2002 Info for iPod Owners

[*]   iPod = PDA: (Note: I didn't say iWalk)

[*]   Panarama database on the iPod

[*]   FM Pro to iPod

[*]   ProVue for the iPod

[*]   An iPod Scam?

[*]   xTunes

[*]   Dell selling PCs at Costco

[*]   iPod on Windows

[*]   Intel planning portable media device

[*]   iPod at Best Buy

[*]   Audible.com to release a Mac version of its audio player

[*]   Target to sell iPods

[*]   iPod Hacks

[*]   iPod up to version 1.2.1

[*]   iPod beyond music and contacts

[*]   New wireless iPod transmitter

[*]   ExtremeMac.com

[*]   iPod warranty now 1 year?

[*]   Apple posts iPod Software 1.2 Updater

[*]   Web site of the Week: iPodLounge
 

iPod = PDA: (Note: I didn't say iWalk)

According to an article on Cube-Zone.com, Rich Goldman has written an AppleScript that turns an iPod into a PDA. It will allow a user to access his/her Entourage/Outlook contacts via the iPod. It really isn't a complete product, but it certainly opens up possibilities.
See the story at: http://www.cube-zone.com/ipodzone.html

Panarama database on the iPod

I mentioned before that Provue was releasing an Organizer for the iPod. Remy Davison of Insanely Great Mac is giving further details, including the fact that you will be able to load and use a Panarama database on the iPod. You can get a demo kit at: http://www.ipodorganizer.com/ or download a full version for $19.95 at: http://www.provue.com/
Full story at: http://www.insanely-great.com/news.php?id=102

FM Pro to iPod

Mac Network News (MNN) is reporting that a free utility allows users to export data from Filemaker Pro to the iPod. The story is at: http://www.macnn.com/news.php?id=13398
While the utility is at:
http://www.dataparadox.com/files/products/

ProVue for the iPod

The UK paper, the Independent has an article about how ProVue has developed a contact manager for the iPod. I believe I mentioned it before, but it is really cool to see such a great company doing something to get them attention all over.
Full story is at: http://news.independent.co.uk/digital/features/story.jsp?story=117978

An iPod Scam?

There has been a discussion in the forums of iPodloungers about a scheme involving a company that is listing for sale iPods at 1/2 normal price. It appears that they are using it as a way to collect credit passwords to a credit card service.
Full story from http://www.ipodlounge.com/#outletescrow

xTunes

Speaking of Linux, xTunes will allow you to hook up an iPod to Linux machines. So perhaps we will have great flexibility in the future instead of being increasingly dominated by Microsoft.
Full story at: http://www.insanely-great.com/news.php?id=615

Dell selling PCs at Costco

Now it appears that Dell is starting to return to the retail channel. They are setting up kiosks in Costco where customers can order computers direct from Dell. I wonder if that means you can order an iPod there as well. Full story from ZDNet News at:
http://zdnet.com.com/2110-1103-964373.html

iPod on Windows

In an article entitled: "Apple IPod: Coming to a PC Near You", IDG is telling how great the iPod is. With the only shortcoming being that it doesn't work with Windows machines. Then they tell about the MediaFour product Xplay. They even talk about how it compares to iTunes.
Full story at: http://www.idg.net/go.cgi?id=636389

Intel planning portable media device

News.com ran an article with the above title. It says that Intel is going to introduce software and hardware that will help computer companies to build a device that can store and play digital media.
      It would be the size of a paperback book and use USB2.0 and 802.11b for transferring from a PC. Sounds a lot like an iPod but may be not limited to audio since they keep saying media and not MP3. It should sell for about $400.
Full story at: http://news.com.com/2100-1040-945968.html?tag=fd_top

iPod at Best Buy

Best Buy has agreed to sell the iPod. According to some articles, they will sell all the models, while another one says that will happen only via BestBuy.com and that the stores will carry two Windows models and one for Mac. In any case, it is a good deal for both companies.
A complete story at: http://www.insanely-great.com/news.php?id=883

Audible.com to release a Mac version of its audio player

While the iPod works well with Audible.com files, it is nice that they have decided to release a Mac compatible version of "Otis", it's free with subscription player. I may be willing to subscribe in this case. But first I will have to get a USB card for my Mac. (Thanks to MacMinute for pointing this one out.) Check out their details at
http://www.audible.com

Target to sell iPods

In fact, according to CNET, some Target stores already have both Windows and Mac versions of the iPod. This is good news for Apple. The bigger the distribution the better. Full story at:
http://news.com.com/2100-1040-963217.html

iPod Hacks

This maybe old news to you who have iPods, but I just discovered them. (I don't have one, but would be willing to accept a review machine.) They have forums and reviews for members to use. (Their download section was empty when I checked.)
Check them out at: http://www.ipodhacks.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=index

iPod up to version 1.2.1

Apple has now released the updater software to bring the iPod up to version 1.2.1. Get full details and the software at:
http://www.apple.com/ipod/download/

iPod beyond music and contacts

Also according to IGM, Wired has an article on other uses of the iPod. Takes it way beyond music and contacts. IGM's story is at: http://www.insanely-great.com/news.php?id=265
the Wired article is at: http://www.wired.com/news/culture/0,1284,51586,00.html

New wireless iPod transmitter

Griffin Technology has announced the iTrip, a small FM transmitter that attaches to the top of the iPod and receives music that can be passed on to home and car stereo systems. It will even allow you to pick the frequencies to broadcast so you don't have any interference. (Over 100 to choose from domestically).
      It is scheduled to start shipping in September for only $29.95.
Full story at: http://www.macminute.com/lib/020717itrip.shtml

ExtremeMac.com

This is a web site that sells all kinds of accessories for iPods and flat panel iMac.
See: http://www.xtrememac.com/

iPod warranty now 1 year?

Speaking of YourMacLife, Chris Breen of MacWorld magazine was on the show last week promoting his new book, "Secrets of the iPod". Chris stated that Apple has increased the warranty of the iPod from 90 days to a full year. You can find out if your iPod is still under warranty by going to Apple's web site, to the iPod support area. There is a place to enter your serial number and they will tell you if it is still under warranty.
      (I couldn't find it in about a 20 minute search, but I believe Chris when he said it was there. If you find it, please send me the URL.)
Try this: http://www.info.apple.com/usen/ipod/

Apple posts iPod Software 1.2 Updater

According to MacMinute.com the new iPod Software 1.2 Updater is now available for download at Apple, and it adds Audible.com support, Sound Check, iCal calendar synchronization, and more to current iPods.
See: http://www.apple.com/ipod/

Web site of the Week: iPodLounge

It had to happen. A web site dedicated to all things iPod. Check it out at:
Check it out at: http://www.ipodlounge.com/

pau

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The Info Manager is a veteran of the UGN (AOL User Groups Forum) and User Group Network. He's been a supporter and volunteer on many, many UGNet and User Group Academy projects. As a long time user group member, he's served as volunteer from Honolulu to Boston and many points in between. Currently working with the Apple Corp of Dallas, the Dallas Mac Pack, Cowtown MUG of Ft. Worth and TUMS (the Tulsa Users of Macintosh Society) doing newsletter articles and the monthly CD-ROM Update. Post a lead Info Manager should follow up on.

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