2009年9月17日星期四

Use iPod Accessories to Pep Up Your New Gizmo

If music is the food for your life then you must treasure your iPod. The little device holding so many of your favorite songs also needs some pampering. There are several accessories available in the market to enhance the functionality of your little, but most precious electronic device. This gadget is not only a music player, but has become a status symbol too. With so many companies manufacturing numerous exciting add-ons for your iPod, it is hardly difficult to refrain from aspiring after accessories for your iPod.
Accessories to change the look of your iPod
There are several online stores that offer mind-blowing accessories for your iPod. When it comes to iPod most people prefer buying it online from branded companies. Software based accessories change icons, images, or toolbars in the iPod. The entire display setting can be changed through certain software. This gives a unique look to your iPod. Skins, themes, and wallpapers change the entire display section on the screen of your iPod. This software is not at all complicated and even people who are not techno savvy can use this. You can also change the look of your iPod externally with special skins and silicone cases in various colors and designs.
Earphones, headphones, speakers and more
The earphones, speakers and headphones are other components of an iPod, which can be personalized. One set comes with the iPod when you buy it, yet others are available in the market, which may look cool in different colors, designs, and additional features. Some of the iPod earphones come without head support, some are wireless and there are others that are underwater earphones. All these earphones make your music listening experience even more magical by eliminating every other sound from outside. The iBoom is the latest accessory, a 'boombox' for your iPod. iBoom can be fitted to sides of the iPod.
iTrip, iLounge and iTalk have now become important components of iPod
Voice-recording software that helps you set reminders for important works in your iPod is also available. You can play your iPod in your car as well. With the help of the dock connector you can listen to your favorite song inside your car through the car stereo. Lastly, the iPod cases have also revamped themselves. There are several types of iPod cases available in the market. You must use a case that will cover the front of the iPod to protect it from damage. Several companies in the modern times are competing for manufacturing iPod accessories. Some more accessories are iPod scratch removers, iTrip, iLounge and iTalk.

2009年9月16日星期三

Aigo aiPower N6215 iPhone case

If, like plenty of others, you are frustrated with your iPhone's battery life, help is at hand. Like the Mophie Juice Pack Air, the Aigo aiPower N2615 combines a rechargeable battery and iPhone case, giving more juice to your Apple iPhone 3G or 3GS. Though the extra battery life might make the aiPower N2615 indispensable for those on the move, the case can be frustrating.
iPhone cases serve largely to protect and “aesthetically enhance” Apple's smartphone. While the Aigo aiPower N2615 iPhone case ably does the former, it certainly doesn't make the phone any prettier. Made of a hard plastic and surrounded by rubber, the case makes the iPhone nearly three times as deep when attached. The thick rubber casing makes it difficult to reach the phone's mute switch, and prevents you from using any headphones with a right-angled or fat jack.
However, given the integrated battery we understand the size of the case is something of a necessary evil. Fortunately, there are plenty of upsides. The surrounding rubber makes it easy to insert the iPhone, and you can still use the volume controls on the handset’s side. Surprisingly, the camera's field of view remains uncompromised by the case. Though the aiPower N2615 uses the iPhone's dock connector to attach to the iPhone, it provides a passthrough mini-USB connection so you can still charge the iPhone and connect it to iTunes without removing the case. Aigo bundles a small stand that attaches to the back of the iPhone case to prop up your phone on a desk. Unfortunately, it attaches via a suction cap that we found detached too easily during use.
The aiPower N2615 case's thickness and rounded back make for excellent protection against knocks and bumps. Though the iPhone probably won't withstand a face plant, it will survive many accidental drops with ease.
While we wouldn't recommend the aiPower N2615 as a permanent iPhone case, the integrated battery makes temporary use worth it. The case integrates a 1500mAH battery that recharges the iPhone rather than acting as a secondary battery. Aigo claims the battery can provide up to 130 per cent more battery life for the iPhone. We turned on the fully charged aiPower N2615 iPhone case when our 32GB iPhone 3GS' battery reached 10 percent capacity. Over two and a half hours, the case recharged the phone to 85 per cent; 75 per cent extra battery in total. While this is just under half Aigo's claim, it is still a fantastic result that ensures the iPhone will last for another five to six hours of moderate use.
The battery can be switched off at the back of the Aigo aiPower N2615 iPhone case. It is accompanied by a "Smart LED Power Indicator" which tells you whether the battery has any charge or not. We would have preferred an indication of how much battery is left.
The Aigo aiPower N2615 iPhone case won't strike a chord with the style-conscious demographic that Apple products are traditionally associated with. However, the extra battery life it provides is well worth the hassle when away from a power outlet or a computer. The Aigo aiPower N2615 will provide enough battery life to get you through a second day on the move.

