iPod History: 2001 to Present

Designed by Apple, Inc., iPod is a portable media player (PMP) for storing and playing audio files encoded by MP3 or AAC compression algorithms. It can hold anywhere from a few hundred to ten thousand of songs, perhaps more. Selling by millions, it has surpassed mere popularity worldwide.

Apple, Inc. began looking at the range of digital devices since they had missed competing on video and still cameras, and hand-held organizers. As they have produced software for storing and playing digital music, they also realized the players of the digital music were not user-friendly.

Tony Fadell Offers Ideas Early 2001

MP3 players of the time were disappointing, flash memory chips had limited tracks hard drives were too big to store music on. Aside from difficulty in navigating the player menus, the process for transferring songs from computer to players was slow.

The story goes that a computer engineer, Tony Fadell, had an idea for a new style of MP3 player, which could be linked to its own digital music store. He promoted his idea to some manufacturers, one of them, Apple, Inc.

iPod Works

Apple saw the opportunity. In the early 2001, response came through Jon Rubinstein, Apple's chief hardware engineer. He gave the go-signal to start work on the digital music player provided it is in stores by Christmas.

Apple, Inc. Launch: October 23, 2001

Fadell and his team of engineers used as the central component a version of a microprocessor which had previously powered mobile phones, and the original IPod was completed in six months. Apple announced it's release on October 23, 2001, two months before Christmas.

iPod's Success

The original five gigabyte model iPod was priced at US$399, an amount lambasted by critics and complained about incompatibility with Windows. Consumers hungry for a functional pocket-sized music player accepted the cost, and more than 100,000 iPods were sold before the year 2001 ended.

The iPod's design resulted in a superior listening pleasure, and made music more accessible. Apple, the computer company, has taken a big bite out of the music industry. Apple sold numbers of iPod units beyond their own expectation.

iPod Previous Product line

iPod's former products include the compact iPod Mini and the spin-off iPod Photo. iPod Classic models store media on an internal hard-drive, while all other models use flash memory to enable their smaller size, the discontinued mini using a microdrive miniature hard drive.

As with many other digital music players, iPods, excluding the iPod Touch, can also serve as external data storage devices. Storage capacity varies by model.

SOURCE:
http://computeraccessories.suite101.com/article.cfm/ipod_history_2001_to_present

The New 5th Generation Apple IPods

To date, there has been a number of Apple iPod models. Well, with the release of the new iPod Video, there are now officially three iPod models for the 5th generation of iPods. The earlier 4th generation models, including the popular iPod Mini, iPod Photo, U2 and 20GB iPod are now officially history.

The three official 5G iPod models include the iPod Shuffle, iPod Nano and iPod Video. What's the difference between this new range of iPods and the previous 4G models? Broadly speaking, the differences are:

Hard Disk

Two of the new iPod models, iPod Shuffle and iPod Nano, are based on flash hard disk technology. This new hard disk is ultra slim and is able to withstand shock and vigorous movement. Unlike 4G models, this make the iPod Shuffle and iPod Nano ultra slim and allow them to be used for vigorous activities, including sporting activity, dance, accidental drops, etc. Previous 4G models were less robust and vigorous activity tend to cause possible malfunction.

Battery life

Battery life on the 5G iPod has improved tremendously. One of the major complaints about 4G iPod was the short battery life(8hrs) and battery life draining away quickly after heavy use. The new iPod lasts up to 14 hrs and has a better battery lifespan.

Color is standard

Unlike 4G model, where the iPod Photo model was the only model with color, the new iPod Nano and iPod Video comes standard with color screen and playback.

Choice of video

With the new iPod Video, there is now a range of activities, including data, music, photo and video that can be supported on one iPod. Previously, video was not available as an option.

Standardized casing

The 4G iPod included the multi-color iPod mini, with a choice of pink, blue, green and silver. The only option for black was the U2 model.

Today, the colors has been standardized to black or white (except iPod Shuffle - White only). In addition, all iPod casing has been standardized to hard acrylic instead of the anionized aluminium for iPod Mini and hard acrylic for the other models.

However, the hard acrylic casing used for the 5G iPod models seems to have a tendency to scratch as reported by many iPod user websites. It is advised that a iPod casing or protector film be purchased for the new 5G iPod immediately. A good selection can be found here.

