The Karma iPod: iPod nano (PRODUCT) RED

Get a Karma iPod

"CUPERTINO, California-October 13, 2006-Apple today announced the iPod nano (PRODUCT) RED Special Edition. (RED) was created by U2 lead singer Bono and Bobby Shriver to engage business in the fight against AIDS in Africa by getting the world's most iconic companies to make uniquely branded products. A portion of the profits from these products goes directly to the Global Fund to fund programs for women and children affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa. The iPod nano (PRODUCT) RED comes in a beautiful red aluminum enclosure and features 24 hours of battery life, Apple's innovative Click Wheel and an incredibly thin and light design. Apple will contribute $10 from the sale of each iPod nano (PRODUCT) RED to the Global Fund to help fight HIV/AIDS in Africa."

"We're ecstatic that Apple is giving their customers the choice to buy a red iPod nano and help women and children affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa," said Bono, co-founder of (RED).

"It's wonderful to see this incredible level of commitment from companies that are willing to lend their creativity in the fight against AIDS in Africa, the greatest health crisis in 600 years."

"Now customers can buy the best music player in the world and do something to help the world at the same time," said Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO. "We're honored to work with Bono, (RED) and this team to contribute to an incredibly important initiative and help change the way people think about AIDS in Africa."

The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria was established in 2002, with the support of the world's leaders and UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, to dramatically increase resources to fight three of the world's most devastating diseases, and to direct those resources to areas of greatest need by supporting locally-driven strategies. To date, the Global Fund has committed $5.2 billion (US) to more than 363 programs in 131 countries. For more information about (RED) please visit www.joinred.com.

Buy the iPod nano from the UK Apple Store

A pair of Apple Remotes

The Apple Remote is a very beautiful thing. Small and light, it feels just right in your hand. Although made from cheap plastic it seems as plush (but nowhere near as heavy) as my Bang & Olufsen remote. It works really well, you don't even need to point it at your iPod Hi-Fi or FrontRow equipped Mac to get it to work... which creates a little problem.

I set up my iPod Hi-Fi in my bedroom, along with my wife's new 24inch iMac. So I tried to turn up the volume of my Hi-Fi and you've guessed it the Mac goes up accordingly. So what to do?

To set your iPod Hi-Fi to work only with the included remote:

"Connect your iPod Hi-Fi to an electrical outlet. If your iPod Hi-Fi has batteries, you do not need to connect it to an outlet. Make sure other products that are compatible (see above) with the remote are not in range, and hold the remote close to your iPod Hi-Fi (about 3 to 4 inches away). Press and hold the Menu and Next/Fast-forward buttons on the remote simultaneously for about six seconds. The status light blinks green several times. Your iPod Hi-Fi now works only with the paired remote."

Learn more from Apple

You can also pair the remote with your iMac or other Apple Remote equipped device in a similar manner. The only problem being is trying to remember which remote is which. My solution was to leave the shiny plastic protective wrapper on the iMac remote, but a permanent marker could also be used.

I reckon that someone will eventually make some nifty icon stickers for this purpose... except I have just copywritten the idea! lol

Zune - iPod Killer Mk2

The Apple monopoly over digital media players is set to fall if Microsoft's plans fall into place. Their new Zune device has a 30GB hard disk, and is available in iPod white and black, and in a rare case of Microsoft innovation, erm, brown...

Microsoft's iPod Killer MK1 - PlaysForSure

PlaysForSure (catchy name) was Microsoft's MK1 iPod killer. Like the Windows operating system, Microsoft coded it, and waited for the rush of developers to make devices that could utilise it. Zune is their MK2 iPod killer, it has also killed off PlaysForSure too, as songs from this system will not work on Zune.

"Microsoft is starting over. Never mind all the poor slobs who bought big PlaysForSure music collections. Never mind the PlaysForSure companies who now find themselves competing with their former leader. Their reward for buying into Microsoft's original vision? A great big 'So long, suckas!' It was bad enough when there were two incompatible copy-protection standards: iTunes and PlaysForSure. Now there will be three. (Although Microsoft is shutting its own PlaysForSure music store next week, it insists that the PlaysForSure program itself will live on.)"
NY Times - David Pogue

So, what happens when they kill Zune off? Will iPod killer MK3 support Zune files? Who knows but I wouldn't risk buying one. Even if I could as Zune is not available in the UK yet.

The Zune Social Club

One thing that that does seperate Zune from the iPod is it's wireless capabilities, it can be used to transmit music (and photos) to other Zune users, albeit for 3 days, then it wipes the tune - even if it was your own recording, this is just not for DRM protected files! It also has an FM Radio built in, and a bigger screen than the iPod.

What gets me though is what makes the iPod special to me, is the AddressBook and iCal intergration, plus the use of the iPod hard drive as a portable data carrier. Zune won't do this. It also doesn't work with Windows Media Player, you have to use a similar but less powerful player that Microsoft have developed to work with the Zune.

