Wednesday, May 9, 2007

Ipods - Finding The Right Ipod Speakers

Ipod speakers article that will help the reader to find out more about ipod speakers and which speakers work best with ipods

Nowadays, you can throw a party anywhere as long as you have an iPod and a set of iPod speakers. They are so tiny, yet they can boom the bass and shake up the place.

iPod speakers are either portable, which you can carry around, or home models, which you cannot carry around because of some restrictions like, it is bigger and heavier and is therefore not handy, and it is not battery operated and work only when plugged into an electrical outlet.

The portable models are battery operated and has a size just slightly larger than iPod Nano and some weighs only half an ounce! Although portable iPod speakers offer sound better than most computer speaker, it can't compete with the home only or standalone iPod speakers that can produce louder, crisper, and more booming sound, for these iPod speakers get their power directly from an electical outlet that gives much energy compared to a low voltage battery.

Below are the best in iPod speakers that could rock us out of our seat with their booming sound.

-iBlasting the Room with iBoom iPod speakers

iBoom is the newest iPod speaker from DLO. The iBoom iPod speakers sport an amorphous shape and has a slot in the front which serve as a hub for iPod or iPod mini. The four iPod speakers only need 20 watts per channel to start producing sound. iBoom iPod speakers also has a built-in handle, an AUX in port, and can run either on AC power or a with six "D" batteries. When plugged in to an AC power, the iBoom iPod speakers will charge the cradled iPod. Design wise, iBoom iPod speakers look pretty good with a white iPod cradled on it.

The plus points for iBoom iPod speakers are (1) low wattage consumption but could still produce decent sound, (2) portable and (3) charge an iPod when it is running on A/C power.

- 'What's the new Black?'

For Altec Lansing, the answer is still black.

Altec Lansing's inMotion iM3 iPod speakers come in the usual Apple white and, now, in black. It weighs around 15 to 16 ounces only and is sized just a bit larger than the iPod.

Altec Lansing is known for creating sound system that could produce sounds in different ranges from the highest pitch to the lowest bass. And now that Altec Lansing has speakers for the iPod, expect that these iPod speakers would be of high quality. In fact, these iPod speakers has a class D amplifier to create richArticle Submission, audible sounds.

To read the rest of this article visit iPod Speakers

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

To find out more about your ipod and to chat with other ipod owners visit our video ipods articles website

iPod Wireless Speakers and Headphones

Ever since the iPod first appeared on the market, technology companies began developing all kind of accessories for it. There are companies that have traditionally made wired speakers and headphones for use with the iPod and currently are entering the wireless market.

The iPod seems to have induced a certain trend in the consumer electronics industry as many companies on the market rushed to manufacture accessories for the little device that allows you to take music with you wherever you go. Speakers and headphones were among the first choices as iPod accessories for consumer electronics companies. The next step was wireless speakers and headphones to allow more freedom of movement. We'll try to discuss the pros and cons of wireless peripherals for the iPod as well as the models that each wireless component works with.

Logitech
Logitech began marketing in 2005 a wireless headphone unit that works with any model of iPod that has a dock connector on the base. This feature is standard on all new models and is available on older models as well. The headphones use Bluetooth technology to connect to the iPod through an adapter that transmits the signal. They come with rechargeable batteries that supposedly can play up to eight hours of music per charge.

The wireless headset is very light and weighs only 3.2 ounces, with the adapter unit weighing less than an ounce. iPod controls are provided on one of the earpieces, so there is no need to return to the iPod to adjust the volume or move through the play list. The iPod can be left sitting on a counter or on a desk, and the headphones will pick up the signal for up to 30 feet away.

Logitech also markets a wireless music receiver and transmitter that turns your current stereo into a receiver and set of speakers for your iPod. It comes with its own rechargeable batteries so it doesn't drain your iPod. The receiver unit simply plugs into your stereo system and the transmitter onto your iPod. The system works with any iPod or MP3 player with a standard 3.5mm headphone output.

The benefit of this system is that you can use it to make your existing speakers wireless without having to purchase additional equipment. It is easy to plug in and use so you can easily move to other rooms in the house. The only drawback is the 30-feet distance restriction between the receiver and the transmitter.

Macally
Macally designed a Bluetooth based BlueWave iPod headset that connects to the iPod through a transmitter plugged into the iPod's headphone port. One issue with the BlueWave system is that the transmitter unit doesn't use the iPod's connector for power but two non-rechargeable AAA batteries. Another issue would be the plastic notch situated by the headphone jack that prevents the transmitter from wobbling on the iPod's top and which you will need to remove if you own an iPod shuffle or a first or second generation iPod.

The signal's range should be around 30 feet but it varies greatly depending on the environment you are in, especially if doors or walls stand in the way. The headphones can provide up to eight hours of interrupted music depending on volume level and other factors. They are also powered by two non-rechargeable AAA batteries.

