We usually put all iPods together in the iPod Super Review but since the next review is so far away, we will be reviewing iPod cases as they are released. Matias’ iPod armor is a case that has been around for a while and we have finally gotten our hands on one to review. In my experience most media groups reviewing this case are raving but I am not convinced. There are some imperfections I would have changed on this case before shipping. No doubt this is an extremely versatile and high quality iPod case but issues are there as with all cases. Keep in mind; peeves of mine don’t necessarily have to be yours.

The Runabout is a Sportsuit designed for the athletic iPod mini users. It bares many similarities to Xtrememacs SportWrap. The Runabout however, attaches to your wrist rather than your arm, which can be more comfortable. The Runabout is pretty much a comfortable wriststrap that carries your iPod mini, it has cord managment straps on both sides, it allows acess to both the scroll wheel and hold button. In the pantented Runabout your mini slips in trough the back of the strap and allows for full view of the screen which is protected by a plastic cover. Allthough I do not own an iPod mini myself i still took it out for a good 3 mile run and i can say that it is very comfortable, and it stays comfrotable even after you get sweaty. The Runabout goes for $29.95 and can be ordered from http://Marware.com

This case is designed specificaly with the U2 iPod in mind, as can be assumed from the color scheme, this case is the U2 iPods soulmate. This is one of Marwares most durable cases, as its name suggest, the TrailVue is meant for the open trail, you simply have to feel how tought this case is for yourself. The TrailVue is made of tightly woven fabric and uses the " velcro " closure as seen on their MetroVue cases. The TrailVue allows total acess to all your iPods essentials when open and it comes with Marwares original, removable belt clip. This particular model you see above is designed for the U2 iPod and a regular color iPod just would not look right in this case, for that reason Marware also offers this case in different colors and for the iPod mini. The TrailVue for the U2 iPod costs $34.95, and can be ordered directly from http://Marware.com but seriously, should your U2 iPod live without its soulmate, would you ?

More and more products are coming out that enhance functionality of the iPod beyond music and Apple has released a few of those itself. Apple has also taken precautions to make sure iPod stays with music. With any Apple product, they lock out things to keep innovation with Apple and not let others profit too much from their products in the accessories market. Talking Panda has done its best to exploit the “notes” feature of iPod and create a way to learn a new language or get around while in another country. ILingo is a piece of software that installs directories of common used terms with audio to accompany them. This is not a substitute for a class on a language but if you are in Mexico or one of many Spanish-speaking countries, learning how to say, “how are you?” will come in handy and you can find it in seconds.

Audio creation applications have been around since computers were powerful enough to handle the load of multiple tracks, voice and MIDI inputs. As long as audio processing has been around, accessories have accompanied the apps. Input boxes, microphones, speakers, digital sound processing units, instruments and most importantly keyboards. Keyboards, in the digital creation area, can be made to sound like any instrument if you know the correct keys and the sound they make, you can tell the software to make that note sound like a violin, guitar, horn, drum set or the classic piano. Of course, this software was fun to use but cost a fortune to get started. This all changed when Apple purchased eMagic software in 2002 and along came its software, Logic Pro and Logic Express. The standard music software technology Apple owned was untouched until January of 2004 when Apple released a music app bundled with iLife called, Garageband. Instantly, hundreds of people were making music and tons of Garageband enthusiast websites arose where users can publish their creations.

Griffin had an amazing 2004. They sat on the top sellers list of Apple’s online store for their iTrip FM Transmitter for most of the year and when you see iPod, Griffin is next in line as maker of the best of accessories for the device. They have done things with the iPod you can’t imagine and a neat little device is the iBeam. An inexpensive product, the iBeam is a flashlight and laser combo for use with the iPod. iBeam works with all iPods with modified remote control port (3rd generation and above). It has two little bean shaped sticks that resemble an enema.

