Tony Thomn asked:


A great way to get discount iPods and cheap Macs is to buy them on clearance.  This works best when you’re in the market for an iPod or a Mac and aren’t in a big hurry to get one (don’t worry, there’s a way to get a great deal if you are in a hurry too).  You can find really good deals this way, especially if you’re a bargain hunter.

Product Refreshes

Whenever Apple introduces a new Mac or iPod, your local stores need to sell their old models.  The best part is that Apple gives them strict orders to sell their merchandise at a discount.  Lucky for us!

I got my dream machine, a Power Mac Dual G5, this way a few years ago.  I knew the Intel-based Macs were about to come out so I checked the electronics stores near me that sold Macs.  Sure enough, a few dozen were marked down.  A couple of weeks later Apple introduced the first Macs using Intel processors.

Display Models

The computer I actually bought was also a display model.  Because of that I was able to talk the salespeople down to an even lower price.  It still carried the original Apple warranty but I probably would only do this for a desktop computer.  Laptops take more abuse in the store but, other than the keyboard and mouse, a desktop just sort of sits there untouched.  I’m very happy with my purchase and it still runs great.

Apple’s Online Store

Are you looking to buy another Mac or iPod soon?  Does haggling with a sales clerk and running from store to store just sound like too much work?  Then buying  directly from Apple might be the best way to find a clearance Mac or iPod.  The Special Deals section of Apple’s online store also includes clearance items and gets updated regularly.  What could be easier than that!

Gen Wright asked:


that iPhone’s have taken the world by storm is undeniable. The uses and features that are inherent with the purchase of an iPhone are quite amazing. So what if you want to take advantage of all the features within a 3G iPhone 2.2.1 but you don’t want to switch your cell phone service provider. This is exactly where terms like unlocking and jail-breaking come into the discussion

While there are many people who are aware of the fact that you can unlock iPhones, there are very few who actually understand why or how you would go about performing such actions. The following are some examples of how you can unlock your 3G iPhone.

IPHONE UNLOCKING

The term unlocking is bandied about when discussing the limitations that are placed on iPhones by the Apple software managers. These restrictions prevent your iPhone from using a different carrier then AT&T ( The iPhone is locked to the AT&T Network)and limit your ability to download, install or even use certain applications that you may want to. iPhones are prevented from being used in the same way that an iPod is and you have no real ability to access the system files or change the set up. The term unlocking refers to the process of unlocking these system restrictions and in turn allowing you to use any SIM card, any carrier, and it will also let you access, read and write all types of media and system files in any manner you wish. Essentially this gives you complete control over your 3G iPhone.

When the iPhone was first released the iPhone Devteam quickly managed to find a way to unlock the iPhone via a software hack. Via a small program that was available for download freely you could unlock the iPhone within a few minutes. Disadvantage of the software unlock was that this would nullify your warranty with Apple. Apple catched up on the software unlock and closed the security leaks that the Devteam was exploiting, and released a new firmware version for the iphone.

Within a week, the Devteam found a new security leak, and they released a new unlock software to fully unlock the iPhone. The cat and mouse game between Apple and the Devteam continued, as Apple released a new version of the iPhone software, permanently closing the secutiry leak.

The latest iPhone 3G with software version 2.2.1 ( modem version 2.30.03) can not be unlocked via a software solution. The Devteam promised they will find a new solution, but it seems that the security leak in the iPhone has been closed permanently.

Now, how should you go about unlocking your iPhone to take advantage of all the benefits?

The best and currently only option to unlock the iphone 3G 2.2.1 is by using an unlock sim. The entire iPhone unlocking process is as easy as inserting a simcard in the iPhone. This card was tested by iPhone unlocking experts and you can be sure that every precaution and tip will be explained in the membersarea in order to unlock and optimise your 3G iPhone 2.2.1 in the safest way possible.

Main benefit of unlocking the iPhone via this small hardware sim is that the phone will stay unlocked when Apple releases the next firmware update, and the unlock will not void your Apple Warranty, like with software unlocks.

