Posts in Music & Play
Acoustibuds make stock earphones less sucky
John Chan | Jan 16, 2009
The Acoustibuds on a pair of regular iPod earbuds.
(Credit: Amazon)
Most stock earbuds stink. That's why we always advocate throwing them away and getting a decent pair that will let you enjoy your music a little bit more. One of the biggest reasons we don't like headphones like those that come with your iPod is because of the shape. Those with small ears may find they don't fit very well, and even if they do fit, noise from the surrounding environment may not be blocked out very effectively.
The Acoustibuds are a pair of silicone caps that will fit on most ordinary earbuds. The result is a pair of headphones that look very much like in-ear headphones which are usually more expensive. This is supposed to help you get a better fit with your existing 'phones and should also block out sound more effectively. It's a clever idea and isn't too expensive at US$12.99. It's available now and can be bought from Amazon.com.
Via Coolest Gadgets
Ask the Editors: What's the easiest way to stream audio from my laptop to a receiver?
Jeff Bakalar | Jan 15, 2009
Jeff,
I've read your reviews of headphones that use a USB dongle to stream any and all audio to it wirelessly. Do you know an affordable (less than US$60) way to do this and send audio to a receiver? I have a line in port that I'd love to connect to some sort of device that could receive an audio stream from my laptop.
--Russell, New Jersey
Hey Russell,
I've actually been on the hunt for a cheap way to do the same exact thing in my apartment. Unfortunately, there's probably nothing that can do it for under US$60. Back at my parent's house, I set them up with an Apple Airport Express (around US$100) that allows you to wirelessly stream music from any network-connected computer running iTunes via the Airport's line-out jack.
If that's not something you'd be into, you may want to look at something like the Creative Labs Xmod Wireless Music System (which goes for around US$100). It's not as easy as a USB dongle, but it should stream any and all sound coming from your computer.
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Haier launches new line of Rhapsody Ibiza players
Jasmine France | Jan 14, 2009
Haier America Rhapsody Ibiza Touch
(Credit: Haier America)
Now, Haier is updating its Rhapsody Ibiza line with--get this--the Mini and the Touch. Those certainly aren't the most original names (in fact, the words "blatant rip off" come to mind), but to Haier's credit, the new players look nothing like the iPods of the same name.
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Where's the 64GB iPod touch?
David Carnoy | Jan 14, 2009
Previously, I wrote a column about why it was the wrong time to buy an iPod. So, in a sense, you could call this column, "Why it's almost the right time to buy an iPod...or at least an iPod touch". I just think the touch needs one more rev to be a near-ideal device. (Even if Apple doesn't want to sell my products in its App Store, I still have no problem recommending its products to readers.) Of course, a 128GB model would be perfect, but I could live with a 64GB version (or cheaper 32GB model). That would enable you to store a decent-size music collection, a good amount of video, and lots of apps--and maybe even leave you with a little room to grow.
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CES 2009 wrap-up: Portable audio and video
Donald Bell | Jan 13, 2009
Will 2009 be the year when frivolous, '80s-throwback iPod boomboxes go huge? Don't hold your breath.
(Credit: Donald Bell/CBS Interactive)
The biggest trend I'm seeing right now is touch screens. For better or worse, every MP3 player manufacturer at CES was tripping over itself to show off its latest touch-screen models. Sony, Samsung, and iriver had some beautiful, yet pricey, touchscreen devices to show off, but even budget-minded manufacturers, such as Coby, Memorex, and SanDisk, had touchscreen models on display. I'm also seeing a lot of manufacturers exploring the niche designs that compete with the iPod less directly, such as Haier's fitness-focused Ibiza Trainer and SanDisk's slotRadio player.
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