We've been hearing all kinds of an Altoid tin case can do, such as the Altoid tin dock, tin charger and more, but now it's Apple's turn. Some Altoid fan (I doubt an Apple fan would do this ;-)) has turned his used iPod Shuffle into an... Altoid case.


The full tutorial is [here]. The only thing I wish to add is - make sure you sanitize the case before putting it into use...

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.

On this special issue of MacBreak, Leo Laporte and Ben Durbin has demonstrated actually running a Windows XP SP2 on Mac mini with Intel Core Solo built in. The system ran as fast as on a genuine PC on the Mac mini in this video, with only some driver restrictions that limited its performance. But we are sure that the community will try to hack more drivers to make the Intel Mac run Windows XP better and better!

Running Windows XP on a Mac has been a dream for the Mac fans. Until recently, the high bonus hanging above by Colin Nederkoorn has finally been taken by Narf. Now this discovery/creation has unleashed the ultimate possibility Intel Mac, making the users having more choices when buying operation systems for their Intel Mac.

Download: [MacBreak Special - XP On A Mac mini]

An engineer from Apple Computer pointed out that we should not put much hope on easily running Windows on Intel Mac.

Although the Mac fans have been hoping that the incoming Windows Vista would be able to run on a Mac easier than the Windows XP, since Vista will be introducing the support of EFI (Extensible Firmware Interface) besides the normal BIOS support, Apple Senior Software Architect Cameron Esfahani said he only know that the EFI will be present only in 64-bit versions of the Windows Vista. However, the current Intel Macs are all equipped with 32-bit Intel CPUs. Also, he pointed out that the implementation of Mac's EFI doesn't have much legacy support for the Windows system.

Apple won't stop users from trying to run Windows on Macs, but users should not put any hope on Apple's support on this. And on the other hand, Microsoft has stated that the initial release of the Windows Vista won't have EFI support at all.

Apple is now allowing universities to post lectures and other educational items on iTunes so that students can download the classes and listen to them on the go. It seems that the idea of putting the lectures online is quickly catching on, with more universities tapping Apple for the service.

Reportedly, the idea began almost without much fanfare, with a student at the University of Michigan asking students which form they would prefer best in disseminating the information online. Without much thought, the students overwhelmingly picked the iPod because of its ease of use and mobility. iTunes U was introduced to the dental school there.

Stanford is the latest in growing number of universities taking advantage of the service. Sheesh, who knew school WOULD finally be so cool?

[Via, Hexus]

It is being widely reported now that eBay, the Internet's "largest marketplace" is not taking too keen a view of selling pre-loaded iPods on its website. The company recently removed a listing for an Apple iPod loaded with over 11,000 songs, claiming copyright laws.

Cincinnati pediatrician Steve Brin, the person auctioning the device with a starting bid of $799 couldn't comprehend why he could not sell the iPod. Over the years, he claims to have spent an estimated $100,000 to buy the CDs he later ripped to his iPod, and thought it perfectly legal to auction off the iPod on eBay.

eBay, though didn't agree with that and yanked the item off.

"That is a copyright violation, one that we don't even need to hear from the rights owner about before removing," said eBay spokesman Hani Durzy, also referring to eBay's Replica and Counterfeit Items policy.

What do you guys think? Should he be allowed to sell his iPod without having someone claim copyright infringement? Or is it really illegal?

[Via, Web Pron News]

The huge success of the Apple iPod has stirred waves of revolution throughout the world, with everyone embracing the slick device, almost. But this brings us to our dilemma: the iPod is responsible for the direct decrease in the number of wild DJs roaming freely in clubs and get-togethers across the United States.

An innocent, yet sometimes rebellious little animal, the DJ needs our support in helping to keep its natural environments free of the dreaded iPod. With more and more people resorting to unique playlists to keep the party going, saving themselves a few extra bucks that would normally go to a DJ, the furry little guys are watching as their lives are washed away.

If you're a DJ, though, all is not lost. According to the Statesman Journal, a DJ carries an aura about them that no machine can replace. They offer a few good tips to keep the customers at the door and the music on the floor. (I rhymed. Yay! Maybe I'll be a DJ. Fat chance.)

According to the Statesman:

•  Look like you are into it, even if you aren't. Like any entertainer, the DJ can be the life of a party. But a DJ who looks like he or she would rather be sleeping isn't going to make anyone feel good about being there.

•  Bring a big collection of songs. When people request song after song, they don't want to be told you don't have it or your dog ate it. (One DJ told me that his Kanye West CD was stolen). If you want to be the hit of the dance floor, play the songs people want to hear. However ...

•  A Salem DJ once told me a truly great DJ rarely gets requests. If he or she is working the crowd well and spinning tunes that are not only popular and danceable but that have a good variety of beats, people don't think to ask for a song. I've seen it happen -- the groove is good and people don't even think to make a request because they're having too much fun. Now that's something no machine is going to replace.

Follow these steps and you'll be alright ... or just buy an iPod.

[Via, Statesman Journal]

Sorry for the headline, I just couldn't resist. Anyway, it seems that those considerate pups at Lovehoney are at it again, producing the finest in portable "pleasure" devices. Already having come out with a few little "toys" for cellphones and the like, the iPod is their latest victim ... er, submissive partner? Gimp?

The iBuzz is a ... Well, it's kind of like a ... And it ... So it feels kind of like ... You know what? I'll just let their site do the explaining. Close your eyes and be gone if you're of the weaker kind.

A super-fun sex toy that plugs into your iPod! The music-activated vibrating bullet stimulates you in time with your favourite music. And you can listen to your songs while you're enjoying the vibrations...

Use the his-and-hers attachments to add extra excitement. Turn him into a vibrator with the stretchy ring and use the soft sleeve for sensitive stimulation.

No music player? You can still use the iBuzz for orgasmic fun. Just turn on and enjoy the 7 amazing vibration patterns - press the arrow buttons until you find the one that suits your mood.

It plugs into any music player to let you enjoy your music like never before! A genuine Love Labs product. Beware of imitations.

Yes, Lovehoney, I WILL be careful not to mess with imitations.

[Via, Lovehoney]

Consumer Reports, that wonderful populist magazine, has made its recommendations on which company markets and produces the best external speakers for the Apple iPod. According to the team at the magazine, Bose SoundDock seems to produce the best overall sound out of eight units tested.

Not to fall too behind, Consumer Reports said that Altec Lansing's inMotion iM7 produces the best bass response, for all you bass-heads out there. Of course, with the products priced at $300 and $250, respectively, it doesn't leave a whole lot of options for those of us with a little less money.

For everyone else who wants to have good sound, but doesn't want to spend the equivalent of another iPod in paying for it, there is the JBL On Tour speakers for $100. Not too bad.

[Via, ABC7]

Outdoor Newswire has reviewed the OtterBox for the Video iPod, a device built for rugged use that should appeal to nature enthusiasts everywhere. Well, nature enthusiasts everywhere with Video iPods, at least.

The reviewer finds the device to perfectly suite the outdoor life, with its hard case and waterproofing feature keeping all the "baddies" out. To everyone who has been searching for a good case to take camping, it seems that the OtterBox fits the bill.

"Similar to others in the OtterBox for iPod line, the video case offers an interactive membrane that provides Click Wheel access and a hard screen cover to shield the display. Rubber lining inside the case cradles the video and a secure-close latch adds protection."

The device is a little more costly, at $49.99, but it may be worth it for some of our more active readers.

[Via, OutDoor Newswire]