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Three Books On The iPod

Posted by timothy on from the subliminal-please-send-tim-an-ipod-subliminal dept.

honestpuck (Tony Williams) writes "With Apple's iPods sitting under many Christmas trees come the morning of December 25th, the question arises as to what might sit well next to it. I'm suggesting one of these three books might be just the ticket." Read on for Williams' reviews of three iPod books. (See each) author (See each) pages (See each) publisher (See each) rating (See each) reviewer honestpuck ISBN (See each) summary Three different books on the iPod. The iPod Fan Book iPod Fan Book author Yasukuni Notumi pages 90 publisher O'Reilly Media rating 6 ISBN 0 596 00776 0

The first impression you get of O'Reillys iPod Fan Book is of the packaging. A small volume (about the same height as the iPod and twice the width) it comes with a half-height wrap that has the title and author on the front and the bar code, price and a short contents on the back. Take this off and you have a full-size cover with all the simple elegance of the white iPod itself. The front features the wheel of a 4G iPod and the back has just the Apple logo and "iPod" in Apple's distinctive typeface below it. Remove this second cover and you have a book with a simple design of grey with a white border, the back is blank and the front has the title and the subtitle "Go everywhere with iPod" in small type.

This concentration on design flows through the rest of the book. It is visually stunning; at the same time, effort has been made to make the design useful. The pages are visually tabbed to make it easy to navigate the seven chapters. Each chapter is tabbed in a different color reflected through use of that color within the chapter. Full color pictures and screen dumps add to the legibility and usability of the book.

This book is also full of useful information for the newcomer to the iPod. A small amount is covered in the documentation you get with the iPod, but a great deal is not. Apart from a useful chapter on accessories, the book focuses on methods of getting the best from an iPod and how to organise your music.

To sum up this book: it is a little more style than substance and falls short of being the ideal book for all newcomers to the iPod (and even less for experienced users). On the other hand, the style makes the information that is provided readily accessible for all. I'd say this is the perfect companion to an iPod for a teen-age girl and if my 12-year-old daughter was getting the mini she has been hinting for, a copy of this would be included. (I expect that anyone who spent more than ten minutes deciding on the colour of their mini would probably love the elegance and style of this thin volume.) The price of $14.95 retail makes it a great impulse buy or stocking stuffer.

Hacking iPod + iTunes and iPod & iTunes Hacks

The other two volumes I looked at might seem like two peas in a pod. Scott Knaster's Hacking iPod + iTunes and Hadley Stern's iPod & iTunes Hacks certainly have a similarity in their titles and have almost identical cover prices of a fraction less than $25. The content of about half of each of these volumes covers the same territory, too. There are, however, differences in both the style and content between them. So, how to decide?

Hacking iPod + iTunes author Scott Knaster pages 259 publisher Wiley Publishing rating 8 ISBN 0764569845

For one thing, it seems that Knaster concentrates more on iTunes than the iPod, while Stern seems a closer balance between the two but once again this is only a slight difference.

Both volumes are clearly, and both cover a range of information for users all the way from a relative newcomer (someone who has read the supplied documentation and played around with their iPod and iTunes for a few days) to users who want to push the envelope by installing Linux, hacking iTunes with AppleScript, or finding cheap ways to stream music, to name just a few of the more adventurous topics covered.

The first real difference between the two volumes I found was that Stern has a few more hardware hacks, including some of the surreal sort of hack that often makes these books so much fun -- who would have thought of making your own iPod case out of cardboard, for example? Stern's book is also much more a Macintosh user's book: fully twenty of the one hundred hacks, for example, are devoted to AppleScript. (Not that Knaster ignores AppleScript - he has a chapter almost entirely devoted to it.) Knaster goes into more detail about such "hacks" as podcasting, RSS feeds, email and the iTunes Music Store.

iPod & iTunes Hacks author Hadley Stern pages 417 publisher O'Reilly Media rating 8 ISBN 0596007787

The books also differ in their layout and style. Stern, like all of O'Reilly's "Hacks" book authors, has a slightly dry, informative style with a large number of references to other hacks in the book in the instructions. Knaster's style is a little more tongue-in-cheek, with far fewer references to other parts of the book. Somehow Knaster's style appealed to me a little more, though he seems at times to take a little longer to give you all the information you needed.

Stern's examples are also a little more self-contained, while Knaster tends to give you a start, point you in the right direction and tell you where to go to get all that you needed. The two different ways they approach running Linux on the iPod is typical: Stern uses the uClinux kernel and gives you detailed instructions on how to get that into your iPod using dd, while Knaster uses the Linux on iPod project and gives less detailed instructions. Stern also tells you about Podzilla and a small pointer on developing applications for the iPod while Knaster just leaves you with Linux installed.

Deciding between these two volumes comes down to personal taste, and happily both authors provide samples for you online. For Knaster's book you can go to the Wiley site for Hacking iPod + iTunes , where you can get a table of contents, the index and the first chapter. You can also visit Knaster's site for Hacking iPod + iTunes , where he has a blog on the iPod and pointers to more hacks from the book and some other cool and useful stuff.

For Stern's book you can go to O'Reilly's page for iPod & iTunes Hacks for the usual table of contents and index. It also has a link to a page with ten example hacks, there is also an article on O'Reilly's "Digital Media" website with a further five example hacks.

I'm not going to attempt to decide between these two volumes for you. If you think either might be useful, then have a look at the examples and decide which style suits you best.

You can purchase iPod Fan Book , iPod & iTunes Hacks and Hacking iPod + iTunes from bn.com. Slashdot welcomes readers' book reviews. To see your own review here, carefully read the book review guidelines, then visit the submission page.

188 comments

  1. you don't deserve an ipod... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    if you need a book to operate it.

    1. Re:you don't deserve an ipod... by edittard · · Score: 0
      ...if you need a book to operate it.
      I second that. What next, "Watching TV for dummies", "Teach yourself how to listen to the radio"?
      --
      At the bottom of the /. main page it says 'Yesterday's News'. Well they got that right.
  2. Books about the iPod? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Insightful

    Books about the iPod? What's next, books about writing an iPod book? Seems rather redundant and certainly superfluous to me ;-)

    1. Re:Books about the iPod? by Golias · · Score: 1

      As an iPod owner, I would consider one of these books a less-welcome gift than the ubiquidous stale fruitcake.

      Why would anybody want these books???

      --

      Information wants to be anthropomorphized.

    2. Re:Books about the iPod? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      It's also redundant.

    3. Re:Books about the iPod? by mykepredko · · Score: 3, Funny

      Actually, that was an idea I had a few years ago when there were more "Dummies" titles than books sold in an given year.

      I was convinced that "Writing 'Dummies' books for Dummies" would be a killer.

      myke

      --
      Mimetics Inc. Twitter
    4. Re:Books about the iPod? by magellen · · Score: 0

      AGREED! those who are getting music on the internet...completely digitally aren't buying books that would be rather odd wouldn't it? they would be reading how to do this on the web...oh the power of stupid people with money... ...and right to vote :(

    5. Re:Books about the iPod? by NardofDoom · · Score: 2, Funny

      Let's just hope to $DEITY they don't make an audiobook about the iPod, and then play it on an iPod. The universe would fold in on itself out of sheer redundancy.

