iBed

Why is the world so obsessed with the iPod? It’s only an excessively hyped averagely functioning MP3 player after all. There are lots of other makes of MP3 players which are cheaper, better featured and more reliable.

But I guess we live in a world of image over function. A world where hype means more than reality.
Why else would women wear shoes that are uncomfortable and wreck their feet? Why else would Paris Hilton’s empty-brained expressionless face be spread over the covers of so many magazines? Why else would the Scary Movie series actually get made?

And why else would Designmobel create an iPod compatible bed?

iPods to plug directly into vehicles by 2007

In a move that will cause serious concerns amongst those of us that choose to use better quality, more functional portable audio devices, three major car manufacturers have struck a deal with Apple. Ford, GM and Mazda will kit all of their 2007 range of vehicles with the ability to dock an iPod, allowing control via the existing stereo controls. BMW, Mercedes Benz and Volvo already do so. I think some of the Audi range does as well.

This is great news for the mass public, who all seem to be very happy with their iPods, oblivious to the fact that there are much better products available. However it is likely to be the final blow to someone like me who will now have to buy an iPod for my next car.

Let me explain – An iPod uses a proprietary docking system, meaning that these cars will be built to support that Apple dock. To connect your own player into your car you usually a third-party car stereo head, and install an RCA (red & white stereo plugs) lead which can site in the glovebox. I did this in my Mazda 323 to plug in my iRiver. Now I can also plug an iPod or any other music gadget directly into this, but modern cars do not generally offer this facility from their highly-integrated stereos. Our Subaru Outback, for example, can only accept input via a radio transmitter, and you make a number of compromises using these devices. If an iPod dock will be the only way I can connect my portable music player, then I guess I have no choice but to buy an iPod.

iPod Bluetooth Adaptor

This may seem to be a surprising post from me, given I don’t like iPods.
However, the rest of the world does, so I need to let you all know about iPod-related cool things.

It should be pointed out that the iPod has the best user interface of all portable music gadgets, and it looks cool, so that’s why it is so popular. It just so happens that I like functionality and audio quality over simple form, which is why I have never liked the iPod. But more about that in a later post.

The Jabra A125s is a bluetooth adapter for your iPod. What that means is you can buy some wireless bluetooth headphones, plug this thing into your iPod charging port, and immediately receive music without wires!

Some say those white wires are part of the allure of the iPod, so it will be very interesting to see how well this sells. Others say that bluetooth audio is not of great quality. I don’t think you’ll notice any difference from your wired headphones. To begin with, the iPod earbuds are awful! Get rid of them! Secondly, prior to this release you generally only found bluetooth audio available in mobile phones that could also play MP3s, and the audio quality from those things is generally awful in the first place.

The downside to this gadget is probably the battery life drain to both your iPod and the actual headphones themselves. But, I love the idea for exercising.
The Jabra A125s will be released in August and is currently expected to be retailing in the States for US$75. Once they are released your first port of call for an online purchase should be Hello Direct and you will probably be able to buy them from Mr Gadget or Expansys in Australia not long after that.

Question: Do you prefer wireless to wired?