The Clash of MP3 Players and iPods

The Clash of MP3 Players and iPods

In the music universe, being number one means having the best of everything. From storage space and versatility to style and functionality, engineers have been moving towards the realization of that need. Not since the mp3 players and ipods have we seen the most amazing array of music devices available for audiophiles and techno rats.

It is interesting to note that MP3 players and ipods have always been mistaken for each other. And as hard as the brand managers try to differentiate their product from competitors, society has the last say on which product makes it and what its nickname will eventually become. MP3 players and ipods started out fairly the same; both are portable, audio players designed to eliminate the need for compact discs. MP3 players and ipods play a variety of music file formats from WAV, MP3, WMA, and MPEG to name a few. Both can also work as file storage devices. However, MP3 players are flash drive storage devices only. They have a limited capacity of up to 1 GB whereas ipods give the user a choice between a flash drive and a hard drive that can store up to 60 GB in memory size.

The competition between MP3 players and ipods extend to the capabilities of the devices. The features offered by MP3 players include an audio player, storage device, voice recorder telephone directory and an FM radio. Though it sounds like a fully loaded car, you are actually limited in terms of accessories. The wildest thing you can do to MP3 players is change the neck strap. Ipods have a wider selection and gives you more freedom to personalize it. Aside from being audio players, there are ipods that can show your pictures with its small LCD display. And with the latest ipods that play videos, you will always have something to keep you company on those stormy nights, alone in the car.

Ipods also give its user the freedom to dress up or dress down their units. There are websites that offer stick-on covers for ipods like the ones at Decalgirl.com or Ipodstyle.com. Ipods can also be used as a slight PDA since some fanatics have tinkered with these digital players and used it to upload their address book and calendar from their computer.

Other accessories available to this device include waterproof cases, headphones, dock, speakers, a home clock/radio system, battery pack, cassette adaptor, media reader and FM transmitters. The list goes on and on as more people find ways to enjoy their ipods.

With technology changing as often as the months do, it is no wonder that the once prized MP3 players are now only second – bit players to ipods. From just being portable audio devices, they have come out of our pockets and have invaded clubs. The most favorite accessories of hardcore music junkies are these docks that serves as a “mixing table” for tunes right from their ipods’ playlist.

Club disc jockeys have a field day with this device since they can create new dance floor beats with their trusty ipods bringing in the crowd thus spawning a new generation of digital mixers. Even club patrons can get into the action by downloading their favorite tunes and taking it to the mixing table for a spin.

MP3 players are not yet obsolete. It still is the next best thing to ipods and as long as there are people willing to make do without the extra features, MP3 players will always be around. If you are tight on the budget but would still like to carry your tunes around without lugging the heavy compact discs then this is the device for you.

Yet, hands down to the winner of this clash of the best audio device – the ipods. More than a just an audio player, ipods have established itself as the icon of the digital age. Its popularity, ease of use and huge potential has taken the music industry by storm. It has taken a life of its own because it has created numerous gadgets and applications that appeal to the geeks, yuppies, artists and fashionistas. As more and more people fall in love with ipods, engineers will continue to work and deliver us the accessories that we can use to fully enhance our beloved toys. ReadMore....

Reviews on the iPod

Reviews on the iPod

There are many things that people say about apple ipods. iPod reviews are posted all over the Internet and there will always be good or bad reviews available for the interested reader.

Here are some of the summarized iPod reviews available on the Internet:

Pros of iPod

Throughout the years, music lovers have acknowledged the crisp sound produced by the Apple iPod. iPod reviews have always attempted to describe the different music experience is always felt by the listener and every record song seems to be played live. Aside from this, here are the features that people have written in their iPod reviews. Things that they love about Apple iPod ? :

1. Apple iPod reviews claimed that the hard drive can hold more than five thousand songs. Now, this number of songs is enough that a user would not be able to listen to the same song twice.

2. Apple iPod reviews reveals that the hard drive boasts of a forty gigabytes of storage space.

3. Apple iPod reviews comes with an ergonomic design which is the Click Wheel. Using the Click Wheel, users can easily browse through the controls of either fast forward, play, reverse, pause and stop. Apple iPod users can even access the menus using the Click Wheel.

4. Apple ipod reviews also counted the long battery life of up to 12 hours as very helpful to the image of Apple iPod. What is the use of storing about 5 thousand songs inside teh Apple iPod if the battery would not last until all the songs have been played.

