News Archive for 07/02/02

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Fastmac iPod repair program adds iPod mini

02/02, 2:40pm

Fastmac repairs iPod minis

Fastmac today expanded its "Just Say No To Crack" iPod rehab program to include Apple's antiquated iPod mini portable player. The program offers same-day LCD replacements for video iPods, iPod nanos, fourth-generation iPods, and iPod mini models. iPod owners can opt for repair or replacement of scratched or cracked LCD screens either as a Do It Yourself (DIY) kit with tools as well as instructional videos or via Fastmac's same-day mail order service. The company uses only original Apple parts, and each screen carries a one-year warranty alongside a 30-day money back guarantee. Pricing starts from $30, with 24-hour installation services available for an additional $40.

Disney sells 1.3 million films on iTunes

02/02, 2:30pm

Disney sells 1.3m films

Sales of films from Disney on Apple's iTunes Music Store jumped to more than 1.3 million just three months after debuting on the digital storefront, applying pressure to other Hollywood studios, according to FT.com. Big-name studios have proven reluctant to join iTunes for fear of angering brick-and-mortar retailers such as Wal-Mart and Target, both of which derive a sizable portion of their profits from DVD sales. Target late last year expressed serious concerns about the effect of digital music sales on DVD shipments and pricing, and Wal-Mart in September was reported to have threatened Hollywood studios with retribution if they joined Apple's movement. Disney CEO Bob Iger said digital distribution is "creating more consumption of media," adding that "The message that we deliver to our traditional [retail] partners is that the pie is getting bigger," according to FT.com.

Sony surprises with iPod stereo dock

02/02, 2:05pm

Sony iPod stereo dock

In a somewhat unexpected move, Sony has begun shipping an iPod stereo dock, the CPF-IP001, Electronista writes. Sony is infamous for favoring its own music products to the exclusion of others, such as the Walkman player, or the ATRAC file format. The IP001 would appear to mark a change in policy. The dock is officially licensed by Apple, and is compatible with all nanos and minis, plus full-size iPods from the fourth generation onwards. The satellites are rated at 5W of power each, but are bolstered by a 15W external subwoofer. Secondary input is supported through a stereo mini-jack, while all audio streams are controlled by an onboard DSP chipset. The dock is on sale today for $250, or $10 per month.

Speck unveils 2G iPod nano cases

02/02, 12:50pm

Speck ships 2G Nano cases

Speck has unveiled a new series of cases that work with Apple's second-generation iPod nano and other portable media players. New cases that work with Apple's latest iPod nano include the Active Sport Armband Lite, ToughSkin 2 Tough, and the SeeThru Lucid. Speck's Active Sport Armband Lite is a custom neoprene armband designed for active iPod owners with an adjustable armband that detaches from the case. The ToughSkin 2 Tough features the "DropGuard" shock absorbing system to protect the Nano within a one-piece design with a snap fit closure. Second-generation iPod nano owners can also opt for the SeeThru Lucid case to protect the player in a clear hard shell armor. The fully-functional one-piece design features a rubberized seal and comes with a removable belt clip in clear as well as smoke editions. All three cases are available for $30. [images, updated]