If you have a Mac with built-in Bluetooth and you’ve wondered about alternatives to the Apple Wireless Mighty Mouse, you won’t find it in the Mouse BT II. While this mouse has some salient features, its $70 price tag makes it less compelling. Unlike the Wireless Mighty Mouse, which sports precise laser positioning, the Mouse BT II is based on older optical technology. And thus, it should be less expensive.
Brian writes: "I looked everywhere for a lightweight solar iPod charger. Nothing fancy, just something I could attach to the top of my backpack. I couldn’t find one anywhere, I couldn’t even find instructions on how to build one. So, I set about building one for myself. As this was all about getting very light materials, this set-up is very simple but the charger has no protection from branches, rain, or marmots."
Nick Santilli writes: "There are two modes you can use the Laptop Desk in: First is the opened/flat system which is intended for using on your lap. The 2nd is folded, with 5 possible height settings which is best suited for a desktop application."
If you’ve ever wondered what’s inside a pair of iPod earbuds, here’s your chance to take a look. Though Apple has gone through several different iterations of its now-famous pack-ins, this particular pair is from the batch shipped with the most recent iPods - nano and 5G.
iLugger, maker of the original soft bag for iMac users, released the new PROi24 which is made to carry the new iMac 24 inch model. The iLugger PROi24 model is priced at $159, and is built from sturdy materials that will protect your iMac 24†for years to come.
On a recent road trip, I wanted to entertain the rear passengers with movies and shows during the 3-hour trip. But, I also didn't want to permanently install the Mac mini or the 7" LCD touch screen since I use them for other purposes when we're not on a road trip. Hence the following little project.
The Bridge works with Harmon Kardon's iPod friendly AVR 40 Series receivers (AVR 740, 340, 240, 140 models). Included in The Bridge kit are various docking connectors, making it compatible with 3G or higher iPods, including the video models (note that video and photos will not be displayed onscreen). Simply connect the single plug into the back of the "DMP - The Bridge" input on the receiver and you're ready to go.
There's seemingly no end to the ways companies will try to accessorize Apple's popular music player. This article takes a look at some of the most outlandish items, from a docking station for the bathroom to an iPod belt buckle, and even a leather thong. (No, not that kind.)
Apple's new MacBook is easily the best laptop for the money currently being sold. It packs in spectacular power and some of the most advanced features available. That said, there's always room to accessorize. Being longtime Mac users and new MacBook owners, the people behing Uncrate have rounded up their top 10 products to help you pimp your MacBook.
Apple's iPod Hi-F certainly has garnered its share of headlines, but it's not the only game in town.
Here's a few speaker systems that will still deliver quality sound without breaking the bank.
Jacqui Cheng writes: "Several weeks after I observed in the MacBook Pro review that previously-owned bags and sleeves made for previous 15-inch Apple notebooks were a poor fit for the MacBook Pro, I bit the bullet and managed to acquire a whole new slew of Waterfield products made specifically with the MacBook Pro in mind. I ended up going all the way with the Cargo Mambo Combo, which came with the Cargo Mambo bag, a "sleevecase" (size of my choice, but of course I chose the MBP size number 25), a gear pouch, and a shoulder strap." buy virtual server hosting www.vps2fast.com.
Laptop bags have long been the Model Ts of the accessories world: practical, homely, and black. That’s changing. When it comes to toting your favorite Mac, basic black is way, way out. Bags now come in a riot of colors, fabrics, and shapes.
Every iBook G4 model prior to the mid-2005 model from Apple can be Build To Order (BTO) with internal bluetooth support. The problem starts if you did not BTO a bluetooth model when you purchased your iBook G4. First of all, Apple might not want to sell you the neccessary four parts needed in order to install bluetooth yourself. And if they do want to sell it to you, it usually cost over $80 in parts only. What would you say if I told you there is a way to add internal bluetooth support to your iBook G4 for under $10?
Belkin's new TunePower for iPod video keeps your videos and tunes playing even when the internal battery is drained. Giving you up to six hours of additional video playtime, this rechargeable battery pack lets you finish your movie and catch up on the shows you missed last week.
Continue reading "Power your iPod longer with Belkin's TunePower" »
Christopher Breen writes: "With the release of Apple’s iPod Hi-Fi, we have a better notion of what Apple considers to be a reasonable price for a higher-end portable powered music system — $350. Priced higher than other speaker systems, the iPod Hi-Fi pumps out richer (and louder) sound than these products. But what can you get for the same price as the iPod Hi-Fi? One answer is Audioengine’s $349 Audioengine 5, a pair of white, powered bookshelf speakers that lack some of the Hi-Fi’s niceties but offer rich sound and room-filling volume similar to Apple’s portable stereo."
This page has some interesting photos on how to integrate an iPod nano into your work desk.