5. Apple iPod reviews also listed the capability of users to set up play lists on the Apple iPod.

6. Apple ipod reviews also lists the shuffle function as one of the most notable function of the iPod. It creates a sense of randomness in the play list avoiding boredom for the user.

7. Apple iPod reviews revealed that the Apple iPOd is an excelent audio player. This is due to four reasons:

a. The menu system of the Apple iPod is super-intuitive.

b. The sound quality is great. Although, other users contend that the Apple iPod would be better sounding through the use of other headphones.

c. The storage size for the Apple iPod relative to its size is a bonus.

d. Lastly, but definitely not the least, they consider this the most important; thousands of accessories of the Apple iPod to choose from.

Cons of iPods

1. Apple iPod reviews revealed that post sales services of the Apple iPod are not good. The service warranty of Apple iPods does not cover "abuse," which by itself is a very general term. Service stores of the Apple iPods sometimes argue that the malfunctioning of the iPods was caused by the abuse of the user.

2. Apple iPod reviews have also revealed posts that after the warranty of the iPod expired, weird things started to happen to the iPod. The Apple iPod is supposed to be skip-free, with enough battery life to last and a robust hard drive.

After the warranty year, however, it was reported that the ipod started skipping, the hard drive usually failed and the battery life suddenly became somewhat shorter.

3. Apple iPod reviews have also revealed that the Apple iPod seem to have a software bug or design flaw. Tracks being played are meant to flow continuously from one track to the next. The Apple iPod, however, sometimes blanks out for a moment between tracks.

4. Apple iPod reviews also revealed that users wish that Apple would make the video player more perfect. Doing so would shatter the competition and make Apple iPod the number one music player.

5. Apple iPod reviews also mentioned that users have an occasional problem with the iTunes. Also, the computer which has a MAC OS sometimes have difficulty recognizing the iPod when plugged. It also occassionally freezes up.

6. Apple iPod reviews also revealed that Apple iPod are easily affected by static inside a coat pocket. This cause the Apple iPod to randomly switch off occassionally.

7. Apple iPod reviews also discussed that the battery life expectancy of the Apple iPod is realistic only if the user would avoid using the back light and the equalizer of the device.

Based from the Apple iPod reviews, the music lovers uses other products simsilar to the Apple iPod such as Creative Jukebox 3, Nuvo MP3 players, Archous Jukebox, Rio, Fist MP3 player, Creative Muvo2. Creative Zen Xtra, Creative Zen Touch, Sony minidisc player, Siemens SL-45 MP3 player, and Sony WM-D6 Pro. ReadMore....

iPod Repair Service Centers

iPod Repair Service Centers

If you are contemplating on putting up your own business, why not try to learn the ins and outs of iPod repair service center? If you will scout the net, you will find that very few offer iPod repair service. In fact, your State doesn't even have one.

Although Apple have some offices in some States that offer iPod repair service, third party are not discouraged to put up their own iPod repair service center.

* About the Apple iPod Repair Warranty

Apple iPod offers one year warranty for newly purchased iPod nano, iPod mini, iPod video and iPod shuffle. This warranty includes replacement of the entire unit for iPod nano, iPod mini, iPod video and iPod shuffle that has factory defects, iPod repair service for screen repair and circuitry repair, and refurbished unit replacement for battery repair.

When the one year warranty expires, owners of iPod nano, iPod mini, iPod video and iPod shuffle may avail of the $59 battery replacement service. This is not a battery replacement service, actually. The $59 serves as your fee for receiving a refurbished iPod with a new set of lithium batteries.

If you require other iPod repair services other than battery replacement, you have to pay at the cost of almost half of the cost of a brand new iPod. For instance, if you would like your first generation iPod to be repaired at the Apple iPod repair center, the iPod repair service fee is as much as the cost of a brand new third generation iPod. So some iPod owners just buy a new one instead of having their old iPod repaired.

With this costs, this is the reason why many iPod users are looking for iPod repair service center that can do the job that Apple iPod center does, but at a cheaper cost.

* Why Not Put Up Your Own iPod Repair Service Center?

You can offer iPod repair services such as battery replacement, screen replacement or microdrive replacement.

Some online iPod repair service centers offer iPod screen repair service for just a hundred bucks for fifth generation and iPod video and fifty to seventy bucks for first to second generation monochrome iPods.