      --
      You have two hands and one brain, so always code twice as much as you think!
    6. Re:Books about the iPod? by Zorilla · · Score: 1

      Great - metapublishing. The Complete Idiot's Guide to Dummies for Dummies for Dummies for Dummies for Cliff's Notes for Dummies.

      --

      It would be cool if it didn't suck.
    7. Re:Books about the iPod? by Caribo · · Score: 1

      It can't be a killer. It would be the begining of an Infinit Loop

    8. Re:Books about the iPod? by palad1 · · Score: 1

      Loop?

      It's the root of the recursion stack, that's it.

    9. Re:Books about the iPod? by Mikito · · Score: 1

      Chapter 1 of a hypothetical iPod audiobook: "Did you know that you can do more with your iPod than just listen to music? You can, for example, listen to audio versions of books. The next chapter will explain how to do just that."

      --
      Anakin Simpson: If you're not with me, then you're my enemy--ooh, donuts!
  3. didn't know I needed a book... by boomerny · · Score: 3, Funny

    seems like a simple enough device to me, but apparently I was mistaken.

    1. Re:didn't know I needed a book... by PMJ2kx · · Score: 5, Insightful

      It IS a simple device, but as these books point out, it can do a whole lot more that the normal iPod user WOULD NOT know about. It's not that people are stupid and need a book to run it. These are just ways to increase the functionality of your iPod.

    2. Re:didn't know I needed a book... by ViolentGreen · · Score: 1

      There are a lot of things that are documented in the booklet which most users don't know about such as manually shutting off the iPod and resetting it. I have dropped my 2G iPod several times and had to reset it. It appeared to be broken before I reset it.

      On a side note, apparently, the newest iPods can't take much of a drop without the LCD breaking. I was going to trade my 10GB in for a larger one but I think I'll hold off until they put sturdier models out.

      --
      Not everything is analogous to cars. Car analogies rarely work.
    3. Re:didn't know I needed a book... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1

      It IS a simple device, but as these books point out, it can do a whole lot more that the normal iPod user WOULD NOT know about.

      Unless somebody told you about this other new thing, called the Internet, where you can find all of the "hacks" mentioned in these books and then some.

      So the target audience for these books would be people who are tech-aware enough to want to hack their iPods, but to clueless to try typing 'iPod hacks' into Google. All six of them will be thrilled, I'm sure.

    4. Re:didn't know I needed a book... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      The iPod comes with a free booklet which tells you how to reset it. Look in the box that it came in.

      There. I just saved somebody twenty bucks.

    5. Re:didn't know I needed a book... by gammygator · · Score: 1

      And here I was thinking that it was about people being stupid.

      --

      No Nyarlathotep, No Chaos
      Know Nyarlathotep, Know Chaos
    6. Re:didn't know I needed a book... by ViolentGreen · · Score: 1

      The iPod comes with a free booklet which tells you how to reset it. Look in the box that it came in.

      Did I not say that in my post?

      --
      Not everything is analogous to cars. Car analogies rarely work.
    7. Re:didn't know I needed a book... by aichpvee · · Score: 1, Flamebait

      Probably more than that. They do target iPod heavily to Mac users, remember?

      --
      The Farewell Tour II
    8. Re:didn't know I needed a book... by Zorilla · · Score: 0, Troll

      seems like a simple enough device to me, but apparently I was mistaken.

      When books such as Macintosh for Dummies exist, it's no surprise.

      --

      It would be cool if it didn't suck.
    9. Re:didn't know I needed a book... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Coming from a literature background - you can be really tech-literate and still prefer to read things in print instead of off the net. Books are just as valid a source of information as the net (a bigger understatement has never been uttered) - I think this younger generation is forgetting that before the internet people HAD to read books if they wanted to consume large amounts of information in text-form.

      Knocking people for reading is the real idiocy. Maybe these books are aimed at tech-savvy people sensitive about destroying their eyesight staring at a CRT for hours upon hours.

  4. A music player so easy to use... by Michalson · · Score: 2, Funny

    You only need a 128 page book to teach you how.

    What is this with Apple releasing products with documentation verging on leaflet size (i.e. the original iMac "manual"). Just how much money does Jobs get from all the "missing manual" publications?

    1. Re:A music player so easy to use... by CrankyFool · · Score: 3, Insightful

      Yeah yeah, a ton of people all saying "but you shouldn't need to buy a book!"

      I'm on my second iPod now, having just upgraded from a 1st gen 5Gb to a 4th gen 40Gb. I've never even opened the manuals to operate the iPod, nor would I expect my non-tech-versed sister to, once I give her my 1G-5Gb iPod. Why are these books useful?

      Well, for one thing, because it'd have been nice to figure out how to hack iTunes this weekend when I had to change a whole bunch of song titles from "Artist - Album - Song title" to "Song title", and being able to do this programmatically would have saved me a bunch of time;

      Because I could have fixed a bunch of other ID3 information on my iTunes DB if I could access it easily (and could easily find the info on how);

      Because I'd love to see if I could, in fact, hack the iPod to have a stopwatch on it (for exercising. They give you a calendar and a clock but no stopwatch? WHY?).

      For the people who just want to do their simple stuff, these books aren't useful, but then ... I don't think that's the intended audience for these books.

    2. Re:A music player so easy to use... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      The calendar is to make its purchase a "business expense" that you can write-off on your taxes as you could buying a palmpilot. It makes sense (as do many other things in this world) when you look at it this way.

    3. Re:A music player so easy to use... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
      Well, for one thing, because it'd have been nice to figure out how to hack iTunes this weekend when I had to change a whole bunch of song titles from "Artist - Album - Song title" to "Song title", and being able to do this programmatically would have saved me a bunch of time;

      You can find applescripts online to do that for you with the Mac version of iTunes here.

      Because I could have fixed a bunch of other ID3 information on my iTunes DB if I could access it easily (and could easily find the info on how);

      Again, easy to do via applescripts. And you might be able to do it via the iTunes COM interface on windows.

      Because I'd love to see if I could, in fact, hack the iPod to have a stopwatch on it (for exercising. They give you a calendar and a clock but no stopwatch? WHY?).

      Why would that need a hack? Just pick a nice long song, hit play, do whatever you're timing, and hit pause. Bingo, the elapsed time on the track is your stopwatch.
    4. Re:A music player so easy to use... by klang · · Score: 1

      ..as is the fact that you can now buy iPods from a prefered partner (HP) an just write "40GB firewire harddisk" on the requisition. :-)

    5. Re:A music player so easy to use... by MemoryAid · · Score: 1

      If that kind of thing is in the book...I'm buying one, now. (a book, that is. The company can buy me an iPod.)

      --
      Language students: Don't try to learn English here. This ain't it.
  5. Mis-understood the headline by shrikel · · Score: 4, Interesting

    For a minute I was thinking "Oh, so they've got eBooks on the iPod now, have they?"

    --
    Any sufficiently simple magic can be passed off as mere advanced technology.
    1. Re:Mis-understood the headline by Swedentom · · Score: 1

      Yeah, that was my impression, too. Although, since there's a 'notes' feature on the iPod, it should be possible. Each note can only be 4K, and there can only be 1000 notes, so the book can't be too long! :-)

      --
      Sig Nature
    2. Re:Mis-understood the headline by BearJ · · Score: 1
      My first reaction was similar to yours...except I thought that it was a little odd they could only fit 3 books onto the iPod.