The Griffin XpressCable is the perfect way to connect your AirPort Express to your home stereo. The XpressCable provides a completely digital connection for the highest-quality connection possible.
Using AirPort Express and iTunes, you can wirelessly transmit pristine digital audio from your Mac or PC to your stereo, so why use a tired old analog cable? Far superior to a traditional analog hook up, the Griffin XpressCable keeps your audio digital right up to the moment it enters your stereo. And since the XPressCable uses standard Toslink/Optical connectors, it's compatible with most home theater receivers, as well as the PowerMac G5 and the new iMac G5.
Aniel writes: "Simply put, this box acts as a splitter for a VGA signal. It effectively takes one VGA input, and splits each horizontal line in half, and feeds one half to one VGA output, and the other half to the (you guessed it) other VGA output. Unfortunately, according to Matrox, it's only supported under Windows. Well, I'm happy to say that this jigger works great under OSX too."
Making add-ons for the iPod is a $1 billion business. Does that sound like hyperbole? Consider this. Last year, Apple sold 32 million iPods, or one every second. But for every $3 spent on an iPod, at least $1 is spent on an accessory, estimates Steve Baker, an analyst for the NPD Group, a research firm. That works out to three or four additional purchases per iPod.
The Transceiver works like an antenna booster. It basically takes over the wireless signals functions from the internal AirPort antenna and amplifies them. So you get more networks and far better speeds.
The 27dBm Transceiver works with Apple AirPort networks including all 2.4GHz, Wi-Fi systems. It is Wi-Fi compliant, supporting both 802.11g and 802.11b. The Apple iMac G5 has RF output of no more than 30mW; while this Transceiver blasts out 500mW.
Apple has developed a symbiotic relationship with accessory makers. Apple receives a licensing fee and royalties from companies whose products access the iPod port. Even if the company does not receive direct payments, the more businesses that build creative accessories, the more desirable the iPods become.
Everyone knows Powerbooks have terrible Wi-Fi reception. Unfortunately, only 15" and 17" Powerbooks facilitate adding your own external antenna. With just a few quick cuts you can modify a 12" Powerbook to take an external antenna as well.
The DLO HomeDock includes everything necessary to attach your iPod to your Home Stereo and TV to enjoy its music and pictures at home. It includes a 14-function remote control to play your tunes from across the room. It also includes a standard AC plug to power and charge your iPod while docked. It even allows you to connect your iPod without removing it from your favorite iPod case. For a review head over to TUAW.
Using superior analog technology all but lost in today’s common digital electronics, this is the first tube-based iPod speaker system, producing a luxurious warmth and clarity prized by audiophiles and previously difficult to reproduce outside of custom-built amplifiers of a handful of live musicians.
Continue reading "Studio-quality triode-tube $4000 iPod speakers" »
Imation has released a very cool looking micro hard drive. Available in 2GB and 4GB capacities, this portable drive features a flexible USB 2.0 connector that locks back into the drive, forming a handy attachment clip for briefcases, backpacks or belt loops.
Chris Saribay writes: "Newer Technology and Other World Computing have come together and created a series of replacement batteries, notably, those that offer the prospect of longer battery life. Apple’s batteries fresh from the factory are good and well enough, but to say that they retain a strong charge is not exactly an accurate statement. In this review, we’ll be testing Newer Technology’s NuPower High Capacity Battery for 12†Aluminum Powerbooks, but the company also offers similar replacement batteries for other Apple products."
Trendy Shields consists of an ultra thin plastic film that adheres to your iPod. The film is 100% transparent so you can barely see it when applied. The film adheres strongly to the iPod and will not come off with regular use but is easily removed with out leaving any residue on the iPod.
With the end of the year approaching your chances of getting that iPod that's been the top of your wishlist are increasing. Once your new best friend gets stuffed with music and you're ready to carry it around for the world to see, the time will come when you'll start thinking about a case. It's a natural thing, we want to protect what we love :) Cases are released all the time and here are some of the recent ones, I'm sure you'll find something of interest.
Continue reading "Protect your iPod with some brand new cases" »
It mounts away from the iMac to allow you to position it up above from the clutter and obstacles that reduce wireless effectiveness. Not only that, but the 5.5dBi omni-directional antenna design picks up and magnifies wireless signals with three times the power of the stock antenna. Do you need that much power? Of course you do.
The tiny PocketDock FireWire lets you connect the new iPod’s docking port to a standard 6-pin FireWire cable.
When you’re on the road with your iPod, listening to your favorite hits, you may unexpectedly want to connect to another Mac or PC - to exchange files, or maybe just to charge the iPod’s battery. When you need it most, you’ll probably find that you didn’t bring the special iPod docking cable - it’s at home connected to your computer.