This is much cheaper compared to the $200 plus iPod repair service fee that Apple iPod center offers.

If you want to tap the repair market which still has a few competitors to spar with, you might learn the iPod repair market by studying the activities and services being offered of your future competitors.

Services that you can offer:

- screen replacement
- battery upgrades,
- audio jack repair
- hard drive or microdrives upgrades

* Online iPod Repair Centers

-- TECHSTORE

Techstore has opened its iPodRestore program for those those who care for their iPods more than their own mothers. With its Full-Restore plan, a box specially designed to carry your iPod nano, iPod mini, iPod video or iPod shuffle will be sent to you, which you need to ship back, with your iPod unit in it, to the iPod repair center of iPodRestore.

This costs for $29, which already includes the overnight from iPodRestore to your home and then to your home back to iPodStore and from iPodstore back to your home, and an estimate of your iPod's condition.


After iPodRestore receive your iPod, a technician will call and email you within 24 hours with a repair diagnosis and service repair price. You can opt to hire them to fix your iPod or ask them to send your iPod back to you at no extra cost.

They also offer Self-Restore program if you want to do the tinkering by yourself for $10. You have to supply your own iPod repair materials for this.

- iPodMods.com

iPodMods.com works like iPodRestore program but its approach in transporting iPods for repair differ in some ways.

iPodMods.com does not charge any fee for diagnostic testing. They will email you instructions on how to send your iPod to their iPod repair and testing center. Of course, the iPod owner bears the cost of the shipping.

iPodMods.com offers all types of iPod repair services such as battery replacement, hard drive or microdrive repair and upgrades, iPod screen repair, and earphone and jack port repair. ReadMore....

iPod Nano Case

First-time iPod Nano User? A Quick Guide on Cases

iPod nano cases are designed to shelter iPod nanos from dust, dirt, scratches, and from getting wet from water or perspiration. iPod nano cases also protects the color screen and the click wheel. Most iPod nano cases in the market have a built in cover that you can flip up or back to cover the front screen.


If you are in the lookout for the best iPod nano case, know first what kind of iPod nano user are you and from there, you can select the best iPod nano case for you.

--What's the best iPod Nano case for you?

1. The Trendy iPod Nano User

If you like to name the colors in these manner: pink is to blush, blue is to atomic blaze, black is to sonic eclipse, and white is to arctic, then we can say, you are a trendy user.

The best iPod nano cases for Trendy users are those that are silicon based and made by iPod nano cases experts like: iSkin, Speck, and iCandy.

The silicon material of these iPod nano cases ensure that your iPod nano is free from dust and stay inside the case even if you shop your way around the mall.

Silicon iPod nano cases, even those with colors, are translucent. So, if your iPod is black, don't choose a light colored iPod nano case. Your pink case would look like as though it had been smeared with black ink.

The best thing with silicon iPod nano cases, they have this anti-slip feature and is soft and cool to the touch.

You can either have these cases with a rotating clip or a lanyard.

2. The Practical iPod Nano User

If you are the type of person who thinks shelling out $20 to $100 for an iPod nano case is utterly ridiculous, the hard plastic iPod nano cases fit you perfectly.

Priced for as low as $2, these hard plastic iPod nano cases could also protect your iPod nano from dirt and scratches. These cases could do the job of silicon iPod nano cases less the price.

Nanshield offers well designed hard plastic iPod nano cases that come in various colors, are see through also, and bundled with a plastic lanyard or rotating belt clip.

The disadvantage of owning a hard plastic iPod nano case is that, unlike silicon iPod nano cases, it does not offer the no-slip guarantee when the case gets wet or your hand perspires. These iPod nano cases are also maleable and could easily break when dropped once or a few times.

3. The Elegant iPod Nano User

If you think black and ultra white are elegant, you should find your way in e-stores where a collection of italian leather iPod nano cases are showcased.

Apple released in 2006 its own line of italian leather iPod nano cases, which were priced from $89 up. It's true that leather iPod nano cases are pricey; but, these iPod nano cases satisfy your need for a fashionable yet elegant dress for your iPod nano.

Leather iPod nano cases also come in other colors: pink, red and blue, but in hues that don't shout but merely whisper its presence with a simple, "Hello, I'm here." The texture of the leather are soft to the touch.

