Gadgets Blog » iPods

“Schtickers”, the company that does designer and corporate labels, now designs laptop skins, iPod and iPhone skins, and many more skins for electronics. You can either design your own for a bit of a premium price, or buy their pre-designed skins for your laptop. Specify your size, and here you go-a laptop that says more about you than what’s on the hard drive.

Top laptop skins from Schtickers.com:

Urban Laptop Skin from Schtickers.com: $19.99

DJ Turntable Laptop Lime from Schtickers.com: $19.99

Shop more discount laptop skins at Smarter.com.

Radio just isn’t like it used to be, so what do you do when you have long car rides or commutes to work ahead of you? Don’t backtrack with burning CDs, it’s not vintage enough to be cool just yet (like tape decks have started to be, ironically). Look into buying an iPod adaptor for the car; you can charge your iPod and get some funky, personalized tunes to amp up your long morning, afternoon, or late night drives. You can personalize your iPod playlist to any commute if you like (though you know that already). Let’s check out the recent gadgets that help you have the most entertaining commute you can have:

Belkin Dual USB Car Charger for iPod (Black): $16

Pretty cheap, this charger keeps your iPod running but doesn’t necessarily get you hooked into your car’s speaker system; it just keeps your iPod juiced while you listen to it from the local speakers.

Kensington Car Charger Deluxe for iPod; iPhone 1G, 3G: $34.02

This is the design I have; it fits iPods and iPhones and taps into an unused radio station to broadcast your music through your car’s speakers. Awesome!

Kensington Power Port Car Mount for iPhone and iPod: $22.95

A little less sturdy of a model, this power port still gets the job done.

Shop for more iPod adapters for your car at Smarter.com.

Archos has released Archos 5 , a well stacked media player and internet tablet that has all the looks of a worthy opponent to the iPod touch . I know most of you are probably yawning by now. Yet another inane imitation that is sure to bite the dust, you say… Let’s play fair and see what’s on the table shall we?

Archos 5 comes with a powerful wi-fi for super fast web browsing allowing for full width, PC like viewing without shrinking or need for zooming . It runs on the open source android platform which is awesome for apps developers .Moreover, the Flash 9 supporting device not only enables you to watch videos on sites like YouTube but also is the only Android device that supports video formats in High Definition. So expect things to get really creative and very apps rich a la ipod pretty soon.

The Archos 5 will come already preloaded with several Android apps, like the eBuddy instant-messaging app, Twidroid for sending and receiving tweets, Craigsphone for posting or accessing classified ads, Thinksfree for viewing Microsoft Office files, Quickpedia, and many more. You can always download more apps from the Android Market or from Archos’s own AppsLib store.

The full email application lets you read, write, download, send attachments, and manage your contacts. You can also access content seamlessly from a variety of on-the-go , on demand services such as CinemaNow, Hulu , integrated Internet radio, music from sites like Pandora and Web TV widgets. You can schedule TV recordings from any channel on your cable or set-top box and watch it at a time and place of your choice. Then if you so choose, play back the digital content from ARCHOS 5 to your TV, all in HD quality, at 720p.

It comes with a Bluetooth, through which you can access the 3G connection of your mobile phone.

There are also some interesting accessories that you will be able to purchase on the side such as DVR station to record video or  integrated GPS with TeleAtlas application. The TeleAtlas software provides all the usual GPS features plus an additional 3D Photo Realistic mode which is pretty neat. In the 3D mode the maps use multiple angles and zoom levels to portray the landmarks and streets as realistically as possible.

The slim, light weight model that ships with a DVR station adapter and a standard USB cable is available at 8GB, 16GB, and 32GB capacities (with a MicroSD card slot) and a hard drive version with a choice of 160GB or 500GB.

Pricing is about $249.99 at the entry point. You can order from Amazon or the Archos website. Make sure though that you are ordering the latest model as quite confusingly the earlier model still on sale in different outlets is also called Archos5.

For those of you who don’t have to go back to school until the middle of September, check out ABCNews.com’s list of “10 Great Gadgets for Any Student“.  You can find most of these on Smarter.com for great prices:

1.  MacBook Pro 13″:  $1,199

It’s a great size with plenty of memory.  Apple will even give you a free 8GB iPod Touch with purchase.

2.  Acer Aspire 4810 Timeline 8480: $699.99

Comes with 4GBs of memory (320GB hard drive) for awesome performance.

3.  Trend Micro Internet Security Pro 2009: $57.99

Make sure your computer can perform at it’s best. Block spyware, block image spam prevent unauthorized input of personal information and much more.

4. Logitech Z520 Speaker System:  $120.99

Watch school presentations and educational videos with the 360-degree sound.