With the BlueWave system you can also wirelessly stream music from your iPod by connecting the headphones to the home speaker system with a RCA patch cable that fits in the line-out jack from the headphones.

Oregon Scientific
Oregon Scientific released in 2005 a very interesting wireless speaker system designed for the iPod, the iBall. The speaker is shaped like a bowling ball and it connects to a transmitter dock, that holds the iPod, through 2.4 Ghz wireless technology, with adaptive frequency hopping spread spectrum. The signal range should be up to 100 feet and the rechargeable batteries provide up to 8 hours of music on a single charge. It is compatible with iPods, iPod photos, iPod nanos, and iPod minis.

The iBall has a built-in remote for the iPod which you can use even if the iPod is not in the room. The speaker has a round LCD display that you can use to change volume and skip tracks, find out the time, wireless signal strength, battery power, play/pause status.

Wi-Gear
The iMuffs from Wi-Gear are wireless headphones made especially for the iPod but with a twist. They use Bluetooth technology to connect wirelessly to both your iPod and your Bluetooth enabled phone, so you can use them as a wireless headset for the cell phone. When you receive a call, the iMuffs pause the music on the iPod, ring in the headphones and allow you to speak in the integrated microphone.

The iMuffs system has a small receiver that hooks on top of the iPod and comes with a rechargeable battery that provides up to 12 hours of interrupted music. As expected with Bluetooth, the iMuffs headphones can pick up the signal in the 30 feet signal range. They also feature iPod controls on each earpiece for pause, volume, skip and search.

In the future, the market of wireless headphones and speakers for the iPod will become a bigger share of the overall iPod accessories market, as the signal range will increaseScience Articles, the audio output quality will get better and the batteries the manufacturers use for power will allow more hours of playtime.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Learn how wireless speakers and headphones work, read product reviews and find out shopping tips and tricks at http://www.Wireless-Speakers.org.

The Ultimate iPod Video Experience

With your new 5th generaton iPod you can see a very clear 36 inch picture in front of you eyes while enjoy Hi-Fi stereo sound. Well, almost - you just need some extra equipment.

Yesterday my new 5th generation iPod video arrived. As I had an iPod before I was eager to check out the video capability. So my first shot was going on iTunes and trying to find some free stuff.

Besides the ‘Tiki Bar’ video podcast I couldn’t really find something for free. Everything had a price tag of $1.99. Why couldn’t Apple give some short Pixar movies away for free? As Apple owns Pixar there would be no problem with license fees.

In my second approach I punched in some keywords in Google:
*
video podcast *
free iPod movies *
convert iPod movies

No luck at all, it seemed to me this video revolution has just kicked off. I am sure a lot of video podcasts and new products will be developed and distributed over the next few month.

Finally I ended up spending $1.99 downloading the 45 minutes pilot series of the hot new mystery show ‘Night Stalker’. The download took about 7 minutes with my cable connection and another 20 seconds to download it onto my iPod.

I selected movies and than TV shows, clicked on Night Stalker and with a 5 seconds delay the movie started. The sound and picture quality is outstanding, very bright and sharp. You can really enjoy watching a movie on this little 2.5 inch screen.

But here comes the interesting part. Where do you place your iPod to watch the movie? I ended up holding it in my hands and thought that this could not be the final solution to it.

Looking into the technical data - Apple made some changes from the previous iPod. You will notice that there is no extra connector next to the ear plug anymore. Apple offers an additional video cable that plugs right into the ear phone and connects the video to any TV set. But why would you do this in your own home? Sure, this comes in handy to show podcasts and music clips at your friends house, but definitely not at your own home.

So what is the Ultimate iPod Video Experience?
It came to me this morning - if the ear plug carries the connector for the audio and the video signals you could actually plug in some goggles with build in LCD screens!

A quick search in Google turned up with a view models:

Innovatek V-190 Video Glasses
A personal video viewing device with fashion design using the latest technology When being connected to outer video sources, you can see a very clear 36 –inch picture in front of you eyes while enjoy Hi-Fi stereo sound. just like in a private cinema.
virtuel-glasses.jpg
Price: $149.00
More Information on: Mp3PlayerStore

Eyetop Centra
Eyetop Centra is the first wearable video screen with stereo sound, making it possible to enjoy multimedia content wherever you are. Just plug it into your mobile video device, put your glasses on, store your video device for hands-free operation, and benefit from having a TV set right in front of your eyes!
eyetopfolded300sm.jpg
Price: $499.00
More Information on: VRealities website

Now with these glasses on you just lay downFree Articles, sit or do whatever you want and enjoy your iPod movie. I bet you smell almost the popcorn from your local movie theater.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Thomas Herold is the CEO of Quantum Biocommunication Technology. A website that is dedicated for the exploration of quantum biocommunication and its technology.

