iPod & iTunes for Dummies(6th Edition)
reviewed by Dr. Eric Flescher (dreric1kansas@aol.com)

Authors: Tony Bove
Publisher: Wiley (Wiley.com), 10475 Crosspoint Blvd, Indianapolis, IN 46256
Released: 2008
Pages: 418
$ 22 USA
$ 24 Canada
14 Europe
ISBN: 978-0-470-39062-7

Strengths: Covers iPod, iPhone and Apple TV models available the latest version of iTunes. It’s a good guide to begin with anywhere and find information in that section. There is a helpful front tear (cheat) sheet has information about shortcuts, visual icons target additional information, tips and techniques. Good breadth and depth of information. Last section is most useful for intermediate to advanced users but possibly before chapter 16 as well. There are also companion sites for bonus chapters. Five helpful bonus chapters are located at an alternate dummies website. Comes with 90 minutes step-by-step DVD with instructions concerning how to make the most of your iPod and iTunes. Music Match, PC iPod users may find the information about this application useful.

Weaknesses: Black and white, text and screenshots did not “brighten up the instruction”. Too many words in places that don’t show/ define the helpful information more easily ( some of these are nested inside the long paragraphs, in and around, Tips and Remember extra notes). Hierarchical shortcut methods would have been easier to notice and read if they were in bold face.

Novice/Intermediate/Advanced

by Dr. Eric Flescher (dreric1kansas@aol.com)

Rating: 4.5/5

Itunes and iPods have single handily changed and continue to change our thinking about music. This book is a guide to allow music lovers to “get up to speed “ about hardware and software development Like many, I have used iTunes since it first came out. I am mainly interested in finding out helpful information about current development with the iTunes and other music developments that I did not know about.

The book includes 22 chapters which span a full range of ideas and information about iPod, iTunes and more. The author, a composer and touring musician, has written books related to computing, desktop publishing and multimedia including for Garageband and more. The main intent was to see if I could learn and more “ pearls of wisdom”.

There is a nice introduction ( interesting historical information about the first iTunes). Part 1 deals with setting up and working with media content while Part 2 focus is on managing your media content. Part 3 keys on the iPod but also now included the iPhone while while including Wifi information which continues to be be important to me and others. Part 4 includes iPod and Iphone and using these devices on the road. Part 5 outlines additional ways to work with your iPod while includes, “The part of Tens” ( information on problems, solutions and tips )about iPods, IPhones, Apple TV and web resources. The index includes Musicmatch Jukebox, managing the library while the bonus chapter 3, includes advanced Music match techniques.

Conclusions

This book is easy to read and provides much that is useful to beginners and intermediate users. The basics are well covered with helpful hints. But I did not see anything really enlightening in my case.
But the best part I6 found that might be most useful, were the chapters beyond 16: updating your iPod, iphone and Apple TV ; resetting an iPod touch or iphone; synchronizing personal info with your ipod and iPhone.

I’d recommend this book for someone who wants to update their knowledge about their home and multimedia, with iTunes and some of the other equipment. However much of this book looks like previous versions for the most part. If you don't’ have an iPhone or iTouch, you won’t use those two chapters near the end.
Loads of good information about wireless information, sound and music ideas including nice section about utilizing the equalizer, encoding audio, enhancing your music library, mobile iPod on the move and more. Ten iPod problems and solutions is well done. If you use the PC version of iPod and use Music Match to work with your iPod music library, this book also me helpful for you. If you have a PC, iPod and iTunes this may be most helpful.

All in all, this book is a good resource library for most who are starting with iPod and iTunes on a Mac or PC. But it just did not have enough new information for my particular needs. Most will find this version of this book helpful if they are first time readers of this guide. However if you are like me and don’t have an iPod, iTouch or Apple TV player just the iTunes, you already may know most of the information. The bonus DVD did not give me more information that I already knew. Sometime extra multimedia can be over kill. But like I said, if you are still looking for added insights, especially if you are a new comer or have limited use of iTunes or just purchasing iPhone, iTouch, you may find the book and DVD more helpful then I did. It just did not have enough new information for me “even with the fluff”.

iFrogz Earpollution earphones my review

BLASTmedia
11313 USA Parkway, Suite B-302, Fishers, IN 46037
P 317.806.1900 x 115
F 317.806.1422
http://ifrogz.com/earpollution/
http://ifrogz.com/proddetail.php?prod=EPToxix

Strengths: They come in a variety of colors. Great prices. Extremely fashionable. Stylish and good looking. High fidelity sound at a ood price. Over the ear models are very light and comfortable. Earbuds and other styles as well.

