimmer design, flash memory, color screen and lyrics support.

On October 12, 2005, the fifth generation of iPod was released. It had the storage capacity of 30, 60, 80 gb. It used USB connection to computers (FireWire for charging only), and it had large screen with video player and lyrics support. No AC adapter, Universal Dock, or A/V cables were included. It had black and white color variants. This model was revised in September 2006 (often called as generation 5.5) had a brighter display, a music search function, and a longer video battery life.

On September 12, 2006, the second generation of iPod shuffle was released. It had the storage capacity of 1 gb. It used USB (via dock only), and it had the aluminum case with smaller form factor. Built-in clip. Later multi-colored models were also released.

On September 12, 2006, the second generation of iPod nano was released. It had the storage capacity of 2, 4, 8 gb It used USB connection to computers (FireWire for charging only), and it had the anodized Aluminum case in 6 colors. Music search function, longer battery life, and brighter screen.

When more refinements are carried out with respect to features, size, weight and etc., a new generation is announced of the respective model. The distinguishing landmarks were the replacement of the mechanical scroll wheel by touch-sensitive click wheel, the replacement of the hard disk by the flash memory, and the replacement of the monochrome display with color displays. Earlier generations are usually discontinued in favor of newer generations. Earlier generations had bundled software compatible with Macintosh only, while later iPod (mp3 mp4 player) generations have both Macintosh and Windows compatible versions.

This article is under GNU FDL license and can be distributed without any previous authorization from the author. However the author´s name and all the URL´s (links) mentioned in the article and biography must be kept.

What You Need to Know about iPod Movies

by: Terry Roberts

iPod devices that are equipped with video players must have the movies from their original format converted to one that can be read and played by the iPod movie player system. This means that the movie can either be downloaded from an iPod-friendly site such as the Apple iPod Store or another website dedicated to iPod music and movies, or the user must purchase the appropriate conversion software. Most of the iPod movie conversion systems can convert most types of movie files such as AVI, MPEG, WMV, MOV, MP4, RM, RMVB, H.264, VOB or DivX formats into the MPEG-4 video format that the iPod uses.

In addition to just converting the format, the system must also match the resolution of the iPod movie player. The typical resolution for the iPod display screen is 640 by 480 for optimum viewing and clarity of picture. Without the appropriate software conversion, the picture would be highly distorted. Other resolutions are possible and the software application will usually optimize the file for viewing, selecting the appropriate resolution.

There is also a great program offered by Apple, called QuickTime 7 Pro, that allows you to use home videos and videos that are not professionally made and convert them to play on your iPod, just like an iPod movie that you can download. This is a great way to personalize your iPod video, or send a home movie to a friend or family member.

The process is simple: start by downloading the QuickTime 7 Pro from the Apple website. If you have a Mac computer, simply upload your movie to your computer and click on the title of the movie in the drop down box found on the QuickTime program menu. If you have a PC, upload the movie from the device as per the manuals and then save it in the QuickTime file. Once the movie is selected you will again need to use the drop down box and select the export feature, then click on Movie to iPod and let the computer do the rest.

A scrolling bar will keep you informed of the transfer process and will allow you to see how much more time is required for the transfer to occur. You will then need to synch the iPod with the computer to play the movie the first time, then it will be stored on both your computer and the iPod for future use.

The vast number of iPod movies and the ease of using the conversion software means that more people, even those that are not experts on the computer, can easily keep their favorite movies as well as their favorite songs close at hand on their iPod.

Ipod Cases

by: Kelvin Hall

As we've seen, the design and manufacture of iPod cases is in itself a growth industry. The first crop of cases is the "Hope" line, in which $3 of each of the seven models sold—including the Remix Metal and Sport Armband for iPod nano—will go to the Susan G. The difference between high-quality and low-quality iPod cases is generally apparent pretty quickly: fit and finish, materials, and “feel in the hand” tend to be a lot better on the higher-quality cases. The detailing on the cases is particularly charming, with some of them having divine little touches such as satin bows, felt buttons, flowers, or embroidery.Handmade cases can command a price premium over standard cases, and branded fashion a premium over even handmade cases. There are so many protective cases for your iPod that wading through the options can be daunting and the range of iPod cases is too wide, seductive and cost effective to be neglected.

iPod cases can also come in a variety of different materials, ranging from leather, to hard cover cases ,to silicone type iPod cases. New iPod armbands also have a casing to place your iPod in, instead of a clip to clip it on. The best use for these types of cases however, is for people who are constantly on the go and who love to use their iPod to workout with.

