Switched http://www.switched.com Switched http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.switched.com/media/feedlogo.gif Switched http://www.switched.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Gift Guide: Blue Microphones Mikey]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/11/06/gift-guide-blue-microphones-mikey/http://www.switched.com/2009/11/06/gift-guide-blue-microphones-mikey/http://www.switched.com/2009/11/06/gift-guide-blue-microphones-mikey/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Blue Microphones Mikey (Creative, Under $100)

For those who like to get creative with sound, Blue Mikey ($79.99) is an excellent addition to your potable digital tool belt. Essentially a mic that plugs into the bottom of your iPhone or iPod, Mikey lets you capture anything from live music to lectures. You interface with the hardware as you would the iPhone's built-in mic; you can either use Apple's own voice recorder, or download some more feature-packed options as Fire and FourTrack. Since it uses your iPhone as its "computer," the Blue Mikey is infinitely smaller than most digital recorders out there (for better or worse, it's also very light). The mic is directional, and a switch on the back lets you choose between different gain levels, depending on the sound source. Field recording has never been so convenient.

SwitchedGift Guide: Blue Microphones Mikey originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessorieshgghgg-100hgg-creativemicrophonesmicsFri, 06 Nov 2009 14:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Gift Guide: Grado iGi Earphones]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/11/04/gift-guide-grado-igi-earphones/http://www.switched.com/2009/11/04/gift-guide-grado-igi-earphones/http://www.switched.com/2009/11/04/gift-guide-grado-igi-earphones/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Grado iGi Earphones (Media Hound, Under $100)

To the audio obsessives who consider the quality of their sound gear a way of life, the mere mention of the name Grado elicits the kind of response usually reserved for Santa or, well, Steve Jobs . Since most Grado headphones are priced in the relative stratosphere, its new iGi model ($89) is a welcome entry-level sampler for the iPod generation. As with all in-ear models, they offer the side benefit of blocking out virtually all outside noise mostly because they're inserted deep into your ear canal -- like you-better-pay-for-dinner-and-a-movie-first type of intimacy. The iGi's don't compare with some of Grado's more legendary over-the-ear models, but you'd be hard-pressed to find better quality sound from such a reliable brand at anywhere near the cost.

SwitchedGift Guide: Grado iGi Earphones originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>earbudsgradohgghgg-100hgg-mediahoundIEMigiigi earphoneIgiEarphoneWed, 04 Nov 2009 18:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Gift Guide: Wadia i70i High-End iPod Dock]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/10/30/gift-guide-wadia-i70i-high-end-ipod-dock/http://www.switched.com/2009/10/30/gift-guide-wadia-i70i-high-end-ipod-dock/http://www.switched.com/2009/10/30/gift-guide-wadia-i70i-high-end-ipod-dock/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


"High-end" and "iPod dock" are seldom combined, but Wadia Digital has made it so with its 170iTransport, a squat little component that can turn Apple's portable audio and video capabilities into a stellar home media server. The first product to offer iPod's native digital audio output--over SP/DIF coaxial cable, included--the 170i enables your compressed music collection sound purer than it ever has, enjoyed over a home stereo/home theater rig. Boasting component video, the i170 delivers your movie files to the TV or HDTV with exceptional clarity, too. In black or silver, with remote control and assorted docking inserts.

$379.99

wadia.com

SwitchedGift Guide: Wadia i70i High-End iPod Dock originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 11:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hgghgg-500hgg-mediahoundFri, 30 Oct 2009 11:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Is the Zune HD Better Than the iPod?]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/09/19/is-the-zune-hd-better-than-the-ipod/http://www.switched.com/2009/09/19/is-the-zune-hd-better-than-the-ipod/http://www.switched.com/2009/09/19/is-the-zune-hd-better-than-the-ipod/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Hype Check:

Zune HD

What it is: You've no doubt heard of Zune -- Microsoft's much-hyped personal media player (PMP) -- but you may not have seen much of it. Unfortunately for Microsoft, the device hasn't exactly caught on with the mainstream, with Apple's iPod (not to mention iPhone) still dominating the space. Zune HD is the Zune's third iteration and it comes in 16 -gigabyte (GB) and 32GB varieties, a 3.3-inch OLED touchscreen, support for HD Radio and downloadable apps, and a Web browser.