Leather iPod nano cases have precise and detailed cut out to make way for the iPod nano's important features such as the click wheel, jack and dock connector,

4. The Sporty iPod Nano User

You love snowboarding and swimming and you wish you could listen to your iPod nano playlist, but you know you cannot possibly do this because your precious nano will get wet.

Well, this is the iPod nano case you have been waiting for.

H2O Audio, in April 2006, answered the wishes and prayers of sporty ipod nano users by announcing the release of its Waterproof Housing or casing for iPod nano.

With this waterproof iPod nano case, users can dip their iPod nano by 10-feet without the nano getting wet. The case is thin, waterproof and has a see through exoskeleton for the click wheel.

Better save some bucks for this iPod nano case for it costs $80. ReadMore....

Great Accessories for Your iPod Nano

Great Accessories for Your iPod Nano

One of the latest ipod innovations is the ipod nano. Though it is a little more expensive than you can imagine, lots still grab ipod nanos off the racks. Now, you think, what makes the ipod nano click so much?

What Accessories Do You Need For Your iPod Nano?

Ipod nano accessories give the ipod nano a unique look. Ipod nano accessories aren’t all about looking good. Most of these accessories help in the ipod nano’s portability and also in the convenience of its use.

It comes with a leather case that is handcrafted from Italian leather. Touching it makes your fingers feel ticklish because of its extremely soft and very durable lining that makes up for its nice, fine, rich look. This ipod nano accessory secures your ipod nano like a baby snuggling in its crib. It has a ribbon case design, wherein you just have to pull at the ends of the ribbon and, voila! You’re ipod nano is in plain sight for you to manage and use again.

In-ear Lanyard earphones also accessorize the ipod nano. This accessory turns your ipod nano into a wearable music player. Not only that, but these earphones are also very artistic, a stunning piece of art indeed. These ipod nano accessories are unlike any other type of earphones, for these increase the clarity and the bass response of the song you are listening to.

Most earphones look unmanageable because of the cluttered look they portray, which is not offered by this ipod nano accessory. In-ear Lanyard earphones give an uncluttered look due to the fact that the audio cable is integrated with the Lanyard itself.

You do not have to worry about using your ipod nano while busy with something else. The armband is another ipod nano accessory that gives you easy access to the Click Wheel and also to the other controls an ipod nano has. This ipod nano accessory can also be used for fashion for it has a variety of hues and shades that you can choose from.

If you want a character of a hopeless romantic, the pink armband is perfect for you; if you’re the nature person, either that or you’re a hippie, then the color green is the armband color usually recommended for people of your genre; the shades of red depict confidence and determination, the color usually bought by a dominatrix; and other colors like blue and gray, etc.

The ipod nano dock is an ipod nano accessory that makes your residence, not only a home for you, but also for your ipod nano. This accessory makes a convenient home base for chargine and syncing. With this ipod nano accessory, you can also connect your ipod nano to an audio system, to share the good music, your ipod nano plays, with everyone else.

Together, with the aforementioned ipod nano accessories, is the USB power adapter. With this adapter, you can charge your ipod nano when it is not connected to a computer. To do so, you need to have with you your dock connector and USB cable.

Ipod nanos do not just play what you have downloaded. You can also enjoy the good music of FM radio on your ipod nano. With the radio remote, yo can control everything you need to control to set your FM radio. This ipod nano accessory also makes things a lot easier for you because the remote is conveniently wired. With this package comes a shorter cable that seems to fit the remote with perfection.

The tubes fit the ipod nano like a glove and gives you a full Click Wheel control form the outside. This ipod nano accessory clothes your ipod nano, yet it doesn’t decrease your ipod nano’s manageability. The tubes are also colorful; a set of the colors clear, blue, purple, green and pink.

The last ipod nano accessory that completes the package is the AV connector kit. This kit is inclusive of everything that you need to connect your ipod nano to your home stereo. With this ipod nano accessory, you can enjoy your music library right in your home. You can share your favorite trackes with your family and friends this way too.

“Accessories” may sound like all they do is accessorize. Well, they do, but that’s not the whole story. They also make things easier or more manageable for you. That is exactly what ipod nano accessories do. ReadMore....

