Wednesday, October 10, 2007

Reviewing The Latest iPod Video

The new iPod video has stirred a lot of reactions, a lot of reviews, discussing the advantages and disadvantages of its utility, quality and features. These reviews are important especially because of the fact that the new iPod video was launched without a serious study of the market, of the customer’s tastes and wishes. From this point of view this is a daring initiative and a great step in the video development.

The reviews usually point out the amazement and the great success concerning the new iPod video, but also highlight some aspects that may contribute to its improvement. For example, the great advantage of connecting the iPod video to the TV set and playing the videos on it is well-received. But on the other hand, the fact that the iPod video cannot be connected to the computer is seen as a disadvantage. The transfer from iPod to computer is not possible and this fact may be a suggestion for the designers and creators of the iPod video.

Some customers are in love with this device because of the possibility of watching the favorite TV shows and ABC hits like “Lost” and “Desperate Housewives” even in the road. The stress of loosing the relaxing TV show or film may be very unpleasant especially in the case of difficult days at work. Therefore, the possibility of watching them on an iPod video is an excellent idea. Besides, the iPod video matches the crazy contemporary lifestyle, giving the opportunity of checking the e-mail, of finding out the time in other cities very useful especially in the case of people that travel a lot.

Satisfaction and pleasant remarks are the main notes for the new iPod video, as it is really a great product. The fact that it has more features, more quality, longer battery life and smaller dimensions, thinner display is enjoyed a lot. A small disadvantage, compared to the great new benefits, is the fact that the images, photos from the iPod video transferred to the TV set are too bright, although very clear and nice.

Another great advantage is the fact that the customers may listen to the music over 14 hours (it depends on the model). But the reviews point out a disadvantage – the fact that the video playback time is only 2 hours. Another disadvantage is the fact that the iTunes from the iTunes Music Store are too expensive, but taking into account the great quality of the sound this may not be such a great disadvantage. Besides, the equalizer may be set for a better quality sound.

Some other reviews highlight the fact that the screen quality is clear and maybe clearer than of the most TV sets. This aspect may be put together with the fact that the screen is better and bigger although the display is smaller and thinner.

A special attention may be paid to the fact that, as in other cases, some defect items may be in sale, but it may be exchanged within 14 days. Another disadvantage that completes the fact that the iPod video cannot be connected to the computer is that it doesn’t work well with wireless FM transmitters. This problem may be also managed with a cassette adapter for the iPod so that it would work great.

Unresponsiveness and freezing video images are other problems mentioned in the user reviews. Hardware problems and the low quality of some songs may be other possible problems according to the reviews of the customers. These aspects seem to point out the fact that this technology is not mature enough and the new iPod video is from some point of view an experiment and a way of testing the market.

Anyway, the fact that the new iPod video has reduced dimensions and may fit any pocket. Besides, the high resolution and the great quality of the songs are exclusive advantages and are mentioned by the customers with joy and satisfaction.



http://www.videoipods.ws/Reviewing-The-Latest-iPod-Video.html

You Gotta Love iPod's Covers!

With the release of iPod in 2001, third party manufacturers of iPod covers and cases had sprouted, offering iPod covers in various colors for first to fifth generations of iPods, the iPod mini and the iPod nano, and the iPod shuffle.

iPod covers are created to protect or shelter the ultra sleek iPods from dust, dirt and scratches. Most iPod users buy iPod covers to protect the iPod skin that they have dressed on for their iPods.

-FABRIC iPOD COVERS

iPod covers are usually made from cotton fabric. It may be stitched like a pouch bag or a slip on. Some third party manufactureres create plastic iPod covers, but this kind of iPod cover is not very popular.

Although iPod covers are not necessarily needed, most iPod users buy iPod covers to look fashionable with the colorful designs of their iPods.

iPod covers made from fabric are washable and reusable.

1. Pouch iPod covers

Pouch iPod covers are usually made from cotton fabric. The added tie (to create a pouch) serves like a lanyard so you can slip it on your wrists whenever you are in the move.

2. Slip on iPod covers

Slip on iPod covers may come with embroidery or printed image of your favorite character in a movie or a book or even of your own face.