The Xtreme line of silicone cases by Xtrememac.com were introduced in 2004 and have made the top list of many reviewers since their debut, and we are one of them. The Xtreme silicone line comes in 7 flashy colors, pink, blue, green, white, orange, yellow and lime to match any outfit. These cases provide access to all controls of your iPod ( scroll wheel, hold button, charger and headphone jack ). There are heat dissipation membranes in the back to keep your iPod as cool as the person wearing it. Grip ridges on the sides provide security and the Xtrememac man logo on the back is a nice touch. These cases come with out a belt clip and leave your screen unprotected, however they will protect your iPod or iPod mini from any immediate damages, and are compatible with the click wheel iPod, U2 iPod, iPod mini, iPod Photo and 3G iPod. The Xtreme Silicon cases range in price from $19.95 for a single or $29.95 for a three pack, which is a great deal, to order visit http://xtrememac.com

The Icewear line of iPod cases from Tunewear is an interesting addition to the family of silicon iPod skins. The Icewear is unique in the fact that, like its name, it only comes in a transparent white. The folks at Tunewear believe in making simple yes useful products, and the Icewear is just that. This silicon case is a very tight fit on your iPod, I mean a very tight fit, Tunewear even offers instructions on how to remove the iPod from the Icewear on their web site. Icewear are made of extremely durable silicone, this stuff is really tough, and rather than having a belt clip, the Icewear has two slots for your belt to slide trough for more security. The Icewear allows full access to the scroll wheel, charger, headphone jack, and hold button. However, this case provides no protection for the screen of your iPod and I only recommend it for those who would constantly keep it in the case. Tunewear makes Icewear cases for iPod mini, slick wheel iPods of all sizes, including the iPod photo and U2 iPod, and also the 3G iPod or button iPod ( as some call it ). Tunewear products can only be bought trough resellers, visit http://www.tunewear.com to get a link to an authorized reseller.

The “ iPod Xperts ” have come up with something really unique and fun for the iPod mini, Shieldz, are transparent plastic covers for the iPod mini. They are much more useful then I first assumed. Shieldz snap on and off easily, they provide protection for the screen and access to the scroll wheel. Shieldz are compatible with Apples belt clip and arm band as well as with XtremeMacs mini accessory kit. Now the real fun comes in when you mix and match the 6 different colors of the Shieldz with your iPod mini, you can create some totally new and snazzy looks for you and your iPod mini. The Shieldz are $12.95 each and can be ordered at http://xtrememac.com

The Urban HardPack is on of the most fashionable bags I have seen to date, I really mean that, this bag is “smooth as silk”. The Urban HardPack is one of the few bags which achieves the much sought after combination of functionality and style. The HardPacks solid outer layer is sleek and shiny enough where you can see your reflection, at the same time it provides unsurpassed protection for whatever you are carrying. I mean this thing is “solid”. Its internal and external enhancements accommodate today's high tech Mac users. The HardPack has compartments with zippered pockets, a key ring clip and straps for securing personal belongings. Since the HardPack uses straps to secure your items, it accommodates most sizes of laptops, MP3 players, cell phones, PDA’s, and anything else the Mac user on the go needs to have. I would not however recommend this bag for any type of extreme sports, BMX, skateboarding, etc. Although this bag is very durable, and provides incredible protection for whatever is inside of it, the shiny front scratches very easily. Take one spill with this bag and you won’t like the way it looks. On the upside, Axio also makes quality soft front bags, for our more extreme users. The Urban HardPack is $149.95 and can only be ordered at http://www.axio-usa.com even of you are not interested in guying a bag I encourage you to visit their flash site, its really something else ( in a good way )

Radtech’s patented Optex material is being used everywhere now but the classic use as a case for your iPod is still being produced by the St. Louis based company. Their Podsleeve now fits every Apple iPod model including the new iPod photo with its large and larger 40/60-gigabyte capacities. We have reviewed the Podsleevz in the past and our opinions six months ago and those today are the same. In fact, I love the latest iteration more because it is the thinnest case for my iPod photo and the Podsleevz now comes in white.

Radtech’s President stated white Podsleevz had a difficult dye process but has been perfected and it looks great because it matches your iPod. I was skeptical that the white would pick up more dirt but after a week of use, I can barely notice any dirt on it at all. Don’t forget, Optex can be washed so any thing that does get on it comes out easily. The Podsleevz for every iPod, including the photo, is shipping now and the white version will be available at the end of March for $24.95.