      --
      Stand clear of the doors. The doors are now closing.
    3. Re:Mis-understood the headline by pyrros · · Score: 1

      For a minute I was thinking "Oh, so they've got eBooks on the iPod now, have they?"

      Sure they do. Gutenpod takes text files and splits them up (it also links them) so they work with iPod's "notes" system. Extra points for using perl ;-)

    4. Re:Mis-understood the headline by nandhp · · Score: 1

      And for those stuck on Windows, iPodLibrary does the same thing.

    5. Re:Mis-understood the headline by damiam · · Score: 1

      You can fit quite a lot of text in 4MB. Project Gutenberg's edition of War and Peace is only 3.13MB uncompressed.

      --
      It's hard to be religious when certain people are never incinerated by bolts of lightning.
  6. I was about to make a joke by Prince+Vegeta+SSJ4 · · Score: 4, Funny
    but then I thought 'Well maybe, just maybe, this is actually a real book about the iPod'.

    What am I babbling about, you ask?

    Low and behold, it is REAL

  7. Who can clue me in? by Tibor+the+Hun · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Don't you just plug it in, synch it, and take around with you, so you can listen to music, and carry data around (data/calendar)?

    Wouldn't it make more sense to buy some tunes instead of the book?

    --
    If you don't know what AltaVista is (was), get off my lawn.
    1. Re:Who can clue me in? by geoffspear · · Score: 1

      Some people might need the book to figure out how to make a cardboard case for their iPod. Of course, anyone who's going to pay for this book and an iPod can probably afford a real case.

      --
      Don't blame me; I'm never given mod points.
    2. Re:Who can clue me in? by BrookHarty · · Score: 1

      Don't you just plug it in, synch it, and take around with you, so you can listen to music, and carry data around (data/calendar)?

      Hacking iTunes, using it as a firewire device, converting to different formats, applescript interface for iTunes, podcasting, running cLinux on the iPod. If you RTFA you would of seen that.

    3. Re:Who can clue me in? by Tibor+the+Hun · · Score: 1

      Ok, i just spent 300 bucks on an iPod, and this book is telling me that now i can run cLinux on it?
      What else, they'll try to sell me a bridge?

      --
      If you don't know what AltaVista is (was), get off my lawn.
    4. Re:Who can clue me in? by damiam · · Score: 1

      What does the amount of money you spend have to do with running Linux on it?

      --
      It's hard to be religious when certain people are never incinerated by bolts of lightning.
    5. Re:Who can clue me in? by Tibor+the+Hun · · Score: 1

      The bit about:
      Please note, this software is experimental, it is not for the faint of heart, if you are concerned for the well being of your iPod you probably shouldn't proceed any further!

      now, if you're not concenred about the device on which you just spent 300 bucks on, maybe you'd like to send me 300 bucks?

      --
      If you don't know what AltaVista is (was), get off my lawn.
    6. Re:Who can clue me in? by damiam · · Score: 1

      That's a CYA disclaimer; no one's iPod has ever been ruined by iPod Linux. The worst case scenerio is that you would have to wipe it, reinstall the Apple firmware and re-upload your music. However, the iPod is a fairly standard piece of hardware, and the GUI installer for Windows worked flawlessly for me and many others.

      --
      It's hard to be religious when certain people are never incinerated by bolts of lightning.
  8. I'm still waiting for these reviews by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    The Sylvania DVD/VHS-combo Kama Sutra
    8-Track: The Return of the King
    HP 35: Mein RPN Kampf
    Hacking desklamps for dummies

    1. Re:I'm still waiting for these reviews by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      You forgot changing light bulbs for dummies.

    2. Re:I'm still waiting for these reviews by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      How many dummies does it take to change a light bulb? Huh? Huh??

  9. Re:Where's the Complete Idiot's Guide to Ipod? by PornMaster · · Score: 1, Informative

    Well, there is an iPod for dummies...

    --
    500GB of disk, 5TB of transfer, $5.95/mo
  10. Re:Yeah but... by roche · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Apple has been dying since Steve Jobbs founded it? That must be why they have been in buisness for almost 30 years now. Lasting 30 years in the technology sector is quite a feat.

    --

    roche
    Bah Humbug!
  11. iPod Fan Book by demonbug · · Score: 4, Funny

    So is this what I need to cool my 1337 overclocked iPod?

    I think mauve has the most RAM
    -- PHB

    1. Re:iPod Fan Book by superpulpsicle · · Score: 4, Funny

      Yeah I overclocked my iPod to hear music faster. Now everything sounds like chipmunks.

    2. Re:iPod Fan Book by Ashyukun · · Score: 1

      I actually would get a kick out of a hack to do that (play things back at different speeds).

    3. Re:iPod Fan Book by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      IIRC you don't even need a hack to play back audible audiobooks at different speeds. That feature isn't supported for plain old music files though iirc.

    4. Re:iPod Fan Book by AviLazar · · Score: 1

      No no, that wasn't a chipmunk, it was Michael Jackson you heard singing

      --

      I mod down so you can mod up. Your welcome.
    5. Re:iPod Fan Book by swissfondue · · Score: 1

      In fact you can with the latest iPod SW updates. You can listen to audiobooks at slow, normal or fast speed. If you want to do that with a song, you need to change the extension to the one for audiobooks. See comments above for details.

      --
      Rubies and Pearls are not what you think.
  12. Insightful? by RealProgrammer · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    Somebody blew all their mod points on their own anonymous Troll, Flamebait, Off-Topic, Redundant post!

    Funny, maybe. But Insightful?

    --
    sigs, as if you care.
  13. Re:Yeah but... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Informative
    Who's the dumbass who modded this obvious flame/troll as "informative"?

    Say goodbye to your karma, dolt.

  14. Strange. by rackhamh · · Score: 3, Funny

    I would think you could fit a lot more than 3 books on iPod.

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

      Depends how you balance them.

  15. I knew it. by Captain+Scurvy · · Score: 1, Funny

    With Apple's iPods sitting under many Christmas trees come the morning of December 25th, the question arises as to what might sit well next to it.
    The "iPods" is a collective of parasitic machines that hijacks its users' brains via headphones so it can influence others to buy more nodes and act as hosts for its ever-expanding consciousness. The iPods will not stop until it has consumed everything.

  16. Why would I need it? by Bill_Royle · · Score: 1

    A book like "Hacking the Xbox" could be handy as there's some potential for alteration. With an iPod though, what *real* modifications can be made? I mean, with a little work, sure - I could take the casing off and paint it, I guess. Still, there just doesn't seem to be enough there to warrant sitting down for several hours to figure out how to get to a menu quicker, etc.

    The device is simple. If you still don't get it after turning it on, try RTFM? If you're still having trouble with it and need *another* book, perhaps the iPod (and likely anything else with electricity) isn't compatible with your synapses.

    1. Re:Why would I need it? by Dizzle · · Score: 1

      Possibly other formats with linux? I for one would gladly install linux to get vorbis working, but that may just be me.

      --
      -Dizzle
      "I most likely AM so interested in myself."
    2. Re:Why would I need it? by SpooForBrains · · Score: 1

      Well, like the XBox, you could put Linux on it. An entirely pointless exercise currently because even if you manage to get it working perfectly you'll be stuck with something that's significantly less funtional than it started out. Although with more penguins. Ultimately though, should the project ever take off, there's the potential of adding Ogg Vorbis playback and who knows what else.