PDA-ish cases are a tired breed, and aside from its use of a quality Nappa leather exterior and complementing suede interior, Venom mini is highly similar to other cases we’ve seen. A standard PDA case keeps your iPod on your belt when it’s opened, which has the virtue of not tugging on your headphone cord like Venom mini, but the disadvantage of being much harder to see and use. However, if you’re thinking of buying one of the cases, you’re likely doing so for the name and the workmanship.

If you've ever wanted to listen to your iPod while swimming, snorkeling or navigating an inhospitable environment then the H20 Audio line of Waterproof iPod cases is for you. H2O's patented case design is complete with a Commander™ Scroll Wheel control assembly, allowing seamless song switching even while wearing gloves. Capable of depths of up to 10 feet (or 200 feet using the DV model), the H2O Audio iPod Cases are highly recommended when you can't let a simple thing like Level 4 white water rapids deprive you of your rocking tunes. The case is a water tight compartment, lined with what they call a "T Seal" type of gasket. By using a dual locking hinge system, H2O is able to ensure a tight compression around the entire iPod thereby keeping water out.

iPod - The Best Selling Portable Music Player

by: Ajoy Saah


An iPod has become the best selling portable music player. Designed and marketed by Apple Inc., its sale has crossed 140 million pieces. This brand enjoys the market share of more than 60% in portable media players category.

There are many portable media players available in the market. Many big corporations world wide have many such products. Then, what is the reason for such a huge popularity of a single product called ipod?

Ease of use has been cited as the chief reason. An end user finds it difficult to accept a product that is complicated to use. He becomes dissatisfied, distraught and ultimately abandons it. Apple accomplished this factor beautifully. Despite new technologies, an ipod is very easy to use. It gives ample satisfaction to an end user.

iTunes software is required for music downloads from iTunes Store. Both are owned by Apple. Present versions support mac and windows computers. You can download pop music, rock or any type of music. It can play all iTunes Store music and other limited external sources.

An iPod can play mp3, AAc, AIFF and Apple Lossless file format and other limited standard file formats. Music files from Napster and MSN can not be played due to digital rights management issues.

Classic, Nano and Touch are main model line ups. Classic is based on hard drive storage and offer capacities ranging from 20 giga bytes to 160 giga bytes. Nano offers storage ranging from 1 to 8 giga bytes. Latest classic and nano models can play video and image files also. Nano and Touch models are based on Flash memory cards.

It has won many awards as Most Innovative Audio Product, Fourth Best Computer Product and Engineering Excellence. An iPod has become most reputed audio product.

Keep Your Music Ultra Portable With the Right iPod Shuffle Accessories

by: R James Cook

What's the Point of Having a Tiny iPod Shuffle Then Tying It Down With a Big Speaker Docking System?

Apple's iPod shuffle, the most miniature version of the popular iPod available, is one of the most popular products for the portable music enthusiast. The earbud headphones that come with the iPod shuffle are good enough to make your on the go experience enjoyable, but there are many other iPod shuffle accessories which can further enhance your music listening experience.

Headphones and Speakers

Headphones are without a doubt one of the most popular iPod shuffle accessories. While the earbud headphones that come with it are good enough for many users, others prefer different headphones, either because they find the earbuds uncomfortable or because they want headphones that deliver crisper audio. Any headphones that use a 3.5mm stereo minijack will work with the iPod shuffle, from traditional over-the-ear headphones to simply different earbuds. After all, sometimes headphones break and you need replacements; fortunately there's no lack of selection, and decent-quality headphones can easily be found for under $10 a pair.

Speakers are another popular iPod shuffle accessory. Speaker technology has gotten to the point where crisp, power speakers come in small enough sizes that you won't feel silly hooking them up to the miniscule iPod shuffle. It is very important to remember that the iPod shuffle only has the minijack as an interface; this means that accessories like docking station speakers won't work with the iPod shuffle, because it lacks the standard iPod docking port. Only a speaker dock specifically designed to pass power through the minijack, like the shuffle's own included dock, will work with it.

Other iPod Shuffle Accessories

Also popular is the car charger. This iPod shuffle accessory plugs into your car's power adapter or cigarette lighter to deliver power to your shuffle to keep it charged while on the go. You can also find cables, connectors, or even FM transmitters that let you listen to your iPod shuffle over your car's stereo system, letting you listen to your music while you drive without worrying about the dangers of having your headphones on in the car.

An interesting accessory for anybody who spends a lot of their time on the go is the USB Travel Dock from Marware. This simple accessory is nothing more than a dock for the iPod shuffle connected directly to a USB connector, without the wire between the two that the standard dock comes with. While it may not sound like much, this iPod shuffle accessory will be appreciated by anybody who normally plugs their dock into their laptop and wants to have fewer cables around to get tangled up.