The SportWrap is another Xtreme item that made its debut at this years Mac World, San Francisco. The folks at XtremeMac have designed what I personally believe to be the best iPod case for any kind of exercise or sport on the market today. I have taken it out jogging and biking, and its perfect for those types of activities. While I do not recommend deep sea diving with the SportWrap, its made of water resistant neoprene which will protect you iPod from water to a certain degree. The back of the SportWrap is velcro, to secure your iPod to your arm, while the front is protected by a plastic screen that is durable but still allows you to control your iPod. The arm band adjust to fit most arm sizes and there is an extra slot to store your extra cords out of your way. The SportWrap is very comfortable and secure. It comes in four designer colors, black, red, blue, and yellow, and can be ordered at http://xtrememac.com for only $29.95. This case is well worth it if you are into sports or just like to run, and cant stand the hassle of trying to work out with a regular iPod case.

For years now, Macmice, Inc. has been creating phenomenal products and true to their name, they have kept the “mice” in Macmice. There is a variety of mice all with the same form factor and usability features. Released in September, The Mouse BT, is the newest addition able to connect to Bluetooth enabled Macintosh and PC computers. Other “The Mouse” models used USB and were the same three button style as the new mouse. BT, standing for Bluetooth, makes the mouse usable up to 125 feet (theoretically) and takes away the cord from the mouse, which is one of the main reasons this historical peripheral was called a mouse from the start. Either way, Bluetooth has taken off at an amazing rate since Apple decided to adopt the technology into its OS in OS 10.1.5.

The AirPlay FM transmitter for the iPod and iPod mini is one Xtreme piece of hardware. It is a member of a small family of FM transmitters that works in all frequencies. There is no software to install and no cables to hassle with, you simply plug it in, tune it, and enjoy your iPod on any free FM frequency. The AirPlay feeds of the iPods battery so you never have to plug it into anything, charge it, or feed it expensive batteries. The AirPlay will wirelessly play your music trough any FM radio and is perfect for use in cars. The AirPlay has an easy to read screen which lights up in bright blue. The screen turns off after you are done tuning to conserve the iPods power, and the two tuning buttons easily change the frequency. It is about half the size of a fortune cookie. The folks at XtremeMac.com claim that the AirPlay is smaller, simpler, and better than any FM transmitter on the market, and there is no arguing that fact. The AirPlay even shuts off when the iPod is not playing. The AirPlay is compatible with the 3G iPod, Click Wheel iPod, iPod Photo, iPod Mini and U2 iPod and I can honestly say that this is the best top mountable FM transmitter available. The AirPlay goes for $39.95 and can be ordered at http://www.xtrememac.com

Our Chief Columnist, Matt Jackson has posted some interview of some Macworld Expo attendees. They are available for download…



opt-Click to download link 1
opt-Click to download link 2

January 11th: Spin Doctors will be performing Tuesday evening at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. They are performing at the Lennon Bus Tour stage w/ iGuitar as a sponsor. Media and selected groups got to watch the rehearsal today at 6PM as the group performed a couple of their biggest hits and discussed how Macs and the sponsors' software has affected how they record and perform. MPG was able to take photos and audio from the event w/ images of performance and the Lennon Tour Bus as well as the decent recording of "Little Miss Can't Be Wrong", a 1991 hit.

Gallery
Song Sample

Radtech has been making cool products for the Mac for a while now. Their amazing material used for iPod and notebook cases as well as screen protectors and Mac and PC companies have given cleaning but lately Radtech has ventured into other sectors of the computer industry. Not abandoning the Mac products like the new Podsleeve for all iPods in more colors including black and white; Radtech has become a reseller for an Australian company, STM, which makes bags and cases designed with mobile computer users in mind. The bags have unique features and a subtle design that don’t look like typical computer bags. This is good for traveling notebook users that try to hide their computers so foil thieves. Carrying a notebook case on a plane is asking for it to be stolen. Radtech is also selling a screen cleaner spray that works with almost all computer products without damaging them. What sets this cleaner apart from others is the addition of Radtech’s Optex cloth (lint-free and machine washable) allowing for better convenience over other cleaners that sell one time use cloths or those that you can’t wash after getting dirty.