Why it's different: Why would you get a Zune HD rather than an iPod? A big selling point is the tight integration of Microsoft's own 'all-you-can-eat' subscription-based music service, making discovering new music a slick, fun and affordable experience. It has a screen that tops even Apple's, HD Radio, and the ability to output HD-quality 720p video to your television set. In other words, it actually does some things that the iPod doesn't.


Continue reading Is the Zune HD Better Than the iPod?

SwitchedIs the Zune HD Better Than the iPod? originally appeared on Switched on Sat, 19 Sep 2009 08:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featureshypecheckmicrosofttopzunezunehdSat, 19 Sep 2009 08:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Best Earbuds Under $100?]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/07/21/best-earbuds-under-100/http://www.switched.com/2009/07/21/best-earbuds-under-100/http://www.switched.com/2009/07/21/best-earbuds-under-100/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,



A reader asks: I travel and commute a lot, and I need a set of headphones for my iPod and laptop. Those white earbuds just don't cut it on a plane or subway - especially for blocking out noise. I like to watch action movies, so they need to have good bass for those Hollywood explosions. But I'm also a jazz fan.

Hey Reader: We're not crazy about stock earbuds, either, and we've tried just about every alternative on the market. While in-ear models from Etymotic and Shure are popular for their excellent noise blocking and über-clear sound, they are expensive -- and uncomfortable on long trips. Instead, we recommend an affordable set from Ultimate Ears, the MetroFi 220. For $79, you get full, crisp bass without sacrificing clarity in the middle and upper ranges -- making the headphones versatile enough for all kinds of movies and music.

The extremely compact earbuds look pretty snazzy, with shiny, titanium-colored accents and a red-tinted ring clearly marking the right-ear bud. You get three sizes of smooth silicon tips. That way, you can select the ones that go just far enough into your ear canals to stay put and block noise -- without tickling your cochlea. Their black, hard-plastic carrying case fits easily in your pocket. For an extra $10, Ultimate Ears also makes an iPhone-compatible version, the MetroFi 220vi, which features an inline mic and a call-answer button.

SwitchedBest Earbuds Under $100? originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 21 Jul 2009 12:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audioearbudsfeaturesheadphonesipodaccessoriesjusttellmewhattogettopTue, 21 Jul 2009 12:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Best iPod-Enabled Alarm Clock Radio: Cambridge Soundworks i765]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/06/26/best-ipod-enabled-alarm-clock-radio-cambridge-soundworks-i765/http://www.switched.com/2009/06/26/best-ipod-enabled-alarm-clock-radio-cambridge-soundworks-i765/http://www.switched.com/2009/06/26/best-ipod-enabled-alarm-clock-radio-cambridge-soundworks-i765/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,



A reader writes: I want a decent-sounding audiophile table radio that can not only handle my iPod, but also wake me up in the morning! The Bose Wave radio II looks nice, but I'm not sure I want to spend more than $300 on this. Just tell me what to get!

Sure, Bose's Wave radio II sounds great, but do you really want to shell out $350 for a high-end clock radio that doesn't interface directly with your iPod? Likewise, Tivoli Audio's $400 iYiYi looks and sounds as nice as it gets it gets for a table radio/alarm clock, but just don't count on it waking you up (its snooze button is hard to find when you're half asleep). And the other options - from companies such as Griffin, iHome, and iLuv - may look nice, but they don't stack up sound-quality-wise. So, which hi-fi table radio to pick? To us, the choice is clear: Cambridge Soundworks i765 'High Performance HD iPod/DVD Entertainment System' is every bit as feature-packed and aurally-satisfying as its pricier rivals, and yet can be purchase for as little as $200 (with the right rebates/mark-downs).

