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Amp Pack for iPod

Posted by pudge on from the yikes-indeed dept.

Anonymous Coward writes "iPodlounge is reporting that Burton/Apple will soon be introducing an Amp Pack backpack featuring the very cool SoftSwitch Technology to control your iPod via internal cabling. Like the Amp Jacket introduced at Macworld SF 2003, there is a pocket for iPod and it's controlled using a built in remote control. Here's the kicker, it will cost $200! Yikes."

78 comments

  1. Money by isorox · · Score: 4, Funny

    Thats a lot of money, but when you consider that an Ipod might store upto 4,000 dongs, you'll be owing the RIAA $600 million dollars if you fill it up. After that, the $200 doesnt seem too bad

    1. Re: Money by NSObject · · Score: 0, Troll
      "when you consider that an Ipod might store upto 4,000 dongs"
      Geez, you think the 1,000 dongs that the 5 gig model holds would be enough for anybody.
    2. Re:Money by NSObject · · Score: 5, Funny

      "an Ipod might store upto 4,000 dongs"

      Whoa. Pianist Envy.

    3. Re: Money by clarkcox3 · · Score: 0, Redundant

      I'll stick with the one and only dong I have now, thank you very much. :)

      --
      There are no tiger attacks in my area and it's all because this rock I'm holding keeps the tigers away.
    4. Re:Money by Pronoun54 · · Score: 1

      >>>but when you consider that an Ipod might store upto 4,000 dongs Wow, that a lot of porn!!!

    5. Re:Money by Chuqmystr · · Score: 2, Funny

      4,000 dongs? No wonder that redheaded witch Ms. Rosen is so wound up about this whole MP3 thingie. Why, I think she should just get herself an iPod and lock herself in a room and STFU!

    6. Re: Money by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      They weren't offering you another dong. If you would like another dong, you can get one here: http://www.bedroomsports.com/index.asp

    7. Re:Money by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      If this facility isn't evidence that all Apple users are homosexuals, I don't know what is.

  2. remote? by ionyka · · Score: 1

    isnt that what the remote can do already? all you gotta do is clip it to your jacket and boom! dont need to spend 200$ for a jacket, when the remote does the same thing basically.

    1. Re:remote? by ElGanzoLoco · · Score: 3, Interesting

      Isnt that what the remote can do already? all you gotta do is clip it to your jacket and boom! dont need to spend 200$ for a jacket, when the remote does the same thing basically.

      This stuff sounds pretty useless indeed: I still have to see the iPod's screen to select my playlist/album... and with the iPod in the backpack, well, I'm not sure how I'm going to do that.

      Still it marks the -humble and overpriced- first steps of "wearable computing" everybody's been raving about.

      It's only about music for the moment, but this could be big. When wearable screens (luminescent textiles) hit the market, I sure would like to stick a PDA in my pocket and see its screen on my sleeve. (main reason why I don't use a PDA is that you actually need both your hands to use it, not even mentioning the lousy text input method which needs some serious refinements...)

      --
      Hello! I'm a disaster waiting to happen!
    2. Re:remote? by ionyka · · Score: 1

      yeah, i mean i knew stuff like this will be coming out alot in the near future. but right now it doesnt seem like its really worth using...i dont use pda's cause, well i just use post-its and a small calander book, def. alot cheaper. But im sure sooner or later we will all be carrying screens and stuff around like that. just give it time :)

    3. Re:remote? by Oculus+Habent · · Score: 2, Interesting

      Here's a Real Wearable. The upside is it's free. The downside is that everything is an add-on.

      --
      That what was all this school was for... to teach us how to solve our own problems. -- janeowit
    4. Re:remote? by Ponty · · Score: 2, Funny

      And you get to look like a Borg!

  3. Whoo---ie that's an expensive backpack by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Maybe if there way a $150 mail-in rebate...

    1. Re:Whoo---ie that's an expensive backpack by Golias · · Score: 3, Insightful
      It seems like every time some new yuppie gizmo gets mentioned on Slashdot, there are dozens of people whining about how it's too expensive.

      Look, if they really are gouging their customers so badly, and it really is possible to make any money selling it cheaper, then bring a product just like it to market yourself and become rich by selling it cheaper than them. Otherwise, would all the price whiners, including the one who submitted the article, kindly STFU.