Selecting the Right iPod

Apple now offers three iPod models and deciding which one is best for you may be easier than you think. In this article, I describe the advantages and disadvantages of each model to help you make a decision.

Apple currently offers three iPods -- the Shuffle, Nano and iPod (video) -- and one is probably just right for you. Although there are certainly aesthetic reasons for buying an iPod (who can resist the beauty of design of a Nano), in this article I'll describe some of the more logical reasons for selecting an iPod.

• iPod Shuffle The iPod Shuffle is the smallest and least expensive of the current iPod models. It's also the newest model, officially shipping just days ago, although it was first announced and previewed by Steve Jobs in mid-September. The Shuffle's amazingly small size, virtual weightlessness and good battery life (Apple reports up to 12 hours of use from one battery charge) make it ideal for long trips or walks. The built-in clip makes wearing the Shuffle easy and secure and it eliminates the need for or cost of an extra case. Clip it anywhere and start walking or jogging. The main disadvantage to a Shuffle is the limited storage space for music (1 GB). Some people complain that it lacks a screen, but I find a screen is unnecessary on a Shuffle since you can arrange music on it in the order you want to hear the songs using iTunes and changing the volume and moving back and forth through your songs requires no visual effort. For those who must have a screen on a lightweight MP3 player, Apple makes the iPod Nano.

• iPod NanoLike the Shuffle, the new Nano is almost weightless and, with the right case, it can be worn around your neck or on your arm. The battery life of a Nano for audio playback is extremely long (according to Apple, up to 24 hours of use from one battery charge), especially if you use the screen and backlight minimally. The storage capacities for a Nano are 2 GB, 4 GB and 8 GB. If you have a small-to-medium size music collection, and you like the idea of carrying all your music with you in as small an MP3 player as possible, the Nano might be perfect for you. The addition of a screen lets you select just the songs you want to hear while still providing you with a lightweight option you can wear around your neck, carry in your pocket or wear on your arm. You can also store and view photos on a Nano but the storage space of the smaller Nano models might be limiting for a photo enthusiast.

The major disadvantage to the Nano is the cost of the 4 GB and 8 GB models. The 8 GB model is the same price as a 30 GB iPod (video) and the 4 GB model is only $50 less than the 30 GB iPod. Also, none of the models come with accessories except a cable to connect them to your computer or a charger, so you need to figure in the cost of at least a cover to protect the screen of a new Nano. But the Nano is small and lightweight and has a screen, and it may be the perfect iPod for users with smaller music collections.

• iPod (video)The largest iPod is Apple's "video" iPod, although Apple refers to it as just the iPod. The battery life for video viewing is good -- up to 3-1/2 hours of use from one battery charge. The excellent resolution (320 x 240) and brightness of the screen of the iPod make viewing videos a delight. The latest iPod comes in two sizes -- 30 GB and 80 GB -- and, like all iPods (including the Shuffle), it can be used for storing data as well as audio files, photos and videos. Storing your complete iTunes library on the iPod is very easy. Just connect your iPod to your computer, set iTunes to copy your complete library to the iPod and iTunes will do the rest. Every time you update your iTunes library and then connect your iPod, your music and videos will also be updated on your iPod. One of the advantages of the large storage capacity of the iPod is the ability to add podcasts to your music library. You can find a large variety of free podcasts through the iTunes Store (the easiest way to add podcasts) and iTunes lets you easily update the podcasts automatically or manually. You can also visit podcast websites (for example, Podcast Net or Podcast Alley) for more podcasts, including video podcasts.

The iPod is, naturally, larger and heavier than a Nano, but it's still small enough and lightweight enough to carry in your pocket or purse. If you need the extra storage space and/or want video capabilities, the iPod (video) might be the right iPod for you.

As you can see, whether your needs are for a simple, no-frills, very small, easy-to-use music player (Shuffle), for a full-featured music and video player (iPod) or for something in-between (Nano), there is an iPod that is right for you. To help in making a choice, you can view a comparison chart of the three current iPod models at Apple's website. Copyright 2006 Claire J Rottenberg- You have permission to publish this article electronically in free-only publications such as a website or an ezine as long as the bylines and all hyperlinks are included. If you post this article on a website/forum/blog, all URLs must be set to hyperlinks (clickable links). - You are not allowed to change or delete any words or links in the article or resource box. Paragraph breaks must be retained with the article. - You are not allowed to post/reprint this article in any sites/publications that contain or support hateHealth Fitness Articles, violence or pornography or in any indecent or illegal sites/publications. - You are not allowed to use this article in UCE (Unsolicited Commercial Email) or SPAM.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Claire J Rottenberg is an award-winning researcher and writer with over 20 years of experience using Macintosh computers. She is the author and publisher of ebooks for users of Mac OS X 10.4 software and a free monthly ezine on Mac OS X 10.4. http://homepage.mac.com/cjrtools/ebooks