iPod Topics - Daily iPod & iTunes News, Views, Blog & Discussion. Apple Shuffle, Nano, Video iPods & More!

BlueTraks BT-211 Allows You to Control Your iPod Hands Free

The BlueTraks hands free car system allows users to control their mobile phone, iPod, satellite radio, and satellite navigation system all from one simple, easy to use device. The BlueTraks BT-211 utilizes Bluetooth technology and iPod command and control. With a 4.2″ high resolution color touch screen display, the BlueTraks BT-211 uses the familiar iPod menus and gives you easy access access to your music’s artist, composer, album, song, genre, or playlist, including podcasts and audibooks. Your iPod easily connects to the BlueTraks device and the BT-211 will also charge your iPod while plugged in. This is a pretty sweet device for those who A) have all of the above forementioned devices in their car and B) spend a considerable amount time in their car. Pricing on the device is not yet available, so for now it is safe to say this is not on my wish list.

The Reflect Offers Both Style and Substance

The Griffin Technology Reflect iPod case is one of the slickest iPod cases on the market right now. With a durable polycarbonate shell that gives your iPod a mirrored-chrome reflective face, this will make any iPod stand out in a crowd. The reflect also has a matte black rubber back to give you a sure grip so you don’t drop your iPod in the toilet. It is availabel for all 2nd gen iPod nano’s and full-sized iPod video’s. The Griffin Reflect retails for $24.99.

We All Know Breaking an iPod Can Be a Trying Time

And as we found out, there are many ways to break your iPod. Luckily for all of us though, there are a number of caring individuals who have dedicated their lives to helping us fix our broken iPods.

Websites That Will Fix Your iPod

• NYCiPodDoctor.com - was created with the intention of making iPod and now portable electronics repair affordable and accessible to everyone.
• iPodMods.com - edicated to the service, repair and modification of ALL iPod models.
• iResq.com - Fastest repair service for iPods yet. Receive overnight service on all iPod model repairs.
• iPod Mechanic - Site fixes screen damage (including cracks), water damage, malfunction scroll wheels (and click wheels), and miscellaneous parts replacement. Offers 2 day turn-around times.
• iKaput.com - Offers FREE iPod repair services with iPod part and/or accessory purchase.
• iPodRepairSquad.com - Offers an EZ Ship Solution which is an all inclusive diagnostic service designed to providecustomers with the most convenient experience possible. EZ Ship Solution includes 3 Way Next Day Shipping, our foam lined EZ Ship Box, and iPod diagnosis by a certified iPod repair technician.

Breaking Your iPod is Easy!

WARNING: Past performance breaking iPods, does not guarantee future results.

So you want to break your iPod? Hey, I love my iPod, but every once in a while, I can’t help it. I just have to break my iPod. Over the past few years, I have enjoyed tremendous success breaking my iPod. Here are what I have found to be the 10 best ways to break your iPod.

1. The Toilet - Who doesn’t want to rock out to Milli Vanilli while taking a dump? No I don’t use my iPod as a substitute for toilet paper, but unfortunately iPod’s don’t rest very well on your leg. Nor do they balance very well on the toilet tank, stay in your hoodie pocket, or stay in your hand. Splash! Looks like we got a floater. Oh wait. That’s not my iPod.
2. Gluteous Maximus - Ever since I got rid of my Costanza wallet, I have been trying to compensate for my loss by putting other objects in my back pocket, like my iPod. My favorite places to sit on my iPod? Anywhere there is an extra hard surface kitchen chairs, bar stools, park benches, etc. Not that you can’t break your iPod by sitting on it while it is on the couch, but if your going to break your iPod you might as well do it with force.
3. Road Rage - It’s been a long day. Your boss hates you. Your girlfriend just screamed at you because you forgot her birthday. Now someone just cut you off. Sound familiar? Sadly, it happens to us all. For me nothing soothes my nerves more than taking out my traffic induced aggression on my iPod. It’s so handy, so convienent, and beats the heck out of slamming my fist or head against the dashboard.
4. It’s What’s For Dinner - I don’t eat TV dinner’s out of necessity, I do so out of choice. I happen to love the taste of the hearty Hungry Man XXL. Sometimes the XXL, isn’t enough to fill me up though. That’s when I opt to leave my iPod in the microwave. Mmmmmm…..salisbury steaks topped with melted iPod. A meal only Emerald could appreciate. Bang!
5. Cleaning Hazard - Sometimes my iPod gets sooo dirty, I have to give it a bath. Now since i never bothered to hook up the dishwasher in my new house, I usually give my iPod a scrubbin’ after I wash the dishes, because washing the dishes is boring without the music in my iPod. Well this one time, my iPod was having a little too much fun during his bath and ignored my instruction to stay away from the edge. He ended up in the garbage disposal. No biggie, except it happened to be running. Hey, do iPod’s make good compost?
6. Brrr… - It get’s mighty cold up here during the winter months. Heck, it gets so cold that if we get a one day “heat-wave” (40 degrees) people drive around in convertibles…with the top down. For some reason, just like old people people who live in Florida, iPod’s hate the cold. So it probably isn’t best idea to leave the your iPod in your car, when it is - 20 degrees outside. Oops! I left the windows open a bit too. Frost bitten iPod? Cracked screen? Dead Battery? Your just lucky we didn’t have to amputate!
7. The Break-Up - No, I am not talking about parting ways with your iPod, I am talking about when your significant other tells you to take a hike. Break-ups are always tough times. They are tough on your heart, mind, soul, walls, and your iPod. I don’t think Apple was planning to make the perfect projectile to launch at your wall during a domestic…but thanks!