Compact Clickwheel

The iPod Clickwheel was previously a scroll wheel that was designed and supplied by a 3rd party. The new iPod clickwheels are now designed and produced by Apple itself. The functionalities are similar but users reported better response feedback.

Headphone jack

Headphone jacks for all iPod models, including the very first 1G iPod up till the 4G models, has always been on top of the iPod. The iPod Nano breaks ground by having the headphone jack at the bottom.

Which iPod model to choose?

As of this writing, the iPod Video has only been out for less than 2 weeks. The current 5G range of iPod seems to be the most complete and versatile thus far, and we can see that the 3 different models are essentially targeted at different segments of the iPod user market. A basic guide to choosing the right iPod model can be broadly classified as:

iPod Shuffle

The iPod Shuffle is obviously targeted at users who have a lower budget or those who only have an occasional need for a music player. The Shuffle comes without a screen and user can only choose to listen to music in a sequence or have it shuffled randomly. Because of it's lower price, this model has become a choice for those who desire for an iPod but may not have the neccessary budget.

iPod Nano

The iPod Nano is now the mainstream iPod model with the exit of 4G iPod models. With a size and thickness slightly larger than a credit card, this is now a runaway favorite iPod model. Users have a choice of data, music and photo with this colored screen iPod.

iPod Video

The newest kid on the block, the iPod Video, is desired by those with a higher budget or who wish to watch video on their iPod. It has a slightly larger screen than the iPod Nano and play a crisp 30 fps video display. With not many iPod videos available for download as yet, we'll need to see if this model can overtake the iPod Nano as the mainstream iPod model.

SOURCE:
http://ezinearticles.com/?The-New-5th-Generation-Apple-IPods&id=89336

Apple iPod Recovery

Apple iPod files restoration software is capable to recover single bit of data from all type of inaccessible or corrupted iPod devices including iPod Classic, iPod Touch, iPod Mini, iPod Shuffle
and iPod U2. iPod files backup tool easily restores erased information with all file formats including mpeg, mpg, mp3, mp4, jpeg, bmp, gif and mov.

Apple iPod data regain utility is fast and reliable data recovery solution which helps users to rescue all kind of deleted documents even when error message like “Drive Not Detected” is displayed on computer screen. iPod data recovery utility easily restores damaged or inaccessible images, animated pictures, photos album, movies, audio, video clips lost due to any reason such as accidental deletion, virus infection, human error, improper drive removal and software corruption. Files undelete application is compatible with all famous iPod manufacturer brands including Sony, Samsung, Toshiba, SanDisk, KingMax and Apple. Apple iPod data retrieval utility provides an interactive and easily understandable graphical user interface which makes this software user friendly. iPod files backup program facilitates users to install and uninstall this software as per their need.

To know more about this Software visit following URL:

http://www.ipodrecoverymode.com/ipodrecoverymode/ipod.html

Apple iPod data restoration tool supports all major versions of Windows operating system such as Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows ME, Windows NT, Windows XP and Windows Vista.

Read-only Apple iPod recovery program

iPod data rescue tool effectively examines corrupted iPod device and save recovered information in their original format as user specific location.

SOURCE:

http://www.articlesbase.com/data-recovery-articles/apple-ipod-recovery-1150377.html

Iphone Accessories

More than two years in the market, the iPhones popularity has surpassed that of Microsoft's Windows Mobile platform in the overall phone share worldwide. Apple has sold approximately 24.89 million iPhones in 2009. Apples accessories have also attained cult status with the iPhone users. The online market is flooded with iPhone accessories of various kinds, colors and prices.

iPhone Accessories: Types
An ideal blend of style and technology, the iPhone is equipped with the latest features, including the touch screen, camera and portable media player. To increase the performance and functionality of this internet-connected multimedia smartphone, Apple has also introduced iPhone accessories. There are several wholesale smartphone accessory retailers who offer excellent quality iPhone accessories at unbeatable prices.
The following is a list of some most popular accessories:

Cases and covers: These very simple accessories are available in different designs and fabrics in the online market. There are leather, metal, crystal and fabric covers to protect the device from dirt, fingerprints and scratches. Cases are also a good way of personalizing or adding a glamorous touch to the iPhone.

