Well, recent study concludes that your iPod earphones can cause hearing loss.  Of course, I can admit to losing hearing over the last couple years while listening to my iPod and iPod Touch.  My wish is that there’s a successful class lawsuit against Apple so I can get some money.  I don’t mind the hearing loss that much but free money is always good.  Just be careful though, don’t listen to that rock and roll too loud, use your common sense.

The report said that those who listened for five hours a week at high-volume settings exposed themselves to more noise than permitted in the noisiest factory or work place. Maximum volume on some devices can generate as much noise as an airplane taking off nearby.

The Scientific Committee opinion argues that if users of personal music players listen for only five hours a week at volumes exceeding 89 decibels, that level would exceed the current limits in place for noise allowed in the work place.

Last year in Britain, the Royal National Institute for Deaf People warned that more than two-thirds of young people who regularly use MP3 players faced premature hearing damage.

via nytimes

If you have bought older generation of iPods, you are in luck as Rockbox 3.0 firmware was just released to the public.

What does it do?  Basically it allows you to free yourself from iTunes and do a lot more with old equipment.

Since Apple has stopped developing the firmware for the older iPods (yes, they keep making new ones to make more money, how greedy!), this Rockbox provides users with alternative way to upgrade their old iPods.

I personally have the 40GB model of the iPod shown in the pic, I should be doing a short DIY write-up to tell you all how it went.

Looks like their site is down already but keep checkin’, it should be up later.

Rockbox’s developers say that the most important changes to the software won’t be particularly obvious to the average user. “The first players supported by Rockbox decoded MP3 files using a chip specifically for this purpose. This made things a lot simpler for Rockbox, but also limited the amount of formats supported to variants of MPEG audio. Newer players don’t use this approach, and as such, it was needed to expand Rockbox to do sound decoding in software on these players. This opens up the possibility of supporting a lot of different file formats, which is of course exactly what we did! “

via engadget, ostatic, Rockbox

Buy 120GB Zune on Amazon!

Now you can get the 120GB Zune on Amazon. Yey!

Music and entertainment, your way. That’s what the Zune 120 GB Digital Media Player is designed to deliver. The Zune easily connects you with your music, videos, and pictures wherever and whenever you want, and unlike the iPod, it even has a built-in FM tuner so you can keep up with local news and sports. Your Zune gives you the power to wirelessly share full-length tracks, playlists, pictures and podcasts with your other Zune-wielding friends. And when you receive songs that you just can’t get out of your head, you can easily tag the songs and buy them the next time you sync up. Whether you’re listening to music, radio, or rocking out to the latest music videos on the bright, roomy screen, the Zune allows you to tailor your entertainment, right in the palm of your hand.

via engadget

1. The iLive IBCD3817DTBLK Portable Boombox is probably the best bet for your money as it’s not only an iPod-dockable speakers, the Boombox itself is also a radio/CD player.  This is probably the best speaker you can get for your money.

Specs:

Black iPod/CD/radio boombox with built-in iPod docking station

Pair of front-firing speakers and dual subwoofers produce rich sound

Vertical-loading CD player supports CD, CD-R, and CD-RW formats

AM/FM tuner; blue backlit LCD display; auxiliary input and A/V output

Measures 18.8 x 8.8 x 9.2 inches (W x H x D); 90-day warranty

2. If you can afford it, the Bose SoundDock might be the best choice for listening to your music with super crisp stereo treble and bass.  I personally own Bose noise-cancelling headphones and Bose speakers in my car.  They do pretty good job of offering treble and bass power while the speakers do not justify them.

Specs:

High-quality sound from your iPod® - now made portable. Enjoy acclaimed SoundDock® performance almost anywhere.The SoundDock Portable digital music system reproduces music with fullness and clarity unmatched by other battery-powered iPod speakers, from a design even slimmer than our original. Proprietary Bose® technologies let you enjoy your iPod out loud in more locations without compromising soundquality.A rechargeable lithium-ion battery (included) provides more power and longer playing time than most other rechargeable batteries. The rotating dock disappears for storage and protection during transit. And a molded handle makes it easy to carry the system from place to place.Just dock and play all iPod models featuring a click wheel, including all nano, mini, photo, and video models. The system also plays music from your iPhoneTM.* The iPod charges as it plays for uninterrupted music enjoyment. A custom remote easily controls the system and basic iPod functions, including playlist navigation. Auxiliary input lets you play other portable sources, too.The SoundDock Portable digital music system. Unsurpassed performance and portability for the serious iPod listener from the most respected name in sound.*In the event of audio interference, set iPhone to airplane mode.