Not Pictured

Hey everyone wants their picture online. Unfortunately these iPod’s were absent on picture day.

8. Doggy Treat - Nothing like washing down your homework with your tasty iPod.
9. Vehicular Manslaughter - Everyone likes monster trucks, except you drive a Prius and that isn’t a car you just ran over.
10. Xtreme Tragedy - Extreme sports are fun, until you crash. Hard. Good thing you had that iPod in your pocket to break your fall.

I guess they couldn’t think of a better name…

The Griffin Technology california roll is kinda like a fanny pack; useful idea, stupid name. The california roll, which comes in three different colors (Blue, Red, Black) is a free-form iPod cases that houses your precious and all of it’s most important accessories.

The beauty of the california roll is that it “rolls-up” allowing it to fit in the pockets of those jeans you wear that are three sizes too big for you. The california roll comes with 3 storage compartments in total that are made from high-tech synthetic materials, with a super-rad elastic band for safe keeping. With a price tag of $19.99, the california roll is cheaper than a dinner at your local sushi joint, but it probably doesn’t tast as good.

Has Your Thirst for Multimedia Outgrown iTunes?

If so, Adam Pash over at LifeHacker has an excellent post about alternative software for managing your iPod. Adam mentions a few alternate management platforms, Floola, MyPodder, Pod Player, and CDex. Although, there are multiple different platforms to manage, because each piece of software is designed to perform one function, it allows for great depth and functionality. So if you are looking for alternative software for managing your iPod, check out Adam’s full write-up here.

Otterbox 2nd Generation is the Newest iPod Nano Case

Offering waterproof, dustproof, dirtproof, sandproof, and drop-proof protection, the Otterbox iPod nano 2nd Generation case is like having an armored truck protecting your iPod nano. With waterproof protection up to 3ft, you can now wear your iPod while hunting crocodile. Your iPod nano’s ClickWheel is protected by a thin membrane which remains functional through the case.

The Otterbox iPod nano case also includes a belt clip and cable management for your headphones. For only $34.99, the Otterbox iPod nano case is an excellent purchase for the extreme iPod user (you know the ones who are crocodile hunters or drop their iPods in the toilet).

2GB Silver Aluminum iPod Nano is Hot!

And this deal from MacMall.com is even hotter. For only $142.48 you get an Apple iPod nano 2GB, a FREE Belkin Acrylic Carrying Case, and a FREE Belkin FM Transmitter via mail-in rebates of $14.99 and $19.99. In addition, MacMall.com is making this deal even sweeter with another mail-in rebate that gives YOU FREE shipping!

Check out more Apple iPod Deals here!

Watch Videos Stored on Your iPod on Equipment’s Large Display

Life Fitness, a division of Brunswick Corp, a leading designer and manufacturer of a full line of high-quality fitness equipment has announced the future versions of their widely popular exercise equipment will include iPod integration. The iPod integration will make it possible to plug-in an iPod to the equipment allowing for users to charge their iPod, watch video stored on their iPod’s throught the equipment’s large LCD screen, and control the playing of their iPod music library from the console.

Talk About iPodercising!

Like many, I use my iPod during my daily sessions on the treadmill. Having the ability to use a larger screen to control my iPod definitely will make changing the music selection up easier, and a lot safer. According to Ron Okamoto, Apple’s VP of Worldwide Developer Relations, “We think iPod owners are going to enjoy this innovative way to use their iPods while working out.” Yes Ron, yes we will.

After a rather long absence, iPod Topics is back and better then ever! Look for daily news, notes, reviews, new product’s, how-to’s and other great topics surrounding everyone’s multimedia device - the Apple iPod.