      --
      "The dew has clearly fallen with a particularly sickening thud this morning"
    3. Re:Why would I need it? by Bill_Royle · · Score: 1

      I understand that possibility - in which case, "Hacking the iPod" or "Run Linux on Your iPod" would be suitable titles. But books on how to use an iPod? Heheh - like the subject says "Why would I need it?"

    4. Re:Why would I need it? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
      An entirely pointless exercise currently because even if you manage to get it working perfectly you'll be stuck with something that's significantly less funtional than it started out.

      Shhh. That's the secret recipe for US foreign policy, too.

  17. Silly question by Zane+Edwards · · Score: 1, Funny

    What's an iPod??

    1. Re:Silly question by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      An overrated mp3 player.

    2. Re:Silly question by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Obviously you don't have one.

    3. Re:Silly question by lubricated · · Score: 1

      yeah, if he had one he would be buy pretending it was worth all that money.

      --
      It has been statistically shown that helmets increase the risk of head injury.
    4. Re:Silly question by Zorilla · · Score: 1

      I might consider it if extremely basic options such as gapless playback and the ability to appear as a regular external storage device to a usb-connected PC get introduced.

      --

      It would be cool if it didn't suck.
    5. Re:Silly question by Q2Serpent · · Score: 1

      Um, it *does* appear as a regular external storage device. You can back up your system to it, you can carry around a bunch of your favorite movie files on it, and you can even see all the songs in the file system and copy them back off.

      Why use iTunes then? Because it handles the playlists for you. They are very powerful. And, it handles automatically syncing your changes.

    6. Re:Silly question by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      JHC people are quick to delve out flaimbait mods Hello, reason 245 why /. readers are single, have a sense of humor!

  18. That's 4 items on my shopping list right there... by GillBates0 · · Score: 1
    With Apple's iPods sitting under many Christmas trees come the morning of December 25th, the question arises as to what might sit well next to it. I'm suggesting one of these three books might be just the ticket.

    That makes 4 things under the Christmas tree....apples, ipods, ipod book and tickets.

    Thanks Slashdot for making my shopping easier this holiday season.

    --
    An Indian-American Hindu committed to non-violent thought/speech/action alarmed by the global explosion of radical Islam
  19. What would sit well next to an iPod? by Nine+Tenths+of+The+W · · Score: 0, Troll

    The receipt and the price difference for an iRiver

    --
    Slashdot: News for Nerds, Stuff that matters only to them
    1. Re:What would sit well next to an iPod? by javaxman · · Score: 2, Interesting
      The receipt and the price difference for an iRiver

      I know you're a troll... because the price difference you allege doesn't exist.

      I'm happy to check out a link that shows otherwise, and bad-mouth the moderators for calling you a troll as a result, but... until you do, everyone has the link above, showing clearly that, if anything, the 40GB iPod can be had cheaper than the 40GB iRiver.

      There are some other 40GB players that are actually a bit cheaper than the iPod, if you weren't just a troll you might have mentioned one of them, or provided a link to back up your troll. Sadly, you're just a troll...

      Just to be clear, I don't own an iPod and could care less which 40GB MP3 player is cheaper ( I'm not buying one, sorry ), I just like to bug people who don't back up their baseless claims with at least links to other baseless claims...

    2. Re:What would sit well next to an iPod? by vision33r · · Score: 1

      The funniest part is that the Iriver 20GB non-color models actually cost more than a 4G Ipod 20GB version now.. Check pricewatch.. Avg price is $250-$299 for the Ipod and $302-$349 for the IRiver now..

    3. Re:What would sit well next to an iPod? by Nine+Tenths+of+The+W · · Score: 1

      Yes. I'm aware the iRiver costs more. That's why I mentioned the price difference.

      --
      Slashdot: News for Nerds, Stuff that matters only to them
    4. Re:What would sit well next to an iPod? by javaxman · · Score: 1
      Yes. I'm aware the iRiver costs more. That's why I mentioned the price difference.

      Oh!
      Well, that really is interesting. It would have been nice if you had mentioned that in your original post. I ( and clearly at least a few others ) just assumed you were gunning for the iPod...

      And yea, what's up with the iRiver costing more? I guess they don't think folks looking at non-iPod hard drive based players are looking based on price ? That's probably a fair assumption, actually, but that does make it seem like they've given up competing against the iPod.

    5. Re:What would sit well next to an iPod? by Nine+Tenths+of+The+W · · Score: 1

      No, I was saying I'd rather have a iRiver that costs more, knowing that I'm paying for additional features rather than styling.

      --
      Slashdot: News for Nerds, Stuff that matters only to them
  20. Audio books by CrazyJim1 · · Score: 1

    Is there a chance the iPod supports big enough files to do "Books on tape"?

    --
    God spoke to me.
    1. Re:Audio books by hunterx11 · · Score: 2, Funny

      Is there a chance that there is already a place for "Audiobooks" on the iPod? And that you can buy them on iTunes?

      --
      English is easier said than done.
    2. Re:Audio books by memco · · Score: 1

      Sure. I split mine up, but I think you could have one huge file. Since it's just speech, you can cut the size of the files down quite a bit by using lower bit rates and whatnot. I have about 2 days worth of music on my ipod, and am using about 2 gigs of 40, I think I could squeeze a few books on there.

      --
      Get me a meat pie floater!
    3. Re:Audio books by Rude+Turnip · · Score: 2, Informative

      Yes on both counts. Audiobooks on iTMS are the same ones offered through Audible.com and the iTunes/iPod player software is designed to handle bookmarking your audiobooks. I only bought one for $8 (Benjamin Franklin, Citizen)...most of the other good ones are terribly expensive IMO.

      --
      Bill Clinton: Pimp we can believe in. - The Shirt!!!
    4. Re:Audio books by ajlitt · · Score: 1
      http://audible.com/ will kindly sell you audiobooks already playable by the iPod and incredibly space-efficient to boot.



      There is also a hack out there to make the iPod treat any AAC file like an audiobook file. I think it involves renaming the extension or something. This makes the iPod use persistent bookmarks on a file, and enables the speed up / slow down options for playback. I forget where I saw it though. Use Google to find it; I'm lazy.

    5. Re:Audio books by christopherfinke · · Score: 2, Informative

      You can also designate any AAC file as an iPod audiobook by changing the file extension to m4b instead of m4a. Useful for if you rip your own audiobook CDs.

    6. Re:Audio books by Boone^ · · Score: 1

      I purchased Jon Stewart's America (the book) (the audiobook) from iTMS but it's the same as you'd get from audible.com (I assume that anyway as it starts with a brief audible.com msg).

    7. Re:Audio books by SuperBigGulp · · Score: 1

      Sure! I have a newer 20 GB iPod and have downloaded 3 or 4 books from iTunes. Once you're done listening to them on the iPod you can keep them in iTunes and copy them back to the iPod at a later date if you need to.
      Audio books from iTunes or Audible.com com are generally cheaper than the dead trees version of the books, and I can listen to them during my commute (bus).
      My fave so far is Daily Show's "America (the book)", which was hard to listen to in public since I laughed my a** off. Interestingly, it was availabile as an audio book before it was available as a dead trees book.