Lucas online arts store has some sets of Star Wars slip on iPod covers with an imprint of faces of Princess Leia, Luke Sky Walker, Darth Vader, Hans Solo, Obi Wan Kenobi and the robots. iPod covers containing scenes or faces in movies like Pirates of the Carribean or the iconic head of Hello Kitty, are offered also in the net either as hard plastic iPod cover or fabric slip on iPod cover.

3. Innovative iPod covers

Some designers offer innovative iPod covers. Like the handmade iPod cover muffs from Australia which is made from printe polyester canvas with a matching foam and polar fleece inside to keep the iPod in place.

But the most innovated iPod covers are baby's socks. These iPod covers are very cute to look at. They are offered in bold colors that is so striking to look at. These iPod covers are made from yarn knits and are also washable.

METALLIC IPOD COVERS

For those who wants to look techie and very modern, the metal iPod covers fit you perfectly.

Metallic iPod covers are made of aluminum, with grade of that anodized aircraft, and have designs and sizes to fit first to fifth generations of iPod and also the mini, nano and shuffle lines.

These metallic iPod covers are lighweight, and scratch-resistant, which means your iPod unit is not only protected inside, but the protective metallic iPod cover is also protected from scratches and could last for a longer time than washable iPod covers.

A lining called Neoprene holds the iPod securely in place and likewis cushions it from sudden impact.

Metallic iPod covers have cut outs to give way for dock connector pork, headphone jacks, click wheel and the hold switch, so the iPod is fully functional even though it is encased in the metallic iPod cover.

Metallic iPod covers are priced slightly higher than the fabric iPod covers. Some says that the high price is worthy considering that metallic iPod covers could last at least 100 times compared to fabric iPod covers.

LEATHER iPOD COVERS

For those who wish to have an elegant cover for their iPod, they should look out for fine-grain leather iPod covers.

Leather iPod covers are offered in cool tones. They have heavy-duty stitching around the edges to ensure protection for your iPod. It comes with a detachable, rotating belt clip or lanyard.

Apple, in 2006, came up with their own line of iPod covers. Apple's iPod covers are made from italian, fine-grain leather, and are clearly aimed for the high-end market. Apple's leather iPod covers has cutout to give access to to important features of the iPod such as the ports for the dock connector and the headphones, and also the click wheel.

Leather iPod covers are costly. They are priced more than half of the price of polyester or fabric made pouch, slip on or baby socks iPod covers.




http://www.videoipods.ws/You-Gotta-Love-iPods-Covers.html

How to turn an iPod into a Remote Control

The Apple Ipod

Users of the Apple iPod could not get enough of the music experience. These are some of the features of the Apple iPod that makes it so attractive to music lovers and techies:

1. The Apple iPod have so much space available of up to forty gigabytes that it can store up to about five thousand songs.
2. The Apple iPod also comes with the ergonomically designed Click Wheel wherein you can do fast forward, play, reverse, pause and access the menu with ease.
4. The Apple iPod can be used up to 12 hours non-stop due to its long life battery.
5. The Apple iPod was also designed in such a way that you would have the ability to set up your own play list and it also has a shuffle function to introduce randomness during playing.

iPod Hacks

Through the years, however, the Apple iPod has been modified by techies by using iPod hacks, bent on providing more power to the user in terms of customization and personalization of their Apple iPod.

Strictly speaking, iPod hacks are anything that gives changes to your iPod in terms of appearance, either in terms of software or hardware. Various firmwares that provides iPod hacks, are available on the Internet websites like the iPodWizard that is capable of changing the graphic and text of the Apple iPod.

Some users of the Apple iPod are already content with their iPod simplying playing music, however, some people use iPod hacks because they seem to want more.

Turning an iPod into a Universal Remote

Latest technology capabilities have provided a user power to modify his Apple iPod. These iPod hacks can even transform a normal Apple iPod into a universal remote.

The Apple ipod can be used to control any home electronic equipment in your house. It can control your television, DVD player, Media Center, even a robot. This is the power of iPod hacks.

Simply put, you can use a Pocket PC to possibly record the waves an infrared remote produces. Transfer these waves to your iPod and start changing your TV channels. You now have a new universal remote control.

