The iPod With Video Saga Part 3

Well, it's been more than 20 days now since I have sold my trusted iPod G3, in the spirit of getting the brand new iPod G5 with video. I had my mind set on a 30 Gig model, and if you recall I could not for the love of god put my hand on one.

Well thursday night after work on my way home in a winter-storm, I stopped at (yet another) BestBuy in the north east end of Montreal. The store was not exactly busing with clients, so I had almost all the sales people at my service. When I asked to see if they had any "New" iPod Models, I was ready to ear (again) that they had only shuffles, nano and of course about half a dozen iPod 5G 60 Gigs. To my surprise they had about 6, 30 Gigs models in stock.

Did my heart stop, or race, I don't remember....
The next obvious question was: "Do you have it in black"?
"Well of course" said the salesperson looking at me like I was a retard.
"We even have 2 return Products at a great discount price"

Love at first sight!
Got a return one for about 25% off. It was and still is in great shape.
Not a scratch (that I can do on my own).

I made sure to inspect both the iPod and the content of the (now so slim) box.
Ok, let's see: One top shape 30 Gig Black iPod, one USB 2.0 Cable, One Quick Start guide, one set of Apple earphone, one leaflet warrantee, one c.d. (With iTune and iPod Software. one cradle adapter (just a useless piece of plastic), one pair of earbud covers, 2 apple Logo stickers, and that is it. No wait... What is this ? Ho, that must be the iPod transport case, Man they call this white slap of white thin neoprene thing a case.... Look more like a cheap shirt pocket pen holder from the dollar store.

Finally! I have my new iPod with video! And not a minute to soon. I was kind of contemplating the idea of living without one now. I no longer feel the withdrawal syndrome.

I can't wait to get home and "play" with it.
But first I am worry about the new USB 2.0 cable. My Mac only as a USB 1.0 card. The one that they propose me at the store would have run me more than 65$. Are they nuts? No way.

Wish Apple would have stick with the FireWire. Now I have a hunch that my transfers will be slow as molasses.
furthermore I have to protect the new iPod with clear film, so i don't get it scratch. And I should not have let go my original iPod cradle, and my external BTI iPod Battery. These are essentials when you own a iPod. Lucky for me I still have a batch of Pod Shield invisible scratch protection film by Trendy Geek. I will also need a protection case. I know to well after owning 3 iPod and by my friend "Many" who one day was "dancing" at work and bumped his 4G color iPod what can happen when you don't protect one. Many is still paying for his, but can't use it since he shattered the color screen. My heart goes to you Many.

So that is the end of the Saga. Starting next week I will report on my "new life" with the iPod with video.

The 2005 Digital Dispatch Top 100 Buying Guide Part 2

089-DLO Home Dock
-Just like a Digital Dog House for your iPod (or nano).
This new Digital Dock Station will let you present slide shows , play music or Video on your on your TV or Home Stereo. Plug and play, let you control everything with 14 functions remote control while charging your iPod. Comes with all cables unlike the iPod G5. Superb Home Entertainment center for your iPod.

088-Monster Cable iSplitter
Holiday is for sharing, and to be able to plug 2 headset to your iPod you need a iSplitter Y jack cable. The one that Monster cable offers is the perfect one. Not some 2 cents low quality unit. The best rugged one we could find. Build to stand the test of time at a very reasonable price. Perfect Stocking stuffer.

087-MacAlley FM CUP
-Most cars have a spare cup holder that is never use. This is the base for MacAlley FM CUP. You get to put your iPod in it securely while enjoying your favorite music. LCD Display your choice of FM Station to broadcast, will charge your iPod only if it's a older model. Great idea!

086-Xtreme Mac ICONZ for nano
-Personalize your iPod nano withe these amazing skins. Combining eye catching graphics with protection. The choice is almost endless; From sports icons to super heros. One look will convince you.

085-Devoted 1 iBelieve
-More than a simple replacement cap and lineyard for your iPod shuffle, iBelieve by Devoted one is a great concept. Shape as a crucifix, the lineyard will make heads turn. 10% off sales goes to relief funds and children's charities. Never knew that having a shuffle could make you do so much good.

084-Mac OSX Support Essential From Peachpit Press
-If you know a Mac Power User or simply want to become one, this is the perfect book. Sharpen your troubleshooting skill and learn all the basic of Apple's operating system. It covers networking technologies, administration,and everything in between for "Tiger". Help you reinforce gained knowledge with the help of chapter review sections and quizzes summaries.

083-Otterbox
-Going to the beach for the Holidays ? Taking a cruise ?
How are you going to protect your iPod from sand, water and wind? We just find your iPod waterproofing companion. The Otterbox is the perfect match. We tested it and are glad to report that it really works. The construction is superb, the price is right (certainly cheaper than having to replace a damage iPod ). This product can be trusted. Sail away with peace of mind; Thanks Otterbox.

