The release of the fifth generation of iPod players opened us to the possibility of video streaming with our iPods. When Apple launched the iPod video last October 2005, we began to see the potential of this popular gadget in the field of entertainment, marketing and advertising.

The fifth generation iPod video is available in 30 GB size and 60 GB size capacity models and priced the same between $299-$399 USD. They feature the ability to read and play MPEG-4 and H.264 video. iPod video resolutions of up to 480 x 480 and 320 x 240 are available to users. Some of them though have said to play wide screen resolutions of up to 640×360 in using MPEG-4 and 400×192 while using H.264. The screen capabilities are often dependend on what the users can tinker around with.

The iPod video has a 65,536 color (16-bit) screen, and is able to play video on an external TV through the use of an AV cable accessory. It plugs into the headphone mini-jack and the connector splits into composite video and audio output with RCA jacks. However, video watched on via television often has poor quality due to the compression.

The iPod videos are encoded at 480×480 or less. This iPod resolution is similar to conventional VHS recordings. The screen size is 2.5 inches diagonally, 0.5 inches larger than the previous iPod. The iPod video is also 30% thinner than the previous full-size iPod. The battery life for the 30 GB size is 14 hours and for the 60 GB size is 20 hours. Watching movies reduces that time to two to three hours.

It’s not an Apple Ipod without the click wheel and the iPod video has that feature. It gives you access and control to your entire photo, music and video library ? from one thumb. You can control the volume and browse it using the iPod’s touch-sensitive surface. The iPod video’s click wheel provides easy control and access right at your fingertips.

What this gadget can do is the usual music player function plus play video downloaded from iTunes Music Store or other external sites that offer the same video file format. With this unit, you can put music in the pocket and still have room for practically everything else. You can read your audio books with iPod video. Browse through your picture gallery

with iPod video’s photo slideshows. Refer to your iPod video calendar or look up an email address in the address book. You can also check time from your favorite city and record your fastest lap. With this iPod, you can watch video pod casts, music clips, videos and also the TV shows you missed. This is what makes the iPod video so exciting. Everything you need in one ipod.

The major advantage of the iPod video is how advertising can use it to promote other products and services for sale. Think of a preview of J. Lo’s next music video to be released and only those with an iPod video can watch it. That’s hitting four birds with one stone; promotion for the album, the song, the iPod unit and whatever else the marketers can think of. Indie artists can also use create a fan base using the iPod video through self-promotion via iPod video-accepted formats and by giving out free music clips or video clips.

And what about television shows that wants feedback from iPod video users? They can easily hook up a pilot episode, test the initial reaction to the public and have immediate response through the website or mobile phone replies. Another great idea is to make available instructional video clips of cooking classes. Companies will have a ball making ads for iPod video and also make it possible for us users to get free downloads.

There are also the companies who will create accessories to fully enhance your iPod. The plans to create innovative software and content for the iPod video is just starting. The future for Ipod is very bright. In the end, we are the winners of this race to video technology.

Yes, the ipod mini said its goodbye to the technology market last September 7, 2005. It seems only proper to pay our respects to this whimsical gadget that once put a smile on our face. When the iPod mini was released on February 20, 2004, many were delighted. Being the smaller version of Apple Computer’s iPod first generation portable audio player, it’s variety in color (though still somewhat limited to five colors: silver, gold, pink, blue, and green) appealed to a much broader market. The ipod mini operated with both Macintosh and Windows PCs.

The iPod mini’s feature was the click wheel, where four buttons were located above the wheel. To use one of the buttons, a user had to push the wheel edge inward over one of the labels. The click wheel is now used in the fourth and fifth generation iPods as well as in the iPod nano. Above the wheel was the monochrome display that gave the menus or information of the currently selected track. The new generation of ipods now has a colored screen display.

The iPod mini made use of the ultra-thin Compact Flash Microdrive hard drives. The first-generation mini models only had to content itself to a 4GB hard drive. The second-generation mini models were then available in 4GB and 6GB memory size. The iPod mini 4 GB is capable of storing 1,000 songs while the iPod mini 6GB stored 1, 500 songs.

Later the drive size was laser engraved on the case to distinguish between the two minis. Near the end of the iPod mini’s life, Apple laser etched two lines of 32 characters on top of the reverse side on the mini free of charge. Such a feature would originally cost more money. However, Apple seemed sentimental enough and the gesture was a sign of respect for the mini’s impeding demise.

The battery life of its first generation iPod mini was 8 hours that led to some argument on its short duration. This problem was solved with the second-generation models that claimed a battery life of 18 hours.

Unfortunately, the 2nd generation had no FireWire cable or an AC power adapter, a compromise made by Apple to reduce the retail prices of the new iPod minis. The iPod mini also had a dock connector provided on the bottom for a connection to the computer (Hi-Speed USB or FireWire). The battery was charged during its connection. On the top it was a headphone jack, a hold switch, and remote port for other accessories.

Like the larger iPod, the iPod mini supported a host of file formats like MP3, WAV, AIFF and MP4. It maintained it’s flawless integration with the iTunes Music Store and the files being downloaded there. Software-wise, the iPod mini was as reliable as the original iPod units.

