Wednesday, August 30, 2006

Journalists sued over iPod story  

A Chinese court has frozen the personal assets of a reporter and an editor at a Shanghai newspaper after Apple iPod manufacturer Foxconn sued the pair for 30 million yuan (US$3.77 million) for allegedly damaging its reputation over reports of substandard work conditions.

The June 15 report claimed that most employees in Foxconn's Shenzhen factory worked more than 12 hours a day and earned only about 1,000 yuan a month. They also had to stand for long hours at their jobs and were not allowed to talk to others, the report alleged.

Link

Tuesday, August 29, 2006

Linkin Park Catalogue available to download at the iTunes Music Store  


Good news for fans of Linkin Park, Grammy Award winners as they can download an entire catalogue of Linkin Park, including albums, digital booklets, DVD releases and concert videos. The download is available at the iTunes Music Store.

Link

Friday, August 25, 2006

£52m Apple payout ends iPod dispute  


Apple Computer is to pay £52 million to Singapore-based Creative Technology over an iPod patenting battle. The California-based firm agreed to the out-of-court settlement after it was accused of hijacking a navigation system used in Creative's Zen media players for its own digital music player.

Creative, which launched five separate lawsuits against its rival, asked the International Trade Commission to ban Apple from importing its best-selling iPod to the lucrative US market.

The agreement also allows Apple to recoup some of the money if other companies license Creative's technology.

Link

Wednesday, August 23, 2006

Lightweight Bluetooth Stereo Headphones  

Dynamode (www.dynamode.co.uk) has launched a set of lightweight Bluetooth stereo headphones. The BT-SHS-W system also supports Bluetooth communications with a mobile phone, so the music stops when a call comes through. The Bluetooth transmitter connects to the iPod using the headphone jack and works at a range of up to 15m. It offers 6.5 hours playback time on each charge.

Link

Tuesday, August 22, 2006

Keep the Charge  


Sonnet has launched a range of power adaptors for fourth and fifth generation iPods with dock connectors. The adaptors are smaller than those available on the market. The iPod USB power adapter costs £14.99.

Link

Monday, August 21, 2006

iPod Nano Price Drop  


Apple has reduced prices across its iPod nano range, with £10 lopped off the previous price. The 1GB model now costs £99; the 2GB model costs £129; the 4GB iPod nano's new price is £169. The iPod Hi-Fi has also seen its price drop £20 to £299.

Link

U2 Special Offer  


Apple has launched a new iPod U2 Special edition. The device is a 30 GB iPod video with an all-black enclosure, red click wheel and engravings of the band member's signatures. It costs £239.

U2 iPod customers will also get a 30-minute exclusive U2 video as a free download from the iTunes Music Store.

Link

Sunday, August 20, 2006

iPod Updates  


Apple has released iPod updates software. The recent iPod Updater 2006-06-28 includes the latest technology to drive all iPod models, fixing some small bugs and offering support for the new Nike+ running shoes. Apple has also released an update for iTunes, iTunes 6.0.5. This makes it possible for iPod nanos to collect data from Nike+ running shoes.

Link

Saturday, August 19, 2006

Sennheiser PXC 300  



Sennheiser PXC 300 offers better sound quality and aren't quite as comfortable but they're still easy to wear for hours at a time. And when folded up in the included hard travel case, the PXC 300 take up less than half the space in your bag.

Available from www.sennheiser.co.uk

Overall Rating

Link

Sennheiser PXC 250  



The Sennheiser PXC 250 headphone provides great sound with excellent noise-cancelling functionality (helpful not only when travelling but also when sitting next to a noisy computer at home).

The only drawback is that the PXC 250 has smaller earpads - they fit on the ears rather than around them - which don't block as much external sound as some of the larger models like the Bose Quiet Comfort 2. It takes a bit of practice to get the right 'fit' with the PXC 250.

Available from www.sennheiser.co.uk

Overall Rating

Link

Friday, August 18, 2006

Altec Lansing AHP-712  



The sound of the Altec Lansing AHP-712 is fine but the bass is rather too flabby - apparently Americans prefer this type of bass, while Europeans like it punchier.

The noise-cancelling works well, but for some reason increases music volume at the same time which makes atandard non-cancelling operation appear rather weak in comparison.

Available from www.altec-lansing.com

Overall Rating

Link

Bose Quiet Comfort 2  



Bose Quiet Comfort 2 provides better physical noise isolation, thanks to the circumaural (surrounding the ear) design. They're luxuriously comfortable, so very popular travel headphones.

In addition, unlike most noise-cancelling models that place the anti-noise circuitry in a controller box or tube somewhere along the cable, the circuitry of the QC2 is contained in the earpieces themselves. This results in slightly bulkier headphones, but many users may prefer such bulk to having a separate enclosure dangling from the headphone cable.

Available from www.bose.co.uk

Overall Rating

Link

Bose TriPort  



For the best audio you need to eliminate external sounds. There are three ways of doing that, use in-ear, noise-cancelling or closed headphones. In-ear models are uncomfortable for some people, noise cancelling are expensive and require power, and closed are usually big and heavy.