Bowers & Wilkins Debuts Pricey Zeppelin Mini iPod Speaker System

Audiophiles, or those who pretend to be, may remember the original Zeppelin that Bowers & Wilkins developed and produced a few years back. By and large, it was the device that put this high-end audio company on the map for the every day consumer. It wasn’t cheap, but it’s unique, elongated shape was found in Apple stores everywhere, and it seemingly sold fairly well compared to most of the outfit’s niche offerings.
Now, the company is serving up round two, yet the Zeppelin Mini isn’t really a smaller version of the first. Instead, this iPod speaker system sports a new look, one that’s more traditional in most every sense of the word. B&W promises that users can expect the same great sound out of a box that’s far smaller, so it should fit into more spaces more easily.
There’s also an updated docking arm, which can swivel and enable your iPod or iPhone(iPhone chargers) to be connected and mounted vertically or horizontally. Furthermore, the included USB socket allows for syncing with your computer or for streaming tunes directly from your computer; of course, the 3.5mm jack ensures that any ole source will work here as well. Within, there are two 3″ drivers, 18×2 watts of amplification and who knows what else, all packaged with a wireless remote for just under $500. We never said B&W was cheap, but this one sure looks good.

2009年9月14日星期一

Batteries That Overheat Stop Working

I had an interesting conversation with a customer this morning and the customer’s scenario went like this: A customer with a 4G iPod states that his iPod overheats and his battery is completely drained when attached to his computer's USB’s port. In addition his backlight does not work unless connected to AC power.
We discussed software settings: iPod has backlighting, so you can see the display in low light. This will help save your battery power so your battery will last longer. You can configure the iPod so the backlight turns on for a set amount of time when you press a button or move the scroll wheel. See your manual for specific instructions, but in short you can have backlight always on or have it off after a period of time between 2 and 20 seconds.
There is also a condition with iPod’s called the “Black Screen of Death” (iPod users have named this condition not I) where an iPod's screen gets dark after a few minutes of operation and the back of the iPod gets hot hot. It is a condition where the iPod itself is defective.
But what to me is interesting is that the iPod was only getting hot when connected to a USB port. It reminds of the worst possible condition of lithium ion or lithium polymer.
The worst condition is keeping a fully charged battery at elevated temperatures, which is the case when running a battery powered device on AC power for extended periods of time. If used on main power, the battery inside a device will only last for 12-18 months. Also the battery will not all of sudden stop working but over time gradually lose the capacity to power your device little by little.
This raises the question then; should a battery pack be removed when the device is running on main AC power? Considering the fact that a fully charged battery operates at an internal temperature of 113°F and then keeping a battery in the device and keeping it fully charged will create a constant state of elevated internal temperature and ultimately cause a decline in battery capacity over time.
Removing the battery in a device then will protect the internal circuitry from maintaining a high internal temperature. It is interesting how Apple warns against the iPod battery from being operated at high temperatures over 95°F. It seems then that a prolonged USB connection to an iPod(iPod cables)will indeed cause a battery to decline gradually since the battery can be charged via a USB connection. Obviously the longer the prolonged connection then the faster the battery capacity decline!
But since removing an iPod battery is not the easiest thing to do use the USB connection in temporary states and you will avoid most overheating issues with your iPod battery and help prolong its life.