Essentially an iPod-video-enabled version of the company's line of high-performance table/clock radios, the i765 has all the features you'd expect from the category, including two speakers and a built-in subwoofer that can handle stereo or wide/surround-sound-like configurations (as well as precise and deep bass, even at high volume levels). Output and input jacks let you play music from non-iPod devices (like your cell phone or computer) and plug in additional speakers, respectively.

Continue reading Best iPod-Enabled Alarm Clock Radio: Cambridge Soundworks i765

SwitchedBest iPod-Enabled Alarm Clock Radio: Cambridge Soundworks i765 originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alarmclockcambridgesoundworksfeaturesipoddockjusttellmewhattogettableradiostopFri, 26 Jun 2009 12:19:00 EST<![CDATA[13 Twitter No-No's]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/04/17/13-twitter-no-nos/http://www.switched.com/2009/04/17/13-twitter-no-nos/http://www.switched.com/2009/04/17/13-twitter-no-nos/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



The micro-blogging site Twitter, along with its 140-character-or-less messages known as "tweets," is continuing to earn daily references from media outlets, but to the uninitiated it can seem confusing, narcissistic and creepily voyeuristic. In reality, it serves as an instant and simple method of keeping in contact with family and friends, or for reading the latest news from favored writers, musicians and comedians.

PC mag, this week, released a list of "13 Twitter Dont's" to help inform newcomers and wary observers. They also offer tips to the annoying members who unceasingly tweet without concern for those of their followers who don't care what they may happen to be eating at that particular moment. Some of the tips seem self-explanatory ("Don't say anything that can get you fired," for instance), but, then again, many people need a constant reminder of that warning, too. Other tips provide insight into the language and abbreviations common on Twitter, and others demonstrate proper Twitter protocol ("Don't tweet more than 10 times a day"). So, read on. And when you're finished, and properly informed, you can follow our own Switched tweets right here. [From: PCMag.com]

Continue reading 13 Twitter No-No's

Switched13 Twitter No-No's originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 17 Apr 2009 23:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microbloggingpc magazinepcmagPcMagazinesocial networkingSocialNetworkingtech etiquetteTechEtiquettetoptwittertwitterholicFri, 17 Apr 2009 23:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Limited Edition, Prince-Themed iPod Touch -- Only $2,100]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/04/13/limited-edition-prince-themed-ipod-touch-only-2-100/http://www.switched.com/2009/04/13/limited-edition-prince-themed-ipod-touch-only-2-100/http://www.switched.com/2009/04/13/limited-edition-prince-themed-ipod-touch-only-2-100/#commentsFiled under: , ,


While certainly not the most expensive iPod we've ever seen, the limited edition Prince Opus iPod touch is definitely amongst the priciest. Sold only as part of an ultra rare kit that includes a luxurious book of Prince photographs from Kraken Opus, this touch (of unknown capacity) comes preloaded with 40 minutes of "exclusive" footage along with a live soundtrack from 'Indigo Nights.' Of course, it's also doused in purple and splashed with Prince's symbol 'round back, but even with only 950 kits available, we still say the $2,100 price tag is far too lofty. Hate to break it to ya, Opus, but those hedge funds are no longer partying like it's 1999.

[Via All Things Digital]

SwitchedLimited Edition, Prince-Themed iPod Touch -- Only $2,100 originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 13 Apr 2009 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleexpensiveipodipod touchipod touch 2gIpodTouchIpodTouch2glimited editionLimitedEditionluxurymusicopusprinceprince opusPrinceOpusrareupcomingMon, 13 Apr 2009 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Snoop Dogg Unveils His Skullcandy Headphone Line]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/04/09/snoop-dogg-unveils-his-skullycandy-headphone-line/http://www.switched.com/2009/04/09/snoop-dogg-unveils-his-skullycandy-headphone-line/http://www.switched.com/2009/04/09/snoop-dogg-unveils-his-skullycandy-headphone-line/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Oh Snoop, is there anything you can't do? The man that has conquered music, television, adult film, pee-wee football, and Martha Stewart is now setting his sights on the high-end headphone market, we just learned from Stuff.tv.