Tony Thomn asked:


Apple makes such fabulous products that everyone wants an iPod or a Mac. But where do you go for the best deals? One of the most overlooked sources of discount iPods and cheap Macs is Apple’s online store. You’ve heard of a certified pre-owned Lexus right? Well, there’s something even better at the online store.

Apple Refurbished iPods and Macs

What is a refurbished Mac or iPod? It’s one that was sent back to Apple for whatever reason. Whether someone just ordered the wrong color or it needed a little fixing, Apple spruces them up and sells them at a big, big discount. You can trust the quality and safety because Apple certifies each item just like their new products. These also carry a full 1-year warranty so it’s like they say on their site “Apple Certified. Good as New.”

How Cheap Are They?

You don’t have to look long to find a 33% discount or even 50% discount. That can really add up. Who wouldn’t want $50 off an iPod nano? Or a few hundred dollars off a Mac? Me, me, me! Actually, we started buying refurbished from Apple a few years ago and don’t plan to ever stop.

What’s The Catch?

So what’s the downside to getting such an awesome deal? There are three very minor problems with buying a refurbished product from Apple.



All of the items listed reflect the current inventory. So if no one returns the exact Mac you want then you can’t get a refurbished model. That isn’t usually a problem unless you want something super customized though. You’ll want to watch the site more closely since it updates each day.

It takes a little while for some of the newer products to show up. They have to get through the whole certification process so it usually takes several months before the refurbished models are available.

These don’t ship in the normal, pretty boxes that you see your the local Apple store. They come in a plainer, boring box instead. Don’t laugh. Some people love to save their pretty boxes!



Sign Me Up!

You just need to find the Special Deals section of Apple’s online store. There you’ll see links like Refurbished Mac, Refurbished iPod, and Refurbished iPhone (yes, even the iPhone). Then it’s just like ordering anything else from Apple. Except that you’re saving a ton of money!

David Lakins asked:


The Apple iPhone 3G was announce in a blaze of glory that eclipsed most of the other smart phones on the market, but it remains to be seen whether Apple has really provided users with exactly what they want. Less than a year after the original iPhone went on sale Apple promises new users of the latest iPhone that they will be given the chance to officially download 3rd party applications through the App store. But how quickly will an unlocked version become available.

The Apple iPhone is an updated smart phone with GPS and a 16 GB memory. The 3G iPhone has a lot to write home about with added support, added GPS, third party applications, and support for a Microsoft Exchange server. Extra 3G support is a massive plus for the iPhone. If the trial speed of data transfer is maintained then users really will be carrying the Internet around in their pocket. At half the price and twice the speed of its forerunners the new 3G versions is sure to be popular.

The new phone is thinner at the edges than the earlier version and slightly thicker in the middle, other measurements remain the same although the 3G is 2grams lighter than its predecessor. It no longer has the recessed headphone jack, which some users found annoying, it is now flush enough for any 3.5mm headphones.

Due to go on sale July the 11th the phone will be on offer in black with 8GB of memory or in black or white with 16GB of memory. Sources suggest that the new iPhone will be available in the UK from Apple, 02 and the Carphone Warehouse.

The 8GB model will be on sale for £99 on a new £30 monthly contract or an existing £35 contract - if you choose the higher tariffs of £45 and £75 a month then you will get the 8GB iPhone free. Prices are quite a bit steeper for the 16GB version with the phone costing £159 on the £30 and £35 tariffs, £59 for the £45 tariff and free on the £75 tariff.

Users will continue to receive unlimited data whatever their tariff although they could find that they will be liable for O2’s excessive use policy. On the upside however you will be able to browse over O2’s HSDPA network and unlimited access to 9,500 Wi-Fi hotspots through BT Openzone and the Cloud.

Although the addition of 3G and GPS make the iPhone 2.0 attractive it is still without some of the basic features found on much cheaper phones, including multimedia messaging and voice messaging.

The first iPhone was available unlocked soon after its launch but this time it will only be available in store rather than through iTunes. So what of the grey market for iPhones and those that are eager to buy one for the discounted contract price in the hope they can get it unlocked?