2009年9月13日星期日

Using iPod Accessories With Your Apple iPhone

When you first get your Apple iPhone it is extremely likely that you do not let your phone out of your hands for several days. This is only to be expected because a lot of people have questions about the iPhone and whether it is compatible with out electronic devices, particularly devices manufactured by Apple. One of the most common questions that arises is whether the iPhone is compatible with accessories designed for the iPod. Since this is a cell phone rather phone many people assume they are incompatible but they are hugely mistaken.
The good news is that the iPhone is compatible with the majority of accessories designed for the iPod. Another question that arises is exactly which iPod accessories can you use with your iPhone? A lot of people use their iPods not only to listen to music through the headphones but also to connect up to a speaker system to share the music with others. You may be concerned that now that you have an iPhone and won't be carrying your iPod around that you will lose the ability to do this. You will be happy to learn that the iPhone has exactly the same connectivity port as that found on the iPod and so it will connect to any iPod speaker system or car dock that you might have already purchased.
Having said that, some accessories have been changed to better suit the iPhone. You can still use regular headphones with the iPhone but if when you receive a call you would need to take the headphones out to answer the call. For this reason Apple have made a set of headphones especially for the iPhone. Not only do these headphones provide you with excellent sound quality but they also feature a microphone built into the cord. When you receive a call the song you are listening to is paused and and you can answer the call simply by pressing a small button on the microphone. Another feature of this headphones is that you will hear your calls through both ears rather than one which makes for a very unique experience.
Another advantage of the iPhone headphone set is that is adds extra safety. For example you can now take calls when you are driving since you do not need to hold the phone to your ear with your hands. For many people with busy lives this is essential as it allows them to stay in contact and drive safely at the same time. You can now take your calls and yet still keep both hands on the steering wheel and have the freedom to move your head to keep an eye on the traffic around you.
When you use the iPhone headphones you can keep talking without having to worry about holding your phone. This means that not only can you speak to business partners or friends in true stereo but you are able to remain focused on the road and not having to hold your phone.

2009年9月10日星期四

New iPod classic Battery Replacement Through RestoreDoctors.com

The newest development through RestoreDoctors.com is the convenient iPod classic battery replacement, made possible by an agreeement with the iPod Battery repair leader at their venerable website ipodjuice.com. This offers any users of the iPod classic the ability to have their battery replaced by skilled technicians for a quick iPod repair service.
iPod classic users are encouraged to seek out this professional battery replacement if their device is no longer holding a iPod charger, making it the most affordable option available in iPod battery replacement on the market.
Furthermore, RestoreDoctors.com makes the process of selecting the appropriate iPod classic battery replacement easy because of the guidance that they offer on their website based on the specific color of the customer's iPod classic. A detailed list is also included to ensure that the customer is selecting the right battery for their specific iPod classic model.
RestoreDoctors.com does want to clarify that the iPod classic is also sometimes called the 6th Generation iPod, and this is the suitable battery for those models.
The owner states, "We are pleased to team up with the website ipodjuice.com to offer easier and more affordable options to our existing customers, as well as to many new customers who use the iPod classic!"
This battery replacement is designed to be an easy option in iPod repair, and it is the same caliber as the original iPod classic battery found in the device upon purchase.
RestoreDoctors.com also does guarantee the life of this battery for 10 years in an extended warranty for any users who purchase the iPod classic battery replacement.
Professional tools are used with this battery replacement service, including a blue iOpener tool, which is built to be safe to enable the iPod classic to be opened during the battery replacement without any further damage.
RestoreDoctors.com does state that the batteries within these replacement are compatible to any iPod classic repair type, and they can be used with any current cables and chargers that a customer may have. The batteries have been chosen to be just as high quality as the batteries used and sold within the original iPod classic models.
RestoreDoctors.com is proud to offer this option for customers to ship in their iPod to have the battery replaced hands-on by their skilled technicians.
All batteries used in the replacement services are guaranteed to be 100% compatible to any iPod classic device. This is the new and affordable battery replacement option available through RestoreDoctors.com.