Spin Tunes With the iPod Nano

Spin Tunes With the iPod Nano

Welcome the age of innovation! Welcome the Apple iPod nano. The iPod nano is the successor of Ipod mini. The ipod nano was born on September 7, 2005. It works on flash memory instead of a full a hard drive unlike the other ipods. The iPod nano is 62% smaller than its predecessor, with memory available in 1 GB, 2 GB, and 4 GB sizes. The 65,536 color LCD display can show photographs and connects to a computer with the use of a USB 2.0. The iPod nano has a headphone jack on the bottom and also has a dock for other peripherals. One setback though is that the iPod nano is the only one in the ipod series that does not sync to any PC or Windows through firewire.

The iPod nano has many features that would be copied and included into the fifth generation video iPod. These iPod nano features that are new to the ipod series is the addition of the world clock, a stopwatch, and the screenlock option. The world clock permits the users to set time in world cities and set alarms for their time zones. The clocks are ready to adjust for the Daylight Saving Time. The stopwatch feature enables users to start the timer and to stop. The screenlock feature lets users set a passcode for their iPod nano. Should the user forget his or her passcode and the iPod nano is locked, the iPod nano must be plugged into the computer and it will be unlocked.

Spinning tunes with the iPod nano is easy. All the user has to do is upload their chosen songs from iTunes or other external websites, attach their iPod to the computer and start using it. You can choose an iPod nano with colors in white or black. The memory size varies from in 1 GB, 2 GB and 4 GB models. The price for an iPod nano ranges from $149 to $249, depending on the memory capacity you want.

One of the most appealing things about the iPod nano is its sleek design. However, there have been a number of complaints about the nano’s screen softness thus becoming easily scratched or cracking if too much pressure is applied. The iPod nano body is also delicate and scratch easily. Its surface is soft plastic and frequent use can damage the surface.

Because of this, Apple has had to defend its iPod nano from lawsuits, stating that they found the units not living up to its claim. Also the battery life is not as reliable. Since then, Apple began to package the iPod nano and fifth-generation iPods along with soft fabric cloth carrying case to help prevent scratches on the screen and body. The bad side to this is that the case does not give access to the control and the screen. The user must really exert effort in using the function of the iPod nano under the soft case.

Lucky for us, there are iPod nano accessories that solve this problem. One such device is the rubberized skin covers. These skins not only prevent the unit from being scratched, it also protects it from moisture and dust. The snug fit ensures that it does not slip and the rubberized feature gives the user a tight grip on their iPod nano. For the battery problem, users can always purchase a new adapter that they can carry to charge their units anywhere, as long as there is a socket.

Along with the car charger, earphones and loud speakers, the iPod nano has loads of peripherals available to really give you listening pleasure all day long. Among the favorites is the iPod FM stereo and cassette adaptor. Now you can search for tunes and play them through conventional devices like a car stereo the use of your iPod. It’s fast and simple.

And also there is the iPod Groove Purse Tote with Built in Speaker & Amplifier System. This classy tote bag lets you display your iPod and share your music with everyone around you. The flawless integration of style, clear sounds and amazing technology, make this a hot item for gifts.

Spin your way into the world of music and multimedia with the iPod nano. Its great tunes, great photos and the coolest gadgets to show everyone what you’ve got are what turns an audiophile into an iPod lover. Once you get the beat started, it’s really hard to back down. ReadMore....

iPod Music | the ultimate music experience

iPod Music - the ultimate music experience

iPod music has sold models to over 10 million users. With the growth of iPod users, iPod music among the most sought after kind of music through the Internet. During the second quarter conference of its company, Apple, company executives said that it is actively going for the international digital music market.

In the United States alone, Apple's iPod and iPod music has a 78% share in the market, while it is also leading in the United Kingdom with 40%. In Japan, Canada and Australia, iPod music is also popular with market shares of 54%, 45% and 58% respectively. Apple Chief Operating officer Tim Cook said that while the iPod is the top portable audio player in these countries, Apple is also eyeing on improving iPod music sales in other countries like Italy and the rest of Eastern Europe, and Asian countries like China and Korea.

Cook said that Apple is planning to make local advertising and distribution points to help boost the sales of iPod and iPod music in these areas. The Apple executive said that there are now more than 35,000 storefronts in the world that sells iPod and promote iPod music. He said that the company is increasing the capacity of resellers in the United States that will enhance and increase the number of channel partners to distribute iPod and promote iPod music in Latin America and Asia.