The iPod may not be perfect, but I really can't see Zune killing it off, I'll wait for the 3rd generation of iPod Killer, but I won't hold my breath.

Zune Discussion

iPod Hi-Fi Review

I finally caved in and bought an Apple iPod Hi-Fi. I wanted something to replace my somewhat limited passive Sony speakers, dub don't really rock my boat on these tinny, but useful Sony mini speakers. I hoped to find that the iPod Hi-Fi would give me a decent sound for my bedroom, kitchen and living room. So, am I, a happy Apple iPod Hi-Fi customer?

Burn the grill

The iPod Hi-Fi comes with a protective/decorative grill, which needn't have been in the box, apart from when your carrying it about. So, on second thoughts, keep it safe, and use it when you travel. The Apple iPod Hi-Fi sound opens up when you remove the grill, particularly at low volume levels. A lot of the high end air seems to be lost when donning the iPod Hi-Fi speaker grill. Without the grill the iPod Hi-Fi's sound is well rounded, a very polished audio performer. Don't know if they'll replace my Yamaha NS10 Studio Monitors, but this is a very solid performer. Great for hotel room mixing sessions and on the tour bus.

Hi-Fi not as we know it, Jim

This is a new definition of Hi-Fi according to Apple, and I somewhat agree. Sure it ain't got the potential for a truly wide stereo spread, as even my little Sony's. But it sounds polished, deep and full even at low volume, making it ideal for round the house. Buy a few spare power leads, to leave strategically round your house, and before you can say BASS you have a very capable, easily carried, sound system. The included Apple Remote makes it Homer friendly, and the remote works, quickly with a pleasant snap, next track. Boom Box anyone?

Plays nice with other iPods

My fifth generation iPod Video works flawlessly with the iPod Hi-Fi, a new function called Speakers apears in new iPods, and you can choose between 3 EQ settings, and display "large" album art from music on your iPod.

And your Mac too

It will connect optically to other said eqipped devices, like your Airport Express or optical audio output from your cd player, dvd or Mac. It will accept a well aimed stereo min jack too, if you can afford to lose the digital connection, but makes it extremely useful.

One week on, all is groovy

I am listening to some great music while writing this review. This device is perfect for my lifestyle, yeah mon, bring on the dub, reggae, rock, blues, indie and all that jazz, sounding sweet on my stereo speaker and my neighbours don't want to kill me! Which makes it sound even sweeter. Peace.

Verdict: It's a Boom Box

Done by Apple. Sure, it ROCKS. Respect.

Buy the iPod Hi-Fi from the UK Apple Store.

Fatman iTube iPod Valve Amplifier

Fatman iTube iPod Amplifier

This looks like being a really cool product. It combines 2 things that I am fond of: the Apple iPod, and Valve (aka Tube) amplifiers.

I don't think a valve powered iPod would ever make it past the Apple drawing board. I love digital, low voltage circuits.

Valves are magical things, aside from being less eco-friendly than solid state devices. In pre and power amplifiers, they do something to the sound, that engineers have struggled to emulate with transistors and software for decades. Logic Pro's Guitar Amp Pro and N.I's Guitar Rig, do a pretty good emulation. But if you heard a nice tube amp, like a Class A Vox AC30, Fender, Marshall or one of the boutique, hand-wired varieties being used in anger, you would soon realise that nothing quite gets that 'brown' sound, like a tube amp.

Tubes bring sweet harmonics to the mix. Some solid state guitar amps really suck when compared next to, say, a 60's Fender Delux Reverb amplifier. That's not to say that solid-state amps can't sound sweet. Pignose amps and my little 9V powered, belt-clip Marshall amp (as worn by Jack Black in School of Rock) can produce some nice tones.

So, a remote-controlled, valve powered amplifier and iPod dock, is getting me very excited. It's made by Fatman, part of Pro Audio group TL Audio, so I would expect good things from them. I haven't had a chance to listen to them yet, but my bet is that the iTube and a decent pair of monitor speakers would be a very sweet sounding combo. Not quite as portable as an Apple iPod Hi-Fi, but probably a very sweet sound. We'll have to wait and see when the iTube starts shipping next month.

iTube Features

• iTube Vacuum Tube Amplifier
• iTube Docking Station
• Brush / Glove for cleaning
• Power cable
• Audio cable to connect Docking Station and Amplifier
• Banana Plug speaker cables
• Aux source audio cable for connecting CD player etc
• Video cable to connect from docking station to TV
• Power Output 13Wx2
• Frequency Response 20Hz - 20KHz (±1.5Db)
• Harmonic Distortion 0.5%
• Signal-To-Noise Ratio 86Db
• Input Impedance 100K
• Output Impedance 4ohm, 8ohm
• Valve Type 2x6N1(ECC85) 1x6E2(EM87)

Fat Links

Fatman iTube Discussion
Fatman Site

Tangle Tamers i-springs

Tangle Tamers i-springs

It's easy to spot an iPod user, they usually have the stock white buds. Fashion editors and muggers love the white leads, which are not as bad as many hi-fi anoraks will have you believe. They do have one problem though, they can tangle easily. I haven't had too much of a problem, just a minor inconvenience. Tangle Tamers i-springs are a simple dual spring device that make the standard iPod buds and many other headphones, slinky, funky and tangle free.