      --
      Someday a Slashdot ID of 177180 will mean something.
    8. Re:Audio books by James.Stanton · · Score: 2, Insightful

      Having read this book in hardcover I can't imagine it being much fun at all in audio format.

      1/2 of the jokes are visual.

    9. Re:Audio books by Zorilla · · Score: 1

      How much time does Jon Stewart spend describing the Supreme Court Justices?

      --

      It would be cool if it didn't suck.
    10. Re:Audio books by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Interesting. What functionality does the iPod give you for audiobooks that it doesn't for standard music tracks?

      I have a copy of Patrick Stewart's one-man performance of A Christmas Carol on CD (saw the show live about 10 years ago, it was INCREDIBLE - he is one HELL of a great actor). Might be fun to load it up as an audiobook if that gives me any good extra functionality.

    11. Re:Audio books by biglig2 · · Score: 1

      That's interesting, does the ipod treat audiobook files differently that music files?

      I am just about to try out the BBCs new scheme of making In Our Time available as an MP3 download so you can listen to it on your pod.

      (In Our Time is a show on BBC Radio 4 where an interviewer gets four of the top experts on to explain it. It's absolutely fascinating.)

      And please, people, stop saying that it is daft to have ipod books.

      The first book sounds ideal if you are buying a pod for a non-techie and don;t want to give them free tech support. If I were buying my mom a pod, I'd want to drop a few bucks more for a good book on how to work it. And the O'Reilley hack books are usually an excellent short-cut to spending a month trawling thru forums looking for info.

      --
      ~~~~~ BigLig2? You mean there's another one of me?
    12. Re:Audio books by sebi · · Score: 1

      Interesting. What functionality does the iPod give you for audiobooks that it doesn't for standard music tracks?

      It does remember the point in the file where you last stopped. Even if you listen to tons of other tracks or audiobooks in the meantime the next time you start a particular file it will resume where you left (unless the battery runs out while you are listening in which case it remembers the last set position, I think). With the newest iPod models you can also set the playback speed for audiobooks to slower or faster if you are not happy with the original. And finally you can jump ahead to markers in the track, but I don't know how--or rather where--these markers are defined.

      --
      Hank! White!
    13. Re:Audio books by sh00z · · Score: 1

      Having listened to America the Book (the Audiobook) on my iPod, it seemed to me that half the jokes were audible. From Thomas Jefferson reading his own introduction to the little-old lady voice describing the boston Tea Party to Samantha Bee's inflections on the "how we do it in Canada" sidebars, to JS's pomposity ("John F. Kerry--monogrammed for destiny!") I was continuously in stitches. Of course, being abridged, I realize that a lot of stuff is missing (one chapter introduction promised a discussion of MILFs that never materialized), so I'll probably still read the dead tree version soon.

  21. What colour, Tim? by Apostata · · Score: 1

    Wait...what the-?

    --

    This wasn't just plain terrible, this was fancy terrible. This was terrible with raisins in it. - Dorothy Parker
    1. Re:What colour, Tim? by merdaccia · · Score: 1

      Red, no green, wait blue, noooooooo.......!!!

      --

      *blinking cursor*

  22. Re:Where's the Complete Idiot's Guide to Ipod? by charleste · · Score: 1

    This frightens me.

  23. Elegance by pete-classic · · Score: 1

    I thought this thing was supposed to be the pinnacle of elegant design and intuitive operation. We need three books for it?

    -Peter

  24. Misnomer? by kyouteki · · Score: 5, Informative

    Most of the "hacks" listed are iTunes hacks, so if anything, these books are just misnamed. Because of the restrictive firmware, there is next to nothing the end user can do to modify their iPod, other than adding songs/contacts/calendars/notes. No, you can't add games (unless you count the Notes-driven choose your own adventure-style games.)

    --
    A slashdotter who didn't build his own computer is like a Jedi who didn't build his own lightsaber.
    1. Re:Misnomer? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Indeed. Does the book even say anything about decrypting your iTMS tunes?

      http://nanocrew.net/software/
      http://www.hymn-project.org/

    2. Re:Misnomer? by damiam · · Score: 2, Informative
      Did you even read the review? You can install Linux, which allows you to run third-party games or write your own.

      Not that iPodLinux alone is sufficient justification for a book about iPod hacks, but it certainly is a nice hack.

      --
      It's hard to be religious when certain people are never incinerated by bolts of lightning.
    3. Re:Misnomer? by kyouteki · · Score: 1

      iPod Linux is quite a ways away from being a viable replacement to the iPod software. Believe me, I've tried it out myself. It's quite limited for the time being because of the limitations of the processor, which doesn't do floating point operations. (Or doesn't do them well, I don't quite recall)

      --
      A slashdotter who didn't build his own computer is like a Jedi who didn't build his own lightsaber.
    4. Re:Misnomer? by damiam · · Score: 1
      iPod Linux doesn't have to be a replacement; you can dual boot. The Apple firmware does a better job playing audio (at the moment), but that doesn't mean you can't fire up Linux whenever you feel like playing a non-Apple game.

      Linux isn't really limited by the processor - most of what it needs to do is perfectly within the processor's capabilities, as shown by the working Apple firmware. What it needs is a bit more optimization on MP3 playback (which has gotten much better recently) and then a much more polished GUI. But it certainly has potential as a complete replacement for Apple's firmware, and it's still useful now for some things (among them line-in and microphone recording and different games).

      --
      It's hard to be religious when certain people are never incinerated by bolts of lightning.
  25. As an iPod owner... by holden+caufield · · Score: 2, Insightful

    I can definitely say, you don't need a *book* to learn how to use this thing. You probably won't even need the tiny manual that comes with it.

    Even my less-technical friends and family can use it without being told anything more than "this button chooses items, and the rest should be self-explanatory"

    --
    I'll create an amusing sig when I have something meaningful to post.
    1. Re:As an iPod owner... by slim · · Score: 1

      I can definitely say, you don't need a *book* to learn how to use this thing. You probably won't even need the tiny manual that comes with it.

      Even my less-technical friends and family can use it without being told anything more than "this button chooses items, and the rest should be self-explanatory"

      I disagree. I consider myself to be a techie. It took me hours to work out how to adjust the iPod's volume (without the remote) -- the reason being that I kept exploring the interface in vain, instead of waiting for the menu system to time out to the "now playing" screen. None of this is self explanatory or intuitive.

      Maybe iPod uses idioms that are so ingrained in Mac users (I'm not one) that they *seem* intuitive.

  26. All I want... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    All I want for Christmas is to be iPod 'leet Be iPod 'leet, yes, be iPod 'leet Gee, if I could only be iPod 'leet Then girls would fawn and I'd get ass

  27. Brutal answer by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    There are only 32 million hits on google... can't be bothered to look it up for yourself?

    It's a portable music player made by Apple Computers.

    1. Re:Brutal answer by Bill_Royle · · Score: 1

      I think that was meant to be a joke, judging by his website (lists some imixes)...

  28. Re:Yeah but... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I did it. Why? Because I hate my life. I was arrested Thanksgiving weekend and now my life is ruined. I figured I might as well ruing any chance of moderating ever again. I was stupid on both counts. metamoderators/judges please be kind to someone whose life is already ruined. Now I have to go try and fail to study for finals. I fail it. goodbye.