Bose has managed to produce lightweight closed headphones that are compact enough to wear in public and avoid making you look like a cyberman from Doctor Who. The sound is outstanding - a bit like wearing a high-end stereo on your head.

Available from www.bose.co.uk

Overall Rating

Link

Sennheiser HD 435  



Sennheiser HD 435 headphones might look old fashioned, but the sound and feel of them are quite modern. Old headphones of this size were heavy and clunky, while these are quite light. The sound is big too, with a mellow base and crisp midrange.

The performance is as good as some of the top, in-ear solutions. The design isn't as enormous as some of the bigger closed headphones, though only the very hip would take to the streets wearing them. But if you can handle the attention, you are rewarded with excellent sound quality.

Available from www.sennheiser.co.uk

Overall Rating

Link

Icemat Black Siberia  



Icemat Black Siberia headphones are not designed for use on the street, but in a home environment they are really rather good. The design incorporates a double band across the top of the head, which is comfortable without pressing too hard on your ears.

Using an open design, the sound quality is very good and while you could listen to your iPod with the Siberia headphones, they are more suited to gaming or skype calls. There is a removable microphone on a clip, so you can direct armies during game play or chat to your friends. It's a great design, just not for use in public.

Available from www.icemat.com

Overall Rating

Link

Ultrasone iCans  



Ultrasone iCans are relatively compact model designed specifically for portable use and obviously inspired by the iPod. What makes the iCans interesting and unique from other headphones on the market isn't the cool white design, but the technologies Ultrasone has used in making them.

The most significant of these is the company's S-Logic Natural Surround Sound, which bounces audio off the outer ear surfaces and into the ear canals, rather than projecting it directly into the canals. In theory, this more closely represents the phenomenon of listening to music being played out loud.

Although the iCans' large, fabric-covered earpads are quite comfortable but the plastic headband makes it pretty uncomfortable. Another sticking point is that the iCans' folding design is a bit awkward to use. You must remember to slide the earpieces back to their smallest setting (i.e. fully retracted) before you can rotate the earpieces flat for storage.

The sound quality is excellent and the S-Logic technology is compelling.

Available from www.audioltd.com

Overall Rating

Link

Sennheiser PX 200  



Sennheiser PX 200 blocks a limited degree of external noise giving you a stellar sound quality and great comfort. Note that because of the closed design, the PX 200 headphones provide less bass than the "open" styling of the PX 100. In addition, it takes some practice before you regularly get a good seal around your ears with the PX 200; without it the audio sound thin with poor bass response.

The PX 200 folds up like a pair of eyeglasses and fitting in an included hard case, which offers protection during your travels. You can choose between a black-and-silver headphones or a new version combining white plastic body pieces with a silver metal headband and grey pads, but will cost you a little more.

Available from www.sennheiser.co.uk

Overall Rating

Link

Sennheiser PX 100  



The Sennheiser PX 100 provide impressive sound quality and some of the best comfort you'll find. Although some people may feel a slight emphasis in the bass, this makes the set a great match for use with most portable players. However, the headphones don't block any external noise.

With excellent detail and midrange, as well as impressive bass, there are few, if any, lightweight headphones that can compete with the PX 100 in terms of sound quality. These headphones are also sturdy, extremely comfortable, and attractive.

The PX 100 folds up like a pair of eyeglasses and fitting in an included hard case, which offers protection during your travels. You can choose between a black-and-silver headphones or a new version combining white plastic body pieces with a silver metal headband and grey pads, but will cost you a little more.

Available from www.sennheiser.co.uk

Overall Rating

Link

AKG K26P  



AKG K26P headphones don't sound quite good as you don't get impressive midrange and overall balance and they aren't quite as comfortable, either. But they nevertheless stand out for offering things that are very difficult to find in small, lightweight headphones: a closed design and killer bass.

The K26P's small leather earpieces block a good amount of external sound, and the bass response will leave you wondering if there's a subwoofer hidden somewhere in the room.

Best of all, the K26P set folds up to fit into the included travel pouch. If you want to feel the impact of your rock, rap and hip-hop, but don't like carrying around a set of full-size headphones, these are the cans for you. A white version, the K27i, is also available to compliment your iPod.

Available from www.akg.com

Overall Rating

Link

Elecom Aluminium Tailored Earclips  



Elecom Aluminium Tailored Earclips offer great sound quality, although the fact that they hang rather than press against your head - as they would with regular headphones - means a little more of the sound aimed at your ears escapes.

It's not a problem for you, but the other people on the bus might not like it. The performance is excellent, and if you can get used to the feeling you are wearing dangly earrings they're a good deal.

Available from www.elecom.eu.com

Overall Rating

Link

Koss KSC-75  



Because Koss KSC-75 earclips have no headband, it's perfetc for people who don't want to mess up their hair. They are small, compact and very light. However, the longer you wear them the heavier they feel.