Since the iPod is one of the most wanted gifts this year, no wonder there are so many accessories to go with it. If you're thinking about a present for someone who already has an iPod than this list will certainly help. It has a sizeable collection of goodies that every iPod owner would appreciate.
The NewerTech NuShelf mini is designed for mounting the Mac mini underneath a desk or shelf. This simple and stylish clear acrylic mount allows you to free up valuable desktop space and protect your Mac mini at the same time. We also think the NuShelf mini would be ideal for mounting the Mac mini in a Home Entertainment Center above or below the TV.
Harman Kardon’s Drive + Play, an integrated iPod docking system specifically designed for automotive use, is a great addition to the “iPod lifestyle.†It offers a pleasant listening experience, but even more importantly, it makes it safer to listen to an iPod on the road. Read the review at Macsimum.
It’s that time of year again: the holiday gift-buying season. A time when many people are out looking (or desperately searching) for gifts for their friends and family. If you’ve got an iPod owner on your gift list here are some quality cases as recommended by the folks at Playlist magazine.
This little pouch is constructed of soft, plush fabric, and will wrap your nano in holiday cheer. Includes lanyard and carabiner. It would be cool if people forgot about wrapping paper this holiday season and gave an iPod nano in this fun enclosure. For a review head over to iPod Garage.
PopXpress, the UK's first chain of dedicated Apple iPod and accessory stores, is opening its doors to the public tomorrow. The store is just off Liverpool Street in London. The company has plans to open more than a dozen stores by the end of next year in key cities and retail centres across the UK, with a second store in London's West End due to open before Christmas.
You've been waiting for the iPod and it finally arrived. You start carrying it around and you realize just how much accessories you need for it to fit your lifestyle completely. This article contains information on a variety of things you can get for your portable player.
All iPods use batteries that can only be recharged so many times, and their charge capacities get smaller as time passes. If your first, second, third, fourth generation iPod or iPod mini doesn’t play as long as it used to, give it a boost with one of the replacement batteries. In order to replace the battery of your iPod you’ll need specialized tools and instructions which are included in the package.
The Mini Drive Kit features an external drive enclosure that enables users to convert an IDE Ultra DMA 33/66 or ATA-100/133 hard disk drive into a USB 2.0 drive simply by plugging into the ADS Native Bridge Board inside the enclosure. At 480Mbits/sec, you will get the maximum data throughput for your external drive. Now featuring an innovative SimpleTouch Back Up button, that allows easy backup of any number of folders or files. Program the backup process with Software included inside from Intech. A review of the product can be found here.
With Hi-Speed USB 2.0 interface, it offers the fast data transfer rates required for substantial jobs like downloading digital photos, saving MP3s or transferring home videos from a camcorder. Available desktop models are: 160GB (white), 250GB (red), 300GB (blue) and 500GB (red). This makes a perfect Xmas gift that can complement every Mac. We all need backup, don't we? :)
Xitel's HiFi-Link for iPod lets you combine the versatility of your iPod with the power of your home stereo. Its unique dock configuration greatly extends your iPod’s connectivity, allowing it to seamlessly integrate with anything from a top-of-the-line surround sound system through to a simple boombox or powered speakers.
It includes a composite video output enabling photo and movie viewing on any TV, a remote that works up to 50 feet and adjustable Trubass processing by SRS Labs.
The CEO Billfold is an elegant, full-grain leather wallet designed for use in a jacket pocket. It holds the nano and all your business essentials securely in one place. If this isn't a perfect gift for your corporate geek than I don't know what is :)
Yes, you can spend extra dollars for Apple's sleek white video cable for TV connectivity, or you can hack your own together for cheap. This article shows you how.
Here's another accessory that will be interesting during the holiday season. PodFolio for video iPods offers complete surface protection, plush, padded flip cover, and a leather covered belt clip. It's made from hand-stitched leather and features a padded protective flip cover, a leather-covered sewn-in belt clip and play-through access that allows you to control their video iPod without removing it from the case.
There are a lot of gadgets that can make life on the road easier and more productive. Since the holiday season is coming soon I think your geek would be happy to get something he truly appreciates, not that sweater you were thinking about. A few ideas can be found in this article over at Macworld. With such a bold title I expected a larger list but hopefully the comments on the article are going to reveal more interesting stuff.
TuneBox is a speaker system for iPod shuffle that also charges your iPod while playing music. Though it's designed to visually complement the iPod shuffle, TuneBox delivers great sound from any Mp3 player or other audio device that uses the standard 3.5mm stereo jack. If you want more details I suggest you check out this review at macteens: "This speaker set is ridiculously small and light - let’s say, more so than a wallet. In its lightweight design, the TuneBox can be situated most anywhere you want to hear your music."
The Griffin AirClick for iPod and iPod mini lets you hook up your iPod to your sound system and wander through the house while in full control of your tunes. Pause your iPod to answer the door and then crank it up without even going in the room.