The headphone makers at Skullcandy have now redesigned their Skullcrusher line of headphones in honor of Sir Snoopnizzle. The Snoop Crusher (seen above) features two 30-millimeter (1.18-inch), neodynium magnetic speakers and two mini-subwoofers. If you're interested in purchasing these monsters, you can choose from two color patterns: blue bandanna and black bandanna. Apparently, Snoop isn't down with the Bloods. These cans go on sale this June.

In recent years, Snoop's former producer, mentor and Death Row Records cohort Dr. Dre has surprised the industry with his Monster Beat earbuds and headphones. We can only assume that the D-O-double-G won't be far behind the D-O-C. He never is. [From: Stuff.tv]

Related Links:

SwitchedSnoop Dogg Unveils His Skullcandy Headphone Line originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 09 Apr 2009 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>headphonesipod accessoriesIpodAccessoriesmusicskullcandysnoop crushersnoop doggSnoopCrusherSnoopDoggtopupcomingThu, 09 Apr 2009 13:01:00 EST<![CDATA[iPhone 3.0 Update Brings Much Needed New Features ]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/03/17/iphone-3-0-update-brings-much-needed-new-features/http://www.switched.com/2009/03/17/iphone-3-0-update-brings-much-needed-new-features/http://www.switched.com/2009/03/17/iphone-3-0-update-brings-much-needed-new-features/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

iPhone 3.0 Update Brings Much Needed New Features

The wait is over! Well, the wait to know what we're waiting for is over.

The iPhone 3.0 update is coming, and honestly, it's not coming soon enough. We'll have to wait until this June, when the iPhone will get a major software update that will bring boatloads of new features to everyone's favorite multi-touch cell phone. Of course, many of these features, such as support for Multi-Media-Messaging (MMS), have been on other smart phones for years. Check out the bullet list after the break for what to expect, and hit up Engadget for more in-depth coverage.

Continue reading iPhone 3.0 Update Brings Much Needed New Features

SwitchediPhone 3.0 Update Brings Much Needed New Features originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 17 Mar 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app storeappleAppStorebluetoothbreaking newsBreakingNewscopy and pasteCopyAndPastegpsiphone 3.0Iphone3.0mmspushpush notificationPushNotificationtopupcomingupdatesTue, 17 Mar 2009 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple's New iPod Shuffle Talks to You]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/03/11/apples-new-ipod-shuffle-talks-to-you/http://www.switched.com/2009/03/11/apples-new-ipod-shuffle-talks-to-you/http://www.switched.com/2009/03/11/apples-new-ipod-shuffle-talks-to-you/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Bam, another Apple rumor vindicated. Apple just doubled the capacity of its iPod shuffle to 4GB while ditching the control wheel entirely. The new design keeps the clip and adds VoiceOver -- a new feature that gets around the lack of display by telling you which song is playing and who performs it at the touch of a button on the earbud cable. It'll also call out your playlists and let you navigate to others. No word on which languages are supported. Available in black or silver for $80 and your claim to what Apple calls the "world's smallest music player."

Head to Engadget for a gallery and more specs.

Update: VoiceOver in English, Czech, Dutch, French, German, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Polish, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish and Turkish.

SwitchedApple's New iPod Shuffle Talks to You originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 11 Mar 2009 09:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applebreaking newsBreakingNewsipodipod shuffleIpodShufflemusicnew productsNewProductsWed, 11 Mar 2009 09:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Our Daily Deal: Creative Zen 2GB for $20.]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/03/09/our-daily-deal-creative-zen-2gb-for-20/http://www.switched.com/2009/03/09/our-daily-deal-creative-zen-2gb-for-20/http://www.switched.com/2009/03/09/our-daily-deal-creative-zen-2gb-for-20/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The folks over at TechDealDigger are letting us know about some of the best deals they find on gadgets every day, so we're going to pass that information on to you. After all, in these tough economic times, every little bit counts. We may not be buying Swarovski-covered iPods any time soon, but everyone needs essentials like a computer, so take a look at what the online deals site sent us today.