The KSC-75 has a more attractive appearance with stylish curves and in addition are thin metal covered in translucent, stiff rubber. The result is a relatively stylish model that fits securely but comfortably.

It presents an excellent sound quality but my only disappointment is that the bass response is "good but not quite as good". Nevertheless, this headphone will blow away your player's stock earbuds or headphones for about the price of three albums on the iTunes Music Store.

Available from www.koss.com

Overall Rating

Link

Artwizz Hangphones  



Artwizz Hangphones consist of a lanyard to suspend your iPod; with built-in earbuds. The sound quality is pretty average, and certainly no better than Apple's own earbuds. The whole thing is reasonably comfortable, and if an earbud should fall out, it's on a pretty short leash. It's light enough to hang around your neck if you have an iPod Nano or Shuffle.

Artwizz also has in-ear versions that are a lot better at keeping out noise, and keeping your music from escaping. The sound quality is noticeably better, but it lets you keep the volume lower.

Available from www.artwizz.com

Overall Rating

Link

iBeat illuminating Headphones  



The iBeat illuminating headphones comes in six crazy colours and flash, and blink in time to the music playing on your iPod. They can be used in three ways: non-illuminating, always illuminated, and flashing. While they don't produce astounding sound the quality is about as good as Apple's own earbuds.

There's an external power block that houses the batteries, which provide 80 hours of flash life. The block can be easily attached to your iPod, although this does add to its bulk. An amusing addition to any iPod user's arsenal of off-the-wall add-ons.

Available from www.ammicro.co.uk

Overall Rating

Link

Bang & Olufsen A8  



The A8 earbud/earclip hybrids are extremely comfortable thanks to super-adjustable clips, and are guaranteed to earn envious looks from passers-by thanks to their standout design and attractive aluminium finish.

They provide good detail but, like most earbuds, are a bit lacking in the low end. For the same price (about £90) you could definitely find better-sounding earphones, but you'll be hard pressed to find any that are more comfortable or better looking. The included leather travel case is a nice touch.

Available from www.bang-olufsen.com

Overall Rating

Link

Shure E2c, Etymotic ER-6 and ER-6i  



These models block out a good deal of external noise for midrange canalphones and preserve the music's natural detail. Like most true in-ear-canal models, you get less of the visceral bass that you find in 'standard' headphones - it's there provided you get a good seal, but you hear it rather than feel it.

Comparing the three, the Shure E2c set has a bit more bass and less detail than the ER-6 above, whereas the ER-6 model has slightly better midrange and treble. The ER-6i set provides a balanced sound as well as a classic iPod-matching white design.

Available from www.shuredistribution.co.uk, www.etymotic.com

Overall Rating

Link

FutureSonics/XtremeMac FS1  



Two of the most common criticisms of canalphones are that they're ugly and you don't have enough bass. The FS1 address both concerns, and then some. Thanks to a curvaceous design available in white/grey or black/grey, they're probably the most stylish canalphones on the market. And if you get a good seal - not difficult, thanks to three kinds of eartips included in the box - you'll get bass the likes of which you've rarely heard from in-ear-canal headphones.

Available from www.xtrememac.com

Overall Rating

Link

Thursday, August 17, 2006

Record audio on your iPod  



XtremeMac is finally shipping its MicroMemo system in the UK. This transforms an iPod into a digital audio recorder.

The device, which was first announced in January, ships with a detachable, omnidirectional microphone and carries a built-in speaker to allow playback without having to use headphones. The microphone can be removed so users can add their own, or employ the device to record sound from other sources (a quick and easy way to digitise old vinyl albums, for example).

The MicroMemo attaches to the iPod's Dock connector and can record 26-bit audio in a choice of high -or low-quality formats. When attached to an iPod, the Voice Memo display pops up, letting users see the recording time on the screen, and save or pause recording using the click wheel.

Overall Rating


Link

Wednesday, August 16, 2006

iClear Nano Case  



iClear Nano case is a robust, clear polycarbonate designed to handle the everyday bump and grind of modern life without detracting from Apple's aesthetically designed music player.

It's a two piece case that snaps together snugly, while offering full access to all the nano's ports and controls. It's designed to be light and not add any bulk.

Available from www.griffintechnology.com; AM Micro 01392 426 473

Overall Rating

Link

iShok Nano  



iShok Nano is a hard case for the iPod nano which surrounds the music player with rubber shock absorbers and is secured by a snap closure. You can also sync the iPod while it's in the case, and access the controls by flipping back the cover.

Available from www.shokproof.com

Overall Rating

Link

DuoBand  



DuoBand is a protector for the iPod Nano. This encases the music player in a double layer of polycarbonate and silicone, which protects it from moisture when you perspires while working out.

You can still access the screen and click wheel when the iPod is in the protective armband case which is available in pink or black. DuoBand also has a built-in reflective strip to ensure cyclists and runners get seen in the dark.

Available from www.iskin.com; Channel Dynamics 0870 607 0540

Overall Rating

Link
  

View My Stats