The following are required before starting this example project of iPod hacks:

1. An Apple iPod
2. A Mac or Personal Computer with a sound recording software installed.
3. A Pocket PC, could be a Pocket PC 2002 or 2003.
4. A total remote software and IR device

The following procedure guides you through changing your iPod into a remote control using iPod hacks:

1. The most important element in this iPod hacks project is the sound or wave to infrared converter.

First, install the total remote software on the MAC or PC. This software is meant to extend the range of the Pocket PC to include consumer IR capabilities.

2. Record the infrared signal by using a sound-editing program that can modify sounds and remove channels. An example of such sound-editing program is the SoundForge.

Input the infrared signals from your remotes to the PC by using the software. Input all infrared signals of the home electronic equipment that you want to control.

You can observe if you have recorded the sound effectively if you'll hear weird beeps or pulses. This is basically what an infrared signal would sound like. Using the SoundForge, you can actually view the pulses and signals on a graphic representation of the wave.

Do not forget to increase the right channel. Then mute it. The process through the IR device would not function properly if you missed this important step.

3. Convert the signals into sound files (actually saved as WAV files).

4. On the Apple iPod, make a new playlist and add the WAV files to the playlist.

5. Now, you can test the new universal remote. Use the Apple iPod to play the sounds through the converter for remote controlling any home electronic equipment.

This basic example of iPod hacks is obviously very easy to understand. Softwares are already available that users can use to modify their Apple iPods.

iPod hacks are still, however, very risky with regards to its effects on your iPod device. Unless handled by a professional technician, the Apple iPod could malfunction if the modification is not right.



http://www.videoipods.ws/How-to-turn-an-iPod-into-a-Remote-Control.html

Apple Drowns in iPod Lawsuit

When a product is meant for sale, it has to meet certain quality standards. It is not different with the case of the Apple ipods. With the release of up to five generations of the unit, one has to wonder how strict they are with its manufacturing procedures. An ipod lawsuit being filed by different complainants project the image that Apple has been very irresponsible with the production of these portable music devices.

One of the ipod lawsuit filed are claims that the unit causes hearing damages. The complainant in the ipod lawsuit states that the company does not warn users of its physical risks, and the design of the ipod’s white earbud phones increase the chances of hearing loss. There was even one rumor that fuels this ipod lawsuit that said that Apple's engineers increased the ipod’s sound because they reasoned that CEO Steve Jobs is almost deaf.

Such childish remarks only serve to discredit the ipod lawsuit. But in this case, it only shows how irresponsible Apple has been with neglecting to consider quality standards. But with the new release of the fifth generation ipod, this ipod lawsuit will no longer be a problem since ipod has included the capability to lower the volume and even fix a volume range to a certain level so that parents can limit the sounds their children take when listening to their ipod.

Another ipod lawsuit raised is the battery life. The consumers, who filed the suit, alleged that iPod failed to stand to its claims of the rechargeable battery lasting the product's lifetime and continuously play music for up to 10 hours. Thousands of consumers who has read the ipod lawsuit also complained that the ipod’s battery —costing $99 to replace — lasted only 18 months or less and it only played music for four hours before recharging.

Because of this, many consumers with battery problems on older versions of the iPod digital music player will receive $50 vouchers and an extended service warranties as ordered from a tentative settlement filed under the said class-action lawsuit. The ipod lawsuit could affect 2 million users in the US who purchased first-generation, second-generation and third-generation iPods through May 2004.

Environmentalists were also upset, saying the short-lived battery encouraged consumers to dispose of their old devices, which were ending up in landfills and possibly leaking toxins. Apple has been the target for yearlong campaign by these environmental groups, who are asking the executives to reduce/eliminate recycling fees for their consumers and build recycling centers for the ipod.

However, Apple has done almost nothing to discourage the iPod as a disposable unit and there is a possibility of a future ipod lawsuit should they continue to neglect the problem.

One can quickly address this ipod lawsuit and say that there are available third-party gadgets to prolong, charge the ipod easily or even replace the battery. These batteries contain more capacity than its original standard Apple batteries. However, since the battery is a major part of the music player device, its inability to meet the claims on the box does implicate that Apple ipod is liable to those who filed the ipod lawsuit.