Okay, so, maybe you don't need a new MP3 player. For $20, though, it's hard to argue against the Creative Zen V Plus 2-gigabyte (GB) portable media player. The smaller-than-palm-sized device about 1,000 songs, but costs about $50 less than the similarly petite iPod Shuffle that only holds about 500 songs (and the Zen at least features a screen so you can scroll through you music and see what you're playing). Of course, it won't work with your iTunes-store-purchased songs, but then again, neither does any other portable player that's not an Apple iPod. Also, the reason it's such a good deal is because it's been 'refurbished,' which is essentially a certified pre-owned kind of a situation that's backed by a warranty.

Watch this space every day for new tech deals. [From: TechDealDigger]

SwitchedOur Daily Deal: Creative Zen 2GB for $20. originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 09 Mar 2009 11:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>our daily dealOurDailyDealtechdealdiggerMon, 09 Mar 2009 11:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung 'Beat DJ' Mobile Phone Lets You Remix Tracks on the Go]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/02/16/samsung-beat-dj-mobile-phone-lets-you-remix-tracks-on-the-go/http://www.switched.com/2009/02/16/samsung-beat-dj-mobile-phone-lets-you-remix-tracks-on-the-go/http://www.switched.com/2009/02/16/samsung-beat-dj-mobile-phone-lets-you-remix-tracks-on-the-go/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

As if a giant billboard wasn't enough of an unveiling, Samsung has released some official shots of its M7600 "Beat DJ" touchscreen handset. Like we knew already, the Quadband GSM / HSDPA music phone sports a 2.8-inch AMOLED touchscreen display, GPS, 3 megapixel camera, and Bang & Olufsen amplifier. It's also got codec support for DivX and XviD, microSDHC card slot for up to 16GB, Bluetooth A2DP, FM radio, and a very welcome 3.5mm headphone jack. As for those DJ features, the turntable-inspired "Disc UI" uses a spin wheel for navigation, and the included software lets you both create your own music and sounds as well as remix other songs by adding effects and filters. Unfortunately, mum's the word on pricing or availability.

[Thanks, David]

SwitchedSamsung 'Beat DJ' Mobile Phone Lets You Remix Tracks on the Go originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 16 Feb 2009 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsBreakingNewscreativemobileworldcongress2009new productsNewProductssamsungsamsungbeatdjupcomingMon, 16 Feb 2009 14:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Barbie Celebrates 50th Anniversary With an MP3 Player]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/02/16/barbie-celebrates-50th-anniversary-with-an-mp3-player/http://www.switched.com/2009/02/16/barbie-celebrates-50th-anniversary-with-an-mp3-player/http://www.switched.com/2009/02/16/barbie-celebrates-50th-anniversary-with-an-mp3-player/#commentsFiled under: ,


This isn't the first time we've seen a Barbie-branded MP3 player -- and this form factor does seem awfully familiar -- but the whole thing really is a no-brainer. If you're looking to reinforce young girls' unrealistic body image expectations (or if you're the post-modern / post-feminist / ironic type, or if you just really like the color pink) this is definitely one for you. Shaped like a makeup compact and designed by INNO Design, this thing sports 2GB storage, FM radio and a mirror. You know, for checking yourself out with. Or possibly for signaling rescue planes. And if that weren't enough, the device comes with mic input and a necklace strap. If you should happen to find yourself on Melrose Avenue, you can pick one up for yourself at Fred Segal, where they're really pulling out all the stops for Barbie's 50th anniversary. The price varies from $93-$165, and there's more pics after the break.