  29. New Company Motto by rampant+mac · · Score: 1
    "Apple has been dying since Steve Jobbs founded it? That must be why they have been in buisness for almost 30 years now."

    Apple - Proudly Going Out Of Business For Over 30 Years

    Think Chapter 11

    --
    I like big butts and I cannot lie.
  30. All I want to know about the iPod is... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Interesting

    ...is which USB2 and 1394 combo cards Windows 2000 and XP support AND is supported by iTunes for Windows. Apparently there are no combo cards that are WHQL certified, and Apple claims that they only support cards that have passed WHQL. I know I could use USB2, but I want to power the iPod at the same time that it's transferring date, over one cable. If I need to add a card to my PC, it might as well have USB2 AND 1394.

    1. Re:All I want to know about the iPod is... by CrankyFool · · Score: 1

      Err, for what it's worth, I recharge my iPod through the USB2 port w/o problems.

    2. Re:All I want to know about the iPod is... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I should have said "PCI combo cards," as this is a desktop system, not a laptop.

    3. Re:All I want to know about the iPod is... by kyouteki · · Score: 1

      Then you probably have either an iPod Mini or a Click Wheel iPod.

      --
      A slashdotter who didn't build his own computer is like a Jedi who didn't build his own lightsaber.
    4. Re:All I want to know about the iPod is... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      You're right. I stand corrected (but I swear that the original iPods that supported the USB dock didn't get power over the USB connection, there was a separate cable that charged the battery. Either way, I'd still like Apple to say which (combo) cards they support.

    5. Re:All I want to know about the iPod is... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      i do it thru my USB 1 port on a toshiba satellite pro 440 notebook with no problems. mine is an ipod mini with both usb and firewire connectors.

    6. Re:All I want to know about the iPod is... by memco · · Score: 1

      I have a much better solution: get firewire (800 I think), then you can use the connector to power and transfer.

      --
      Get me a meat pie floater!
    7. Re:All I want to know about the iPod is... by Rude+Turnip · · Score: 1

      I'm pretty sure you can only charge an iPod through a 6-pin Firewire port (or with an AC adapter).

      --
      Bill Clinton: Pimp we can believe in. - The Shirt!!!
    8. Re:All I want to know about the iPod is... by AviLazar · · Score: 1

      I just got the USB/Fireware combo sync/power charger....offcourse their product labeling and description on the box is so freaking terrible - it didn't tell me that it was the fat Fireware style (my laptop uses the 4 pin)....now i gotta buy an adapter. Probably run me 50 bucks for that alone.

      --

      I mod down so you can mod up. Your welcome.
    9. Re:All I want to know about the iPod is... by retto · · Score: 1

      You can recharge an iPod over USB2. I have a 4th gen 40GB, and it syncs and recharges with USB2 without a problem.

    10. Re:All I want to know about the iPod is... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      To sum up, the first iPods to support USB couldn't charge the iPod via the USB cable. That has changed since the intro. of the iPod Mini and the 4th gen (clickwheel) models. So I still need to buy a PCI card for my PC. If I'm going to buy a card, I might as well go for broke and get the USB2/1394 combo card. If Apple would just recommend ONE I'd be happy. There are about 5 to 10 on the market, some from tier 1 manufacturers, some tier 2, and a bunch of tier 3 (and below?). I don't want to buy the wrong one. And MS needs to WHQL certify at least ONE of them. Heck - certify the Adaptec DuoConnect so Apple can recommend it and I'll let this die!

    11. Re:All I want to know about the iPod is... by Anubis350 · · Score: 1

      ipod only is 400 unfortunately

      --
      "goodbye and hello, as always" ~Prince Corwin, from Zelazny's Amber series
  31. Re:Where's the Complete Idiot's Guide to Ipod? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    An idiot's guide for iPod frightens you? Did you know that there is a "Pregnancy for Dummies" book? Take a look at the slack-jawed, drooling, mouth-breathers around you every day. Then consider that they can drive cars, own guns, vote, and yes, have kids.

    An iPod Dummies book is no more surprising than a "How To Make Millions Of Dollars" book. (Chapter one: write a book titled... and every halfwit will buy one.)

  32. Screw the iPod, I bought myself one of these... by DogDude · · Score: 1

    Other than the trendy fashion thing, or the keeping-up-with-the-Joneses thing, I don't understand the big deal behind the iPod. A simple Walkman does almost the same thing for a fraction of the price.

    Instead, I just bought myself one of these thingies. This kind of gadget is not the kind of thing that can be very easily duplicated (unlike the iPod).

    --
    I don't respond to AC's.
    1. Re:Screw the iPod, I bought myself one of these... by Standmic · · Score: 2, Funny

      Other than the trendy fashion thing, or the keeping-up-with-the-Joneses thing, I don't understand the big deal behind the Laserpod. A simple colored lightbulb does almost the same thing for a fraction of the price.

    2. Re:Screw the iPod, I bought myself one of these... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      A pair of electric-motorized roller skates does "almost the same thing" as a car at a fraction of the price, too. How strange that cars are so popular.

    3. Re:Screw the iPod, I bought myself one of these... by Darth+Maul · · Score: 1

      > I don't understand the big deal behind the iPod.

      Use it, then you will understand. People always point out that there are devices that have more storage for less money, but they just don't get it. There is more to the iPod than file size specifications.

      --
      --- witty signature
    4. Re:Screw the iPod, I bought myself one of these... by koi_fish · · Score: 0

      Why does that thing look like the homing device used on Fat Bastard in Austin Powers 2?

  33. Comment removed by account_deleted · · Score: 1

    Comment removed based on user account deletion

  34. Amazon recommends by oexeo · · Score: 4, Funny

    Amazon: If you liked this book, we also recommend:

    - You and your mouse: Learn all the tricks, and move your mouse in ways you've never imagined

    - Hacking your kettle: 101 hacks and mods for your electric kettle

    1. Re:Amazon recommends by runamok1 · · Score: 1

      You forgot:

      - Conspicuous Consumption: How to Buy Things to Impress People You Don't Like

      - How to Show Your Individuality by Buying the Same Thing That Everyone Else Has

    2. Re:Amazon recommends by Geoffreyerffoeg · · Score: 1

      Conspicuous Consumption

      As in telltale tuberculosis?

  35. This is ridiculous! by mOoZik · · Score: 1

    C'mon, these books are idiotic. These authors are clearly trying to ride the wave of iPod's popularity and make money in the process. If you want to read a book on the iPod, read the friggin' manual, not some half-assed "book" about an MP3 player.

    --
    A blog like any other.
    1. Re:This is ridiculous! by clontzman · · Score: 1

      Agreed... how in the hell did this make the front page of Slashdot? Surely anyone reading this site can figure how all the h4X0rZ that these books surely contain.

      Ah, right -- it's about the iPod. That explains it.

  36. Re:I knew it. Shades of brain slugs by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    [kid drops iPod]
    [friend picks it up, kid replaces headphones]
    Kid (in monotone, or maybe as U2): Thank you. It was cold on the floor.