The ipod lawsuit does not end there. Another class suit was filed against Apple for the replacement fees being charged to customers for replacing the broken iPod nano screens. The ipod lawsuit alleges that the iPod nano is defective because the screen is easily scratched and the company is breaking the product warranty by charging $25 for their replacements. They contend in the ipod lawsuit that since the Nano cannot withstand normal use without being damaged, the company should have appropriate warnings to the consumer.

What does this entire ipod lawsuit mean for Apple Computer? Make better products or they end up paying settlements left and right. Just like every other industry, Apple Computers must fix products deemed defective for free or refund the costs its paid customers, especially when it is within the warranty period to lessen the ipod lawsuit filed against them.

Many see this ipod lawsuit as a wake up call for the billionaire company to be strict with their quality control, be responsible in their advertising, and be efficient with their after-sales service. As long as greedy companies are duping people into buying inferior products, many more lawsuits like the ipod lawsuit will surface.




http://www.videoipods.ws/Apple-Drowns-in-iPod-Lawsuit.html

What You Need to Know About iPod Cases

If you’re a music lover and updated on the latest technology, then the ipod is the thing for you. It might be too much for your weekly allowance, but it is worth it. You would be heartbroken if something damaging happens to it. So to keep our ipod safe and sound, the ipod case should be on top of your list.

You do not have to worry about their durability because these ipod cases have been tested since 2001. However, you must not forget the fact that not all companies that manufacture ipod cases are very knowledgeable when it comes to case design.

So this leads us to the conclusion that some ipod cases may leave some parts of your ipod scratched and decolored. Other ipod cases would make your ipod not so user-friendly, for you would almost want to tear your hair out just moving the controls. This makes your ipod unmanageable.

But not to dampen your intention of purchasing an ipod case, lots and lots of ipod cases are sellable. These cases are proved to be worthy of the market because these have undergone various tests and juries.

Ipod cases are reviewed on six main criteria. First, the appearance should be beautiful. The design should be enticing and make you go gaga for that certain ipod case. Second, the quality is considered. Ipod cases should be of good quality before it hits the stores. Third is the ease of use.

These cases should be user-friendly and make it easier for you to manage the controls. Fourth, innovations are improved. The special features of an ipod case should entertain you, at the same time, helpful in your certain condition.

Some ipod cases are in the form of armbands, and this special feature makes the ipod a lot more portable for you. Next, the protectiveness is justified. What’s the use of having an ipod case if it can’t protect? (aside from its being fashionable, that is). Last, but certainly not the least, is its value. The value assigned to a certain ipod case should be proportioned to its quality. If it was built on cheaper material, then it must have a cheaper price. The price of an ipod case should not be contrary to its value.

Most ipod cases sell for more or less $35, but those that are of premium quality cost under $100. There are also multi-hundred and multi-thousand cases that are manufactured by certain fashion houses. There is the ipod 5G case and has five interchangeable colored bungee cords that accentuate the black and gray body, which makes the case look more slick.

This is appropriate for 30GB and 60GB ipods and it has a detachable and sturdy belt clip to go along with the whole package. It is not all about looking good, it protects your ipod quite finely as well. Another most-purchased ipod case is the Neoprene ipod 5G case. It protects your ipod, just like any other ipod case would. Why wouldn’t it? It is made of tough material, which are neoprene and plastic. So expect type-A protection for your ipod.

There are also art-covered plastic cases for your ipod. These make your ipod’s controls more accessible. These are inclusive of lanyard and a rotating RevoClip belt clip. This kind of case design has very usable and artstic features.

Iskin and Griffin, two of the most productive companies that release case designs for ipod cases, sent out a new and unique case design, the ijacket. The ijacket is an ipod case that has a colorful frontwork and a unicolor rear. The ipod cases manufactured by iskin are called Vibes, while those of Griffin are called Chameleons. The main feature of these said cases is their artwork.

Tokidoki is the one responsible for these artistic designs. The cartoony anime designs are very impressive, because most of his designs have metallic paint and are always eye-catching. The ipod cases manufactured by iskin rate a whopping five, out of five. On the other hand, since Griffin cases are more generic-looking, the excitement rate tends to be lower.