      Personally, I wouldn't be that interested in an iPod amp in a backpack. Now, a guitar amp in a backpack, that would get my attention!

      --

      Information wants to be anthropomorphized.

  4. Note... by Otter · · Score: 4, Insightful
    Here's the kicker, it will cost $200!

    Which wouldn't be out of hand, except that despite Burton's involvement, this isn't a snowboarding pack, it's a carry-your-books-to-high-school pack. Don't try strapping an avy shovel to this thing.

    Naturally, when you merge the hype machines of Apple and Burton you get stuff like "Double Polyurethane (PU2)" coated fabric.

    --
    What I'm listening to now on Pandora...
    1. Re:Note... by adamnap · · Score: 1

      this is not for backcountry riding, the market is for kids on slopes who wear backpacks. At least in Vermont I see lots of people with jansport or oakley packs that are fashionable, but not terribly functional. Burton knows this, so does Apple. Otherwise, arc'teryx would make the pack and it would be 700$. The bag is for tunes on the local mountain or campus, not Whistler or backcountry BC.

    2. Re:Note... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Insightful

      I don't think it's even that, though -- it's designed to hold a laptop, doesn't look like it could hold your lunch comfortably and doesn't have a board strap or anything snowboard specific. I think it's aimed at campus far more than the local hill.

  5. If only they'd make a car unit by pauljlucas · · Score: 5, Interesting
    The only places I listen to music are my home and my car. I wish Apple would partner with somebody to make an in-dash unit into which you'd insert an iPod (almost like inserting a casette). The iPod would then be controlled via a panel on the in-dash unit and would receive power from the car's power system.

    In the mean-time, I bought one of these.

    Yes, I am aware of those things that allow you to broadcast iPod output on an FM frerquency, but (1) they're awkward and bring back bad memories of CD/cassette adapters with wires all over the place, and (2) they don't work very well from most accounts I've read.

    --
    If you reply, do so only to what I explicitly wrote. If I didn't write it, don't assume or infer it.
    1. Re:If only they'd make a car unit by tbmaddux · · Score: 4, Informative
      ...those things that allow you to broadcast iPod output on an FM frequency... bring back bad memories of CD/cassette adapters with wires all over the place...
      I currently use one of those lousy cassette adapters. All the FM adapters are just as annoying and wiry, except for the iTrip made by Griffin Technology.

      It's the first FM transmitter device that looks well-suited to the iPod -- so far I've only seen its pictures in magazines and haven't seen one at a local Apple Store or in online stores yet.

      --
      Can't you see that everyone is buying station wagons?
    2. Re:If only they'd make a car unit by Theaetetus · · Score: 4, Interesting
      Got another one for you - I use an AIWA in-dash CD player that has a line-level aux input jack on the front (1/8" stereo unbalanced).

      I run a simple 1/8" stereo to 1/8" stereo cable from my iPod's output to the input of the AIWA and presto, sound. Much better sounding than the car adapter, plus I now have an in-dash CD player (replaced my stock Toyota cassette/radio for $150 from Best Buy)

      -T

    3. Re:If only they'd make a car unit by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Except that it blocks the Firewire port. Sure, you can rotate it out of the way, but then it becomes annoying and wiry just like the other FM transmitters...

    4. Re:If only they'd make a car unit by tbmaddux · · Score: 1

      Yes, line-level input on a 3rd party car stereo would be the next most desirable option (I have factory stereo, unfortunately)... but is outside the range of my budget at the moment.

      --
      Can't you see that everyone is buying station wagons?
    5. Re:If only they'd make a car unit by Refrag · · Score: 1

      It gets its power from the FireWire port.

      --
      I have a website. It's about Macs.
    6. Re:If only they'd make a car unit by cioxx · · Score: 1

      There is one already.

      It's called TransPod

      FM transmitter/charger/mount. The works.

    7. Re:If only they'd make a car unit by pauljlucas · · Score: 1
      There is one already. It's called TransPod
      No there isn't. It's not in-dash as I specifically stated. It uses FM as I specifically stated I did not want. It has a wire plugged into the cigarette lighter: ugh. Stop wasting my time.
      --
      If you reply, do so only to what I explicitly wrote. If I didn't write it, don't assume or infer it.
    8. Re:If only they'd make a car unit by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

      calm down. rofl. with an attitude like that you're going to shit your pants and give yourself a heart-attack. You sound like one of pixars 'ants' who lost his way when the leaf lands in front of him. just be calm man. be calm. Smoke some weed or something if you can't do it naturally.