The appeal of the iPod mini is it’s compact and colorful design. And the accessories that come with it are there to enhance the iPod mini’s sound quality and functions. It is true that some of the accessories are expensive but aren’t all the iPod gadgets expensive too?

Besides if there was something good to be said about the iPod mini, it’s the option it gave the consumers when getting a digital audio player. The Ipod mini competed directly with players like Creative’s Zen Micro and the Digital Networks Rio Carbon. The smaller display was one line shorter than the previous models, thus limiting its on-screen track information display to title and artist only, taking the album information off.

The original price for the first generation iPod mini was around $249 for the 4GB memory size. The second-generation lowered the price to $199 and kept the 4GB model. An increased-capacity 6GB mini model sold for $249.

As the Ipod family began to expand, the Ipod mini was laid to rest when Apple launched the introduction of the iPod nano. The iPod mini was no more and stopped its production. Though it seems the iPod mini only stayed for a while, its influence as the pioneer of the click wheel will always be remembered.

We all know that an ipod is expensive. The new releases of APPLE ipods are really unaffordable for normal people. But if you are only after listening to songs and don’t really care about videos, playlists, etc, I suggest that you buy the ipod shuffle instead.

It is the cheapest ipod out in the market today but it already cost thousands of pesos. It is already expensive considering people without big paychecks. So if it is expensive, why would you want to have it anyway if you can’t afford it? It is not even a necessity anyway. We don’t exactly need it to live and you are not obliged to buy one.

But having an ipod would be a big benefit because it brings you wireless entertainment. Plus considering its uncanny portability, it is really a must have gadget. It can play hundreds of songs even though it is just a small box. The ipod is simply an amazing and entertaining device. Imagine a gadget that has the capability to play songs, organize playlists, and show videos.

But let us go back to reality here, the reality I was mentioning earlier. These devices are definitely not cheap and it will be hard to buy one. You will really have to save for it. You might even have to cut short on other stuff and limit your meals. These high prices deprive of people of their passion to listen to music.

But what would you feel if someone would give you a free ipod? Now, you do not have to spend your own money and savings, instead it would be given to you for free. That would be wonderful, won’t it? But the question there is, where in the world will you get a free ipod?

Nowadays, many people use this free ipod as a gimmick. They could attract many people for the promise of a free ipod. Most of the promos include a free ipod as one of their prizes. If you would only join, you would have the chance of winning a new and free ipod. I guess that they are including a free ipod as one of their prizes to invite more people to join the promo because almost every people want an ipod inside their pockets.

If you would be one the winners of the free ipod, you will definitely be excited about it. If you think about it, a device worth thousands will be yours for free, it is like a gift from heaven.

A promise of a free ipod can also be use for advertising. You can advertise a certain event of maybe a product given that if they but, they might win a free ipod. Many would be buying your product or will be going to your event.

Another example is, if you a restaurant and the number of customers are low, try on giving a free ipod a prize in a raffle and that they can acquire the raffle tickets only if they ate at your place. Next thing you know, there will be a sudden increasing in the number of your customers. The results may be shocking.

You would be surprise see that many people would be eating at your place because they want to have a chance on winning that free ipod. A free ipod brings wonders to your life. Now, it is no longer just a device for entertainment but for business as well.

But why and how does a free pod do this? As we all no, gadgets is the in thing today and the ipod is one of the front runners in that category. Although we hate to admit it, it is human nature to want what is in. Even if people can’t afford it, they really still crave for it. That is why a free ipod is so attractive and catchy for those poeple who want it but don’t have the money to purchase it.

But is it all about being in? In my opinion, a free ipod is attractive because it will bring you entertainment with comfort because it is portable and is easy to use. You can listen to music and watch videos with one click. This is like the extreme gadget for music lovers. And music doesn’t only include those of the rich, it goes all the way down to the middle class and the poor.

And for their love of music, a free ipod is all that’s left for them to have this magnificent device and enjoy music.

The ipod is the ultimate symbol of the digital age and if you haven’t heard about it, then you’ve been in cave for a very long time. The iPod is today’s coolest gadget. Having one elevates you to the status of the ipod people ? audiophiles in love with their ipods. And what self-respecting ipod person would you be if you didn’t dress up your ipod with ipod accessories? Luckily there are hundreds of companies who offerthe best and amazing hardware and software ipod accessories to compliment and personalize your “baby.”

Let’s start with the basics of ipod accessories: ipod skins. The first, second and third generation ipods often has to content itself with the ipod accessories of cases in leather, rubber, aluminum or fabric to protect the ipod from scratches, dust and moisture. Depending on your needs, there are covers that allow you to carry your ipod in all your activity. From water-resistant cases to sweat proof sleeves, these ipod accessories define the meaning of portable.

The skins can also serve a fashionable function. DecalGirl.com has a vast array of ipod skins, from your loud colors to your favorite anime characters, anything you can think of is possible. You can even satisfy the abstract lover in you with graphic designs printed on your ipod skin. Just make sure that the ipod accessories you get have a guarantee, in case of an inferior product.