These only become advantageous when it comes to the terms of variety of designs. Chameleon cases have twenty-six different designs, that are also attention getters, compared to the eight choices of Vibes.

There are lots of ipod cases to choose from. You only have to choose wisely to get an artistic and attractive case that suits your ipod well. Don’t just buy an ipod case off the rack because you need a case so badly. Ipod cases also reflect your personality, so don’t purchase a design, faute de mieux.



http://www.videoipods.ws/What-You-Need-to-Know-About-iPod-Cases.html

iPod Nano Demand is Staggering

The iPod Nano is the newest digital audio player from Apple. It received an overwhelming welcome when it was released on September 7, 2005 and quickly sold out completely in many Apple Stores. The iPod Nano combines features from both iPod shuffle and the standard iPod, and replaces the iPod mini. (The iPod mini was discontinued as soon as iPod Nano had been released.)

Compared to the iPod shuffle, the iPod Nano is equipped with a considerably larger flash memory despite being much smaller physically. The first launch included two types of iPod Nano - the 2GB and the 4GB. The 4GB iPod Nano is capable of storing up to 1000 songs.

Since the iPod Nano is smaller than the full sized iPods, such as the iPod shuffle, the iPod Nano consequently comes with a smaller click wheel and screen. The screen is just 176 by 132 pixels and has a diagonal size of 1.5 inches. The screen is however coloured and capable of a much higher resolution than the common greyscale iPod screen. This has made it possible to fit one extra line of text in the screen of the iPod Nano compared to the screen of the equally small iPod mini.



http://www.videoipods.ws/iPod-Nano-Demand-is-Staggering.html

Have Nothing Else To Do? Watch Ipod TV Shows!

Boredom. It’s man’s worst enemy, especially during breaks.

Everyone may have an ample supply of various reading materials, ranging from books to magazines to alamanacs, simply any reading material that may take the boredom off your shoulders. This was the primary reason why the television was invented by an inventor. Boredom certainly met its match. This is not highly unlikely, but it’s still, in a way, unlikely, for not everyone has television sets.

So, if you’re one of those television-less people, then you look for other media of entertainment. The ipod is a solution to your problems.

The population of those who do have a television set is certainly outnumbered by the population of those who have an ipod. If you have an ipod, good for you, if you don’t, that’s too bad because you’re missing a lot. A lot is inclusive of the experience of watching your favorite tv shows on an ipod.

Yes, you read that right. You can now watch your favorite tv shows on your ipod, by way of the ipod tv shows.

NBC has made it a point to be associated with the itunes, and be included in the itunes website, being one of the most surfed website ever made. It is because of this said affiliation that you can now watch quite a number of NBC shows on your ipod. These shows will be listed as available on the itunes website, so that things will be a lot more easier for you, for all you have to do is click wherever it is that the word Download! is located.

After a few minutes, you can now enjoy ipod tv shows and watch the said ipod tv shows while shopping in the mall or while waiting on the subway train to get to your destination. You can also use your ipod and watch your downloaded ipod tv shows, at the same time, chasing the deadline on that full report your boss has been pestering you with for weeks. This is certainly a way of mixing business with pleasure.

The available ipod tv shows are Law and Order, which is perfect for the pre-law people, and also for those who have a calling to participate in the law; the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, which is a brew of serious topics for conversations, and laughs that give you and endless supply of gas; the Office is also available, this ipod tv show narrates to you the possible events that may happen in an office (which is very obvious, given the title); the show, Surface, can also be downloaded; the same thing goes with Late Night with Conan O’ Brien, you probably know this guy already, who doesn’t? Conan O’ Brien is a fantastic host.

In this ipod tv show, you get to know more about your favorite artists, actors or actresses, at the same time, cannot stop gasping for air, for the laughs that this ipod tv show offers come so unexpectedly; Monk also is an ipod tv show; and another is the show Battlestar Galactica, which , reading the title, gives you a notion that it occurs in the vast outer space and that there is an inevitable battle.

Simply, a variety of very good, probably the best, ipod tv shows that you can enjoy.