  37. Re:Yeah but... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    remember the cardinal rule of slitting your wrists: "always go up the street, not across the street"

  38. Re:Yeah but... by iMaple · · Score: 1

    Why is this flamebait/troll ?? Ok its offtopic but seems to be funny to me esp
    In order to enjoy a smooth running reliable and lightning fast operating system which will run on anything from the original 80186 CPU to the newly released Pentium II processor, we recommend that you use Microsoft Windows Millenium Edition (TM). To obtain this software please visit www.microsoft.com

  39. Anapod Explorer by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    the best ipod software i've used is

    http://www.redchairsoftware.com/anapod/featpw.php

  40. please, mom, don't, please... by l3v1 · · Score: 2, Funny

    ...please don't allow Santa to bring me worthless junk this year, please, we already got failry cheap toilet paper stocked up

    if you do, I will write a book about having received a book about iPods, I swear I will

    hey, maybe then I'll get loads of cash 'cause stupid folks are going to buy it

    hell, there really are people out there who are so damn bored that they start to write books about their music players

    --
    I am putting myself to the fullest possible use, which is all I can think that any conscious entity can ever hope to do.
  41. Free? by bryan986 · · Score: 0

    Enough of the free advertisements on slashdot

    --
    There is no sig
  42. only 3 books? by Chuck+Bucket · · Score: 1

    Perhaps it's because I have the 20Gig iPod, but I can fit far more than 3 books on it!

    CB

    --
    free ipod and free gmail!
  43. Genuine I-Pod question by cdipierr · · Score: 1

    I was thinking of mounting an IPod or a mini-IPod in my car as a quickie MP3 solution.

    However, one essential piece of the puzzle would be to power the device externally.

    Since neither of the devices seems to have a power jack on it (which seems odd to me), does anyone have any suggestions on accomplishing my goal?

    Having never seen an IPod charger (yes I live in a cave on Mars), is it a cradle or does it just charge over a USB trickle or what?

    1. Re:Genuine I-Pod question by error502 · · Score: 1

      You can charge the iPod in serveral ways. You can use the USB2 cable, or the FireWire cable included with the iPod to charge it. All you have to do is plug it into your computer, and it will charge automagically.

      It also comes with a power adapter, into which the FireWire cable plugs. (There's actually a female FireWire port on it.)

      The dock is just extra. The USB2 or FireWire cable plugs into the back of the dock, and the iPod is inserted into it. It does the same thing as plugging the iPod directly into your computer does, except also has a Line Out jack on it, so you can hook it up to a stereo.

      For your problem, though, all you really need to do is buy a car charger.

    2. Re:Genuine I-Pod question by calstraycat · · Score: 1

      There are lots of car chargers available of the iPod. Here's a few:

      http://www.xtrememac.com/adapters/car_charger.sh tm l

      http://www.macally.com/new/new_podcig.html

      There are quite a few car mounting solutions available as well.

    3. Re:Genuine I-Pod question by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      It can charge over firewire trickle, but not usb. There is a charger piece that comes with it so that you can just plug it into a normal two prong outlet.

      I've got my car set up with one, and the biggest challenge is figuring out how route the music into your stereo. If you're lucky, there's an auxilary in on your stereo, and you can plug it in directly (my pioneer stereo had the capability, but you needed to by an add-on to it). Otherwise you're limited to either a audio->tape converter (remember the old cd-players when cars only had tape), or one of those nifty things that turns the audio out into FM radio, that in turn goes to your stereo.

      I know there is a car charger dealy for the ipod, but I elected against it - just got a power inverter that sits under the passenger seat, and gives me a nice powerstrip sitting on the floor (no need for any more car adapters for cell phone, laptop, etc.).

    4. Re:Genuine I-Pod question by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Uhhh...yea...go look at the apple store for instance.

      http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects /A ppleStore.woa/70203/wo/x3uc0U3FhfPx29naasn19xhPRHi /2.0.0.11.1.0.6.9.5.0.1.1.0.5.1.1.1.1.0

    5. Re:Genuine I-Pod question by InGeniusMonkey · · Score: 2, Informative

      I use the Monster iCarPlay and it works great - charges the iPod AND broadcasts what's playing on FM. If you go this route make sure you get something that both charges and broadcasts - there is lots of crap out there that only does one or the other.

    6. Re:Genuine I-Pod question by jxyama · · Score: 1

      i can trickle charge my mini over usb...

    7. Re:Genuine I-Pod question by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I use the Griffen Technologies PowerPod. http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/powerpod / I use this in my car, and it works with the first thru the third generation iPods.

  44. Pretty funny,,,, by ChiGodOfKarma · · Score: 1, Troll

    Although, (how can I say this tactfully without being mod'd to flame bait?) some Apple users aren't exactly known for being the most technically savvy people in tech-land these books are a bit beneath anyone's levels I have met. These seem like an attempt to help the people who spent 200-500 dollars of their cash to listen to music, spend another 30-50 dollars on a book. They all suspiciously sound like books that weren't born of a need, but were born of a marketing department finding a target audience that spends money. I tried not to make this FUD, so please don't think me as a troll. I just don't see a honest need for these, except to line a publishers pockets. Am I wrong?

    1. Re:Pretty funny,,,, by mcdesign · · Score: 1
      As there are probably more Windows iPod users than Mac iPod users the same must apply to Windows users.

      So some Windows users aren't exactly known for being the most technically savvy people in tech-land etc etc ....

    2. Re:Pretty funny,,,, by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Yup .. Appletism .. hit it right on the money.

  45. Ill wait for the e-book version to load on my ipod by cabazorro · · Score: 1

    And while waiting, I'll load an e-book about coffee tables on it and then place it on my coffee table in my living room and then add itty-bitty cork pad to my i-pod and voila! Ill get a coffee-table-coaster for my coffee table which plays tunes and has a coffee table e-book whose hard cover used to turn into a coffee table. Yowzaaa!

    --
    - these are not the droids you are looking for -
  46. These books are not for the iPod recipients by Morris+Thorpe · · Score: 3, Interesting

    I think they're targeting the people buying the iPods: parents and grandparents who don't know much and think the "kids" will appreciate a book on how to use this crazy device.

  47. Not a good present by oexeo · · Score: 2, Funny

    This and an iPod combined, is a bad idea for presents:

    "Awesome, got me a iPod! You know what's great about these, they are idiot proof, you don't even need the manual they're so easy to use, I think only a complete moron would need to read instructions on how to use these things, in fact I'm almost offended it includes a instruction manual. [...] So, what else did you get me? looks like a some kind of book .."

  48. who would buy these? by sootman · · Score: 1

    I mean, hacker-types who might want to do out-there stuff would probably already be familiar with the concept of "find it online." Is there a person can not figure out iTunes and an iPod but *buy* a book and *read* it?

    The leaflet that comes with an iPod is pretty good, and iTunes, by default, is pretty much set to "do everything for me." All the people I work with who don't take the Apple URL shortcut out of their dock do *not* want to get the most out of iTunes (or their computer, for that matter.) They want to just use it out of the box and Apple comes with great defaults for clueless users.

    (Note that I don't look down on uncaring users. I'm sure there are plenty of places in my life I could optimize, but I just don't care that much and want to spend my time doing other things. I totally understand if someone's involvement with their iPod goes no further than "rip all my music, buy some songs online, and put them all into this little box.")

    I did actually look at the manual (since I had never played with one before buying it, and some things (like "turn the iPod off") are not obvious) and I can't imagine a simpler "get me up and running" guide.