Well they might be put off even faster than before. Apple have done their best to ensure that their second generation phone is locked right down. With official applications being controlled tightly by Apple, any non-legitimate contract phone will easily be spotted - or more importantly won’t benefit from the full features.

Angelina Maben asked:


The concept is straightforward to understand, The photovoltaic panel converts sunlight into electricity and feeds it either into the case’s built-in 1,500 mAh battery or direct into your iPhone 3G’s battery. This solar charging case is not only environment friendly but you are helping indirectly to your own family.

The case battery charges completely in three hours under the sun and it charges iPhone in ten hours. The case doesn’t work in cool humid or moist climate and evenings as well however is fine in hot dry climate. The ‘no wires’ solution for charging shows the red light on the case while receiving solar energy.

The device rest in tidily into the body. The charging electronics are embedded in bottom centimetre in this case. The LEDs indicate the status of solar charging by blinking every now and then. The orange master switch is given for switching on and off charging the iPhone.

You can use the accessory via miniUSB mains charger. The case is made up of leather and you can charge your iPhone Anytime & Anywhere. So green geeks here is your turn to protect Our World using solar case the CLEAN & FREE Power Source for charging iPhone.  Iphone 3g cases are consistently coming in the market with variety of looks and colour which not only entice but gives wide choices to select the best one.

Most of the companies are now concentrating more on eco friendly products which motivates other industries also to come in the market with such Environment friendly products. Solar power products not only saves electricity but helps lot to stop global warming. Being a writer I also recomment everyone that buying solar power products may cost heavy in the initial stage but in the long run it is definitely going to benefit none other than the buyer.

For more information on eco-friendly product you can visit here : http://www.blueunplugged.com/News.aspx?article=113

Review by Samuel Herrick

The Apple iPod Touch portable media player designed and marketed by Apple Inc. comes into the market featuring a multi-touch interface that makes it attractive. The iPod Touch was unveiled to the general public on September 5, 2007, creating a heavy demand for the gadget. The iPod touch comes with a 8 or 16 GB of flash memory. The Apple iPod Touch comes with a Wi-Fi and includes Safari, the Apple’s web browser.

The Apple iPod touch holds the credit for being the first generation of the iPod line that includes wireless access to the iTunes Store. It comes with the capability to detect the current and last 10 songs playing in a Starbucks café within the area of the device, and provides the user with the opportunity to download the tracks in the iTunes music store. Apple for now has no plans to expand into stores other than those in the U.S.

The iPod touch comes with a touch screen interface that is almost same as that of iPhone. This model has a physical home button separate from the touch screen like in iPhone. The home screen comes with a headphone set, an alarm clock and also a list of buttons corresponding to the available applications. The Apple iPod touch arrives with 28 wallpaper photos, some of which are figures from the iPod advertisements.

The prima facie reviews of the iPod touch finds some differences compared to Apple’s similar iPhone. The new model is missing the facilities of iPhone including e-mail, mapping and stock tracking applications, even though they could be added in through an action called a Jailbreak. It also lacks Bluetooth capability. There were also early complaints that the device’s screen could not properly display shades of black. But this problem was later resolved with the firmware update.

Josh R Evans asked:


First impressions



The packaging says it all. The iPod classic’s durable box with its perfectly-fitting lid, and the neat, densely packed interior, signify this is a product you can rely on completely. Remove the iPod classic from the box and you can feel and see that you have a carefully built, well-proportioned digital media player.

This impression of symmetry extends to the Click Wheel controls, which are the largest of the iPod range. Novice iPod owners will find it easy to keep their thumbs in place, particularly as the Click Wheel has a slightly coarser finish than its predecessor.

Features



The feature of the iPod classic that stands out the most is the storage capacity: 120GB. This is a disappointing reduction of 40GB from the previous top of the range model, but it’s still 40GB more than the former standard version. So clearly, Apple has hit upon a compromise.