    9. Re:If only they'd make a car unit by xylafon · · Score: 1

      The best thing to do is buy a car stereo with an aux input. I used to use an FM modulator (commonly used to add XM Radio) but the sound quality was really bad compared to my current solution... A JVC KD-SH55 CD player with 1/8" aux input jack on the front, a 1/8" stereo audio cable, an iPod car charger, and of course, an iPod. Absolutely excellent sound quality.

    10. Re:If only they'd make a car unit by cioxx · · Score: 1
      No there isn't. It's not in-dash as I specifically stated. It uses FM as I specifically stated I did not want. It has a wire plugged into the cigarette lighter: ugh. Stop wasting my time.

      Wow. You're a goddamn retard. I tried to contribute to the discussion and you turn around and get all hostile? Calm down, nerd.

      Let me break your description down and show you how much of an utter moron you are.
      I wish Apple would partner with somebody to make an in-dash unit into which you'd insert an iPod (almost like inserting a casette). The iPod would then be controlled via a panel on the in-dash unit and would receive power from the car's power system.

      1. In dash or firmly attached to dashboard aren't really far off.
      2. Who the fuck, besides bearded fags like yourself, would replace his in-dash stereo with a proprietary iPod player? You're halucinaing, if you think there is a market for such an 'invention'.
      Yes, I am aware of those things that allow you to broadcast iPod output on an FM frerquency, but (1) they're awkward and bring back bad memories of CD/cassette adapters with wires all over the place, and (2) they don't work very well from most accounts I've read.

      No, you're not aware of them. TransPod has a clear signal (unlike iRock, Belkin and few other flavors of FM transmitters on the market today), and there is absolutely no wire clutter. The iPod goes directly in and it recharges/plays at the same time, while letting you keep the the in-dash player for other MAINSTREAM media.

      Secondly, you heard wrong. Maybe try to use it before spewing stupid opinion pieces about technology you don't have a fucking clue about.

      I usually don't insult people, but you're an exception. If I were you, I'd work on my people skills, learn some fucking humility and find a way to appreciate other people's input, rather than insult them over something so insignificant. iPod in-dash player should be the least of your concerns.

      Fuck off.
    11. Re:If only they'd make a car unit by pauljlucas · · Score: 1
      In dash or firmly attached to dashboard aren't really far off.
      Irrelevant. In-dash is my requirement. I'm entitled to have any requirements I please as are you. If I want is-dash, then, damn it, that's what I want: no compromises.
      Who the fuck, besides bearded fags like yourself,
      Ah, an ad-homenim remark: truly the first resort of an mature person. (In case you couldn't tell, that was sarcasm.)
      would replace his in-dash stereo with a proprietary iPod player?
      Newsflash: the factory stereo that came with my car is also proprietary (of Ford Motor Company) as is the Kenwood unit I replaced it with (of Kenwood, obviosuly). Hence, I don't see what difference the iPod makes in terms of being proprietary.
      You're halucinaing, if you think there is a market for such an 'invention'.
      1. I never said there was or ever would be a market for such a thing. Again, it is a wish. I'm entitled to wish for anything I want as are you.
      2. That aside, there's potentially as much of a market for this as there is for a custom jacket with embedded iPod controls, to wit all iPod owners.
      and there is absolutely no wire clutter.
      While true, it instead has a big, honking shaft that plugs into the cigarette lighter. Yeah, that's a real improvement (not).
      rather than insult them over something so insignificant.
      Go reread my post: there is not one insulting word there. All I said was to stop wasting my time. Here's a clue: thats not an insult. It's not calling you any name, insulting your intelligence, or anything of the sort. The fact that you apparantly misinterpreted it as an insult is entirely your doing.
      --
      If you reply, do so only to what I explicitly wrote. If I didn't write it, don't assume or infer it.
    12. Re:If only they'd make a car unit by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I'm with Cioxx on this one. Learn some interpersonal skills, you pedantic geek twat. No wonder you're whoring for dick on the net - kind of hard to meet people in person when you're such a fucking asshole, I'd imagine. "Stop wasting my time" may not have met the technical requirements of an insult, but, pedant, it was ill-mannered as shit.