In the end, the use and perceived value that you get from your iPod shuffle is up to you. While the shuffle by itself is a great value, you can get much more out of it if you're willing to spend a little more on some iPod shuffle accessories. The great thing is that because the iPod shuffle only plays music, you don't have to worry about accessories that play video or scratch-resistant coverings for the video screen. In the end, every available iPod shuffle accessory has only one purpose: to help you listen to your music the way you want to.

iPod Car Accessories are the Ultimate in Portability

by: R James Cook

Tired of Hearing The Same Songs Over and Over Again? Bring Your iPod With You on Your Next Car Trip and Never Be Subjected to Commercial Radio Again!

Have you ever been on a long car ride and hated every minute of it because you can't find anything you like on the radio? This happens to most of us and can turn even the most enjoyable road trip into an exercise in drudgery. Fortunately, with just one or two iPod car accessories, you can bring your favorite tunes along with you and never again have to settle for what's playing on the radio.

Make Every Car Ride a Joy Ride

At its most basic, there are two iPod car accessories you will need to listen to your music on the road: one to give you a way to hear the music, and one to keep the power on. Most of the time, the iPod car accessory will cover both needs, either in one unit or as a kit, but understanding these two requirements will help you select the best product or products for your needs.

Listening to your iPod in the car first requires a way to get the music from your iPod to your radio. There are several iPod car accessories that can do this for you. The most popular option is an FM transmitter that you plug into your iPod and set to broadcast on an unused station. All you have to then do is tune your radio to the channel your iPod is broadcasting to and you have instant music. The lack of wires running out of your iPod is part of the appeal of an FM transmitter.

Another option if your car radio has a cassette player is an adapter goes from your iPod to the cassette slot, just like the adapter many of us have used to connect up a portable CD player to the radio's cassette player. If you already have one of these lying around somewhere you won't even need to buy anything because it will plug into the headset plug of the iPod!

A third option is to have a permanent connection installed for your iPod. After-market radios usually have an accessory input where an iPod car accessory adapter can be plugged in, and a cable run out from behind the dashboard that you plug into your iPod. While this option will give the best sound quality of all the others, it will also be the most expensive because it will require professional installation. But if you spend a lot of time in your car, it will be worth it. Many car manufacturers are also now offering this kind of iPod connectivity as an option in their higher-end models.

iPod speakers are also an option for listening to your iPod in your car. They're not an ideal solution, since they can rattle around the car and fall off the seat or rear deck. If you already have a set of speakers that don't rely on AC power this can be a workable, if inelegant solution.

Keep the (Power) Lights On

Most of these iPod car accessories are either power-neutral (don't draw power from the iPod but don't provide power to it either) or draw power from the iPod. If all of your driving consists of commuting to the office and you charge your iPod between trips, this isn't so bad. But if you're driving long distance, you're going to need a way to keep the juice flowing to the iPod so you don't drain its battery and end up stuck listening to the radio again.

To keep your iPod playing, a car charger is a necessity. It's a simple cable that runs from your car's power adapter or cigarette lighter and keeps your iPod charged while it plays. The great thing is, you can listen to your iPod for your whole drive, then when you've arrived you can take your iPod out of the car and it's fully charged and ready to keep you entertained wherever you go next.

Some of the permanent connections also include a power connection. If you're getting one installed in your car, make sure this is included or you'll still have to buy a power adapter. If it's a factory-installed connection, check your owner's manual to see if it provides power to your iPod. Generally, if the connection is made to the headset port, then you'll need a power adapter but if it's connected to the docking port, you won't.

Keep Your Eyes on the Road

Safety is an important issue to bring up when using iPod car accessories. Make sure you don't let your iPod distract you from your driving! Try to avoid changing volume or tracks while your car is moving. One of the great things about permanent connections is that many of them allow you to control your iPod using the controls of the radio itself. This is especially handy if your radio has wheel-mounted controls. If you're using a stand-alone adapter, try to position your iPod so you can see it without taking your eyes off the road. If you can't, just plug the iPod in, hit play, and forget about it. It's not worth dying just because you don't want to listen to one song.

An Overview of the Top iPod Classic Accessories

by: R James Cook

The popularity of Apple's iPod has spawned a huge industry of iPod accessories. There is such a wide variety to choose from, it can be hard to decide which ones are important to look at and which ones are pointless fluff. Here's a look at the five iPod classic accessories that every iPod owner needs to consider.

Case

The first iPod classic accessory that every owner should purchase is a protective case. A case is especially important if you travel with your iPod, and if you shove it in your pocket or purse with your keys you're just asking for trouble without a case. The finish of the iPod classic is especially vulnerable to the dings and dents of everyday life. A protective case will keep your iPod looking pristine, and helps keep dust and dirt away from the vulnerable electronics inside.

