iPod maintains hold on MP3 mindshare...

Apple's iPod remains the most highly recommended MP3 player by retail stores across the US; however, the iPod nano may be cannibalizing sales of the low-end iPod shuffle, according to a Piper Jaffray survey of more than 50 non-Apple retail stores. "The bottom line from our survey is that all iPods have retained top mindshare with U.S. retailers," writes analyst Gene Munster. The firm found that Apple mind-share for high end devices ($150+) has risen by 5 percent since June 2005, with 68-percent of retailers now recommending iPods. Mindshare on the low end (less that $150) fell from 52- to 38-percent--in part due to the release of the Nano, which may be favored by more users and also in part due to a change in the firm's methodology (it used $150 as the threshold, rather than 5GB of storage).

Dell admits poor competition with iPod

Dell CFO Jim Schneider today said that his company is far behind Apple in the digital music market, adding that "we're obviously not competing very well." Schneider said "Apple has come out with a nice product and I think it's really turned their company around," when responding to analysts' questions regarding Dell's earnings. Dell last week said that third-quarter profit was down 28 percent, as sales to U.S. consumers dropped and business in the United Kingdom brought disappointment to the company, according to a report from Reuters. Dell also issued a sales forecast that reportedly left some analysts wondering if the company has lost the growth momentum it has had in recent years.

Personalized holiday 5G iPod, Nano covers

Textile specialists Wrappers has introduced two seasonal covers for Apple's fifth-generation iPod (shown at right) and iPod nano. "Merry Christmas baby" is a personalized cover that adds a touch of individuality, with his and hers available in black, white, pink or blue. Nanoel covers--offered in white with red or black with gold or silver detail--provide access to the hold switch, dock connector and headphone jack, and are compatible with the Nano lanyard. Both covers are available for £10, and Wrappers is offering free postage and packing world-wide on all orders placed before December 31st.

podguard film protection for Nano, video iPod

podguard today introduced its high-tech, invisible film to protect the iPod against scratches, marks and fingerprints. "With the go-anywhere size of the iPod nano, many owners have found scratches and marks an unfortunate side-effect; with podguard they can use their iPod without resorting to bulky cases for protection." podguard is a clear, thin film that is easily applied to the iPod nano or iPod video to protect against scratches, marks and fingerprints. Practically invisible when applied, podguard protects an iPods surface, screen, and mirrored back while still providing complete Click Wheel control and visibility of the color screen. It is available now for $18 for both the Nano and the video iPod. All purchases of podguard include free worldwide shipping and come with a 60-day money-back guarantee.