We thought we were done with this story, because it's so 2006. Down Under, an Australian MacBook owner by the name of mattyb posted on the MacTalk (AU) forums the story of his close brush with Dell death. The short version of this story is that his MacBook battery seemed to have problems and finally went up in smoke (and flames) one early morning one day ago.

Unabridged version of his story is at the Read link, but the gist is that he's been having odd battery problems the past couple of weeks. The real weird part of the story is that he bought his MacBook end of June of last year - so this thing occurred within the 12-month warranty.

Based on the evidence (not to mention the damage pattern), the battery is suspect - but that will depend on whatever Apple Australia finds if and when mattyb sends his damaged unit in for repair autopsy.

Guess we're going to have to repeat the PSA we've aired last year. Don't overcharge the battery, if that MacBook gets abnormally hot, start worrying, if at any point those batteries are swelling up to the point of bursting out of their MacBooks, really start worrying, and don't wait for the smoke to start pouring. You know how hot the MacBook can sometimes get, right?

Oh, and mattyb also suggests on checking your smoke alarm detectors. You don't want them malfunctioning when a fire starts while you're sleeping.

iPodNN reports that Marware has begun shipping the USB Travel Dock made specifically for the second-generation 2G iPod shuffle. Think of it as the smaller equivalent of the behemoth dock that we posted about earlier.

  

The dock takes advantage of the size of the shuffle and comes in the shape of USB dongle. It has a rubberized bottom so you don't have to worry about scuffing both the dock and whatever expensive surface you happen to put it on. The USB Travel Dock can plug into either a laptop or a desktop system without the added hassle of a cord.

The dock also provides data transfer speeds of up to 480 Mbps. While a player is in the dock, it can charge and sync simultaneously without blocking any of the nearby ports. A blue LED light lets users know the dock's power status. The USB Travel Dock is available starting today at US$ 20 a pop.

And everything iPod continues to rule our lives. It's amazing how this little gadget has possessed our interests, spawning all sorts of accessories and add-ons for it, as if it were a beloved pet. We thought we've seen it all, but we bet you ain't prepared for this.

PBteen has obviously been bitten by the Sandman big time, and yet they refuse to let go of their iPods. Yup, lo and behold their newest product, the Tune-In Bed. This ain't just any bed. This, in fact, could just prove to be the world's largest dock for digital audio players yet. Now, while it ain't really exclusive to the iPod (you can plug in any other MP3 player as well), it doesn't change the fact that for sure, the iPod was indeed one of the main considerations for this creation.

Anyway, so this has two 4" built-in stereo speakers and a control panel with a volume know and audio input connections. Yes, you will be literally sleeping on the dock. The headboard is intentionally angled to channel the music right to the sleeper (so don't you go playing any of them angry music if you wanna catch some zzzzs) and is, in fact, available in a variety of colors.

The wood bed frame comes in White or Sun Valley Honey, while you can choose from among these colors for the headboard: Sun Valley Honey, White, Navy, Ice Blue, Light Green. The Twin-sized bed will surely put your wallets to sleep at US$ 699, as well as the Queen-sized one, which ranges up to US$ 999.

Then again, you can always go for them pillows.

For more details, click on the Read link below.

The GPS folks of TomTom introduced a whole new device called the TomTom Duo, a device that is mounted on your car's stereo dash - touchscreen facing out - and that should serve as a GPS system for the modern car. But wait, it's also claimed that the TomTom Duo will support a unique USB docking station.

The station could scan the surrounding area for Bluetooth devices, "allow direct control of iPods" and allow you to route audio of any portable device through the car's speaker system...all from the little touchscreen on the TomTom Duo!

The TomTom Duo will also allow hands-free calling through Bluetooth phones and the playing of music straight from USB storage devices. The Duo will succeed the TomTom One as a whole new dual-purpose in-car device.

If you're annoyed with having to remove your iPod's case each and every time you want to connect your iPod to different docks, then we've found this new item that should end all those troubles. It seems that SendStation, the guys who made the earBuddy and the PocketDock, have come up with a new product called the Dock Extender.