Made in Britain

The iPod was designed by a Briton - Jonathan Ive, ( George W did NOT design the iPod ). So it seems rather fitting that some other Britons have developed something that can actually improve your iPod experience. It refreshingly doesn't cost more than an iPod itself.

i-springs a go go

The Tangle Tamers slide over your existing headphones and give them a pliable feel that helps stop them tangling up and also makes them seem more expensive than they really are. Available in a variety of hot colours including Metal Guru, Purple Haze or my conservative choice of Purely White, they jazz up your phones and are a lot of fun. At about the same cost as a set of guitar strings they are cheap, cheerful and very useful.

Learn more about the Tangle Tamers i-springs or join in the discussion.

iPod nano 1GB

Apple iPod nano 1GB review

The Apple iPod nano was introduced, just in time for the holiday season in September 2005. It replaced the iPod mini, which up until that point had been Apple's best selling variety of iPod. The Apple nano 1GB is the latest and cutest iPod on the block. Yet, despite what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in quality and value. Compared to the current largest iPod - the 60GB iPod with video. The nano lacks video support but very little else. The 1GB nano will only hold about 240 songs but in most situations the iPod nano's diminutive size and weight are a real advantage when compared to it's larger siblings.

Small but perfectly formed

Yes, size matters and when it comes to personal music players, size is everything. Will it fit in your pocket? A regular iPod will in most; a nano will fit anywhere. It is lighter than helium, but there is nothing light weight about it's feature set. It will play back audio of the following types: AAC (16 to 320 Kbps), Protected AAC (from iTunes Music Store), MP3 (16 to 320 Kbps), MP3 VBR, Audible (formats 2, 3 and 4), Apple Lossless, WAV, AIFF. So it will keep music producers and regular listeners happy. Audio quality is excellent, compared to a 60GB iPod video it may be not quite as well rounded and polished, but there is not a lot in it. For such a lightweight device this is an audio heavyweight.

What's in the box?

No dock or charger - just like the iPod Video but not such a great surprise as this is a lot more affordable than a 60GB iPod video. The nano comes with a slim vinyl case, ear buds, ear bud covers, usb lead, iPod dock adapter, stickers, quick start guide and CD installer.

Now Playing

Despite the nano's impossibly small form factor I found it very easy to use ergonomically. The 1.5 inch display is a delight, showing 176 x 132 crisp and clean pixels. When lit, the display is bright and clear; otherwise it's very difficult to read. In actual use though I found it to be lovely and surprisingly vivid. The nano is a brisk little performer too. It seems faster loader and updating than the 60GB video iPod. This is probably due to it's solid-state flash memory of the nano. Regular iPods use a miniature Hard Drive, like a smaller version of the one inside your PC or Mac. These use moving parts and are susceptible to failure. The flash memory should prove very reliable on the nano, and it is this technology that has made it possible to make such a small but powerful music player. It uses less power than a mini hard drive, hence the iPod nano's small footprint.

Sporty Pod

It is also useful for the lock feature and also for the Stopwatch function, which seeing as the nano is so small and light, could make the nano the choice for anyone who is into sports: athlete, cyclist, or anybody who likes to time something.

iPod nano 1GB conclusion

The 1GB iPod nano is currently the smallest and cheapest variety of nano. It will only hold about 240 tunes but this is not too much of a problem as you can always make your own playlists to "Auto-Fill" your iPod with the best music on your iTunes library. It doesn't have the shuffle's Autofill option though, which will as the name suggests, ll your iPod with it's max of songs automatically. I prefer to create playlists though, and this slight drawback in comparison to the shuffle is it's superb screen. The nano is altogether prettier and more expensive looking to use than the shuffle. The shuffle is a pure out and out music player. This minimalism could very well agree with erm, minimalists and purists but I prefer having to option to see what was playing, view my contacts, calendar, pictures, and play games, read notes and books.

iPod shoot out

If money is tight, then a shuffle is the best iPod, if you can stretch to a nano, you get a lot more of the whole iPod experience with one. What it lacks in features is more than augmented by it's ever so lovely size and lack of weight. Arguably the best iPod Apple make is the nano. It won't hold all your tunes, play videos, record audio and other cool things that a 5th generation iPod will allow, but it's trump card is it's size. It's perfectly small but not throwaway like a shuffle, it could be your new best friend.