2009年9月9日星期三

Sirius XM Introduces iPod, iPhone-Controlled Sat Rad

Sirius XM Radio has introduced a dock that essentially turns iPhones and iPods into satellite radios, showing the satcaster is willing to work with the competition and recognizing the consumer trend of wanting to have all entertainment on one device.
XM SkyDock plugs into a car's cigarette lighter or the Aux-in jack and plays through the user's existing in-dash stereo system. It has a built-in XM tuner controlled by a free App that users download from the App Store.
Some 12 million consumers have iPhones(iPhone chargers) and another 16 million have iPod Touches(iPod chargers), according to Majestic Research. That taps into a growing market as satellite radio's subscriber base is not growing at the pace it had been, due to lower new car sales. At the end of June, Sirius XM reported 18.4 million subscribers, down from 19 million at the end of 2009.
Bob Law, group vice president and general manager of Sirius XM's Aftermarket Division, stated, "XM SkyDock makes their favorite programming from XM and 'The Best of Sirius' available to iPod touch and iPhone users anywhere they drive."
XM SkyDock will be available in stores this fall and at www.shop.xmradio.com with a list price of just under $120. The XM SkyDock App will be available at the same time.
This Federal Communications Commission has given preliminary approval of the dock, which is still being evaluated by the agency.

2009年9月8日星期二

Make gardening more fun by tuning out the distractions in the neighbor’s yard

We are lucky to have nice neighbors, but we know that everyone in suburbia doesn’t feel that way about their neighbors. Most of us don’t see the world the same way.In Japan, where it has been close and crowded for centuries, people have learned to create views in their own gardens, so they don’t see the neighbor or his or her yard. It was interesting to me to find out that they are able to do the same thing with noise. They train themselves not to hear what’s going on next door.
We have a neighborhood dog that barks incessantly, even yips in a high, demanding voice that is hard to avoid. So, armed with my grandson’s iPod loaded with grandmothers’ music, I braced myself and went out to weed. The dog didn’t bark. I merrily listened to Pavarotti and the Irish Tenors and weeded my way to stardom.
I thought this is the answer for Americans. We don’t have to be barraged by power lawnmowers, chainsaws, airplanes, fire trucks, barking and ninner-nanner. We do miss out on the birds, the bees and the crickets, but at least the garden is enjoyable. The Japanese have managed to do it without iPods, but it must have taken them generations to learn how.
I was thinking how I had the noise problem licked. I was feeling pretty smart, so I turned my attention toward the visual problems. We all see the world differently, especially our own place in the world.
One person wants to use their yard as an outdoor living space and extend the comforts, furniture, fireplace, roofs and paving into the yard. Some think it’s a playground for all kinds of moving, sprawling and colorful apparatus. Another thinks the yard is just a parking lot and loads it up with vehicles. And yet another neighbor might see it as the perfect place for storage with tarps, tents and piles of stuff.
It’s a challenge to train yourself to ignore that. Many people don’t see their yards as a part of a bigger picture, both socially and environmentally. That must be why gardeners are so important.
As I was gardening away with my iPod(iPod chargers) clamped to my head, I was feeling a bit like William the Conqueror. Then, suddenly, the iPod battery gave out. The noise came in. The dogs started barking and the whole world started to hum. The kids next door were yelling, and I became aware of the distant views. So much for the quiet, introspective moment in suburbia. I became a neighbor again, and I hope a good one.

2009年9月7日星期一

Navigon announces new iPhone car cradle via Facebook

The post was made on the 4th of September, and reads "NAVIGON is launching a car kit for the iPhone including a car holder and charger cable to make an ideal positioning for adequate navigation possible. Have a look here", and an accompanying photo.
Navigon has recently released its GPS software to the app store, and this product is surely an attempt to complement this app and provide a fuller, more 'realistic' GPS experience inline with traditional GPS systems.
Judging from the picture itself and comments on the Facebook page, the car kit will ship with an iPhone charger and suction cup which'll mount onto your car's windscreen.
Exact details are still sparse, as the Facebook post is the only information available at time of writing. Pricing hasn't been released, and neither has a firm release date, apart from 'October'.
Several Facebook users have made their opinions heard, with Eric Ryder writing "Good that you're continually working on improvement, but this is a "me too" product at best. Throw gps enhancement and lifetime guarantee in and you might be playing in (a) niche market."
Bob Wood, on the other hand, wrote "Amazing!!!! Thank you!!!! I can't wait!!"
Navigon have since replied to their own post with a small clarification, "The car kit will be available in october this year. It is a pure iPhone holder exclusevely [sic] for the right positioning with charger cable. Only to fix the iPhone (without case)."
The fact that the product isn't compatible with iPhone cases immediately cuts the product's target user base, as many will have their iPhones protected, and being forced to remove their skins and shells will be too much to bear.

