Apple

iPod chargers don't have to clash

If you consider a black iPod connected to a white charger cord the ultimate iPod fashion faux pas, Sonnet Technologies has come to the rescue.

Not only is Sonnet's new USB iPod wall charger getting good reviews for its compact size, good price and reliability, it's the first such product we've seen that's available in both black and white.

The charger comes with a USB-to-dock connector, and retails for $19.95.

Macs win the Mission hip wars

It's no secret that among the young and hip, Macs are the computer of choice. That has been proven time and time again at blogger conferences, at universities and in the personal computers of many tech companies' employees.

But how would they fare in a public place in one of the hippest neighborhoods in one of the hippest cities?

Well, I decided to put it to the test Friday, by visiting Ritual, one of the newest cafes in San Francisco's Mission District. This is a place usually filled to the brim with young, good-looking people having serious conversations, … Read more

Mac Mini in an SE/30 case

Now, I'm not sure just why someone would want to do this, but I am nonetheless impressed. A Mac owner in Japan has managed to cram a Mac Mini inside the case of an SE/30, one of the early Macs.

According to his posting, the user managed not only to get the Mac Mini inside, but also to get it running using the machine's built-in 9-inch grayscale monitor.

Tidbits from Apple's 10-Q

As is often the case, there were a few interesting tidbits contained in the quarterly report that Apple Computer filed on Friday with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The company disclosed that it spent $712,000 in the December quarter as part of its deal to distribute Pixar short films via its iTunes Music Store. The filing did not say whether the payment was Pixar's share of the revenue from sales or if it was some other type of payment.

The transaction was noted because Jobs is chief executive of both Apple and Pixar, which is in the process … Read more

Old 17-inch iMac G5 drops off Apple site

Although the 20-inch version of Apple's iMac G5 remains for sale at a reduced price, the 17-inch model is no longer available from Apple's online store.

But for those that really want a 17-inch G5-based iMac, and not the snazzy new Intel model, Amazon has it listed for $1,299 and is offering a $125 mail-in rebate to boot.

Earbuds that sparkle

We've already seen diamond encrusted iPods and iPod cases covered in Swarovski rhinestones. So why not crystal-studded earbuds?

Chip Chick pointed us to wireless accessory distributor Technocel, which offers just that--crystal earbuds for a suggested price of $19.99.

Deirdre Hutchins, Technocel's director of product management, said her company was initially targeting the crystal earbuds at teenagers. But in a recent focus group, it turned out that women really like them, too. "They saw (them) as a piece of jewelry," she said.

The earbuds are made and branded by Technocel, and can be purchased online at … Read more

Apple slices $200 from G5 iMac price

Apple has cut $200 off the price of the 20-inch version of the iMac running a PowerPC processor.

Last month, Apple CEO Steve Jobs introduced a version of the iMac that used Intel chips rather than the PowerPC processor. In a move that sparked chatter and speculation among Apple followers, the Intel machines were priced identically to the PowerPC models--$1,299 for the 17-inch version and $1,699 for the 20-inch variety. The pricing conformity seemed odd considering that Apple is touting the Intel-powered model as running up to twice as fast as the G5 version, while noting that … Read more

Ancient flaws leave OS X vulnerable?

OS X contains unpatched security flaws of a type that were fixed on alternative operating systems more than a decade ago, claims a security researcher credited with finding numerous bugs in Apple Computer's increasingly popular platform.

Neil Archibald, a senior security researcher at software security specialists Suresec, told ZDNet Australia that as Apple's market share increases, OS X will come under more scrutiny by security researchers, who he believes will find plenty of "low-hanging bugs."

Archibald, who has already discovered a number of security vulnerabilities in OS X, speculates that should Apple's market share continue … Read more

Lacy lingerie for the iPod

Do you love your iPod? How much? Enough to buy it a sexy red negligee for Valentine's Day?

Apparently committed to promoting domestic harmony between iPods and their owners, Los Angeles-based iPod accessory maker iAttire has come out with a Valentine 2006 line so you can romance your beloved MP3 player with more than just an FM transmitter or a new set of earbuds.

The handcrafted Valentine's Day line--which is available on iAttire's site and ranges in price from $25 to $60--features a sheer red negligee with a black chiffon ruffle; a French satin corset cinched with … Read more