| I can't say for sure when I know I was bitten but I have | | | | For instance, according to howstuffworks.com, the |
| the date on my receipts (11/15/06). I guess I was late to | | | | range of accessories includes downloadable iPod |
| the iPod party but I've not missed a step since I got | | | | games and programs that convert DVDs to |
| involved with "Buck," my iPod. | | | | iPod-friendly video files. There are also programs that |
| I've got 3 now, one just for movies, and another for | | | | convert PDA files your PowerPoint presentations into |
| music and one for data and I'm negotiating with a | | | | files that work with your iPod-compatible. |
| contact in China for 5 more.iPod is the brain child of | | | | The howstuffworks website also provided a |
| Steven Jobs, Apple guru and all around genius. More | | | | reference to a list of some current applications: "iPod |
| than 22 million ipods have been sold to US adults, | | | | hackers are publishing all sorts of programs that alter |
| which amounts to approximately 11% of the population | | | | the way an iPod works -- some of the software is |
| (according to the non-profit Pew Internet & American | | | | free, and some of it is for purchase. Some currently |
| Life Project). I became a fan and user and my | | | | available hacks let you: |
| addiction continues to grow stronger. | | | | • Make an iPod work with Linux machines |
| Now I spend my days learning about new applications | | | | and run Linux applications |
| and my nights surfing for clearance sales, closeouts, | | | | • Remove volume caps (iPods sold in Europe |
| underground sources for discounts on accessories. For | | | | cap the volume at 100 decibels; uncapped iPods can |
| example, last week I found a site that sells what they | | | | reach more than 115 decibels.) |
| call an iPod Converter. | | | | • Turn your iPod into a universal remote |
| This unit allows for unlimited downloads of movies and | | | | • Attach an external hard drive to your iPod |
| music and games and software and provides a | | | | to increase the storage capacity |
| lifetime membership in their download club. As a full | | | | • Change your iPod's font and graphics |
| blown movie nut this little handful of technology is | | | | • Watch movies on your iPod in full-screen |
| gobbling up my free time by the hour. | | | | mode • Plug your iPod into any computer |
| Talk about addiction, I was rummaging through some | | | | (even without iTunes) and listen to music from the hard |
| magazines in the basement of the library at midnight | | | | drive |
| (don't ask) and found this underground techie | | | | • Transfer photos to iPod without using |
| magazine. There was a story about an MP3 | | | | iTunes |
| converter that took me a few minutes to realize was | | | | • Replace iTunes all together as the iPod's |
| the iPod converter I heard about last week. | | | | main jukebox • Use an iPod with a Windows |
| The techie manual indicated this is better than | | | | 98 machine " |
| Blockbuster and NetFlicks all rolled into one very user | | | | While I am fascinated with the expansion this provides |
| friendly palm-sized unit. I'll share the link here anyone | | | | I am too cautious and protective of Buck to try |
| who is interested can read all about it. | | | | anything other than factory sealed products from |
| As I continue to learn about all-things-iPod I've just | | | | Apple. I can be patient until they ramp up to the |
| discovered about iPod hacks. This reference startled | | | | accessory list I peeked at in an underground publication. |
| me at first as it is not in my nature to destroy other's | | | | The upcoming Apple list is robust and will blow away |
| enjoyment in any manner, especially when it comes to | | | | the hacker's meager offerings. Meanwhile, I'll stick to |
| something like PCs and iPods. | | | | my movie and music downloading which keeps me |
| What I learned is the term hacks when it refers to | | | | rather busy and satisfied. |
| iPod is another way of saying accessories, except | | | | However if you hear any buzz about an auto-pilot for |
| that the modification most likely will void your iPod's | | | | long cross-country drives that's compatible with a |
| warrantee. In any case the lists I found were nothing | | | | 2006 STS, please pass it on. I might just let Buck give |
| less than fascinating. | | | | it a try. |