This concept, however, is not entirely new to the Apple industry. Though, what makes it somewhat new, is that it is now a full-pledged application which is very user-friendly.

There are various programs that are involved in the ipod-tv-shows mania, but the most talked about program is the MrTVpod.

The MrTVpod is a new, though not the newest, but new all the same, program that lets you manage your downloaded ipod tv shows in the tv shows category. This, however, is not approved by the itunes.

This prohibition is caused by the fact that, with this MrTVpod, you can just save any video in the category and declare these said videos to be ipod tv shows, for use on the new 5th generation ipod, which is also referred to as the ipod video. Itunes decided to go against the MrTVpod’s flow because they wanted, and still does, to keep their authenticity well intact.

Another probable reason could be their avoidance of a competition. This program, the MrTVpod is available for download for Mac Os X and the Windows.

So grab an ipod now and start enjoying those ipod tv shows that you love most. Cry; get mad; laugh; all of these are offered to you be ipod tv shows.



http://www.videoipods.ws/Have-Nothing-Else-To-Do-Watch-Ipod-TV-Shows.html

iPod Nano: "Halo Effect"

Apple has a reputation for excellence with its line of iPod mp3 players. All of its players have proven to be of the utmost quality offering the best music playback, the most amount of music storage, the sleekest design, the ease of use, and all of these brought together in an affordable, appealing package. Each of the new iPod's have brought something new and intriguing to the table while still offering the same level of quality, style, ease of use, and price. Needless to say, the iPod Nano is continuing the iPod legacy and it is maintaining the reputation that Apple has gained through its iPod line of products.

iPod has gained what it calls a "halo effect," basically meaning that its iPod line has become so popular and well respected that it has spawned many off shoots. The iTunes has been one such feature that has become successful due to the iPod products. iTunes has become a very popular choice for downloading music both for iPod users and those with other mp3 players. The iPod line basically launched the iTunes method of downloading music and has made iTunes very popular and successful.

The iPod Nano has maintained that effect by offering the innovativeness and quality that make it unique. Apple is also using its iPod Nano to try to broaden its user base even more and attract more customers through its sleek, cutting edge design and technology and the simple fact that it is so small and easy to carry anywhere. Those who either didn't want to carry around the fairly large iPod or the featureless iPod Shuffle now have the perfect blend in the iPod Nano.

The iPod has changed the way that the world listens to music and, as long as Apple continues to put out quality products such as the iPod Nano, it appears as if iPod will be the leading competitor in the mp3 market for years to come.



http://www.videoipods.ws/iPod-Nano-Halo-Effect.html

Smart iPod tips and techniques

Are you thinking of buying an Apple iPod? Or have you bought one?

Almost everyone and anyone that I know seems to have bought an iPod or at least is thinking of getting an ipod for themselves or their loved ones. The iPod is just so alluring! However, do you know what you should do after buying the iPod?

Most people don't. Yet, market analysts estimate that the average iPod owner spend as much as 30% of the original iPod price on additional accessories! That's a whopping US$60-US$90 on iPod accessories that each iPod owner will spend!

Many people are simply spending their money on the wrong accessories! In fact, many are going for fancy accessories such as car transceiver kit, wireless remote kit, speaker kit even without realizing what are the first accessories they should get.

Get the Basic iPod Accessory before getting the Fancy Stuff!

Do you, as a iPod user, faces these problems on a daily basis too?

* iPod Screen scratches
* Click wheel scratches
* Mirrored back scratches
* Messy iPod earphone cables
* iPod overheating when being charged while in a silicone or leather case

Despite the technical and cosmetic superiority of the Apple iPod, there remain some teething issues. Weak batteries is one. Being easily scratched is another. These problems immediately lower the resale or trade-in value of the iPod, if any? This may not seem important but if you are trading in your older iPod for a new one, this does matter. It also sucks to see scratches and marks on the beautiful iPod. In fact, microscopic scratches takes place everytime you take the iPod in and out of pocket!

Get a good-quality iPod case before ANYTHING ELSE!

There are numerous iPod accessories out there. Many accessories are fanciful, some are good but most do not fulfil the basic need of the iPod. You need to protect the iPod from getting scratches and accidental marks before anything else.

