Rogier Mulder, a MacBook owner, has found the MagSafe connector burnt on his Intel-based MacBook. He posted photos of his burnt baby on the internet, but got an notice from Apple that he must take it off the internet. But soon after that, Apple changed its mind quickly and told Mulder that they will be changing his burnt MacBook with a new one. Gizmodo has the story here.

The story should be end here, but something more has been revealed. FlickrBlog has claimed that they have not taken down the image to comply with the never-existed request from Apple. The whole thing about taking down the photos was a false rumor, blah blah. But anyway, we should cheer to Mulder. He got the service he paid for after all.

Consumer Reports has taken a stab at Apple's new boombox, the Hi-Fi, and finds a product that it describes as 'so-so.' Surprised that a company as innovative as Apple, which usually surpasses, or at the very least matches it competition, has made a product like the Hi-Fi, Consumer Reports finds some trappings that make other choices on the market much more desirable -- and for a lot less.

First up is the look of the unit, which Consumer Reports describes as, "Rectangular and unadorned, the Hi-Fi resembles an elongated white breadbox." Okay, so she isn't going to be Prom Queen this year, but what about her personality? Consumer Reports writes: "The unit's performance is mildly disappointing. Though it sounds decent enough, the Hi-Fi didn't match the audio quality of the best-sounding (and lower-priced) iPod boomboxes from our past tests."

Consumer Reports does like the power-saving features of the unit, as well as remote. But is it enough? "Why go to such trouble when the Altec iM7, $250, offers better performance for $100 less?" I have a feeling that this will be one Apple product that will fade into obscurity.

PopXpress will be opening its second shop in London soon, according to Macworld. The stores, which focus on selling everything under the sun iPod, is modeled somewhat after the Apple Stores found elsewhere in the world, with a clean design complementing the products.





The stores offer everything from iPod cases to third-party speakers to their own line of products to consumers in the UK and hope to open many more stores by the end of the year. Riding on the coattails of Apple's success, the company has big plans in store. Their first store has seen a very successful run as it focused on Apple's products.

According to Macworld: PopXpress CEO Jonathan Cole said: "After the success of the first store at Liverpool Street in London, we are thrilled to be opening this second store in such a prestigious retail district at such an exciting time in the iPod's development."

Gemini has recently announced the iTrax Mixing Console for the iPod, a mixing device sure to please that aspiring dj living in your basement.

The iTrax comes with two angled docking stations that allow the user easy access to iPod controls when browsing through music libraries. Each iPod channel features 3-band EQ controls with Gain and phono/line input switches for the incorporation of other audio devices such as turntables, CD players, and more.

On the mixing console?s back panel, the iTrax is equipped a composite video output for use with the latest Photo/Video-enabled iPod products, 2 phono/line inputs, and a USB port that will allow the iTrax to function as a dock when connected to a computer, allowing the user to edit the music library of either iPod.

So if you understood ANY of that, or know someone you think will, check out the iTrax at a suggested retail price of $179.95.

[Via, Synthopia]

At CES in Las Vegas Clarion introduced their car multimedia unit with iPod connectivity. According to Clarion the new device gives full featured control and functionality of the ipod interface. There isn't a lot of information on this unit yet but we will write updates as we get them.

Clarion's single-DIN VRX765VD ($1100; Feb.) has a 7 inch flip out touch-screen with video playback from the iPod and offers touch-screen control of the DVD menu options.

Clarion's MAX675VD ($TBA; mid-2006) is a double-DIN multimedia system with a 7 inch color widescreen LCD with on-screen control pad and full iPod control of music functions, also with the video playback feature.

[Via, ilounge]

Ezgear4u have started selling a very easy way to deck out your iPod Shuffle. At a price of $29.99US you will get 5 accessories so you won?t be the only one out of the crowd lacking in the iPod accessory craze. The accessories in this kit include:

1. ezCharge Shuffle - The ezCharge Shuffle is a quality car charger in iPod white that includes fuse protection and shielded cables.
2. ezLink Shuffle - The ezLink Shuffle is a quality extension kit that includes a 4 ½ foot shielded cable along with a 3M Command system desk clip. You?ll never have to crawl under your desk again.
3. ezSkin Tankini - The ezSkin Tankini is a quality silicon case that protects your iPod Shuffle from dirt and scratches.
4. ezCassette ? Listen to your iPod Shuffle in your car.
5. ezAudio Earphone Splitter ? Share your iPod Shuffle with your friends & family with this quality splitter.

Source: Engadget

No, really. The Mopah scooter actually uses your iPodâ??s unique serial number as its key, and wonâ??t power on unless itâ??s docked. It rolls when you roll, turning you into a portable DJ. We know you wanna go out and buy one, but you canâ??t â?? unless you find an angel investor to help Michael Tseng to commercialize his senior thesis project.

Apple today announced that Nissan, Mazda and Daihatsu in Japan have joined BMW, MINI, smart and Alfa Romeo in Japan to deliver iPod integration with their car stereos for 2006 model lines. "Seamless integration of iPods in cars allows music lovers to enjoy high-quality sound through their car's stereo system, easily access their entire music library and take their music with them everywhere they go," according to a statement released by Apple. "We're delighted to have such a wide variety of car companies in Japan offering iPod integration," said Greg Joswiak, Apple's vice president of Worldwide iPod Product Marketing.

"iPod is the number one digital music player in Japan and more music lovers than ever can now enjoy a seamless iPod music experience in their car."

In addition, an array of after-market solutions are available from Alpine, Clarion, Kenwood and Pioneer for cars that currently do not offer iPod integration.

source: autoweb


Mercedes-Benz is taking automotive entertainment up a step (or more) with the introduction of the new iPod interface kit in Australia, which was developed by Mercedes-Benz.

The kit which is available for most models in the Mercedes-Benz roster will enable Mercedes-Benz customers to fully integrate their Apple iPod with their car stereo system which will provide access of up to 15,000 stored tracks (that?s 875 hours of non-stop jamming.)

The interface is integrated into the car?s glove compartment and will include these features:

? 75 hours of entertainment: Mercedes-Benz offers intelligent iPod® integration
? Store up to 15,000 songs in the glove compartment
? Easy to use via the multi function steering wheel
? Mixed Tape: free music download from Mercedes-Benz website

Numark will announce soon announce their iDJ mixer for the iPod. The device, which was first previewed in April at a German music event, is a 2-channel mixer which â??enables mobile DJs and iPod enthusiasts to seamlessly integrate their portable music libraries with other music and sound reinforcement systemsâ??transforming the iPod from a personal music player into a source playback device.â?�

Numark says the $399 iDJ will feature:
- Two universal iPod docking stations
- Large iPod navigation controls
- 3-band EQ with gain control on both channels
- Dedicated microphone input with tone and level control
- Phono/line inputs; USB connectivity (PC and Mac)
- Turntable spindle receptacle
- Anodized aluminum panels with precision switches/knobs and a soft touch edge bumper.