    13. Re:If only they'd make a car unit by Dr+Reducto · · Score: 1

      It is a freaking good idea. Imagine carrying your music around with you 24/7, and popping it inot the nearest player or just listening to it. Stop giving us your ideas and get to work on it.

  6. Wearable? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Remember this?

    http://apple.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=02/12/3 0/ 1254233&mode=thread

  7. ick by mrpuffypants · · Score: 2, Interesting

    that thing is really ugly. why couldn't they make one that looks like a regular damn backpack or messenger bag rather than that thing.

    It brings to mind the Ghostbuster's proton pack

    1. Re:ick by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      And your complaining about this?

    2. Re:ick by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
      It brings to mind the Ghostbuster's proton pack


      So would crossing two mp3 streams cause a total destruction of everything?

  8. Not a US product sheet? by Duck_Taffy · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Why would the price be $199 US if the measurements are in cm? Perhaps this is a Canadian or Australian product sheet, in which case the US price would be considerably lower.

    --
    Karma: Ran over your dogma.
    1. Re:Not a US product sheet? by linuxology · · Score: 1

      Well my snowboard is from the US and it is measured cm. Burton is a retail snowboard equipment company. You do the measurements.

  9. Je ne comprends pas by 0x00000dcc · · Score: 1
    I mean, I have been a Mac fan for years and you could easily talk me into paying maybe a little extra for a Apple computer. But $200 for this is, umm, well, almost as much as the iPod itself!

    --

    -- (Score:i, Imaginary)

    1. Re:Je ne comprends pas by capmilk · · Score: 1

      Apple and Burton products are equally cool and equally expensive.

    2. Re:Je ne comprends pas by pi+radians · · Score: 1

      The misconception that is happening here is that people are thinking that this is a $5 carrying case that Burton turned into a bag.

      It's not. It's a Burton bag (that usually costs between $120 an $250) that now has a small compartment for an iPod and a built-in remote.

      $200 is a lot of money for a bag to most of us, but those who buy Burton bags are used to it.

      --

      sin(6cos(r)+5A)
  10. The Apple vision by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    It seems that apple's always ahead of the game. Sometimes a bit too radical for people.

    This pack would be something you'd see in some future neo-city movie. Kids sporting the latest gear that integrates fashion and technology.

    The jacket's a cool idea. So is the backpack. I can see these things changing people's minds once they see it in action.

    Ipod is basically Apple's mobile iLife. Integrating it into cool fashionware that is much more aluring than IBM's and other companies e-wear.

    1. Re:The Apple vision by Alan+Partridge · · Score: 1

      what kind of a genius are you? I sewed the remote (with Sony headphone microplug AND display) of my CD walkman into the arm of my Nike rucksack about FIVE YEARS AGO - exactly what these idiots have done, except their solution doesn't allow you to properly control your machine. My solution cost me £200 for my top of the range Sony Discman, £35 for my Nike bag, and 15 minutes worth of scissor and needle work.

      --
      That was classic intercourse!
    2. Re:The Apple vision by capmilk · · Score: 1

      I guess, the Burton solution is for the rest of us who can't sew...

    3. Re:The Apple vision by Alan+Partridge · · Score: 1

      if you can't work out how to hold two pieces of fabric together with a needle and cotton then you're probably better off dead

      seriously

      --
      That was classic intercourse!
    4. Re:The Apple vision by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      What about those of us who are afraid of needles?

    5. Re:The Apple vision by Alan+Partridge · · Score: 1

      you'd better hope you never get ill

      --
      That was classic intercourse!
  11. Well, look at this this way... by DiscoOnTheSide · · Score: 1

    For those of you bitching about the price...if you get those nice fancy weather resistant rubber-this and padded-that they can easily cost $80-100. If you want your iPod to be right at your touch, but dont want it to be easily lost, stolen, or broken, this is a nice thing for only $100 more. I have a fairly nice MiniDisc player that I listen to when I talk to class at Rutgers. I leave the player in my pants pocket and have the remote clipped to my backpack strap, but even thats too conspicuous. This someone will just see headphones and no interaction for me, so they'll have no idea what I have, and if I'm walking in a bad part of town at dark, no one will be inclined to mug me for my $400 toy cause they wont know if it's a $400 iPod or a $2 FM radio

    --
    Viva La Revolucion! Buy a Mac!
    1. Re:Well, look at this this way... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      instead they'll just rip you off for your US$200 backpack!