More gadgets, accessories for iPod music

iPod music can now be played in Teac's two new offerings. The first one is called SRL-200 that features an integrated iPod dock, digital AM and FM radio tuner with 20 FM station presets, LCD display, and wireless remote. It lets you awaken or fall asleep to iPod music. It sells for $150.

The second offering is called GR-10i. It is a similar clock radio with iPod dock that sports a silver exterior. It also features digital AM and FM radio tuner, LCD display, remote and sleep/alarm functions.

iPod features

iPod can allow you to store up to 15,000 songs and up to 150 hours of video in your pocket size gadget. iPod and its music has surely brought the ultimate music experience both in sight and sound. It is now in thinner and lighter design that is available in white and dramatic black. Its 320x240 pixel QVGA color display allows you to view photos and videos in iPod music and video formats. These are all available in iTunes Music Store by Apple.

You can play more and more iPod music from your iPod with the 60GB and 30GB iPod but without occupying a big space. Incredibly, iPod plays almost countless music and videos yet measures only a half inch thin that can easily pit into your pocket.

There are many gadgets that you can plug into your iPod that does not only play iPod music but videos and slideshows as well on your TV. You can show and share your iPod music and other iPod files. The optional Audio video cable helps you do this and combined with a new Apple remote with an optional iPod Universal Dock, you can easily have control on your iPod music, videos and slideshows from across the room.

You can play iPod music up to 20 hours non stop. The 60GB iPod offers 20 hours of battery life for your music playing. The 30GB can be used for 14 hours non stop. The battery of your iPod can be charged up to 80% of its total capacity in just two hours while a full charge can take four hours all in all.

iPod has become the best travel companion when taking pictures during your vacation. In the absence of memory cards, you can automatically store extra files of pictures in your iPod. The optional iPod Camera Connector helps you do this while playing iPod music. You can connect the cable and transfer the pictures from your digital camera to your iPod. From your iPod, you can view your pictures immediately.

iPod is definitely not exclusive to playing iPod music alone. It has evolved to become best handy player of audio and video files in the world. No wonder that iPod is music lovers' most favored gadget.

Bono of U2 simply says it all, "iPod is the most interesting artistic creation in pop since the electric guitar. ReadMore....

Now Showing On Your iPod: Movies

Now Showing On Your iPod: Movies

The fifth generation ipod created the buzz since its release. Many users have enjoyed television shows, movies and music videos played on their beloved iPod video. Hundreds of software has circulated the market to rip DVD and so users can upload their favorite movies, tv shows, music video, games and other multimedia clips. iPod movies are now the latest trend among iPod fanatics.

How do you add a movie to become a part of your iPod movies? The first step is to choose what movie you want to put in your iPod movies. You can opt to download movies straight from the Internet but that might cost a bit more, around $2 USD for a movie. It is highly recommended that users download their iPod movies through the Apple iTunes Music Store. For one thing, it is not so easy to convert DVD into iPod movies because of the possibility of incompatibility with the software. Secondly, you can be sure of the quality of your iPod movies.

If you still want to rip an existing DVD movie on to your iPod video, start by downloading software available on the web but be careful! Choose only those that support the iPod video format. Look for features that are easy to use and fast,brief interface and design. Make sure that all encoders/codecs are built-in.

The iPod video converter should be able to integrate with all video/audio encoders/codecs. It should also support a preview function so you can be sure that the iPod movies turn out well. Examples of these are PQ DVD to iPod Video Converter, Handbrake or ImTOO iPod Movie Converter v2.1. Each of these software converts all of the popular video formats to iPod Movies MP4 (iPod video format MPEG-4) and they also convert audio files to iPod supported MP3, AAC, M4A file format. The conversion process happens automatically so all you have to do is set what format you want the movie converted then set the volume and the directory to save it in. Presto! You now have an addition to your iPod movies.

But as legal issues over piracy and copyright laws are beginning to be strict, many are concerned about the future of iPod movies. Will the users be made liable for home videos or ripped DVDs downloaded on their iPod movies’ play list? The economics of iPod video distribution are very different and is dominated by the Hollywood moguls, including licensing and windowing agreements. Not to mention the progress of theatre shows to other markets like rental shops, pay TV, retail stores, free-to-air and now to iPod movies.

