iPod Shuffle case with earbud wrap, keychain, and bottle opener.
Archives For Accessories
Maybe it’s just me, but I like the idea of “wireless” audio devices. No, not the holy grail of a Bluetooth-connected headset and DAP. Rather, a music player built into the headphones.
About ten years ago and long before MP3 became a household word, I had a Speedo FM radio and earbuds (similar to this one) that I attached to a baseball cap and ran with. Nothing to carry! (Other than the house or car key.) I’m not sure why we haven’t seen more of these designs in the digital world. Perhaps it’s a combination of battery size/life and storage space or maybe I’m the only one who digs it.
Anyhow, Arriva has Photoshopped a headset prototype (top) they’re constructing for the second-gen iPod Shuffle. Assuming it doesn’t fall of you head, this could be perfect for exercise playlists and podcasts. (Check out Podrunner.)
Additionally, OTTO has already released a 512MB “wireless” MP3 headset ($85) which I’ve added to my pile o’ devices to review. Notable: Otto supports protected WMA.
Speaking of small audio devices… Anyone want a first-gen 512MB iPod Shuffle sans earbuds? I have one that’s been collecting dust on the den floor for probably a year. Leave a comment if you could put it to use!
Want to upgrade your TiVo Series3 with external storage? Me too. After a failed journey Micro Center yesterday, I started researching online deals for eSATA drives. In addition to finding a good price, my criteria also included 500GB drives that come enclosed and with an eSATA cable.
So far I’ve found two decent deals worth sharing:
- ~$135 @ NewEgg: No-Name CAXM37500 500GB 7200 RPM
- ~$150 @ Buy.com: Seagate ST3500601XS-RK 500GB 7200rpm
No sooner am I reminded of Infrant’s NAS solutions, do I discover that my friends at Netgear just announced that they will be acquiring them. This should be a win/win in providing Netgear more robust storage solutions while pushing Infrant’s technology into mainstream retail locations… and maybe at lower price points.
Let me start by saying I’m not a “case” guy. I don’t put phones, iPods, PDAs, etc in them — everything ends up “naked” in a pocket or backpack. I choose to believe the exterior of a product is designed to protect the delicate electronics inside and I just won’t sweat a scratch or two. Having said that, the iPod nano is missing two things… a FM tuner and a belt clip (which the cheaper iPod Shuffle Includes).
Digital Lifestyle Outfitters (DLO), to be acquired by Philips, introduced the nano Shell about a week ago in a variety of colors at $20/ea. The Shell has three pieces: a front, a plain back option, and a back with belt clip option. The front and plain back seem quite sturdy and look sharp, while the clip back plastic doesn’t seem as solid or as attractive… though it’s far more useful. Without adding much bulk the Shell protects most of the nano, including the screen, but considerately leaves the bottom exposed to connect a sync cable, Nike pedometer, etc.
Those looking for some protection and/or a belt clip for their nano will find the DLO Shell a nice solution. And if you’ve read this far and want my review sample, leave a comment. When I get home in about a week, I’ll randomly choose a winner.
Click thumbnails for larger pics…