The following are cases that could not make it in the Super Case Review 4 for various reasons like late arrival to our reviewer or released after our review was posted. Enjoy!

Click “Full Story” for the review

Tom Bihn is a “retro” computer company. They are dedicated to making durable products for the mac user on the go and have engineered a bag they claim to be the ultimate backpack. Click Full Story to find out if that's the case.

Every once in a great while MPG tries to do a book review on new books, but the schedule often does not permit. Although it is not consistent, I do have twonew books worth purchasing.

Welcome to version four of our iPod Super Case Review. Ironic that version four covers the fourth generation iPod. We are also covering the iPod Photo in this review. The fourth generation iPod is practically identical to its little brother with the addition of a color screen and photo capabilities. We used each case with a 20Gb/ 40Gb fourth gen iPod and a 40Gb iPod Photo.
Our largest review yet, with ten cases, we have spent two months finding every case for the latest iPods. Some users are holding off on purchasing proper protection since there are so many choices, but the top 11-iPod cases are shown here and we weigh features, price and functionality and award an editor’s choice for the best overall case. Each case has been used in the toughest conditions and we have even broken the Vaja case when we put the iPod Photo in it, we couldn’t get it out peacefully. We must remind you not to try to force anything to go your way in life, especially if it involves your iPod. These cases are good but there is a limit to everything.

Since your time and money clip are valuable, let’s begin!! Click ”Full Story” for the review and a special gallery.

At then end of October, Apple released a new member of the iPod family; iPod Photo. Rumors have been swirling around an iPod with a color screen and photo capabilities ever since the iPod’s inception but the rumors finally came true when Steve Jobs took the stage with U2 and The Edge for another music related event sponsored by Apple. iPod Photo was the most amazing announcement and is the best iPod yet. Aside from the color screen and photo viewing features, it has numerous additional features, settings and all of the bugs found in third and fourth generation iPods have been squashed.

Belkin is the leader in iPod accessories. There are dozens of cases, carriers and other items for the Apple iPod, but Belkin has connectivity in every way imaginable for our favorite handheld music player. I have to admit the Belkin Voice Recorder is low on our scales compared to the Griffin iTalk, but their Media Card Reader and, recently introduced, Digital Camera Link are great for photographers on the go.

The second new case to Waterfield’s line is the Vertigo. Available in one size for only $79 dollars, it is a great price for a Waterfield Bag. Of course, the Vertigo has a lot of storage space while maintain its sleek look with plenty of pockets. I did have a few problems with the case; like lack of a computer compartment. The shoulder strap feels awesome and did I mention the pockets?

The Cozmo is the newest case from Waterfield Designs. It is an extremely sturdy case for carrying almost anything. There are two sizes; a small (14” x 10” x 4” / 1.9 lb.) and a large (16” x 12” x 5” / 2.7 lb.). Their prices range from $139-$149. The Cozmo is definitely a major addition to their family of cases with new features never seen in a Waterfield Case. With a reinforced side, solid bottom for protection and ability to stand on its own and more storage space than any case in class. This case also has colors schemes like other cases from the company.

Click "Full Story" for more.

It may be a little late, but one of our readers, dabaer, has posted some pictures on his .Mac website from Apple Expo.

The Pictures

Gallery can be fount at https://mypersonalgetaway.com/hardware/ipod/index.htm

At first glance I thought this was just a band-aid to another iPod coming out around January. I kept those thoughts up until I used the sucker. The iPod fourth generation is the must-have computer accessory of the summer and that is an understatement. It has a great price range, does everything over USB 2.0 as well as Firewire, has the rebirth of the original wheel and works will all Apple accessories for the third generation iPod (excluding iPod cases). It was very difficult to get the new iPod but we finally got one and here is a break down of its new features and additions.