The next basic ipod accessories you need are the headphones or earphones. Although the ipod box set comes with earphones, there are but a few who prefer an all-surround sound experience. Other ipod accessories for headphones include the retractable headphones, which is great to use on the outdoors. And then there are the ipod accessories of headphones with speakers, the infrared wireless earphones and water resistant earphones for those times when you can’t even take a bath without listening to your ipod.

Aside from this basic earpiece, external speakers and the carry case ipod accessories are quite popular. The iBoom iPod player has a dock for your ipod player with speakers on the side. It fits perfectly for those picnics and beach outings where music is a must to liven up the party. Another brand called the iBag ipod player with FM stereo tote carrying bag adds more fun since you have the option to surf through local radio stations for more hopping beats.

More ipod accessories are available to the ipod junkie via the Internet. A lot of websites do product reviews of these ipod accessories and you can get a preview of the items you want to buy through them. Among these sites are welovemacs.com, and connectingpoint.net. They have a wide range of ipod accessories for all the generations of iPods. They not only give you the price, features and product compatibility details but they also give you the pros and cons of each ipod accessory.

Other ipod accessories that is a must have for any iPod warrior is the Belkin Voice Recorder that lets you record reminders, meeting and notes into your iPod. Then there’s the hands free accessory called the iPod remote and earphones. You don’t have to worry about fumbling over the iPod controls as you drive or make that last 2-mile run. A stationary version of this remote is available. Called the NaviPod IR Remote, it allows you to control your iPod’s audio from across a room. Another one of the essential ipod accessories is the iPod Dock that charges iPod at work or at home.

For the car lovers, ipod accessories have been created to accommodate your music players. First of these is the Belkin TuneDok Car Holder that hold your iPod in place. Another one of these nifty ipod accessories is the Sony Car Cassette Adapter that connects your iPod to the car stereo. And not to forget is another one of those wonderful ipod accessories, the Griffin iTrip FM Transmitter. Your ipod can now play your music through the FM radio of your car. All it needs is the iPod dock connector to work. It draws a small amount of power from your iPod and doesn’t need any batteries.

You can really personalize your iPod in more ways than one. These ipod accessories not only enhance your iPod but it is also the number one status symbol for any true iPod lover.

It seems that every month, if not every week, different manufacturers are coming up with the latest digital cameras to entice potential clients. And it’s just not working for us!

After spending sizeable amount of time at the mall figuring out which is the best digital camera for us, we finally have enough money to buy for that eye-popping, 7 mega pixel, 10x digital zoom, potable, candy colored, up to 512MB expandable memory of super hi-speed SD memory card and not to mention very portable, (that will be the envy of almost everyone we know). We march to the mall armed with our life savings and lotsa pride in ourselves, when we pass by a new display – an eight mega pixel, up to 1G expandable memory, with built it mic and stereo surround, video playback capable, with 22 scenic modes kind-of-camera. And we sigh because the producer of this amazing gadget claims that this is the best digital camera yet out in the market. And so as we always want to have the best, armed with our life savings and a few credit cards, we buy the “best digital camera.” But then again, that doesn’t last too long, after two months or so, there’s another “best digital camera.”

And so it confuses us. What makes a digital camera, the best digital camera?

Well, there are certain factors to consider when looking for the “best digital camera” for us.

MEGAPIXELS. One of the most important features of digital camera to make it into the best digital camera category is its mega pixel property. The higher the mega pixels the better the actual photograph will come out. A mega pixel is equivalent to one million pixels. The resolution of your image is based upon the mega pixel property of your camera. This means that as you enlarge the picture, you would get more detail and less blurry colors.

LCD SIZE. The best digital camera will always have a large LCD to help you frame your subject without having to squint to the viewfinder. This is also helpful when reviewing your images, some cameras enable touch up and editing features with its LCD. A 1.5-inch display is average, a 2-inch LCD display is good, but the best LCD size would be 2.5 inches or higher.

ZOOM. Most digital cameras have both digital and optical zoom. A higher optical zoom is always better than a higher digital zoom. Digital cameras are usually furnished with optical of between 3x to 10x. The better the optical zoom, the higher it climbs up to the best digital camera category.

MEMORY CARD. Always make sure that your memory card is the right one for your digital camera. There are different types of memory card like the xD, SD, Flash card and the likes. And these types of memory cards go with certain types of digital cameras. of course memory storage is also up there in choosing the best digital cameras. Choose the size of memory that you need, if you’re a photo junkie, you might need more than 32MB. Memory cards can go up to 1G.

The key point to find the best digital camera is to find one that will best fit you and your lifestyle. Don’t just buy the latest or the one that claims they are the best digital cameras out in the market. You wouldn’t want to buy a DSLR and use it with your home activities or family outing and have to lug it around?! Or you don’t want to buy the latest point and shoot camera when you’re serious about being a professional photographer. (Of course, you can use this for starters, but if you’re not a novice photographer anymore, you wouldn’t want to get this kind of camera.)

Actually, the best digital camera is the one that you will enjoy and use. Not the type that you’ll just leave rotting in its box or after a few weeks of usage or so, up there in the attic.