Before the iPod can serve you well, it must be able to take care of itself. So, before you even look further into getting your first iPod accessory or even if you have gotten numerous other accessories, make sure you first equip your iPod with either a good quality case or sleeve.

The most common iPod cases in use are:

Handphone sleeves converted to iPod sleeves

This is the most common as handphone sleeves are cheap and easily available. However, the mirrored back of the 3G and 4G ipod are easily scratched by theses sleeves as they run against the iPod. It is not recommended unless you have a budget problem.

iPod screen and wheel sticky protectors

There are transparent iPod screen and wheel sticky protector that are cut of the right size and stucked directly onto the iPod screen and wheel. However, there are various models in the market and some of the cheaper ones tend to curl and peel off after some use. If you are on a budget, a good quality screen and wheel protector is the minimum you should have.

iPod silicone skin

This is the most common iPod case around. It looks like a good casing choice but it is in fact one of the worst, especially if you have bought a cheap one.

These cheap silicone cases are being mass-produced in China with doubtful materials and design elements. Many of the cheap silicone skins in the market tear easily and pick up lint and dirt easily. They are also difficult to wash and maintain. I will not advise a silicone case unless they are made by some of the better and branded products from USA or Japan. A good model is found at: http://www.smart-ipod-ideas.com

iPod Leather case

The iPod leather case is one of the most popular case. However, do not get the Apple branded one if possible as it tends to scratched the mirror back and it does not have a covering flap. Get one of the leather cases from the many in the market. Check the stitching on the leather case before buying one as some of the mass-manufactured ones may have poor workmanship.

Water and shock resistant cases

There is an increasing demand for such cases as more and more people bring their iPod for hiking, cycling, trekking, fishing and beach trips. There are various good brands in the market. However, note that whatever the advertisement may say, at best, the case can only be water resistant and not water proof which is two different things all together. A water resistant case can only take splashes and short immersion in water and certainly not something you can bring for swimming or diving trips!

For recommeded iPod cases and more useful iPod advice, please visit tha author's website.

Katherine Xie is an avid iPod user. She owns 4 iPods starting from the 2G model. She gives iPod advice and recommends quality iPod accessories on her site at: http://www.smart-ipod-ideas.com. Please feel free to distribute this article as long as mention is made of her website.



http://www.videoipods.ws/Smart-iPod-tips-and-techniques.html

The iPod Ad's Silhouetted Success

Apple has sold about 250 million tunes from its iTunes Music Store and 10 million iPods. With the release of updated iPod models, Apple has launched a new iPod ad campaign in different national and international magazines, billboards and in the Internet. The new set of iPod ad features a variety of vibrant colors and design schemes with a black silhouetted figure of a person dancing with or simply enjoying an iPod. Cropped versions of these iPod ads can also be seen in updated Apple iPod web pages.

The new style is very different and colorful compared to the usual simple, white advertising they are popular of in the past. The colorful and silhouetted iPod ad campaign of Apple makes the white iPod earphones very recognizable.

An iPod ad is being run by 3 a mobile operator in the United Kingdom. It is the first ever 3G mobile video ad campaign for the Apple iPod. The iPod ad runs for 14 seconds that features the ever famous silhouetted dancers from the brand's campaign concept.

iPod ad has become very popular indeed that in the Simpsons episode entitled "Thank God, It's Doomsday," Homer Simpson noticed in the Gospel for Less shop this iPod type of ad.

On the other hand, the copying of the idea has gone wild as Apple threatens to sue Music Channel Fuse over their new ad campaign that looks just like the iPod ad campaigns. Music Channel Fuse and its owner Cablevision's Rainbow Media are threatened by Apple's lawyers with a lawsuit unless the music channel stops the campaign.

In the similar campaign, figures of people in silhouette are watching while television with the colorful background. The campaign may mirror iPod ad campaign but Fuse takes the idea to a very different direction with one of their ad versions showed a man apparently masturbating while one showed a man doing a beer bong.

Rapper Eminem and Music group Black Eyed Peas also rode with the sucess of iPod ad campaign's bandwagon, as the former was featured in a version of an iPod ad rapping and appearing on screen.