5. Microsoft Wireless Mobile Mouse 4000:

This cool wireless mouse comes in a variety of colors.  The last thing you need is another code to clutter your desk area.

6. Belkin CushDesk: $23.99

Work on homework and school projects while sitting on comfortably on your couch.

7. FreeAgent Go Dock: $14.94

Another gadget that helps with code clutter!  Take this dock anywhere for easy access to your files.

8. Griffin Technology’s Cases for the iPhone and iPod Touch: $20.05

This case will protect your precious Pod from all the elements while biking to school or training with the team.

9. iMM153 Dual Alarm Clock With Bed Shaker for iPod: $42.18

Yes, this shakes your bed. It’s perfect for you kids who need a little extra help getting up in the morning.

10. JBL/Roxy Reference 420 Over-the-Ear Headphones: $69.95

These cool colored headphones are comfy and easy to store.

The word is out: yesterday morning, Sirius had a private, invitation-only party in New York City to announce the release of its newest product, the Sirius XM Skydock for the iPhone and the iPod touch. Nicknamed the “Skydock” with a market price of $119.99, the product will be able to turn the iPhone or iPod touch into a working satellite radio and adapt to your own playlists, too. It will work in tandem with the Sirius/XM iPhone app and will have the ability to tag songs for download from iTunes as you hear them on the radio. It also gives users access to the all XM and “the Best of SIRIUS” channel. No exact release date has been set, but the official Sirius press release promises the product in stores in fall 2009 () .

For more information, visit xmradio.com.

Source:  digitaldaily.allthingsd.com

Zii LABS, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Creative Technology Ltd. announced the launch of Zii Egg, a handheld stem cell computer that runs on a platform called Plaszma. Of course the fact that Plaszma is open source lets the ever growing community of developers worldwide to get their creative juices churning providing them a new medium to build applications on.
Positioned to take on Apple’s iPod touch, this portable audio video handheld device, can also run on Android and comes with a price tag of $199. Its hardware has no doubt been built to impress with front and rear facing cameras, HD playback, 1080p video output, OpenGL ES support, X-Fi audio processing, 32GB of built-in memory and a full SD slot.

Full features and specifications include:

•  Capacitive 10-point multi-gesture touch display
• 3.5” 320 x 480 true-color display
• X-Fi audio processing
• Up to 32GB Internal Flash Storage
• 32MB NOR Flash (Linux kernel Boot ROM)
• 256MB Mobile DDR RAM
• Supports 720p and 1080p HDTVs via HD cable
• Composite video-out
• Dual cameras for High Definition photos and movie capture
• Forward facing VGA camera
• Rear facing HD camera
• Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g
• Hardware GPS receiver
• Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
• Accelerometer
• Ambient light sensor
• SDHC slot (supports up to 32GB of external SDHC Card)
• USB 2.0 Mini-B (MTP and Charging)
• Universal Docking connector (USB, Audio)
• Headphone socket, built-in speaker and microphone
• Supports Plaszma OS and Zii Optimized Android
• Light weight: 108g

For those of us who feel handicapped leaving our iPods behind when we indulge in summer fun of the dirt, water and grime variety, here’s a portable iPod outdoor speaker designed to “withstand the rigors of outdoor recreation” guarding our precious iPod from crashing waves and blowing sand once we dock it behind its clear, watertight door.

Exterior buttons help us take charge of the play backs.  Just pack it in your beach bag along with some sunscreen, your sports gear and of course your iPod and you are ready for a vacation!  Other features include:

• Shockproof poolside speaker has a durable rubber exterior to protect against knocks and bumps
• Water- and dust-resistant to IP53 standards
• Operates on 4 C batteries (not included) or uses the included AC and car adapters
• Compatible with iPod Classic, Nano, Mini, and Shuffle (via line input)

Retails for $ 99.50 and comes with a 1 year guarantee.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more portable iPod outdoor speakers.

Apple iPod Classic 120 GB Digital Media Player
From: $206.95

They’re practically a must-have item for daily survival.  Car keys, check.  Cell phone, check. iPod, check.  It’s like having your own radio station that only plays your set list and has zero commercials.  What’s not to love?  It allows you to take a short break from the outside world and go to that happy place, even if it’s just for a few minutes.  And if you can get a discount iPod, even better!

This classic iPod Silver has 120GB and up to 36 hours of music playback.  That’s up to 30,000 songs or 150 hours of video (6 hours of viewing).  The Genius feature creates a playlist from your library of songs that complement each other.  Flip through album art with Cover Flow, select an album to turn it over and see the track list.