082- Ignitek iCarrier
-The most stylish, most impressive iPod speaker package anywhere. The design is simply stunning. The iCarrier is a 3 ways speakers system in a sleek tower design . Include a remote control and a extra Audio Input
to plug more sources. If your musical taste is not enough to make a statement adding to your iPod the iCarrier in itself will.

081- VaJa Classic
-If you are into leather, the Vaja Classic line of products for your iPod is a notch above any other leather products on the market. Extraordinary craftsmanship and a quality you come to expect from euro designers. Upper class leather product for your iPod.

080-Car PC Hacks Tips & Tools for Geeking Your Ride From O'Reilly
-This is our favorite book on the subject. Full of great projects to "Geek " your car. More than a how to book, it's a 348 pages+ non stop "trip" of what is possible in the world of "Pimp-Geeking" your Ride. Fresh and essential.
ISBN 0-596-00871-6

Here it is: The 2005 Digital Dispatch Top 100 Buying Guide

Here it is! The First post of the 2005 Digital Dispatch buyers Guide. Every day will be posting 10 Great (and Fully Tested) Mac Gift idea. Come and get it!

100- iSight Camera
Top Notch Firewire conference Camera. Nothing come close in the market. Slick Design, Plug and play, and so cool.
Use it with Apple Fun New App. Photo Booth, or with Boinx Software to do "Stop Motion or Surveillance".

099-OmniCleanz by RadTech
This stuff is pure Magic on LCD, Plasma, PDA, Keyboard, Mouse, or just about anything "Mac" that you want to clean.
For instance we use it to clean the track-pad surface on original PowerBook Titanium G4. It won't run, scratch, or dull the original finish of your MAC paraphernalia. And can you just imagine what it can do for your ipod...It's the only product of it's kind that we recommend. Small footprint packaging let you take the OmniCleanz where ever you go.

098-The iDog by Sega Toys
This little "Robot Dog" is a 100% Fun. Need to give your mind a break but can't leave your workstation...Not a problem just plug your iDog in your iPod and fire-up a song and watch him "react" in tune and on the beat. Music, Entertainment and Pet, What a great combination.

097-Nintendo Game-Boy Micro
About the size of a credit card, this new offering from Nintendo play all of the Game-Boy Advance games.
So small and stylish with removable face plate, that you will wonder how you could manage your on the go game craving before.

096-The Best of The Joy of Tech from O'Reilly
This is the perfect "Antidote" to anyone that ever felt frustrated about technology. Great cartoon book that will help you Reboot your sense of humor. Forward is by Steve Wozniak, that should say it all ! (ISBN 0-596-00578-4)

095-Getting Started with Adobe InDesign CS2 Personal Seminar from PeachPit Press
This "Course Ware" is possibly the best one. Part HandBook, Part DVD this offering by Terry White will get you mastering InDesign in no time flat. Great concept superb packaging make for a superb learning experience.

094-iPod nano case by sfbags
Perfect case for a perfect mp3 player. Distinctive Design, only the best materials used, and the best craftsmanship in the business. Protection for your nano, no one can offer a better product.

093-Apple Confidential 2.0 from No Strarch Press
And now you can own a copy of the definitive history of the world's most colorful company; Apple !
Learn all about the trials and tribulation of creating the first Macintosh, navigate the comprehensive timeline of every
Macintosh ever made. As a bonus you get a list of code names for every secret products form Apple.
Released early in 2005, we find that this book was the most frequently borrowed from our library by our staff.(ISBN 1-59327-010-0)

092-Monster iCarPlay Wireless Plus for iPod
The secret is out ! This is the one we use for transmitting music, sweet music to any FM Receiver.
The best in it's class loaded with smart features; Charge your iPod while listening to music, clean, clear, crisp music broadcasting great design and of course stand to the test of time. Forget the others, just get this one. Bonus: it even works with the G5 new iPod.

091-Prosoft Picture Rescue
Accidental Deletion, Unintentional re-formating, or simple corruption these common digital pictures enemy are just a thing of the past when you use Picture Rescue the Digital Picture Recovery software by Prosoft. User friendly interface make the experience of Recovering a truly fun one. Does exactly what the name implies. To good to miss.

090-Proscore Massive FX
If you use Garage band, if you do PodCasting or any other medium that require you to ad digital Sound Effect, Massive FX
will make you reach Nirvana. Proscore has created the best "Massive and Extended" Sound Effects Package you can found anywhere. The price is a steal and the quality and variety is stunning. Audio Backdrop Heaven!