Also, the latter and their song "Hey Mama" from the album "Elephunk" became more popular after the song was used in another iPod ad campaign. The song was selected for the iPod television ad campaign by Apple and the creative team at TWBA Chiat Day. They thought the song was appealing and would definitely attract the attention of the viewers.

Apple ad is also reported lately to be included within iTunes soon. The testing advertisements are sure to lure advertisers interested in reaching million of iTunes users. But, many users are not excited about this because they have been used to an Apple ad free iTunes. As much as the Apple ad will appear only on the lower left corner of the iTunes Library, this can still prove to be risky.

iPod ad in iPod pages, posters, magazines, and billboards have been popping up all over key cities around the world. This also proves that Apple is aggressive with this new iPod ad push.

As a matter of fact, Business 2.0 has included the U2 silhouette iPod ad campaign in its 2005 Smart List. The annual tip of the hat to the brightest minds in business of this magazine has given their nods to Apple in its unique idea of advertising iPod.

The iPod ad was a collaboration of lead singer Bono of U2 and Apple CEO Steve Jobs. They happen to be long time friends who worked closely for this iPod ad campaign. They both contributed to the ad campaign and their efforts in advertising iPod paid of quite well. At the same time, Apple's iTunes Music Store made the exclusive release of U2's How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb.



http://www.videoipods.ws/The-iPod-Ads-Silhouetted-Success.html

How to Replace Ipod's Battery On Your Own

There are few products more popular than the iPod--except when it comes to battery life. The batteries in early iPods fail after a time (300 to 500 charge/discharge cycles or about two to three years) and just won't hold a charge. Even worse, there's no easy way to change the batteries. Angry owners sued and now Apple has agreed to some restitution (AppleIpodSettlement). That's good news if you're the owner of a third-generation iPod: You're eligible for a free battery replacement or (at Apple's discretion) a replacement iPod, providing you still have your proof of purchase and file a claim by September 30, 2005. The news is not so good if you have a first- or second-generation iPod: You can choose between a check for $25 or a $50 store credit to use on Apple products (excluding iTunes). Well, at least that's something. But you're still stuck with your dead battery. What can you do? The simple (and costly) approach would be to go with Apple's iPod Out-of- Warranty Battery Replacement Program.

Send in your dead iPod along with a check for $99 plus $6.95 shipping and you'll receive an equivalent new or refurbished model with a fresh battery in one to three weeks. Besides paying more than three times the cost of a battery, which can be obtained online for around $30, you're not even guaranteed you'll receive your exact iPod back in the mail. Why not avoid all of Apple's service fees? You really can replace the battery on your own: We'll show you how. Sure, you'll void the warranty in the process, but isn't that part of the fun?



http://www.videoipods.ws/How-to-Replace-Ipods-Battery-On-Your-Own.html

Study: iPod owners still want FM radio

FM RemoteI'm a fan of the iPod, and judging by the sales numbers, many other people are fans as well. I'm particularly excited about the rumors of upcoming flash-based video iPods, touchscreen capability, and of course wireless. The iPod is getting all sorts of new capabilities, but the ability to receive FM radio is curiously, and my opinion, inexcusably absent.

I'm apparently not the only one who thinks so, either. A recent survey conducted by Jacobs Media, asked 25,000 listeners of 69 rock radio stations what new features they'd like to see out of the next version of the iPod. 43 percent of current iPod owners and 33 percent of general MP3 player owners said that they would like their devices to have FM radio capabilities. 20 percent also wanted more storage, and there were requests for larger screens.

Jacobs Media suggests that the market for MP3 players is growing, and that saturation among the respondents is only 47 percent. Finally, among the rock listeners, 57 percent used an iPod, so maybe those multicolored commercials of people rocking out could really happen.

The demand for FM radio may be somewhat expected, given that the survey was given to radio listeners. But the survey does suggest to Apple and other manufacturers that they should pause for a moment before packing their devices full of features. Exciting features are all well and good, but make sure the basic features are there first.



http://arstechnica.com/journals/apple.ars/2007/04/03/study-ipod-owners-still-want-fm-radio