And what about porn? The advent of 3G technology on mobile phones has also opened the gates of thrash content when sex videos started to circulate. Will the iPod movies follow suit? Will there be a regulation in the near future of what we can or can’t download to our iPod movies? It is not too hard to see the iPod movies being used for such frivolity. After all, we are free to put whatever content we want on our iPods.

Aside from the iPod movies, the TV shows that can be played on the iPod video are endless. Right now, Desperate Housewives rule the iPod video landscape. Another great ipod feature is the video pod cast, users don’t just watch pod casts but they can also create their own. Eventually home movies will be added as users explore the iPod movies and its limits.

To fully enjoy your iPod movies, there are accessories available for your iPod video. With its TV OUT and wide screen option, you can share you iPod movies with friends inside your living room. The video quality will somewhat depend on the file compression but over-all the resolution is a great. External speakers are also available for you to fully appreciate the audio sounds of the iPod movies you are watching. Add the optional audio cable so you can play music from iPod to your home stereo or use the S-video cable play VJ on your TV. You can also perform the same big-screen feat with iPod photo slideshows and iPod movies. ReadMore....

A Biography of the iPod Mini

A Biography of the iPod Mini

Yes, the ipod mini said its goodbye to the technology market last September 7, 2005. It seems only proper to pay our respects to this whimsical gadget that once put a smile on our face. When the iPod mini was released on February 20, 2004, many were delighted. Being the smaller version of Apple Computer's iPod first generation portable audio player, it’s variety in color (though still somewhat limited to five colors: silver, gold, pink, blue, and green) appealed to a much broader market. The ipod mini operated with both Macintosh and Windows PCs.

The iPod mini’s feature was the click wheel, where four buttons were located above the wheel. To use one of the buttons, a user had to push the wheel edge inward over one of the labels. The click wheel is now used in the fourth and fifth generation iPods as well as in the iPod nano. Above the wheel was the monochrome display that gave the menus or information of the currently selected track. The new generation of ipods now has a colored screen display.

The iPod mini made use of the ultra-thin Compact Flash Microdrive hard drives. The first-generation mini models only had to content itself to a 4GB hard drive. The second-generation mini models were then available in 4GB and 6GB memory size. The iPod mini 4 GB is capable of storing 1,000 songs while the iPod mini 6GB stored 1, 500 songs.

Later the drive size was laser engraved on the case to distinguish between the two minis. Near the end of the iPod mini’s life, Apple laser etched two lines of 32 characters on top of the reverse side on the mini free of charge. Such a feature would originally cost more money. However, Apple seemed sentimental enough and the gesture was a sign of respect for the mini’s impeding demise.

The battery life of its first generation iPod mini was 8 hours that led to some argument on its short duration. This problem was solved with the second-generation models that claimed a battery life of 18 hours.

Unfortunately, the 2nd generation had no FireWire cable or an AC power adapter, a compromise made by Apple to reduce the retail prices of the new iPod minis. The iPod mini also had a dock connector provided on the bottom for a connection to the computer (Hi-Speed USB or FireWire). The battery was charged during its connection. On the top it was a headphone jack, a hold switch, and remote port for other accessories.

Like the larger iPod, the iPod mini supported a host of file formats like MP3, WAV, AIFF and MP4. It maintained it’s flawless integration with the iTunes Music Store and the files being downloaded there. Software-wise, the iPod mini was as reliable as the original iPod units.

The appeal of the iPod mini is it’s compact and colorful design. And the accessories that come with it are there to enhance the iPod mini’s sound quality and functions. It is true that some of the accessories are expensive but aren’t all the iPod gadgets expensive too?

Besides if there was something good to be said about the iPod mini, it’s the option it gave the consumers when getting a digital audio player. The Ipod mini competed directly with players like Creative's Zen Micro and the Digital Networks Rio Carbon. The smaller display was one line shorter than the previous models, thus limiting its on-screen track information display to title and artist only, taking the album information off.

The original price for the first generation iPod mini was around $249 for the 4GB memory size. The second-generation lowered the price to $199 and kept the 4GB model. An increased-capacity 6GB mini model sold for $249.

As the Ipod family began to expand, the Ipod mini was laid to rest when Apple launched the introduction of the iPod nano. The iPod mini was no more and stopped its production. Though it seems the iPod mini only stayed for a while, its influence as the pioneer of the click wheel will always be remembered. ReadMore....