Weakenesses: Not as clear on the vocalization part (based on my iTune setting) but pretty good though.

Ratings:5/5

Reviewed by Dr. Eric Flescher, Olathe, KS(dreric1kansas@aol.com)

I have had all types of earphones over the years. While I don’t own an iPod, I’ve used earphones extensively fwith my iMac computer and iTunes, on my laptop and on jets.I am not an “earbud person” but prefer the” on the ear fit because for me, these feel more comfortable. When I look for a good earphone, I look for ones that are comfortable, light weight, have good fidelity and are good the price. Well I am happy to say that all these factors are in the excellent category.

I heard about these new iFrogz Earpollution line of earphones which launched in November 2008 ( Before then, iFrogz only offered the D-33 earbuds, but no other earbuds/headphones). . Based in Logan, Utah, it is a leading developer of accessories for iPod™ and other consumer electronics with the expressed intent to individualize the look of music lovers iPods and additional music related devices. EarPollution is the name for the new features which include three different types of headphones : eardbuds, on-the-ear and DJ-style. These are currently available online and in retail stores and there are different types to choose from to meet your needs. These affordable earphones come in a variety of fashionable colors (silver, gold etc). Each type of headphone in the new EarPollution line features three or more different styles that vary in function as well as look. All of the new headphone styles give crisp, clean stereo sound.

Providing unique styles have been a trade mark of this company’s designs of accessories. There are a three types of Earbuds: D33 – Noise isolating with a snug, secure fit and rich, deep sound. Each package includes three ear fits and a convenient travel case; Plugz – Noise isolating headphones that provide a crisp sound and the comfort of direct-to-ear delivery. Each pair includes three ear fit pieces ; Metal Drumz – Noise isolation with a sleek metal direct-to-ear delivery. Each set features clean stereo 20 sound and dynamic bass. I am not an earbud fan and so I let my wife test those out. (She liked the fit ).

insert ifrogzearpollution.jpg

There are several option/ characteristics for the earphones that make them highly desirable for use with iPods, MP3 players, for music, listening and other activities.

insert ifrogsearthphonetypes.jpg

Earbud style earphones includes the following:
D33 ($19.95) are noise isolating with a comfortable, secure fit and give a rich, deep sound. Each package includes three ear fits and a convenient travel case.
Plugz ($14.95) are noise isolating headphones that provide a crisp sound and the comfort of direct-to-ear delivery. Each pair includes three ear fit pieces.
Metal Drumz include noise isolation within a sleek metal direct-to-ear delivery. Each set features clean stereo sound and dynamic bass. The speaker is wrapped with a chrome accent and each 3.5mm jack is encased in a stylish metal sleeve.

On-the-ear has these features.
Toxix ($19.99)– Stereo headphones offering a stylish and comfortable fit. I particularly like the way they are adjustable to fit your ears and the way I wanted them to fit around the padded phones. I liked the simple grey fashion color.
ThrowBax ($29.95) – Offer a little more options and are stylish, retro design and comfortable with a fit which yield a deep bass and smooth stereo. Metallic coated speaker cups easily adjust for a perfect fit along the metal side rails. Each pair also features padded ear cups for extra comfort and noise isolation.
Nerve Pipes – Feature chrome multihued accents and contrasting color. Comfort cushion ear cups, a foldable headband and rotational hinges adjust for the perfect fit. Each pair offers deep rich bass and smooth stereo sound.
Fallout – A traditional fit offering smooth tones and dynamic bass. Each pair features comfortable cushion ear cups for extra noise isolation, chrome accents and contrasting color.

insert EqualizeriTunesAcousticsetting.jpg

I don’t have the expensive top of the line Bose acoustic ear canceling headphones headphone, which is supposed to be (one of ) the best so I can’t provide a direct comparisons. However I did a lot of research and bought the popular Sony noise canceling headphones MDR-NC6 ( which at that time were a little more then 2 times the price of these). These have a slight thin padding over the ear cups while the earpollution ones don’t have a pad over the top. I would compare these to the Toxix earphones with the a nice inner reservoir which contrasted with the Sony’s fit of a padding over the reservoir. The Sony also uses a battery that can turn off/on the noise canceling. This is on the right side of the headphone while t he ear jack connects to the left side. The Toxix also has this configuration with the ear jack on the left (seeing which one is left/right is a little more difficult to see but is evident after l looked more closely.