Apple car chargers: This is must-have for those always on the move. It makes the smartphone handy even when one is driving. This is one of the largest selling iPhone accessories.

iPhone Bluetooth headset: This wireless device will allow an iPhone user to answer all calls without the hassle of wires. This device is beyond the usual accessories and serves to maximize the functionality of the device tremendously.

Apple wall chargers: Apple offers an exclusive accessory for the Apple iPhone 3G. Not only does it facilitate charging smartphones at the office or home but also while traveling. A user can charge the battery and utilize the device simultaneously.

Apple earphones: This useful accessory must be selected with care. Good quality accessories should reduce ambient noise, and at the same time, providing first-rate bass and treble clarity.

iPhone Accessories: Purchase Tips
With the variety in the online market, one may find it difficult to decide on the right kind of iPhone accessories that need to be purchased. The following are some tips that can aid you in buying the right accessories:
Evaluate your requirements: Purchase accessories according to needs. You may need to upgrade the iPhone configuration, increase the memory or enhance the devices appearance. Accessories for each will be different.

Do your homework: Conduct a thorough research to know the various options available. Browse through the various websites and go through the reviews to get a comprehensive idea about the accessories.


SOURCE:
http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Iphone-Accessories/1024585

Top iPod touch applications

"There's an app for that." Most of us are familiar with that expert advertising claim that Apple makes on every commercial praising their iPod Touch or their iPhone. Indeed, there are apps for a great many things, from shopping to planning, to organizing and entertainment. Not all of these, though, can be used on the iPod Touch.

When choosing applications to add to your iPod Touch, there are a few things to consider. Mainly, you have to remember that though the iPod Touch has a WiFi connection, it is not constant like the iPhone. This means that many of the apps will not work unless you are within a hot zone that offers WiFi, or, of course within your own network. Of course most apps will work, but you can not access any type of data that requires an Internet connection. Unless you are using a utility application, or something that is already stored in your device (like a dictionary or a game), the app will not work until you are near an internet connection. And, with an iPod Touch, the likelihood of that is slim.

Also, the iPod Touch is not equipped with a microphone, so any apps that might require the use of that will not work. You must not confuse the abilities of the iPhone (which are vast), and the iPod Touch (which are limited). That being said, some of the top iPod Touch apps are both useful as well as fun! Of the twenty app categories, here are a few of the best apps that can be great for the iPod;

~Solitaire

When computers were first found in homes, used as personal devices, Solitaire came equipped on the systems. There were a lot of people that fell in love with the game, and it soared to new heights of popularity because of their ease of use. The same concept is applied here, on the iPod. Found in the 'Games' category, this fun little app can be found both for free (though it may not give you as many options, or limit the number of games that you can play, like a trial) or for up to .99 cents. Of course, there are other card games as well, like 'Blackjack', 'Phase Ten', 'Uno', and 'Gin Rummy'.

~Texas Hold 'em.

During the last ten years, this game has taken the world by storm, and iTunes offers it in a nifty little app. Like all others, there are free versions, but if you are a serious gamer, you might want to invest at least $1.99 in a professional app. Of course, some of the apps are more expensive, if you prefer.

SOURCE:
http://www.helium.com/items/1622137-ipod-apps-ipod-touch-shazam-app-solitaire-app-texas-hold-em-apps

How to Transfer Music From Ipod to Itunes and Pc Read more: http://www.articlesbase.com/gadgets-and-gizmos-articles/how-to-transfer-music-from-ipod-t

Switch the ipod to manual update and enable disk use: This is the first and most basic step for how to transfer music from ipod to itunes.