This compromise shouldn’t cause too much concern, however. At 120GB, the iPod classic can store 30,000 four minute songs or one hundred and fifty hours of video. This means you can carry an impressive amount of music, films, and TV shows in a device that weighs just 140 grams (4.9 ounces), and is a mere 103.5 x 61.8 x 10.5 mm (4.1 x 2.4 x 0.41 inches) in size. In other words, the iPod classic is less than half the size of a CD case.

The iPod classic’s storage is also great value. Put aside other features, and the classic’s £179 for 120GB is very cost-efficient compared to the shuffle, nano and touch.

This is not to suggest that the iPod classic is just a compact, high capacity storage unit. You can now use Genius, Browse Album, and Browse Artist on the latest model as well as a host of other features.

Genius is particularly welcome because the odds are that if you’ve opted for an iPod classic, you have – or intend to have – a substantial music collection. Genius enables you to take full advantage of the listening possibilities such a collection can offer you. When you’re playing a song, for example, and you feel it suits your mood and want to hear more tracks like it, activate Genius on your iPod classic. Genius searches through your collection and creates a playlist of songs that go well with the one you’re currently listening to. You can then play the Genius playlist straightaway, save it, or refresh it and see what else Genius comes up with.

Alternatively, you can ask Genius to create playlists on iTunes. If you’re happy with the selections, simply sync the results to your iPod classic. The result is a music mix prepared by a digital DJ and based on your preferences.

Browse Album is a convenient feature if you listen to your songs in random order, but occasionally enjoy a track so much you want more of the same. Use Browse Album in these circumstances, and you rapidly switch from shuffle mode to hearing the rest of the songs from the appropriate album. Browse Artist offers a similar feature, except that you can listen instead to all the songs you have available from the particular artist.

Technology



The iPod classic uses a 1.8 inch hard drive for storage as opposed to the flash memories of the shuffle, nano, and touch. The use of a hard drive gives the classic its superior storage ability; but the presence of a spinning hard drive disc may stop the iPod classic ever having a feature such as the nano’s “shake to shuffle”.

The two and a half inch colour LCD screen has LED backlighting, and 320 x 240 pixel resolution at 163 pixels per inch. The result is superb image clarity.

Built-in video support for the iPod classic is comprehensive. Among other things, this means you can obtain an appropriate AV cable, and watch videos, films, and TV shows on your TV.

Audio support is equally thorough and includes AAC and MP3 (16 to 320Kbps); MP3 VBR; Audible (formats 2, 3, and 4); WAV; AIFF; and Apple Lossless.

Connection to your computer is, of course, USB. Nonetheless, you can also charge the iPod classic using FireWire. This is handy if you still have devices that charge iPods using a FireWire connection.

Performance



The audio quality delivered by the iPod classic across the full sound spectrum is consistently good. This applies whether you’re listening to a gentle classical piece for piano, or a full throttle rock track. Similarly, there’s no sound distortion with the sudden dramatic bursts of music that may accompany any blockbuster film you’re watching.

The classic’s screen gives you precisely focused text, including the lyrics of songs, in a no-nonsense font. Colour reproduction of videos is excellent, and may pleasantly surprise anyone more used to the dimensions and specs of today’s televisions.

Supporting the 120GB roominess of the iPod classic is a lithium ion battery. This has 36 continuous playback hours for music, and six hours for video. Once you use all this up, you need only spend two hours to reach an 80% charge, and a further two to restore the battery’s full power. A charging ratio of 4:36 (1:9) is very good indeed, and along with the iPod touch is the best of the iPod range.

Conclusion



The “classic” tag befits this robust, dependable and powerful iPod. Because of the technology of the nano and the touch, the classic may no longer be the leader of the pack; but thanks to its huge storage capacity, the iPod classic is likely to stay popular for many years.

Pros



Excellent hard drive

Great value

Now has Genius

Browse Album and Browse Artist are welcome additions

Still has FireWire charging capability

Vivid screen

Long-lasting battery

Cons



Lacks the accelerometer and Spoken Menus features of the fourth generation iPod nano; but then again, the nano can’t match the classic’s storage capacity