Insert my19songstesting.jpg

I am not a musician by any means. I only can do a little dabbling with piano and that’s it. My children are much more musically inclined and know more then I do about music. They know and hear the subtle parts of music, instruments and harmony when they play their instruments and listen to their music on their iPods. I enjoy music and the musical scores that are my favorites. So I have to go with my what I hear. I also have to admit that I wear hearing aids because I have lost some of the” high end noise” capabilities. I use hearing aids mostly when working with students in the classrooms and in public. When I listen to music, it is 90% of the time with headphones on my Imac. I can hear the subtle sounds and basically am focusing on the music now and what pleases my ears and the sounds I expect to hear when I listen to my music. I don’t use the hearing aids when I listen to the music with the earphones. I am hearing what comes to me through the headphones.

I had to set up a way to test the earphones while playing my music on my Imac and my iTunes. I chose 19 of my songs and put them on a playlist and then whittled the list down to one song to compare for this review. That one that I selected for the final decision was Arrowsmith’s Armegedon because of the musical score, voice accentuation and the full range of instruments employed

Basically to test the fidelity, I made the following settings on my iTunes by first setting my iTunes to the following:

iTunes > Windows (setting) > Equalizer > Acoustics.

I put the earphones to the test by listening to my favorite (no snickers please) music that I enjoy and felt would highlight the different instruments, music and voices to compare and contrast. I listened to a range of ones that I liked for this testing playlisting. I then compared these to my other earphones.

I finally narrowed it down to one song to test Arrowsmith’s Armegedon. This song has the drumming in the background and with the music flashing back and forth between the different sides of the headphones. Full range of orchestra instruments to listen to and “zone in on”. I wanted to see whether the earphones would transmit certain sounds that I expect to t hear. The tingling of the triangle instrument in the background near the end, the vocalization, the violins and more. Then I rated the song by listening through the earphones alternating each pair and then trying to decipher and write down the differences if any. I did this 10 times for each headphone for this Armegedon song.

Conclusions:

This was tough as they are both good models. I basically was evaluating the earphones on three characteristics that I selected as I felt these are what and most people look for when they order/buy headphones.

(1) Style and comfort : Toxix 10/10 (exceptional) with Sony 9/10 (good).

For style, the iFrogz are more stylish and have more colors.These headphones are light, smart looking and are versatile. The ear buds have different parts to them which create even more comfort. Each pair also features comfort cushion ear cups. They both were adjustable although the Sony’s were a little easier to adjust as the track was not as “sticky”. Comparing I give the Topix 10/10 to the Sony functional not splashy but nice 8/10. The Toxix are little lighter but I really like the padding with the Sony. While that makes them slightly heavier they are very comfortable and I love them too. Hard to decide but the edge goes to Topix.

(2) Fidelity : Toxix 9/10 (exceptional) with Sony 10/10 (good).

Sony I could hear that the piano was a little cleaner. I noticed with the drums blending in really clearly. With the Sony, I could hear the subtle low piano sounds in the background in the beginning and then followed later with the drums over it with the choral instruments. There is a tingling instrumental in the background as the words flow along. I could hear the tingling trailing off in the end.The violin with a little clearer. More music was coming out of the left ear. Lots of the tingling in the background which was very clear and distinct. Not as much base. I felt that the sound resonating from the reservoir made it more melodic. There seemed to be less bass sound and much more of the subtle instruments in the background and I could hear the bugle like instruments clearly. The tingling triangle was there at times throughout. There was a lot of resonance back and forth with the two sides of my headphone. The violins were really melodic and stretched and you could hear the violins going all the way until they lowered and died out. It took many trials but I noticed that the vocalization was very clean. It melded with the symphonic sounds well.

I felt that the Topix had more base sounds in the beginning. The piano was really evident in the beginning and was a little cleaner with the drums and the violin in the beginning. Some of the sounds were a little shrill. There was a lot of blending of the instruments. Horns were in the background. I could hear the tingling and could hear the violins in the background. The piano sounds were clear. I seem to notice the bugle type instruments better. I could hear the "tingling triangle sounds" but it was a little muted. Had a little more base throughout. I liked the stereophonic blending between and back and forth both sides. The instruments in the background were not as evident. In the end the music trailed off with the triangle blending. I finally targeted that the vocalization was definitely not as clean.

