Video iPod supply unable to meet demand?

Some analysts are suggesting that Apple is having a hard time meeting demand for its latest video-capable iPod, based on the fact that it's taking the company between five and seven days to fill online orders, combined with other signs. "They can't seem to build them fast enough," said analyst Shaw Wu of American Technology Research. Supplies of a specific component that Apple's CFO Peter Oppenheimer noted was causing a bottleneck for Nano production -- probably a light-emitting diode backlight used to brighten the display screen -- could have carried over to the video iPod, according to analyst Vinita Jakhanwal of iSuppli. Apple has also been looking for a second supplier for the LCD screens, as adding a second supplier would help meet demand, according to a report from BusinessWeek online. Analyst Shawn Slayton of SG Cowen, who covers PortalPlayer -- a company that supplies Apple with audio chips for the iPod -- expects Apple to sell between seven and eight million video-capable iPods in 2006, according to the report. Meanwhile, at least one analyst notes that iPod nano be more readily available.

Napster pushes college marketing

Cornell University yesterday held "Napster night" to promote Napster to Cornell students, a move that Napster hopes will lure them away from Apple's iTunes Music Store. Joseph Rudnick '08, the other Napster Campus Representative said "last year alone 10,000 Cornell students registered for Napster. This was the most successful first year for the Napster project out of any of the universities involved," according to a report from The Cornell Daily Sun. The problem facing Napster isn't the cost of the service, but rather enticing students to use the service, because Napster's music is incompatible with Apple's iPod digital music player. Recently, an NPD study found that iPods account for 92.1 percent of all MP3 players on the market.

Otter Products unveils OtterBox for iPod nano

Otter Products has unveiled the OtterBox for iPod nano, its waterproof case designed to protect the Nano from the elements. The interactive case design is waterproof up to three feet or one meter, fits iPod nano 2GB and 4GB models, and is offered with a lifetime unconditional guarantee. The Nano's clickwheel is protected by a thin membrane that remains fully functional through the case, and an included belt clip provides cable management for headphones. The external headphone jack is compatible with any standard mini stereo plug, and when combined with waterproof headphones the OtterBox for iPod nano allows the device to be worn while swimming. (Pricing and availability were unavailable.)

invisibleSHIELD for 5G iPod now shipping

The Think Different Store today began shipping invisibleSHIELD for the fifth-generation video-capable iPod, a transparent film that covers both the front and back of the iPod. invisibleSHIELD measures eight one-thousandth of an inch and is made from material that was originally designed to protect helicopter blades. The cover is easily removed, and doesn't leave behind sticky adhesive upon removal. invisibleSHIELD for the fifth-generation iPod is available for $25.

Home solutions for iPod pricey, complex

Like the car-stereo makers before them, the companies that develop high-end audio gear are starting to jump on the iPod bandwagon. Their "whole-home" audio systems have long allowed you to listen to music in any room of a house and remotely control tunes using screens or keypads -- "now they're coming out with gadgets that let you pop your iPod into a dock when you walk in the front door and listen to your favorite music throughout the house," reports Business Week. These solutions are not cheap, and they're "far from perfect." The iPod adapters run $600 to $800. To make the adapters work, you need to plug them into systems that include amplifiers, speakers, touch-pad remotes, and distributed audio servers that let you play whatever music you want in whatever room you happen to be in. "Only one of the three systems I tested met that benchmark -- Crestron's $700 CEN-iPod. And it did so only because it was hooked up to a 15-inch touch-screen monitor, also made by Crestron, that costs $12,000."

RadTech debuts Cocoon clamshell case for Nano

RadTech today announced that it is taking pre-orders for the Cocoon for Nano, its semi-rigid clamshell clip case with a secondary translucent skin that offers protection for the device. Cocoon for Nano accommodates both two and four GB Nanos, and provides protection with full access to the clickwheel and all ports. A silicone skin is included with a transparent display cover, as well as a secure internal pocket for earbuds and miscellaneous items, such as bank cards and cash. The included lanyard secures the Nano, or the entire clamshell case around the neck, while a rugged, low-profile spring clip secures the Cocoon to your clothing. Cocoon for Nano is expected to ship in mid-November for $30.

SKProducts unveils CarClip for iPod mini

SKProducts today unveiled the CarClip for iPod Mini, its clear case designed to suspend the Mini from the rear view mirror of a vehicle at eye level. The CarClip is compatible with most FM transmitters and audio cassette adapters, and ships with a set of rubber "Fishband" motion buffers in various colors. The motion buffers go through the CarClip and around the center knob of the rear view mirror to prevent swaying. CarClip is made from a single piece of laser-cut, hand-molded, clear acrylic plastic designed to fit the iPod mini. The CarClip also comes with a Universal Auto Attachment and a pair of 3M CommandStrips for older model vehicle compatibility or mounting in other locations. SKProducts is holding a two-day launch promotion starting November 1st -- offering every 7th customer a refund for the purchase price of the case. CarClip is expected to be available on November 8th for $25.