June 4 - 9:50pm EDT   Apple's online store is currently offering Refurbished MacBook Pro laptops starting at $1449, along with a variety of iPods for as little as $99. Currently the 15.4-inch MacBook Pro's have a 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo with 2GB of memory a 120GB hard drive and a NVIDIA GeForce graphics card and start at $1419. While the 17-inch 2.6GHz models include 2GB memory, 200GB hard drive at 7200 rpm, NVIDIA GeForce graphics card and a high resolution screen for $2749. Current generation reconditioned 4GB iPod nano's ($99) include earphones and a USB cable and can hold up to 1,000 songs with up to 24 hours of music playback and up to 5 hours of video playback; 8GB iPod nano's ... [full story]

May 21 - 3:20pm EDT   Peripheral maker Creative Labs has introduced a new speaker setup for iPods, the TravelSound for iPod nano. As opposed to most such speaker systems, which rely on separate, desktop-sized satellites, the TravelSound meshes two channels into a single body, in which the Nano docks flush. The speaker is also designed to be tiny enough to be handheld, or carried in pockets, purses or luggage. Each channel produces 700mW of RMS power, with a frequency response of 180Hz to 20KHz. [full story]

May 20 - 11:55am EDT   Apple has released a new firmware update for third-generation (video) iPod nanos, bringing the software up to v1.1.2, as on the iPod classic. The update is available only through iTunes, and is not described on Apple's support pages; accompanying release information, however, indicates that it is a minor update, addressing miscellaneous "bug fixes." Installing the update simply requires synching a Nano with an Internet-connected computer. [full story]

May 6 - 11:55am EDT   The US Patent and Trademark Office today granted several patents to Apple, among them a collection of iPod technologies. Predominant among these is the design of the iPod nano, despite it being on sale in the US since September of 2005. More than a dozen people are credited with the invention, including key designer Jonathan Ive and Apple CEO Steve Jobs. The patent may however apply specifically to the second-generation Nano, as it was originally applied for in September of 2006. [full story]

May 2 - 9:45pm EDT   In brief: We have a review of Boynq Sound2Go, FileExaminer is on sale, Belkin is offering pink-ribbon cases to combat breast cancer, and Peachpit is now on Adobe TV ... We have posted a review of the Boynq Sound2Go, a compact portable speaker system for your iPod or any MP3 player that measures 8.5 x 6.5 x 4.75 inches in height. Its one-pound weight is a bit hefty for a suitcase, especially if you're limited to one bag on your airline of choice. It is useful for vacation get-aways, if you can still afford gas to go anywhere, or as a personal sound system on your desk at work. [full story]

April 22 - 4:25pm EDT   For one week only, Apple's Japan stores are selling limited-edition cases for the iPod touch and nano, a Japanese site writes. Each case is made of hardened polycarbonate and coated in black rubber, featuring a special golden etching on the back, belonging to the shopping district it was bought from. People can buy Ginza, Shibuya, Nagoya, Sendai, Sapporo, Fukuoka and Shinsaibashi models of the cases. [full story]

April 21 - 5:55pm EDT   Aside from its PPS2, USBfever has added two other products to its lineup for Apple portables. The first of these is an infrared remote (right), which operates at distances of up to 32.8 feet, and controls basic iPhone/iPod functions such as play/pause, skipping forward and backward, and adjusting volume. To work, users must plug the remote's included dongle into a player's dock connector; supported devices include everything from the third generation iPod onwards, with the exception of Shuffles and the first-generation Nano. The remote package costs $20. [full story]

April 21 - 12:35pm EDT   Generic dealer USBfever has released a second Portable Power Station intended for the iPhone. The device serves as a backup battery, temporarily recharging the internal one when connecting to wall socket is impractical; it attaches directly to an iPhone's dock connector, and starts the recharge process immediately. A second port at the base of the PPS2 lets users charge both the internal and external batteries simultaneously, or alternately sync with a computer as usual. [full story]

April 21 - 11:50am EDT   iStyles has begun shipping the latest version of its Crystal Case iPod protectors, now tailored for the third-generation iPod nano. The cases conform specifically to the dimensions of Apple's latest Nano, and are made of translucent polycarbonate, with colors tinted to the shade of each different Nano model. Exposed areas of a player include the clickwheel and the headphone jack; the screen, Hold switch and dock connector remain covered most of the time, but a door allows access to the latter two components as needed. [full story]

April 7 - 5:20pm EDT   Grantwood has announced the release of tuneband for iPod nano, an armband product designed to comfortably secure the iPod nano in place during exercise, including Nike+iPod compatibility. The product consists of a comfortable and flexible armband strap that can accommodate both large and small arms, a durable silicone skin that allows access to all ports on the iPod nano, and a low-tack, cut-and-peel screen protector that helps guard against smudges, moisture, and daily wear-and-tear. The tuneband is compatible with all generations of the iPod nano, and the current 3rd generation model has skins available in eight colors: black, gray, navy blue, neon green, pink, purple, ... [full story]

March 27 - 5:25pm EDT   Digital Lifestyle Outfitters has made several additions to its Jam Jacket family of iPod cases, including new models for the iPod nano and iPod touch. Available today are the Jam Jacket with MultiClip for iPod touch, which features a unique, multi-function "MultiClip," and the Jam Jacket for iPod nano featuring a laser-etched design on the back of the case. Both cases are available immediately for $20. The Jam Jacket with MultiClip for the iPod touch features a unique 3-in-1 integrated clip built into the back of the case. The silicone-covered MultiClip acts as a clip/stand combo, as well as a cable management solution. Users can clip it on their belt, or pop out the ... [full story]

March 11 - 1:55pm EDT   The Japanese industry ministry is reportedly investigating an incident in which an iPod Nano "overheated and discharged sparks." Reuters quotes the ministry "The battery part of the product overheated while being charged and sparked," Apple's iPod safety manual states "When you're using iPod or charging the battery, it is normal for iPod to get warm. The exterior of iPod functions a a cooling surface that transfers heat from inside the unit to the cooler air outside." As such, iPods have been known to overheat when placed in cases that do no allow adequate ventilation. [full story]

February 21 - 11:10am EST   iPod accessory builder DLO has a new version of its VideoShell case, designed specifically for the iPod nano. As with other VideoShells, the Nano model is made out of polycarbonate, offering stiff protection from impacts and scratches while allowing access to the clickwheel, dock connector and headphone jack. Because it is transparent, it can also fully protect the screen; to further improve video watching, a sliding kickstand rests the Nano at an angle on flat surfaces. DLO is selling the new VideoShell for $20. [full story]

February 20 - 9:15pm EST   RhinoSkin today began shipping a new aluminum hard case for the latest iPod nanos. The case is made from aluminum to guard against scratching, and fits both 4GB and 8GB Nanos while offering charge as well as playback capability without the need to remove the player. RhinoSkin's latest cover includes a clear, scratch-resistant, and shatterproof polycarbonate plastic front with a durable aluminum back. [full story]

February 14 - 11:15am EST   Agent 18 today debuted two new FlowerVest cases for Apple's iPod touch and iPod nano players. The cases come in two designs which include pink with pink flowers and brown with blue flowers, aiming to protect the iPod while adding style with a floral print featured on both front and back. Touch FlowerVest cases are made from soft silicon and easily slip onto the iPod touch, providing full access to ports as well as the touch screen interface. Touch FlowerVest cases are priced at $30, while Nano FlowerVest cases are available for $20. [full story]