Zune workaround works--Todd from Philly
In response to Reed's e-mail yesterday: I tried using WMP to transfer Zune subscription tracks to my PlaysForSure device (an old 6GB Zen Micro), and it worked. I am currently listening to a Snow Patrol track that I got from Microsoft's Zune Pass on the Creative player. This is a nice bonus because: 1. It's legal, and 2. I don't have to have a separate subscription for my PlaysForSure player. Thanks, Reed, for the great tip.

Apple set-top box--Dan
In the wake of the iTV announcement, I just wanted to point out this is not the first set-top box Apple has developed. They pop up on eBay once in a while, if you can get them. Here's a thread from a forum about them at applefritter.com. Just thought it would be of interest to the Buzz Out Loud team. Keep up the great work, you make the bus ride to school so much better!

P.S. Just a note about the rumored iPhone. If it is released as a smart phone, could this possibly be the resurgence of the Newton OS? The possibilities are intriguing...let's get to work, mad dog!

How about fewer devices?--Tom
I just finished listening to today's podcast where Tom laments having only a single HDMI input and a host of devices he would like to plug into this port. I admit to having the same thought process initially, and a switch seems like a good solution on the surface. But haven't we been brainwashed by the manufacturers to accept the situation as it stands? Rather than wanting more inputs, wouldn't you rather have fewer components? I have to admit that I have a full desktop sitting in my entertainment center, connected to my plasma by S-Video. Then there is the TiVo (Series2, S-Video), the DVD player (component). I considered buying a newer, upconverting DVD player with HDMI, but that's just substituting one box with another. Didn't I read that the original HD DVD boxes were basically Linux computers with special software, so why didn't they put a larger hard drive into the box and add some DVR software to make a compelling device? I don't want to spend $800 to add HD to my TiVo, and I don't want to spend $500 for more pixels in my DVDs, but I would spend $500 (or more) to replace all three boxes (gotta work with video podcasts to eliminate the desktop, but that could be hidden in "advanced features" as long as I can get to it when I want it) with a single box that has HDMI out. They've got all the hardware there, why won't they use it?

Turn off the Wii light--David in Portland, Oregon
You can turn off the throbbing blue light on the front of the Wii in the system settings. Just wanted to pass that info on to your troubled caller from Tuesday. Also, I've been zapped by my iPod as well. It happened when I was taking off a sweater, so I think it was a static electricity or something.

But don't put it in a blanket--Keith from Seattle
I had to laugh when you guys suggested putting a blanket over the Wii to block the pulsing blue LED. According to the official manual for the Wii, putting a blanket over the Wii is a big no-no. I can only assume that doing so will cause the Wii to heat up and "hatch." Don't blame me when giant dinosaurs take over the world. Check out the sixth image on this page.

Very exciting keynote
Hey Crew,
Apple Maestro Steve Job's keynote is slated for two hours this year (normally just one); that coupled with the exciting new teaser on Apple's front page raises my hopes enormously.
Te "Buzz Crew" amo
'I love you, Buzz Crew' in Latin