The Dock Extender simply is what its name states. It lets you use your iPod and iPhone with iPod speaker systems, docking stations, FM transmitters, and voice recorders, without the need for removing your covers and cases. So long as your case has an opening for iPod Dock connection, this will automatically extend the dock connector, enabling you to use your iPod as you please.

There's no price yet, but it's scheduled for a March 2007 release, so keep your eyes peeled and keep checking QJ for more of this fun swag. Enjoy!

Completely waterproof and compact, the SwimMan will probably be the swimmer's only companion during practice or just plain leisure dips - unless you sweat waterfalls... It's a 1GB iPod Shuffle that comes with its own waterproof headphones.

SwimMan is the originator of waterproof audio players and waterproof headphones. They decided to merge two products into a single robust and high capacity audio package. Well, that's if you consider 1 GB as a lot. It's small enough so you can clip it to your goggle strap.

Anyway, you're probably asking, how in the world did they do it? Well, from the people who brought you the waterproofed audio cassette player (the WalkMan) it probably didn't take much. And take note, it's not the outside that's waterproofed: it's the inside.

The product itself comes with a 30-day no-questions-asked Return Policy and a 1-year warranty. And yes, it's a genuine second generation iPod Shuffle that they waterproofed.

To find out more about it, click on the Read link below.

Adding to the list of "waterproof" electronic gadgetries is Aquapac's 100% Waterproof Headphones. The company is known for making waterproof cases for iPods and now, they plan on bringing the same waterproof know-how for their earphones.

The 100% Waterproof Headphones can withstand 10m/33 feet of pressure, so if you plan on listening to some tracks while deep sea fishing, then you'd have no problems with this one.

The headphones will work on your iPod, VHF radio, TV among many other things. The wires are said to be 100% PVC free and Aquapac claims that they are made to be environmentally friendly.

Also, its earbuds are made from silicone rubber, which does not support bacterial or fungal growth. These can be detached and washed separately if needed. For more info about this thingamajig, check out the link below which will take you to Aquapac's official website.

So the stock earbuds that can be packaged with your iPod have choked and bit the dust, where do you get new ones? Here's some of your options.

You just buy new iPod earphones if you're willing to shell out around US$ 30. Instead of that, you can purchase the iPod radio remote. Two-in-one eh? Voila! You get radio and a new pair of headphones. That would cost around US$ 50. OR you can buy a new Shuffle - the second generation - but that's if you've already waved your previous iPod goodbye. The rainbow Shuffle retails at around US$ 80.

What's the big deal about the new Apple Computer iPod Earphones? Well, it's been updated and it now sports silicone edges, is smaller and lighter, plus it has better bass than the last generation.

Hear that?

The wearable tech trend just got another nudge forward from Nike. After the Nike+iPod sport kit project and the Nike iPod Watch comes another product called the Hatphone. Weird name, huh?

Anyhow, the Hatphone is a soft shell, therma-FIT hat which has built-in controls for your iPod nano. It also keeps your head warm on those cold workout days. As far as we can tell though, it has nothing to do with a cellphone.

According to Nike, this contraption is a "cozy, comfortable skullcap which features full functional Nano click wheel controls through a power mesh window in back so you can keep moving while mixing up your music". The Nike Hatphone skullcap goes for US$ 60 a pop and is available in black, grey, blue, and red.

Let's just hope this baby can't be hacked. You wouldn't want a stalker now, would you?

Not everybody likes vinyl skins, but if you like to express yourself by blinging up your gadget, then you might want to know about Wrapstar's latest press release. According to their press release, a Wrapstar vinyl skin is pre-cut and ready-to-apply (so even the clumsy ones among you can get it right). A Wrapstar vinyl skin is also easy to remove - if you get tired of it, you peel it off and it won't leave icky goo behind.

Range of vinyl skin choices. They have DS Lite skins, PSP skins, and iPod skins. Patterns range from manly skins for the tough guy and flamboyant skins for the raging diva queen. Desert camouflage skins, dalmatian print skins, Union Jack skins, and Japan flag skins...

       

Availability. They're already selling in Game stores throughout Europe and Scandinavia. North American and Australian readers can get them from Amazon.co.uk. Amazon ships all over the world (you can visit their delivery pages for more info).