1. Open itunes on your old computer.
2. Connect your ipod to your old computer and wait for it to appear in itunes.
3. Select your ipod in the Source pane under the Devices section to display your ipod preferences in the main library window.
4. Click the Summary tab in the main itunes window.
5. Click the Manually manage music button. Changing from automatic updating to manual puts a check mark by Enable disk use. A message says "Disabling automatic update requires manually unmounting the ipod before each disconnect."
6. Click OK in the message window.
7. Click Apply in the ipod preferences section of the itunes window.
2. Is there enough room on the ipod? ipod shares its hard disk space between the songs that itunes puts on it and any files you've added when using its disk mode. To transfer music with your ipod, you need enough free space to hold a copy of all your music files in addition to any copies that may already have been placed by itunes (this is because non-purchased songs placed on the ipod by itunes cannot be copied off the ipod while in disk mode). To figure out how much space you have on your ipod:
1. Open itunes on your old computer.
2. Click on Music in the Source pane. The size of your library appears at the bottom of the itunes window.
3. Connect your ipod to your old computer and wait for it to appear in itunes.
4. Click the ipod under the Devices section of the Source pane. The amount of free space on the ipod appears near the bottom of the itunes window.
3. Copy itunes folder to ipod To copy all your music files (including the library file that holds all your playlists and other settings) to your ipod:
1. Quit itunes.
2. Locate your ipod:
? Mac OS X: On the desktop
? Windows: In My Computer
3. Locate your itunes folder:
? Mac OS X: /Users/username/Music
? Windows: Documents and SettingsusernameMy DocumentsMy Music
4. Drag the itunes folder to the ipod. This can take a while if you have a lot of songs.
5. When the copy completes open itunes.
6. Click on the ipod in the Source pane
7. Click the Eject button in the lower right corner of the itunes window.
8. Disconnect the ipod from the computer when the "Do not disconnect" message no longer appears on the ipod screen.
4. Get itunes ready on your new computer To get itunes ready to accept all your music on your new computer:
1. Download and install the latest version of itunes.
2. Open itunes on your new computer. If this is your first time to open itunes on your new computer you will need to choose your options in the itunes Setup Assistant.
3. Connect the ipod to your new computer.
5. Copy music from ipod to new computer To copy all your music files (including the library file that holds all your playlists and other settings) to your new computer:
1. Locate your Music folder (Mac OS X) or your My Music folder (Windows) on your new computer:
? Mac OS X: /Users/username/Music
? Windows: Documents and SettingsusernameMy DocumentsMy Music
2. Drag the itunes folder in this location out to the desktop.
3. Locate the ipod on the new computer:
? Mac OS X: On the desktop.
? Windows: In My Computer.
4. Double-click on the ipod to open it.
5. Drag the itunes folder from the ipod to the Music folder (Mac OS X) or My Music Folder (Windows) on your new computer. This can take a while if you have a lot of songs.
6. Open itunes.

SOURCE:
http://www.articlesbase.com/gadgets-and-gizmos-articles/how-to-transfer-music-from-ipod-to-itunes-and-pc-667370.html

iPod Basics and Purchasing Guide

iPod Basics and Purchasing Guide

So, you are looking to purchase an iPod? Please take the time to read this brief article which will at best help you get the most out of your new iPod, and at the least, help you avoid mistakes and misconceptions. This article is written out of my personal experience with iPods.

1. What is an iPod?

An iPod is a MP4 player, not a MP3 player. Basically, the MP4 format is a proprietary format only recognized by Apple products, such as iPods and QuickTime(TM). In order for music to play on an iPod, it must be in MP4 format. Apple's music download site, iTunes(TM), offers music only in the MP4 format. The iTunes(TM) software which comes with an iPod will convert MP3 music files to MP4 format, so they will play on your iPod. An iPod will not play MP3 files, neither will Windows Media Player play MP4 files. Both the Nano and Video iPod will store and display photos, but a video iPod is needed to play video files.

2. What is iTunes?

® Apple hosts the world's largest music download site called iTunes(TM). As of March 2006, over 1 billion files have been downloaded for use in iPods. Pretty amazing. This site offers music files for 99 cents each, and you need not download an entire album, but can select only the music files you want and download it into your computer. The iTunes(TM) software in your computer is the vehicle by which files are loaded into the iPod. Simply place your iPod into its dock (which is attached via USB to your computer), start iTunes(TM) and your iPod is updated automatically with new music, playlists, Podcasts and so forth. I have tried other music download sites and have not found any which I like as well as iTunes(TM), even though they may offer music cheaper than iTunes(TM). A basic search will locate alternative music download sites.