Gallery can be found at https://mypersonalgetaway.com/hardware/airport/index.htm

Apple is slowly moving more and more into the digital music revolution. Like Steve Jobs says, “everyone loves music”. He is right. Even the people that hate a lot of things have a favorite band or favorite song of all time. Apple has been cornering the market since their release of iTunes back in 2000 then their iPod in November of 2001. They have added the iTunes Music Store, updated the iPod, added new headphones to their lineup and just recently the release of an inexpensive Wi-Fi base station with the ability to stream music anywhere in your house via iTunes. Airport Express is an Airport Extreme station the size of an Apple notebook power brick with Ethernet, USB and audio ports on the bottom. There is no power cable since you plug the entire brick into the wall. From there, you can browse the internet wirelessly, print via airport to your USB printer and stream music to stereos all over the house and for $130 USD you can afford to buy more than one.

Gallery can be found at https://mypersonalgetaway.com/hardware/headphones/index.htm

At Macworld San Francisco in January of this year, Steve Jobs introduced before the iPod mini a “companion” the current iPod family. He showed off a forty-dollar pair of in-ear headphones in the same distinguishable white as the included iPod headphones. He boasted they had better sound since were deeper in the ear and were also more comfortable. I agree with the comfort level but other than that, these headphones have more downfalls than I can list in this short review.

Over the last several weeks Mac enthusiast George Hazelwood received two direct mail cards and countless emails about a presentation on Motion at the Apple Aspen Grove store in Littleton, Colorado. I went along with George along with a possible switcher to the presentation. I have been very interested in Motion and was thinking about upgrading my poor-mans Mac to a G5. Potential buyers were hanging onto this presentation....

The iLap, oh what a product, the makers at RainDesign claim that “the iLap is so good at what it does you will go out of your way to use it,” and i completely agree. Click "Full Story" for more.

July 29th: An early morning review. It is 12:21 AM and here is our review of the Griffin iTalk...

Griffin has become the leader for iPod accessories. Their iTalk FM transmitter for the iPod is often in the Top-10 of the Apple store. This means they are selling more iTrips than they are computers. The iTalk is a product released during Macworld San Francisco back in January. It started shipping in May and is great for students or professionals interested in recording lectures or long meetings and great for personal users that need to record notes and reminders. Of course, Belkin has a Voice Recorder but I did not like it and the iTalk kicks its butt. There are only two voice recorders for the iPod and the iTalk is the best one.

How much of everyday do you spend un-tagling those pesky head phones of yours? Alot I bet! Someone finally made headphones that offer portabity and great sound all in one sleek package. The Zipcord retractable headphones are exactly what their name suggests, they retract to about the size of a quater and are a quater of an inch thick. The clever design lends it's self to the heavy traveler , and they can be used with anything; Cd players, MP3 players, computers, radio, I really mean anything. These headphones are $19.99 at ThinkDifferentStore. This is a high quality product and is well worth the money, as it will save you time and un-needed stress. It will also alow you to enjoy your iPod for that much longer.

If you are interested in any other great Mac products feel free to visit ThinkDifferentStore.com. They have just about everything a Mac-head on the go needs to survive!

Since it's inception, Spymac has grown by leaps and bounds, from it’s birth as one of the earliest Mac-only communities, to the behemoth international authority on all things cool (and Mac) that it is today. Throughout the course of the transition, they have released new services, such as Wheel and Pro-mail, and products including hats, bags, and stylish penholders. Not only do these products show one’s dedication and love for the Mac, but also the finely designed Italian cases just scream, “cool”. Our first review of the Spymac line is Spycase.12, the smallest of the Spycases.

Many of us Mac users want to mod our computers slightly. Add a few LED lights maybe. Many of us with little, or no technically knowledge have been forced to shrug off the idea of adding lights to our Macs, but that's changed. ThinkGeek.com is offering a USB powered light kit. It's actually two kits each consisting of a control module connected to a three foot long USB cable. From the control module depending on which kit you get there is either dual 2'' LED bars, or a single 18'' LED bar.