Screen Protector

Almost as important as a case is a screen protector. Most cases do not cover the screen, because users want to be able to see the screen without taking it out of the case. A screen protector will protect the screen, which is even more vulnerable to scratches than the metal body. And a scratch across the screen is even more annoying than a scratch across the body, because you'll be looking right at it every time you look at the screen. Like the case, if you move your iPod classic around a lot, a screen protector is a valuable iPod classic accessory that will keep your iPod looking good.

Charger

An iPod with a dead battery is basically a paperweight. An extra charger or two is an iPod classic accessory worth having, both for convenience and to reduce the chance of running out of juice. Having an extra charger means you can charge your iPod at home and in the office, and you won't run out of power in the middle of the day. If you spend a lot of time in the car and listen to your iPod while driving (through speakers or an iTrip, please don't use headphones while driving), a car charger that plugs into the lighter jack will ensure that you have music the whole way.

Cables

Cables are another necessary iPod classic accessory. With just about every computer peripheral now using a USB connection, free USB ports may be at a premium on your computer. Fear not, because you can get a cable that lets you connect your iPod to your computer's FireWire port instead. Also, if you have iTunes installed on your computer at the office as well as your home computer, an extra sync cable will save you from having to transport the cable back and forth. There are also cables available that let you connect your iPod to your home stereo.

Speakers

Speakers are one of the most popular iPod classic accessories, and therefore come in a wide variety. Most speakers plug into the headphone jack, and are either battery powered or plugged into a wall outlet. There are also speakers that the iPod classic can dock with, which will have the added benefit of charging the unit while it's playing. Many of these speaker docking stations come with a remote, so you can skip songs and adjust the volume without going over to the unit. Speakers will generally give better sound than headphones, and will allow you to share your music with everyone in the room. If you're looking for portability, go with the battery-powered speakers. Otherwise, AC-powered speakers will sound better and can have the added functionality of being a docking station.

The wide variety of iPod classic accessories available can be overwhelming. Now, you've been given the information that should help you to decide on what accessories you need, and what ones you can avoid.

Going From Here to There With an iPod Case

by: R James Cook

Personalize Your iPod While Keeping it Safe

Most every electronic device today has some sort of protective carrying case. From portable gaming systems to digital cameras to cell phones, cases not only protect the gadget, the also ensure that all the components stay together. With a carrying case, cables stay put and memory cards are not lost along the way. Headphones are not separated or broken, and games, batteries and even instruction manuals are never lost.

Unfortunately, many of these cases are bulky; rarely is any socialite seen walking around with his or her cell phone slipped into a belt buckle carrying case. While older women or construction workers might not see the absurdity in this design, others do. Protective cases are, for the most part, the opposite of delicate, and in a world where electronic manufacturers are marching ever so quickly toward the smallest, the coolest, the thinnest and the sleekest, many users will go without the protection of a carrying case to maintain the look and presence of their devices.

The iPod case is a different story. In this shallow world of universal concern for everyone else's appearance, rarely is any iPod user ever seen without a case. While the case does, once again, protect a multi-hundred dollar investment, the iPod case is sleek, it's cool, and in many ways, it allows the user to express his or her beliefs, personality and desires in a way the iPod itself cannot.

Hear the Rainbow

Current generation iPod Classics are available in either black or silver, and while the newer Nanos and Shuffles offer a wider selection of colors, the variety is still limited.

Available iPod Colors:
Shuffle: silver, blue, green, purple, red
Nano: silver, blue, green, black, pink, red
Classic: black, silver
Touch: black

However, the iPod case is available in a rainbow of colors, designs and patterns. If a user wants a purple iPod Classic, or an iPod graced by the logo of their favorite band, he or she can find a case to transform his or her iPod into a work of art. The iPod case is also offered in numerous materials, each serving a specific purpose and each tailored toward the specific need of potential buyers. Some cases are nothing more than a knit sock that slides on the iPod to protect it from minimal dirt and dust. Others are rubber or silicone sleeves that offer grip as well, protecting the iPod from water and other damaging agents, and protecting the screens from the elements. An iPod case can even be made from metal, clipping around the iPod to provide the ultimate shield, while also maintaining an aura of awe and splendor with its futuristic look and feel.

Colors and materials are only the beginning. An iPod case is also designed with certain uses in mind. While most allow the user to keep his or her iPod protected and still utilize its functions, some are aimed toward simply carrying the iPod around while it is not in use. Others are arm bands that slip around the upper arm of a listener, holding the iPod in place while he or she is on a tread mill, in the weight room or at a yoga class. The iPod case is as varied in uses as it is in colors and materials.

In the end, a listener can make a rather loud statement when he or she slips his or her device into one of these products.