2009年9月6日星期日

iPod Batteries for a Decade

Milliamp LTD at their website ipodjuice.com has the answer to high-cost battery replacement contracts and sites that only cover their iPod and iPhone batteries for a year or less: complete ten-year coverage and no increase in price on the i-Pod battery replacement kits sold at the website ipodjuice.com.

"Other companies have complicated offers, obsenely-priced plans to have you spend $100 for battery so you can replace it for a lifetime, or try to sneak a 30-day coverage plan by their customers.", explained Anthony Magnabosco, the owner of the website ipodjuice.com, owned and operated by Milliamp LTD.

"When it comes down to it, being able to replace a iPod battery that may fail during a ten-year time frame more than covers the expected use of that device, and lifetime warranties are simply gimicks to try and move more iPod batteries.", continued Magnabosco.

The cost of a battery replacement kit from the website at ipodjuice.com is around the mid-$20 mark. And if you want to spend a bit more if you want a higher-capacity battery, those range around the high-$20 mark. It is these same batteries that are covered for ten years by the Milliamp LTD-owned website ipodjuice.com.

Should the worst happen and a battery purchased from the website ipodjuice.com fail, the ipod battery repair company will send you a new battery, along with a prepaid return shipping label for sending the first battery back to them - now that's amazing service.

The website at ipodjuice.com is the leader in the iPod battery and iPhone battery industry, and has received high marks from their legions of customers looking to keep their ipod and iPhone technology fully restored and in fine condition.

2009年9月2日星期三

How to Keep Your iPod in Top Condition

For some people, an iPod can be the difference between a good start to the day and a bad one. Keeping an iPod in good working order then is paramount. These tips are really easy to remember, and will mean your iPod stays in top notch condition.
- Cleanliness Keeping your iPod clean, and free of dirt, dust and water is very important. You might not notice it, but every time that bit of extra dirt gets on it, some actually goes into working parts inside. Not a healthy option for an electronic device. Cleanliness is next to godliness for an iPod.
- Charge If you don't use your iPod for a while, keep it charged to about one third. Generally an iPod takes 3 hours to be fully charged, so charge it for 1 before leaving it. The best way to charge it is with an iPod mains charger.
- Gravity Another enemy of an iPod. For the love of god try not to drop it! Even with a protective cover/ sleeve/sock on it, any big force applied to an iPod(iPod cases) will damage the working parts inside. The more you drop and bang it, the more you will have to save up to buy a new one!
- Temperature Don't get your iPod out when it's very cold, or hot. Electronic devices don't like to work in extremes of temperature, and straining the working parts inside when it's -3 outside will be a sure fire way to damage.
- Water Don't subject the iPod to water or liquid of any sort. Period. That means try not to use it when it's raining outside as water is an iPod's worst enemy. Furthermore, try not to use it in a humid room, for example when taking a bath. Humidity can cause working parts inside to rust quickly.
By following these simple tips, you'll keep your iPod clean and working fine.

2009年9月1日星期二

Battery Recall – Are Lithium Batteries Safe?

