FastMac expands "just say no to crack"

FastMac has expanded its "just say no to crack" program, which offers same-day LCD replacements for Apple's iPod digital media players. Where the company had previously limited replacements to video iPods and iPod nanos, it now supports the older screens of fourth-generation iPods. FastMac uses only original Apple parts for its service to ensure fit and quality. Customers can pay $30 to receive a Do It Yourself kit, or $70 for FastMac to repair, clean, and optionally upgrade an iPod within 24 hours of receiving the unit. All screens have a one-year warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee. FastMac initially launched the 'just say no to crack' iPod 'rehab' program in early November.

BenQ's new MusiQ rivals iPod shuffle

BenQ today unveiled the MusiQ, a screen-less flash player aimed directly at the increasingly popular iPod shuffle. The player resembles a military dog tag and is built out of brushed aluminum and magnesium, and attaches easily through a chain to a keychain or necklace, according to Electronista. The base players contain only 512MB or 1GB of flash memory depending on the model; however, a built-in microSD card slot can more than double the song capacity. Both will ship with a his or hers matching decorative tag, BenQ says: a "steel wings" logo will be etched on one side of the tag for men, while a "magic beans" floral design exists for women. The player includes a metal earphone chain and will launch first in China on December 15th. The 512MB version will retail for $88 US; 1GB pricing has not been released.

Intempo ships metallic iPod speakers

Intempo on Friday began shipping its IDS-01b iPod speaker dock. As a contrast to normally conservative speaker colors, the new systems ship in metallic colors that match the brighter spectrum of the second-generation iPod nano, according to Electronista. While intended for Apple's flash-based iPods players, the designs work with any dockable iPod as well as any device that can plug into a minijack input, such as the iPod shuffle. The 12-watt stereo system has a 3D bass audio enhancer and can also synchronize iPods by plugging into a Mac or Windows PC's USB port. Advanced MP3 Players is now selling the IDS-01b for £35 ($70)