There are a variety of other files available on iTunes(TM) called Podcasts. These are audio or video files which include news broadcasts, informational programs, comedy programs and many others. The great majority of Podcasts are free, and others are not.

3. What You Get

iPods come with the following:

iPod with battery

Earphones (called "earbuds")

A generic pouch for the earbuds

A docking station (to transfer files and charge the iPod)

iTunes(TM) software CD

Instruction manual

That is all.

4. What You will Need

Every iPod user will need a case, and we strongly recommend a screen protector.

Both the iPod Nano and 5th generation (5G) Video iPod are susceptible to scratching, and the black units seem to show scratches worse than the white ones. This is true of both the iPod housing AND the screen. Nothing is worse than having your iPod blemished with unsightly scratches, especially when it is easily avoidable by using a case and screen protector. Having your unprotected iPod floating around inside your purse or in your pocket will absolutely cause your iPod to quickly accumulate scratches both on the housing and on the screen. Be warned! This is not really a defect, but just the way it is.

5. Using iPods in your Car

Most people quickly realize that it would be great to be able to have their iPod play music through their car stereo. No longer would they have to mess with CDs or tapes. How many CDs would you have to carry to have your entire music library with you in the car? You can take it all in the palm of your hand with an iPod. So, how does one play music through their car stereo? There are several options.

First, there are cables available for most car stereos which plug into the iPod and the other end of the cable plugs into a port on the back of the stereo. Removal of the stereo is usually required to accomplish this task. Also, the wire used to connect your iPod is exposed. It does, however, sound great! Some car stereos have a line input on the faceplate. In this case, all one needs to do is use an adaptive cable from the headphone jack of the iPod to the input on the stereo. In both of these scenarios, the iPod will run on its internal battery unless a car charger is used as well.

Second, (and by far the most popular) method, is to use an FM transmitter to transmit a signal from your iPod to your FM radio and play it as if it were a radio station. There are a variety of FM transmitters from several manufacturers. We recommend using a unit which is a dock and not a plug into the iPod port. The plug-in units consume power from the iPod battery and seem to produce a weak signal resulting in poor audio quality. A docking unit (such as the Griffin RoadTrip(TM)) holds your iPod in place, charges the iPod and produces a strong signal. The RoadTrip(TM) also features a removable FM module which allows it to plug into your computer. You can therefore listen to FM radio through your computer without having to install software.

6. Using iPods at Home

iPods can easily play through your home stereo. One can simply use an adaptive cable which plugs into the headphone jack of the iPod and into the stereo input of your stereo. In this setup, the iPod is operating on battery power unless the iPod is also plugged into a charger.

Docking your iPod is the preferred method, and there are a variety of docking solutions available. The iPod docks into a base which charges the iPod, and an output jack on the base connects the iPod to your stereo via a cable. Some units offer remote controls for your iPod and others do not, but often these remotes are weak and have very limited range and field of reception. We have found that some television or stereo programmable remote control units can be programmed to work with certain iPod docking systems, while others work partially or not at all. It is worth trying if you have a programmable remote.

Some docking units also have a video output for use with the 5G Video iPod, which allows one to watch videos or photos stored in the iPod on a television. We have found that the picture quality is poor on large screen televisions, but ok on a smaller screen. Using a dock with S-video output will provide a far superior picture than units using an RCA connector. As of now, iPods do not support high definition.

There are speaker systems which contain their own amplifier and operate as a stand-alone unit with an iPod. These are not all created equal. Our testing has found that a high price does not always equal high quality. We have found $150 systems which in our opinion sound significantly superior to $400 units. It is best to listen to the various systems before making your selection; or if buying online, follow the recommendations of the seller IF they have tested the systems and can provide you with recommendations based on testing results.

There are alarm clock radios (such as iHome(TM)) which allow you to go to sleep listening to your iPod and wake up to it as well. We have tested the iHome(TM) and others, and found iHome(TM) to be our unit of choice.

7. Loading Movies into Your 5G Video iPod

When the Video iPod first came out, I gave it a high ranking on the "Dumb-O-Meter." Who wants to watch a movie on a 2.5 inch screen? However, after having used one, I have recanted my original opinion. It is now my iPod of choice. Unfortunately, iTunes(TM) and other MP4 download sites usually have little to offer in the way of legal movies which are formatted to play on an iPod. ITunes(TM) does have some short films, music videos and television shows, but not much else.