[Via Chip Chick]

Continue reading Barbie Celebrates 50th Anniversary With an MP3 Player

SwitchedBarbie Celebrates 50th Anniversary With an MP3 Player originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 16 Feb 2009 10:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barbiebarbie mp3 playerBarbieMp3Playerfred segalFredSegalINNO DesignInnoDesignkidsmelrose avenueMelroseAvenuemp3 playerMp3PlayertoysMon, 16 Feb 2009 10:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Sirius XM Preparing to File for Bankruptcy]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/02/11/report-sirius-xm-preparing-to-file-for-bankruptcy/http://www.switched.com/2009/02/11/report-sirius-xm-preparing-to-file-for-bankruptcy/http://www.switched.com/2009/02/11/report-sirius-xm-preparing-to-file-for-bankruptcy/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Sirius XM is preparing to file for bankruptcy and could do so within days, the New York Times reports. According to the article, the move might be a calculated act to pressure Dish Network and EchoStar owner Charles Ergen into making an offer for acquisition. The Wall Street Journal says he offered to purchase the merged satellite radio group late last year and was then brushed off. Despite previous rejections, he's recently reaffirmed his desire try again. If it wasn't before, the honeymoon is now officially over.

Read - New York Times
Read - Wall Street Journal

SwitchedReport: Sirius XM Preparing to File for Bankruptcy originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businesscharles ergenCharlesErgendish networkDishNetworkechostareconomiccrisisergensiriussirius radiosirius satellite radiosirius xmSiriusRadioSiriusSatelliteRadioSiriusXmxmWed, 11 Feb 2009 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Elton John and Swarovski Team Up for Bling-y iPods]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/02/04/elton-john-and-swarovski-team-up-for-bling-y-ipods/http://www.switched.com/2009/02/04/elton-john-and-swarovski-team-up-for-bling-y-ipods/http://www.switched.com/2009/02/04/elton-john-and-swarovski-team-up-for-bling-y-ipods/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Elton John and Swarovski Team Up for Colorful, Jewel Encrusted iPods
We've seen plenty of gaudy gadgets covered in bling: iPhone cases, cell phones, ear buds, even espresso machines, have been encrusted with jewels and gold. There is one thing all of those glitzy gizmos lacked, however, and that is the endorsement of the king of glam, Mr. 'Tantrums and Tiaras' himself, Elton John.

Swarovski and Sir John have teamed up to offer jewel-encrusted iPod Nanos, in the full range of colors, with a sizable 12.5-percent of the profit going to the Elton John AIDS Foundation. These fabulous iPods come loaded with 'Rocket Man: The Definitive Hits' and feature an engraving of the pop legend's signature on the back.

Of course, you pay a premium for the honor of owning such a thing. $565 gets you the 8-gigabyte (GB) model, while the 16-GB fetches a jaw-dropping $636 (converted from British Pounds). [From: Luxist]

Related Links:

SwitchedElton John and Swarovski Team Up for Bling-y iPods originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 04 Feb 2009 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blingcustomelton johnEltonJohnipod nanoIpodNanoluxurymusicswarovskitopWed, 04 Feb 2009 15:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Replace Your Dead iPod Battery]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/01/30/replace-your-dead-ipod-battery/http://www.switched.com/2009/01/30/replace-your-dead-ipod-battery/http://www.switched.com/2009/01/30/replace-your-dead-ipod-battery/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Instead of chucking your iPod when its battery dies, or explodes, buy a replacement battery kit and install a new longer-lasting one. For as little as $10, Batteryship.com sells kits that fit virtually any model and can be installed in 15 minutes.

Click here for more Tech Tips.