3. The B&W Zeppelin iPod Speakers may be the modern solution to your modern bedroom with its aesthetically pleasing oval shape.  At $599, it’s not a bargain but you do get what you paid for.

Specs:

Zeppelin allows you to have real hi-fi stereo sound wherever you need it: upstairs, downstairs or perhaps in a den, bedroom, kitchen, office or second home. Or you might just need a simpler, smaller and more stylish replacement for your traditional audio system.

Zeppelin rocks, wherever you are, yet is simple to set up and use. Plug it in, place your iPod on the docking port and hit the play button. You can vary the volume on Zeppelin itself, on its remote control or on the iPod. And connections at the back let you play other sources through Zeppelin or channel images from your iPod to a TV.

Buy Zeppelin iPod Speakers at Amazon

Buy Zeppelin iPod Speakers at Apple Store

4. Altec Lansing inMotion iM600 Portable Audio System isn’t for everyone but for people who are really concerned with sound quality.  If you don’t want to spend more than $150 for quality portable speakers such as the Bose or Zeppelin, these Altec Lansing portable speakers might be your best option at under $120.

Specs:

Model Number: iM600

iPod compatibility: All iPod models

Power supply: Built-in lithium ion battery, AC power adapter (included)

Battery life: Up to 7 hours

Tuner: FM

Antenna: FM telescopic antenna

Display: LCD display

Connectors: Composite video output, audio input

Alarm clock: Integrated

Sleep timer: Integrated

Dimensions: 11.0 x 6.0 x 1.7 inches / 283 x 152 x 43 millimeters (W x H x D)

Weight: 2.1 pounds / 0.9 kilograms

Warranty: 1-year limited warranty

What’s in the Box: inMotion iM600 mobile speaker system, wireless remote, iPod docking adapters, AC adapter, user’s guide, quick connect instructions

5. The Athena iVoice Direct Radiating Dock & Sound System for iPod does a lot more than amplify sound.  The Athena unit also can act as a communication medium between your iPod and your TV to stream images and videos via a wireless remote control.  For people who use iPod/iPhone as a media device more than MP3, the Athena iVoice can be a great addition.

Specs:

Video output allows you to view images and video stored on your iPod photo or iPod video on your TV

Audio input allows the system to function as a PC speaker

Wirelessremote lets you adjust the settings from across the room

Stylish, high-gloss black cabinet finish; wall-mountable

Charges your iPod while docked

6. The Pure-Fi Elite speakers from Logitech can be great for all your bass heads.  It comes with enough bass power for you to enjoy thump and hump from your iPod/iPhone devices.

Don’t buy from Logitech.com at $299, you can get it for less than half the price for about $125 at Amazon here

Specs:

The Pure-Fi Elite immerses users in high-quality acoustics. The system features two 1-inch high-definition soft-dome tweeters to ensure precision and clarity from even the highest notes. The two 4-inch high-power long-throw woofers are capable of filling the room with deep, powerful bass. Meanwhile, DSP-controlled, dynamic, digital EQ, and advanced filtering features minimize distortion to create true-to-life sound. Also included is a bi-amplified transducer design with digital electronic crossover for studio-quality audio that plays louder and sounds better. The onboard StereoXL technology dramatically widens stereo image, creating an immersive audio experience.

Composite and S-Video output jacks are included for when you want to view iPod video files on a big screen while enjoying outstanding audio pumped through the Pure-Fi Elite.

The Pure-Fi Elite supports all iPod models with dock connectors–including iPod nanos and fifth-generation iPods. The Pure-Fi Elite supports 1G through 3G iPod models (and other portable music players) via a 3.5-mm auxiliary input. With an easy-to-read digital clock, the Pure-Fi Elite measures 17.6 by 10.6 by 5.7 inches and comes backed by a two-year limited warranty.

7. The JBL Radial speakers are probably the most aesthetically pleasing for your eyes and ears.  If you think you need a ornament that fits your modern-design home and play music, this is it for only $199.95 from Amazon.