An easy solution for this is to convert your own DVDs into a format that the iPod can play. This can be accomplished by means of a software product called a DVD to iPod converter, such as Cucusoft, Lenogo and others. It is a simple process. Put a DVD in your computer, start the converter program and let it convert the movie to iPod format. Then, move the converted file into your iTunes(TM) video list. The next time you dock your iPod to your computer, it will load into your iPod. Some converter programs will also convert AVI, MPEG, MPG, WMV and other computer video formats for use on an iPod. This can allow you to convert your family videos and view them on your ipod. IPod movies are great for entertaining children on the road, for the business traveler stranded at an airport or for long airplane trips.

DVD converters we recommend are available here.

8. iPods and your PC

The music files for your iPod are stored in two places: in your PC in the iTunes(TM) program, and in your iPod. If your PC crashes and you loose your hard drive or have to reformat, you will loose EVERYTHING contained in your iTunes(TM) folder, including all of the songs you have purchased from iTunes(TM). Furthermore, iTunes(TM) does not offer the means to re-download songs you have purchased for free. You will have to buy them again. Neither does the iPod come with a means to load files into a computer. Fortunately, there are software programs which allow you to copy the contents of your iPod into a PC or from one iPod to another. These programs are usually titled "iPod to PC", or something similar. If your computer crashes, you will kick yourself for not having this program to restore your music files back into your computer.

IPod to PC programs we recommend are available here.

SOURCE:
http://ezinearticles.com/?iPod-Basics-and-Purchasing-Guide&id=308807

How to tell if an iPod is new or refurbished

Perhaps you have just purchased an iPod from a buyer online who claims the iPod is 'new in the box' or from a reseller that claims all the iPods are new. How do you know if this is the truth or if your iPod is refurbished or even a used model?

A refurbished iPod is one that has been fixed up to look and function like new, which depending on the person or company selling the iPod, could range from simply wiping the hard drive and cleaning the outside casing to actually replacing worn internal parts such as screens and batteries. Also unless you have purchased a refurbished iPod directly from Apple, you can not be 100% sure that the iPod in your hands has had bad parts replaced.



Check the packaging.

This is a tell tale sign of a refurbished, used, or open box item. If the iPod came in a box that was not an official Apple package complete with everything that comes with the new iPods (such as earbuds, stickers, manual, usb cable), the iPod is likely refurbished or used. If the box that the device is in is a plain box with no Apple logos or markings it is used or refurbished.


Check the serial number.

Locate the serial number on the back of the iPod casing. Write down this serial number and enter it into the Online Service Assistant on the Apple website at the following link: https://selfsolve.apple.com/Ge tWarranty.do .

If the serial number is on a new iPod or an iPod that is less than a year old (used or refurbished) the warranty information and model information should appear. If it does not show up, the iPod is likely a refurbished iPod not refurbished directly by Apple or a used iPod.

A refurbished iPod directly from Apple is generally a wiser purchase choice than buying an iPod on a third party site that may or may not have a true quality refurb process. Private sellers could be trying to sell off used iPods as 'just like new', when in fact there has been nothing done to them to make them like new. You could also be purchasing an iPod that the seller claims is brand new, when in actuality it is used or refurbished.

Never purchase an Ipod from a 3rd party seller or one that's listing seems suspicious. Do some comparison shopping to see what average prices are for refurbished and new iPods. If at all possible, buy a refurbished iPod from the Apple Store. You will get a quality used device that has been inspected and potentially repaired for a price less than new.

SOURCE:
http://www.helium.com/items/1565775-is-my-ipod-refurbished

Review of iPod Touch

While the first edition of the iPhone and the iTouch were plagued with technical problems, the latest version- the 2nd generation- have been shown to be more reliable and better integrated than their predecessors.
iPod Touch Capabilities

The iTouch is a very useful device, combining many user-friendly tools into one small casing:

Safari - A full internet browser, Safari has the ability to use any WiFi signal within range to access the internet, provided the user has the network key, though many WiFi connections are offered free in coffee shops or airport lounges.