The Apple iPod is by far the most popular portable digital music player in the world. As such, there are many accessories out there that can improve the iPod experience for certain users. Those that would like to hook up their iPod to real speakers (or those who are simply tired of headphones) have plenty of choices. Below you will find a few of our top picks for best Apple iPod speaker systems.
Logic3 I-Station iPod Dock and Speaker Station
Manufacturers Description: Listen, recharge, and synchronize your iPod or iPod Mini with the Logic3 i-Station docking connector. The i-Station produces hi-fi-quality sound by combining a subwoofer, dynamic tweeter speakers, and a 3D surround sound processor. Connecting your iPod to the i-Station is easy--just fit the iPod into the slot and away you go. The dock even recharges the iPod battery while it plays, letting you enjoy the music rather than worrying about the remaining battery power.
The i-Station's stylish design and compact size (it weighs only .88 pounds) lets this ultra-portable device fit unobtrusively in any room in your house while also stowing away easily. The unit is powered either by the supplied AC adaptor or four optional AA batteries, allowing listeners to use the device wherever they choose. The compact design even invites listeners to pack the device in a briefcase, backpack, or suitcase. The i-Station synchronizes with a PC or Mac via USB or FireWire cables. It can also be used with other portable audio devices, such as MP3 players, MiniDiscs, and CD players.
Price: $90
Value Rating: 8.5 / 10 - This speaker station provides very good sound quality for the money. It also has very good bass for a portable system.
Harman JBL On Stage iPod Docking Speaker System
Manufacturers Description: JBL's newest creation, On Stage is a revolution in personal sound for all iPods. The On Stage is a compact high performance sound system. Connected to your iPod, iPod mini, MP3 player or other music source, the On Stage will provide clean, powerful sound. Includes four adaptor sleeves to accommodate all iPod models.
Features:
Compatibility - The JBL On Stage is compatible with all versions of the iPod, including the iPod mini. A stereo mini jack connection also allows you to enjoy high quality audio from a variety of other devices such as MP3 and CD players, desktop computers (all platforms) and laptops. 230 Vac Europe
Easy-to-use Touch-controls - Touch Volume Control -- Just a touch increases or decrease the volume. A touch on both pads mutes or unmutes the system. JBL On Stage also remembers your last volume setting even after the system shuts down.
Transportable -- Bring your On Stage on the road for great sound where ever you go. The lightweight, compact sound station can provide full rich sound in any location.
Additional Features - OnePoint design -- The OnePoint iPod connectors provide the connection to your computer. Connect the standard iPod cable to the rear of the On Stage and every time you dock your iPod, you will have a connection for synchronizing and charging.
Price: $130
Value Rating: 8.0 / 10 - There have been some bugs reported by users, such as volume control problems and static at high volumes. However, they have great sound in the mid-ranges for sure, and are highly portable.
Altec Lansing INMOTION iPod Portable Speaker System
Manufacturers Description: You’ve got a gazillion hours of music stored on your iPod but until now, you’ve been the only one dancing. Introducing the Altec Lansing inMotion™ portable audio system. This tiny, ultra-portable, battery-operated stereo system is the first powered audio system designed exclusively for the iPod. A highly efficient Class D amplifier powers four full-range micro drivers to deliver a full spectrum of pure, distinct sound, while the revolutionary MaxxBass™ technology allows listeners to enjoy deep bass without lugging large speakers around. Best of all, connectivity is as easy as placing your iPod into the built-in dock or connecting it through the auxiliary port.
Features:
- Highly efficient digital amplifier (Class D) produces maximum power.
- High-performance, custom-designed neodymium Micro Drivers deliver crystal clear sound.
- Revolutionary MaxxBass® technology creates deep bass without a subwoofer.
- Built-in docking station provides same synchronization and data transfer options as your iPod dock (cable not included) and allows you to recharge your iPod.
- Extra long battery life delivers up to 24 hours of continuous playback with four AA batteries (not included).
- Lightweight design folds to close at 15 ounces and 8 inches wide, 5.4 inches deep and 1.2 inches thick.
- Convenient auxiliary input jack for connection with other audio devices, including laptops, older iPods, and other MP3 players (3.5mm stereo cable included).
- Elegant, integrated power and volume controls.
- Headphone jack for private listening.
Price: $120
Value Rating: 8.5 / 10 - An excellent overall iPod speaker system from Altec Lansing. Very nice stylish design and a great subwoofer.