  12. Another reason for price by G3ek · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Not only does this back pack have a pretty slick shoulder strap oriented set of controls for your iPod, with the pocket for the iPod between you and the back pack (which I find comforting, no way to lose it or have it stolen), but it also has a side entry compartment for your laptop. It's a back pack, laptop case, and iPod companion/remote. I know people who have spent $200 plus on a laptop case alone and that's a case that screams "hey look at me, I have a laptop!" I'm pretty sure they didn't skimp out on the padding and protection for the laptop either.

    Something this cool (did you SEE the remote buttons on the should strap?) is worth $200 IMHO.

  13. Sounds like a GREAT idea... by thetzar · · Score: 2, Funny

    "Here, let me mount this $400 piece of highly-desirable electronics behind my back, in an open mesh pocket, behind sturdy feeling-insulation."

    I'm actually looking forward to this. By the time the next guy on the street turns around... I'll finally have an iPod!

    1. Re:Sounds like a GREAT idea... by Erik+K.+Veland · · Score: 2, Insightful

      Except that the iPod's mounted next to your back, not the open side of this backpack.

      --
      "I tend to think of OS X as Linux with QA and Taste", James Gosling, creator of Java
    2. Re:Sounds like a GREAT idea... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Uh...the iPod is in between your back and the back of the backpack. So you'll have to return that iPod and work off whatever the sentence for assault with intent to rob is :)

  14. A note to Apple: by DannyiMac · · Score: 0, Troll

    Apple Computer:

    I'm not going to get an iPod until you update them. I've been screwed too many times in the past (once), when I bought my Rev B iMac and then you came out with the multi-colored ones at a faster mhz... Update the iPod and I will get one, or do I have to get one now just so you can update them???

    Wait for it... wait for it... wait for it... read more rumors... wait for it... ENOUGH! Update now! Please or I'll explode!

    Danny

    DannyiMac has no reason.

    --
    - Danny
    1. Re:A note to Apple: by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
      I'm not going to get an iPod until you update them. I've been screwed too many times in the past (once), when I bought my Rev B iMac and then you came out with the multi-colored ones at a faster mhz

      Idiot. Do you expect Apple to stop upgrading stuff altogether when YOU buy one of their products? If you had gotten one of the multi-coloured ones, you'd be here whining that then Apple came up with the slot-loading variety. Boo hoo. Cry me a fucking river, asshat. Buy stuff when you want to, not when marketdroids tell you to.

    2. Re:A note to Apple: by capmilk · · Score: 1

      Pretty good point you got there. Most Apple products seem to ripen only after the purchase. It took Apple many months until the 5 gig iPod worked (again).

      But ever since firmware 1.2.6 iPods are working like a charm, so there is no more excuse not to get one. :)

    3. Re:A note to Apple: by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Um, dude, it ain't just Apple.
      I suppose you never buy any computer component or consumer electronic device. They are all updated all the time, they all get faster and cheaper. I paid $300 for the cheapest VCR in the 80's and they cost $75 now, I hate panasonic.

    4. Re:A note to Apple: by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

      It's a fucking hard drive with headphones. What exactly do you want them to upgrade? Your ears?

    5. Re:A note to Apple: by brarrr · · Score: 1

      Yes, post your letters to apple on slashdot stories. This is certainly where they come to check up on public opinion.

      --
      to email me: take my /. handle and append .net preceded by charter.
    6. Re:A note to Apple: by DannyiMac · · Score: 1

      What do you mean, "what exactly do you want them to upgrade?"

      You're correct, it is a "fucking hard drive with headphones."
      Maybe larger capacities for the iPods? Better headphones/earbuds? Or is it impossible to upgrade those things? Ummmmm... NOPE!

      No wonder you posted under Anonymous Coward...

