Apple offers refurb Shuffles, color iPods, PowerBooks

Apple is offering refurbished versions of the iPod shuffle at its online store. The 512MB Shuffle, regularly $100, is available for $80, while 1GB Shuffle (recently reduced to $130) is available for $100. Apple is also offering refurb color iPods: 30GB ($300), 40GB with dock and carry case ($330), and 60GB ($350). Apple has also added more 12-inch PowerBooks for $1,300 (1.5GHz/Combo or 1.33GHz/SuperDrive) or $1,500 (1.5GHz/SuperDrive) and a single model of the high-end 17-inch PowerBook ($2,300). Apple also has two 12-inch iBook models starting at $800 (1.2GHz/CD and 1GHz/Combo) as well as 14-inch iBook for $1,300. Several refurbished G5 desktops models are also available starting at $1,200.

Mophie debuts Song Sling for iPod shuffle

Mophie today announced the Song Sling, a new iPod shuffle accessory that "takes the basic lanyard concept to the next level." The patent-pending design features concealed audio connections and retractable ear buds for "pull and play" functionality. "Song Sling raises the bar when it comes to style and convenience on the portable music scene. Mophie is betting heavily on the belief that they aren’t the only ones frustrated by the dangle and tangle of conventional earphone wires." It is priced at $40 and will be available in three colors: gray, blue and pink. The Song Sling will ship in late July, while a version for the iPod mini will be available in Fall 2005.

iTunes the "clear winner" in audio download traffic...

PiperJaffray today said Apple's iTunes is the "clear winner" in terms of audio-download store traffic. "We recently checked Web traffic information of audio download sites on Alexa.com to get an idea of the market share that each of the sites hold." The firm believes the rankings "fairly represent the overall mindshare held by a company." Apple and Napster were both given an "A" grade in the "traffic report card," while Audible got a B and Real received a C. "In our minds, Apple.com earned an "A" as a result of having the largest 3 month percentage change in web traffic rank."

Griffin ships iVault aluminum iPod shuffle case

Griffin today announced that the iVault ($20) aluminum case for the iPod Shuffle is now shipping. Machined entirely out of aluminum, the iVault safely encloses the iPod Shuffle, while still allowing total access to the control wheel, audio jack, on switch, USB port, and LED. The front and back halves of the case are joined together by 4 small screws, so your iPod Shuffle is guaranteed to be secure. Lightweight yet strong, the iVault and the iPod Shuffle together weigh less than 1.5 ounces. Every machined edge of the case is rounded from comfort and aesthetics. The iVault is available in five anodized colors.

Shuffle joins Hewlett-Packard iPod collection

Hewlett-Packard today added the iPod shuffle to its line of HP-branded music players. HP is offering two models: the $100 512 megabyte version, which holds up to 120 songs, and the $130 1 gigabyte version, which holds up to 240 songs. HP currently offers the 20GB and 60GB full size iPods, as well as the 4 GB and 6 GB iPod minis. HP sells printable iPod "Tattoos" for customizing the exterior of the iPod and iPod mini. HP is now offering Printable Tattoos for the Shuffle at this time. HP's Total Care customer support covers all Apple iPod from HP models. This includes one year of phone support and a one-year limited warranty.