Specs:

High-performance loudspeaker with built-in iPod docking station for charging and synching

4 aluminum-domed Odyssey full-range drivers and single low-frequency neodymium driver

Compatible with most docking versions of iPod; auxiliary input for MP3 players and other devices

Wireless RF remote lets you change tracks, browse libraries, adjust settings, and scroll extras

Measures 12 inches wide and 10.5 inches tall; weighs 2.5 pounds; 1-year warranty

8. The mStation Orb Speakers make great artisitic addition to your house while providing you with quality music.  You have a choice of many colors so depending on your wall color, you can match it with the perfect speaker.  At $129.95, it’s a bargain for a speaker that does not look like one.

Specs:

This Sleek and Stylish “Made for iPod” Desktop Docking Station/ Speaker System packs a powerful thumping Bass that only a Dedicated Subwoofer can produce. Every Orb includes a 10 Key Remote that allows you to navigate within Playlists from a distance, as well as adjust the Volume ±, Bass and Treble. At approx 8 inches in diameter the mStation 2.1 Stereo Orb is the perfect addition to any Home, Office, or Dorm Room and comes in 7 different colors to match your room, mood, or even your iPod! The mStation 2.1 Stereo Orb comes in White, Black, Blue, Green, Pink, Red, and Silver.

9. The I-Sonic Entertainment Speakers bring you great stereo sound with four specially designed speakers.  It might be a great way to get full-system speakers without breaking your legs.  You also get HD-radio.  There’s two models, one with CD/DVD player and the other without at a $100 price difference.  You can get it at the I-sonic website or Apple Store here for $499 w/o the CD/DVD player.

Specs:

Polk’s breakthrough I-Sonic acoustic system creates a stereo soundstage throughout your entire room. Here’s how it works. We start with four specially-designed full range speakers, two on the front and two on the back of the sleek I-Sonic Entertainment System console. Through the magic of Digital Signal Processing, Polk engineers create full stereo all the way around the system. And for lows so deep they will astound you, we include Polk’s patented PowerPort® bass technology.

10. The JVC NX-PN7 Dual iPod/iPhone Dock speaker system is perfect for those of you with multiple iPod/iPhone devices.  The system also comes with Video outputs for connecting to your TV or LCD.

Specs:

Dual Dock Design for iPod / iPhone compatible

AM/FM Tuner

Dual Alarm

Multi-Color Illumination

iPod Video Output

Order from Amazon at $124.32

Now you can get Simpsons-engraved iPods from TheSimpsonsShop.com.

My favorite is this one of Homer going “dope”.

This one’s not bad either…

Just when you thought the Simpsons couldn’t be branded on anything else anymore, they show up on iPods…

via ohgizmo

Here’s a really cheap way to build your own Tupperware iPod Boombox.

An Easy Cheap way to make a sweet boombox for your iPod. Uses dollar store tupperware styrofoam, and cheap speakers to make a surprisingly cool boombox/stereo.

via instructables

Here’s a cool iPod to LP DOCK which allows you to convert your LP Discs on-the-fly to your favorite iPod.

- Ion Audio USB turntablewith universal dock for iPod
- Revolutionary new USB turntable that transfers vinyl to iPod
- You can also use the included recording software toarchive your records to CD or MP3
- LP DOCK also has a line-level output for connecting to any home stereo with an AUX input
- LP DOCK includes EZ Vinyl Converter 2 for PC (EZVC2) and EZ Audio Converter for Mac (EZAC); the best way to record andconvert vinyl directly to iTunes. EZVC2 features Gracenote® MusicID technology, which analyzes yourvinyl and automatically retrieves album, artist and song information for you! EZAC lets you easily enter track information. You can now digitally archive your collection in just a few mouse clicks.
- It’s as easy as 1-2-3: STEP 1 - Play your records and click RECORD in EZ Vinyl Converter 2 to begin recording. STEP 2 - Click the NEW TRACK button at the end of each track. When finished, songs go straight into iTunes! STEP 3 - Use iTunes to create playlists, organize your music, listen to your songs on the computer or transfer to your iPod.
-Record directly to iPod video (5th gen) and iPod nano (2nd gen)
- Record directly to your computer via USB
- Works with all docking iPod models when used through iTunes
- 33 and 45 RPM belt-drive turntable (78 RPM using bundled software)
- Line-level RCA outputs (built-in phono preamp)
- Audacity recording (PC and Mac) software included to reduce vinyl noise and pops
- Easy to set up,no special drivers needed

via gadgeta

Put a little life into your home/office desk with this LED Lightshot Speaker which will sync different LED lights to your favorite music playlists.

The soft LED color lights creates matrix patterns that relax and sooth the mind & body.

via giftandgadgetsonline