App Store - The App Store is Apple’s repository of applications. Many are free, such as Facebook mobile (very popular) or Ebay. Also available are games, map applications and dozens of pointless apps, such as ‘Zippo’- turning your iTouch into a lighter for no reason. Better apps can be bought from Apple at a reasonable price, but a lot of good Apps are free

Stocks and Shares - Keep up to date with the latest news from the Stock Exchanges

Maps - Locate and plan routes with an interactive map, find shops or coffee houses near a location with the ‘push pin’ system.

YouTube - All the YouTube videos designed for easy access from a mobile format- search and play YouTube videos with one touch.
Other pre-installed tools include a notepad, clock, weather checker, calendar, contacts book, calculator and mailbox, which can be used to check Outlook and Gmail accounts among others.
iPod Touch Hardware and Battery Life

The iTouch’s battery charges in about 40 minutes. Apple provides a USB cable to sync the handset with iTunes, and the iTouch charges through this. It might be worth buying a USB charger for times when a computer is not to hand however.

The battery life depends on how the iTouch is being used and for how long. Watching a 2-hour movie would drain the battery by a about third. While listening to music for the same amount of time, and having flicked the screen off (by pressing the top button lightly), causes a much smaller drain.

Browsing the internet drains the battery reasonably slowly, but watching YouTube videos increases the rate of consumption- it is often best to charge the iTouch fully before a long journey, or carry a USB charger if travelling for a very long distance.
iPod Touch Music and Video

The iTouch comes in three sizes- 8gb, 16gb and 32gb. Depending on the amount of music and movies that the user wants to carry, choosing which model to buy becomes relatively easy.

For example, the iTouch tested for this article carried 764 songs as 3,03GB of data and a three-hour movie and five half-hour episodes of a TV series as 2.52GB, leaving the iTouch with 8.72GB of memory left after app and settings data, but these figures vary on the size of the song/movie file, how it is converted for use on the iTouch and the quality of the conversion.

SOURCE:http://mobiletechnology.suite101.com/article.cfm/review_of_ipod_touch

Ipods Bring Hearing Risks

An influential European scientific committee has warned that iPod and other MP3 player users should have the volumes on their personal stereos restricted over fears that the in ear headphones are seriously damaging hearing. It is estimated that around 10 percent of users are listening to volumes that could permanently damage their hearing within just five years. The latest report, from the European Union's Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health risks, claims that music pumped into the ears over just 90 decibels is dangerous. Personal stereos can reach 100 decibels, but the sound that hits in ear headphones, can reach 120.

Meglena Kuneva, the EU Consumer Affairs Commissioner, said We need to look again at the controls in place, in the light of this scientific advice, to make sure they are fully effective and keep pace with new technology. The committee found that more than a million Britons could go deaf because they listen to their music too loud and too long. Users who listen for more than an hour a day for five years could risk deafness and that means millions could lose their hearing because they are not prepared to stop listening to their music in this way.

The study shows that music pumped into the ears above 89 decibels for long periods of time is actually louder than that currently allowed in factories. Emma Harrison, head of campaigns at the Royal National Institute for Deaf People, said Decision makers and opinion formers are finally waking up to the hearing loss time bomb threatening many young MP3 users. The Royal National institute has now started a Don't Lose the Music campaign, which raises awareness of the dangers of listening to MP3 players too loudly. Research by the Institute found that 58 per cent of 16 to 30 year olds were completely unaware of any risk to their hearing from MP3 players, and campaigners now want to see the Government and industry taking decisive action to save the hearing of future generations.

EU consumer affairs commissioner Meglena Kuneva said a conference early next year would bring governments, the music industry and consumers together to discuss the way forward. She said I am concerned that so many young people who are frequent users of personal music players and mobile phones at high acoustic levels may be unknowingly damaging their hearing irreversibly. She added The scientific findings indicate a clear risk and we need to react rapidly. Most importantly we need to raise consumer awareness and We need also to look again at the controls in place to make sure they are effective and keep pace with new technology.

SOURCE:
http://www.articlemonkeys.com/Art/340/88/Ipods-Bring-Hearing-Risks.html