Additional features:

• High-gloss screen;
• Quick navigation using the click wheel to any of your songs,
• Videos, e-books, calendar events, and contacts;
• Built-in rechargeable Li-ion battery;
• 120GB storage; available in silver or black, anodized aluminum and polished stainless steel;
• Search by playlist, artist, album, genre, specific titles and artists;
• 2.5-inch display;
• Three iPod classic games included— Vortex, iQuiz, and Klondike — more games available for purchase from the iTunes Store;
• Sync your photos from iPhoto or Adobe Photoshop;
• 320-by-240-pixel resolution at 163 pixels per inch;
• 20Hz to 20,000Hz frequency;
• Earphones;
• Dock connect;
• 3.5-mm stereo headphone jack.

*Get it at B&H Photo and get free 3-day shipping (continental U.S. only), no code required.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more discount iPods.

Aw… remember this? Does everyone else have one of these yet? I don’t.

If you’ve been thinking, “my bathroom’s quiet… almost too quiet,” or maybe you feel you need a little company during that usually very solitary time, or maybe you simply must have your life’s soundtrack playing at every moment in every room, this charming little item can help.

It wouldn’t take up much room, as the iCarta iPod Stereo Dock and Bath Tissue Holder doubles as your bathroom tissue holder as well as a charging dock for your iPod. It’s compatible with all iPods with dock connectors — iPod 3G, 4G, 5G (Video), iPod Mini, iPod Nano, and iPod Shuffle (plays but will not charge iPhone 3G or iTouch Version 2) — and has an adjustable spacer. The iPod dock also features four high-performance moisture-free speakers and charges the iPod while playing your tunes. An AC adapter is included. The speaker arms fold so it appears to be a normal docking station when not being used to hold the T.P. It’s also easily removable from its wall mounting so it can travel from room to room with you.

Not only can it provide musical entertainment during showers or your regular morning routine, it can also provide just a bit more privacy in close quarters by turning up the volume a little. It just might be a great gift for a music lover who has everything or a charmingly cheezy gift exchange item. I can’t decide where I am on this one… brilliant or kitschy? Maybe a little of both.

Find it here on Smarter.com.

Just about everyone knows someone who recently got the dreaded “pink slip” or is that unfortunate person himself.

Hopefully, these items can aid in a speedy recovery.

1. Laptop – For your remote job searching and resume storage, something like the HP Business Notebook 2133 is small but mighty. With a 120GB 5400-rpm hard drive, 8.9″ widescreen display, and Wi-Fi capability, this notebook can help you find your next job and then at 2.6 lbs. it slips easily back into your bag for mobility. Save $30 on your first purchase at Buy.com (until April 30 no code required) off the $479.99 price, and you can save $40 with a manufacturer’s rebate.

2. All-In-One Printer/Scanner/Fax/Copy – If you haven’t already, there’s no better time to set up that home office. Gone are the days of exploiting the office printers for your CD covers and Borders coupons. You’re going to be printing and faxing applications and resumes so you need a machine that does it all. Like the LexMark X3470 All-In-One or HP Officejet J4580 All-in-One Printer Fax Scanner Copier at about $70, it’s a good investment in yourself. Think of all the money you’re saving by not having to go to Kinko’s every time.

3. Nova Development Winway Resume Deluxe – Affordable at $34.99 and because you want to stand out from the crowd, it’s time to revise and renew the old resume. Features enhanced Resume Auditor to catch mistakes before employers do and a Merriam-Webster English Language Resource disc with a 70,000+ word dictionary, a 157,000+ word thesaurus and other reference tools.

4. Nova Development Berlitz Spanish Premier- Learn a new and valuable skill while waiting for employers to call you in. Imagine the opportunities adding “bilingual” to your list of abilities can bring. Italian, French and German are also available. Starts at $35 and up.

5. Total Training Educational Software – For Photoshop, InDesign, Dreamweaver, Illustrator, any of these educational training softwares can aid you in becoming adept in these popular programs and can build your resume skill set, helping you gain an extra edge over the competition. From $32-$190.

6. Stamina InMotion E-1000 Elliptical Trainer - At $70, or about 2 month’s gym membership, bring the gym to your house. Stay fit and motivated, hey, you’ve got the time now so no more excuses! Replicates the elliptical machine, but without the bulky arms and front console resulting in lightweight and easy closet storage.

7. Apple iPod shuffle 2GB – Affordable musical entertainment. At $60, it can store up to 500 songs and be worn on your arm, sleeve, belt, bag, etc. Upload some motivational tunes to keep you going through those workouts and prep before interviews. Maybe something like Joe Esposito’s “You’re the Best”, ala Karate Kid soundtrack. Classic.

8. Solo Business Cases Leather BiFold Padfolio-At $28, appearances count, whether for the interview you’re going to score or even at the coffee shop, you gotta look professional. Great for keeping resumes and calling cards on hand — you never know who you might run into, and how embarrassing to be unprepared. Also available with a zip around feature, to keep those important docs from falling out, for about $35.