SwitchedReplace Your Dead iPod Battery originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 30 Jan 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batteriesbatterydiyipodipod batteryIpodBatterytechtipFri, 30 Jan 2009 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Earbuds Blooming in 2009 -- We Like These]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/01/14/earbuds-blooming-in-2009-we-like-these/http://www.switched.com/2009/01/14/earbuds-blooming-in-2009-we-like-these/http://www.switched.com/2009/01/14/earbuds-blooming-in-2009-we-like-these/#commentsFiled under: , ,

As we made our way through this year's CES, we noticed that, in one way or another, the economic crisis seemed to be rearing its head in every booth. Between inflation and unemployment, it does seem silly to cover more extravagant items. In-ear headphones, or earbuds, were in large demand, though, which we attribute to folks wanting to buy inexpensive advancements that enable them to get more out of their current gadgets. With the immense popularity of the iPod and iPhone, we think that the fine selection of earbuds we found at CES will fit that bill quite well.



Maxell M&M's Ear Buds

Maxell will begin offering these M&M-shaped earbuds in February for the attractive price of $9.99. Although we didn't get a chance to try them out, we can only imagine that whatever they may lack in fidelity is more than justified by their generous cuteness. Be sure to heed that "Not candy!" disclaimer.

SwitchedEarbuds Blooming in 2009 -- We Like These originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 14 Jan 2009 12:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Late Wednesday night, we gathered in a swank penthouse suite at Las Vegas's Paris Hotel and Casino with Dr. Dre, Interscope-Geffen-A&M chairman Jimmy Iovine and Monster Cable Products' Noel and Kevin Lee to discuss the new Beats by Dr. Dre earbuds. The earbuds are the second offering in the Beats product line, following the headphones released last year.

While the good Dr. wasn't exactly plugging away at prototypes in the Monster laboratories, he did have the company's designers striving to please him for over two years until he was satisfied with the product. "We knew that if we could get headphones to feel the way Dre wants them to feel, we'd have a home run," Iovine explained.

Monster CEO Noah Lee elaborated on the technical specs: "[Dre and Iovine] are demanding not only a deep bass, but the transient kick of the bass. You can feel it. It's not dry; it's not surgical; it's warm." According to Lee, the earbuds' design hinges on a holistic understanding of the devices and the ear itself, using the ear canal as the phones' "resonance chamber."

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SwitchedDr. Dre Has Just One Thing to Say About His New Earbuds originally appeared on Switched on Sat, 10 Jan 2009 15:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beats by dr. drebeatsbydr.drecelebrityces-2009-slideshowsces-2009-slideshows-topces-2009-topdr dreDrDrejimmy iovineJimmyIovinemonster cableMonsterCablemusicSat, 10 Jan 2009 15:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-On Review: i2i Stream Wireless Music]]>http://www.switched.com/2008/12/19/hands-on-i2i-stream-wireless-music/http://www.switched.com/2008/12/19/hands-on-i2i-stream-wireless-music/http://www.switched.com/2008/12/19/hands-on-i2i-stream-wireless-music/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Ever wish you could make any audio setup wireless? We checked out the i2i Stream wireless audio system that essentially takes the place of a cord and allows you to stream audio from nearly any source. The kit comes with two combination transmitter/receiver devices and when you want to make a music source wireless, you simply connect the output to one of these small devices using the included 1/8-inchcable, turn the unit on, and press the "send" button. Then you can connect the other device to headphones or speakers, press the "receive" button and you're free to roam around your house with your iPod pumping tunes from your pocket to your living room stereo.

Since you have to charge each battery powered unit by USB, the i2i Stream doesn't seem to be a permanent solution for wireless audio, but the convenient size of the devices make it perfect for quick plug and play. We found ourselves streaming songs from our computer to show our friends in the living room, then using it with an iPod in the kitchen as a sort of music remote, and finally to play some late night 'Rock Band 2' with headphones (with the help of a simple RCA to 1/8" adapter from Radio Shack).

Once you get the units linked, you'll find that they work really well, but we had some occasional problems getting them to find each other when syncing for the first time. One of the units mysteriously turned off one time, and for $119 MSRP, we would like to see much more sturdy construction: The i2i Stream devices are plastic and feel cheap. Still, the system delivers what it promises, and the simple input/output design gives you an incredible number of options for linking your audio devices through the ether.

SwitchedHands-On Review: i2i Stream Wireless Music originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 19 Dec 2008 19:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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