      --
      - Danny
    7. Re:A note to Apple: by DannyiMac · · Score: 1

      Ya never know what Apple does to check up on what people think... but then again it's Apple :)

      --
      - Danny
    8. Re:A note to Apple: by DannyiMac · · Score: 1

      "Idiot. Do you expect Apple to stop upgrading stuff altogether when YOU buy one of their products?"

      No... I never said anything like that at all. I would like my iPod to be new for a little while before another update. If I had the money in the summer to buy a new one I would have and this post would have been null.

      "If you had gotten one of the multi-coloured ones, you'd be here whining that then Apple came up with the slot-loading variety."

      I would have been quite happy with a multicolored iMac and I understand that Apple must update them to attempt to keep up with the competition. But you must have misunderstood when I said, "when I bought my rev B. iMac and then you came out with the multi-colored ones at faster mhz." I'm not talking about 6 months later, I'm talking about 2-3 weeks. And if you remember, not only did these iMacs come with the option of colors and a faster G3, they were cheaper as well. A mere $100 drop isn't much but what if you bought a top-of-the-line PowerMac with an Apple LCD display for around $7000 and then the next day it drops to $5000 due to an update, I'm sure you'll feel a little cheated.

      "Cry me a fucking river, asshat. Buy stuff when you want to, not when marketdroids tell you to."

      No wonder you posted under anonymous coward, only cowards insult people and runs. The "marketdroids" at Apple tell us nothing before releasing a product I know Mac users would like to know, but that would seriously hurt sales. That's why when a product is greater than 6 months old, usually Mac users wait for an update before purchasing a product.

      --
      - Danny
    9. Re:A note to Apple: by Drakonian · · Score: 1

      Yeah damn those guys for updating their products! If they would just refuse to update anything at all, then we'd ALL win!

      --
      Random is the New Order.
  15. $200?!? by halepark · · Score: 2, Informative

    I don't see what the big deal is about this bag, especially since it isn't even for snowboarding. There's nothing it offers that the remote that comes with the iPod couldn't provide. This bag made by Osiris is pretty cool and runs $109 and at least comes with speakers built into it.

  16. The last straw by Megs · · Score: 3, Informative
    You know, ever since the 5 GB iPod (which IMHO has had a terrible price point when compared with the 10 GB and 20 GB models, which gave you so much more iPod for proportionally little more money) stopped being available at the Apple Store, which was, oh, three months ago, I have gone into fits every time Apple updated every damned aspect of their product line besides the poor iPods, which I want to see updated or at least reduced in price so very very much.

    And now, this...thing, while the 5 GB iPod is still advertised (starting at just $299!) and yet still "temporarily unavailable" ... it adds insult to injury. Except that I no longer have the capacity to feel either insult or injury.

    *shakes fist at Cupertino*

    Damn you, Apple! You've devoured my soul! Are you happy now???

    --
    Ask me about LOOM(TM).
    1. Re:The last straw by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      i dont know about you, but i found the 5 gig ipod jsut fine on apples store.

      http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects /c anadastore.woa/71403/wo/e51a6av6O0W5229uChx1y09vfc H/2.3.0.3.27.8

    2. Re:The last straw by Megs · · Score: 1
      i dont know about you, but i found the 5 gig ipod jsut fine on apples store.

      http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/c anadastore.woa/71403/wo/e51a6av6O0W5229uChx1y09vfc H/2.3.0.3.27.8

      ACs -- they can't type, they can't find the shift key, they certainly can't form a link tag, and they can't read.

      Oh, I can find the 5 GB iPod just fine. After all, they're still advertising it rather prominently (at the top of the main store page! Starting at $299!) as I mentioned. What I couldn't do, if I were so inclined at the moment which overall I am not, is purchase the damned thing.

      See how it says, underneath the 5 GB iPod, "Due to significant demand, the 5GB iPod is temporarily unavailable"? In nice, bold letters? See how there isn't a set of links to purchase one in Macintosh or Windows format like there are for the 10 GB and 20 GB models?

      You're going to have to take my word, or perhaps that of Think Secret, for it that it's been like that since Christmas.

      At least you have given me a reason to live on in spite of the crushing blow delivered earlier by Apple and Burton, AC -- to debunk your ill-conceived and ill-executed post.

      (Anyone else -- this paper I'm writing is putting me in a lousy mood. Just ignore me.)