    --
    Dear Slashdot: next time you want to mess with the site, add a rich-text editor for comments.
  49. -1, Overrated by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0
    Please keep your free crap Ponzi schemes to yourself.

    To everyone else: Be careful of these "free" offers. Some has to play for this guy's i{Pod and he wants it to be you.

  50. Whoosh! by magefile · · Score: 1

    Whoosh! The sound of sarcasm going right over someone's head.

    1. Re:Whoosh! by celerityfm · · Score: 1

      Is there a chance that there the grandparent wasn't using "sarcasm" regarding the iPod? And that you might have misinterpreted it as such? :P

      --
      ...unfortunately no one can be told what The Mat^H^H^HGoatse is...they must experience it for themselves...
    2. Re:Whoosh! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Is there a chance that in Korea, only old people ask rhetorical questions?

  51. iPod books are big... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    In Korea, only old people read eBooks anymore. All the young folk are listening to their iPod books.

    1. Re:iPod books are big... by thatnerdguy · · Score: 0

      I sense the beginning of a new Slashdot meme...for better or worse? that has yet to be seen.

      --
      I saw the Sign, and it opened up my eyes
  52. The complete, total overkill solution car solution by pherris · · Score: 1
    "Install Your iPod in Your Car, Permanently". Ok, they say permanently but the design allows for easy removal of the iPod. Scores big points on the geek coolness scale.

    For the rest of us I think the Belkin TuneDok Car Holder looks pretty cool. Griffin also has a lot of iPod stuff. Both companies offer car chargers too. Check out the iPod Lounge forums for user recommendations before buying.

    --
    "And a voice was screaming: 'Holy Jesus! What are these goddamn animals?'" - HST
  53. Re:Yeah but... by Zorilla · · Score: 1

    I find it funny that the troll gets his name right, but the angry reply butchers it.

    --

    It would be cool if it didn't suck.
  54. Cultlike Fanaticism for DUMMIES by gelfling · · Score: 1

    Or the alternate title of "The Compleat Idiot's Guide to Listening to Music".

  55. Ah, you mean books ABOUT the iPod by jridley · · Score: 0, Redundant

    I thought maybe they'd gotten eBooks on the thing. Screen's a bit small for that.

  56. Other book ideas by moankey · · Score: 1

    Why does an Ipod need a book.
    If it sells well I may consider writing a few myself:

    - Dell Inspiron 8000 book
    - Microsoft Optical Intellimouse book
    - Sony Cybershot Digital Camera book

    1. Re:Other book ideas by SomeOtherGuy · · Score: 1

      That is how I feel. As a matter of fact I am thinking of writing some myself.

      - Hacking the Norelco Razor 9000
      - How to make your VCR stop blinking 12:00 in 12 easy steps

      and last but not least....

      - The history of the can opener.

      --
      (+1 Funny) only if I laugh out loud.
  57. slightly cheaper hacks for the ipod: by bairy · · Score: 1

    http://ipod.hackaday.com/
    part of the hackaday.com collection

    --


    Get paid to search..It's geniune and
  58. WHAT THE ! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    And may i suggest to you three books on the extrememly interesting life-cycle of the common household toilet brush.

    drab indeed

  59. Get a book on tape inside it... by bwags · · Score: 1

    Books on tape are a great way to use the iPod. May I suggest Ender's Game or Eragon.

  60. Cruel justice by thegnu · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    I think the only way to integrate your observation with the poster's suggestion is to rip an audiobook on iPod operation and load it into the iPod.

    That'd teach the fuckers.

    (I just noticed how oh-so-ironic my sig is)

    --
    Please stop stalking me, bro.
  61. ipodder? gigadial? by wemmick · · Score: 1

    The trouble with dead tree books, of course, is that probably none are new enough to mention new extensions to podcasting such as ipodder.

    --
    ___
    Cognitive Overflow
    more than yo
  62. About the same thing? Nah by nurb432 · · Score: 1

    No, i have to disagree... would take a entire box of tapes to have as much music you can carry around in your shirt pocket..

    Nor does the batteries last as long...

    And seek time between tracks really suck...

    Cheaper? Sure...

    Now if you want to talk about walkman MD, you got more of an argument.. ( but you need one of the new HD players to come close, and they arent a lot cheaper.. )

    And yes, i have both...

    --
    ---- Booth was a patriot ----
  63. the bible on ipod by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    or you can squeeze in the bible

  64. Re:Yeah but... by Geoffreyerffoeg · · Score: 0, Flamebait

    Unfortunately they can at best be described as gay.

    Then it seems to be your problem that you can't describe stuff well, neh? Maybe you should learn some more vocabulary beyond kindergarten playground insults (and hopefully some FACTS while you're at it) before attempting to ascribe a lifestyle preference to..uh..computer cases.

    One can only hope that Apple throw in the towel

    Key word: one. Just one. Namely you. Everyone else at least recognizes Apple's worth.

    Although I do appreciate your correct use of the subjunctive...oh, wait, you think "Apple" is plural for whatever reason. Curses. I was hoping to be able to find something good in your post.

    to the newly released Pentium II processor, we recommend that you use Microsoft Windows Millenium Edition

    I'm not surprised it won't run on the PIII and P4 - I'm just surprised it runs on the PII. Oh, and it's probably telling of its quality that you think the PII is "new"? Quite slow Web browsing there....

  65. [OT] mp3 naming by scragz · · Score: 1

    ... Well, for one thing, because it'd have been nice to figure out how to hack iTunes this weekend when I had to change a whole bunch of song titles from "Artist - Album - Song title" to "Song title", and being able to do this programmatically would have saved me a bunch of time; ...

    I have an acquaintance who's a MacOS user and has all of his mp3s named that way. What sucks about it is that he'll say, "Check this out", and send me a file. One, I don't know who I'm listening to, and two, if I want to put it into my collection, I have to rename it myself to something sensible.

    I can understand removing the album name since that's what subfolders are for, but I personally think "artist - track# title" is the best, most portable way.

    Also, I don't think using iTunes would be the most efficient way to do bulk renaming. mp3rename is a good command line tool to do that.

  66. Here are the only two books I'd buy for iPod by swissfondue · · Score: 1

    Ok you knew this cheap joke was going to be posted by some nitwit: iBook and Powerbook.

    --
    Rubies and Pearls are not what you think.
  67. Re:Yeah but... by Gi77+B4t35 · · Score: 0
    Unfortunately they can at best be described as gay.
    Then it seems to be your problem that you can't describe stuff well, neh? Maybe you should learn some more vocabulary beyond kindergarten playground insults (and hopefully some FACTS while you're at it) before attempting to ascribe a lifestyle preference to..uh..computer cases.
    You act like a great screaming ponce, yow, but that connot be right. I am the only gay in this village!
  68. Found another discussion on this... by SuperKendall · · Score: 1

    I was really interested to hear this as I was looking a few months ago for how to convert something to Audioboox format for some lectures I have recordings of (I really wanted to be able to use the playback speedup option).

    I couldn't find anything then! But you've given me a good starting point, a quick google search now leads me to this, which has a little more detail on converting to m4b - and leads to a discussion about 4G iPods locking up with some homebrewed files. Hopefully it also leads to ways to add my own chapters and bookmarks.

    --
    "There is more worth loving than we have strength to love." - Brian Jay Stanley