HP to stop reselling iPod

Hewlett-Packard has decided to stop reselling Apple's iPod portable music player, according to the Wall Street Journal. "The two companies have reportedly confirmed that H-P will immediately phase out sales of the iPod through its retail distribution partners, whom H-P notified of the changes Thursday. 'They've decided that reselling iPods doesn't fit with their company's current digital media strategy,' the Journal quoted Apple spokeswoman Katie Cotton as saying."

iSkin announces availability of "Wheel Cap"

Today iSkin announced the availability of its wheel protector known as the "Wheel Cap" available in three-packs for $15. This protector works in conjunction with iSkin's popular silicone covers eVo2 and iSkin mini offering complete click wheel protection for iPods while retaining natural scrolling feedback. The Wheel Cap sits above the iPod's click wheel protecting it during use, covering that last vulnerable area. It installs in seconds and doesn't hamper sensitivity or functionality. Usable only with the iSkin eVo2 and iSkin mini iPod protectors, it fits seamlessly creating a barrier against dirt and grime while also allowing for easy, non-restrictive scrolling. Maintaining the look of a scroll wheel, this protector is formed to fit the contours of the wheel and stays in place without adhesives. Companies, organizations and promoters can also take advantage of branding their marketing message or photograph over the click wheel with Wheel Cap imprinting.

iPod "Halo Effect" an obstacle for Microsoft

Top PC Windows executive Will Poole reportedly mentioned three main obstacles facing Microsoft as it tries to keep sales of the operating system growing, according to this blog entry. These include the "good enough" problem stemming from people who are relatively content with their existing version, the continued challenge posed by open-source software and the "halo effect" where sales of Apple iPods are boosting sales of personal computers. Poole stated that "It's enabling them to more effectively go after PC users and sell them future Apple products."

Griffin announces iFM for iPod

Griffin Technology today announced iFM, a device which integrates FM radio tuning, recording and remote control functionality to the iPod--from within a tiny aluminum enclosure. "With the flip of a switch users can now switch seamlessly between controlling their music library and listening to their favorite FM radio programming. Use the iFM as an inline remote to control the iPod's transport controls, great for workouts, biking or hiking. iFM is also a recording device, with a built in microphone to record voice, or change modes to capture live FM radio directly to the iPod." It features digital audio station scan, a built-in microphone, band-switching (for US/Europe/Japanese bands), six station presets per band, and playback controls. It will ship in August for $50.