      --
      Ask me about LOOM(TM).
  17. Rainproof? by boola-boola · · Score: 1

    ...is it rainproof? If you get rained on with the backpack on (which happens often to students), does it still work? I know the material is, but what about the part with the controls? For all you iPod owners out there, it's a pretty cool contraption. I'd still rather have the jacket though.

  18. Backpackers Rejoice... by ihtagik · · Score: 1

    Rich backpackers (second defn.) can now ipod effectively...

    Sadly, now that I think about it, I don't know any rich backpackers (at least not wealthy enough to afford this). If there were, this would be the thing to elevate them to new levels of self-alienation.

    1. Re:Backpackers Rejoice... by Dr+Reducto · · Score: 1

      200 dollar for a backpack is nothing for me. A cheap backpack goes for $150, mid range is $250, and for a North Face uber backpack, say hello to 400 to 500 dollars. I am talking about hiking backpacks, but even with backpacks that I carry to school I would be willing to part with $200 if it had good wieght distribution and a nice, comfortable frame.

  19. Can it hold a 17" Powerbook? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Anybody know if this bag would store a 17" Powerbook in the laptop compartment? if it had decient protection, the $200 price tag might even be worth it.

  20. Apple and wearables? by thatguywhoiam · · Score: 2, Funny
    Anyone else get the distinct impression that Apple is dipping a toe into the Wearable Computing pool?

    While MIT-style pie-in-the-sky prototypes are cool, I've always felt that wearables will start with basic needs, like the Amp jacket and now the backpack. They seem simple, sure, but the fact that these have cable-runs in them, and permanent (washable!) controls, are definitely a step towards smart clothes and apparal.

    If there was a jacket that had a basic, durable, waterproof microphone in the collar, and a cable run to a headphone jack, I'd be all over that. Of course, the real way to go would be Blootoof, but still...

    Apple is just the kind of company to do these things, especially partnered with Burton. Not really being serious, but imagine...

    Dell Jacket - very cheap, comes in beige, performs well but looks like ass
    Gateway jacket - cow spots, say no more
    Microsoft jacket - automagically transforms into straightjacket when you play an illegal MP3, calls the police

    --
    If Jesus wants me it knows where to find me.
  21. Ms. Rosen by MohammedNiyalSayeed · · Score: 1

    You do know, of course, that Ms Rosen fears dongs. Dongs remind her of daddy, and his midnight visits to her room. That's why she's with like-minded Dong-Fearing Elizabeth Birch.

    You people need to get out more often.

    --
    /*- Mohammed -*/
  22. True... by DannyiMac · · Score: 1

    ... but how would you feel if you just bought an iPod, then Apple releases a newer one with higher capacities or the same model now at a lower price one to three weeks later? When I got my iMac, two weeks later they released the multicolored ones with a lower price. Okay, you bought a $300 VCR in the 80's, but two weeks later it didn't drop to $75 and improve in video quality, it took 10 years or more for this dramatic change to occur... not two or three weeks.

    --
    - Danny
  23. Whats the Big F'in deal by CitizenDynamo · · Score: 1

    Ohh geez the bag costs 200 bucks!!! Dear lord no, why pay more than a tenspot for a bag, any bag. I'll ask my fiance and her coach purse. Lets be honest this backpack is a status symbol!! If you like it you will buy it, if you dont, you wont. Thats how it should be. When a product comes out on the market ask yourself two questions. 1. Do you need it? 2. Do you want it? If answer to number 1 is yes by all means buy it. If answer to 2 is yes, use your head, good judgement and checkbook balance. If the answer to either is no dont buy it!!!! If you think it costs too much.... Dont buy it. If you cant stand it because its the wrong color dont buy it. If you dont like it, dont buy it. I testify that that speaks volumes more information to the manufacturer than whining about the product will.

  24. The ergonomics of the AmpPack by Dr+Reducto · · Score: 1

    Um, maybe none of you have noticed, but it looks like this backpack will not fit as well as many of you will expect a $200 backpack to fit. Look at the backpanel. It has circles. They will hurt your spine after a few hours. Also, the straps suck. And there is no way to lash things to the outside. And, it's got a teardrop shape that will not let you fits bokss or anything inside.