This was really tough. The headphones are both tremendous and sounded great. It took 10 trials to find out which had a edge. The edge in fidelity goes to Sony because the vocalization was much cleaner. The lead singer had a much clearer tone even when it seemed like he was “screaming”. It sounded less “hoarse”.

(3) Price (for performance): Toxix 10/10 (exceptional) with Sony 8/10 (good).

So the final tally is Toxix (29/30) to Sony (27/30). But your tally might depend on your musical needs and more.

There are many reasons to buy one headphone over another. I chose my three top preferences. What I like is that both these earphones provide the music that is very engaged and easy for listening. They are both comfortable with little differences between the two. With the Toxix, being lighter, I almost forget I am wearing them. In fact, if they have a model someday that is not tethered to the device, these might be ideal. The Sony is a little cleaner sounding with the vocalization. If I would fly on a jet as I will do soon, I will take the Sony because of the noise cancellation capabilities to test those and possibly compare to these at that time. But that’s in the future.

Lastly, both earphones are great sounding but the edge may go with you if you prefer different colors and styles. Check out the Toxix earphones are great buy for the price, acoustics and their styles. They would go well with any music device, many iPod/ MP3 player colors . If I were you, I would run out, find them, try them out and/or buy them. I think you will be as glad as I am. Plus I did not have to “break my bank” to hear some cool, soothing music!

Some artists do not buy into the iTunes store

Wall Street journal has an interesting article about some artists do not sell on the iTunes store as they do not like the policy of selling along hits from albums. Apple keeps 30% of the sales (I thought it was more) whether it is one song or an album. Some like the Eagles are placing their current album through Walmart. This musically chess came goes on

more here
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/analysis-and-features/disharmony-at-itunes-912340.html

More tunes for iTunes and us?

Rumor has it that Apple may be finding ways to have an online store or means to get as many tunes you want for a price unlike the $1 per tune one, I and others have been used to. From Financial Times, Apple, Inc is negotiating with record labels to give iPhone and iPod customers "free" access to the whole iTunes library ifthey pay extra for the devices. Details to be laid if they deal can go through are how much Apple will pay the record labels for access.

What music you order on iTunes may not be what you wanted

I download music from Itunes. There are sometimes multiple copies of a song. So which do you choose. As Elmer Fudd on "Looney Toones says "be vewwy vewwy careful.

On iTunes "a careless click may buy you an imposter" by Brian Raftery

Cover story on Jan 2008 Wired p. 84

Interesting article about "re-records" from a label record company called Red Sauce which provides hit songs by a wide range of music artists. Which leads to some error laden downloads from some who are not actually getting the song they really want for the price. Many of the re-songs are the same price as the ones on iTunes (the original ones). For some who do not realize, they pay for that Red Sauce pseudo songs. Most people then don't bother (do they even know how) to try to get their money back but just go ahead with iTunes, search and then buy the one they really wanted.

Dr. Eric Flescher, Olathe, KS(dreric1kansas@aol.com): DrEric1MacNews/Macsightings Blog : http://dreric1macnewsmacsightings.blogspot.com/ : editor MacsU.N.I.T.E. ( MacIntosh Users Network for Integrating Technology into Education):(Subscribe send email to :macsunitsubscribe@egroups.com)
Staff Writer at macCompanion Magazine (http://www.maccompanion.com/); moderator
macintoshvideo@yahoogroups.com- to subscribe
macintoshvideo-subscribe@yahoogroups.com; editor TechU.N.I.T.E. (Subscribe send email to PC version TechU.N.I.T.E.: to subscribe send email to techunite-subscribe@egroups.com

Steve Jobs delivers the MacNews at Macworld

The rumors were true. A new latpop, movie rental and more. Here is the scoop. from Macworld News Alert. January 15th, 2008
Breaking news from Macworld - The Mac Product Experts

Steve Jobs delivered his annual keynote address at Macworld Expo Tuesday, introducing a new
thin notebook, movie rentals via the iTunes Store, companion hardware for Leopard's Time Machine back-up feature, and software updates for the iPhone and iPod touch.

More at
http://www.macworld.com/article/131486/2008/01/liveupdate.html?lsrc=newsalert


* The MacBook Air, Apple is billing as the world's thinnest
notebook
http://www.macworld.com/article/131583/2008/01/macbookair.html?lsrc=newsalert

* The Time Capsule companion device to Leopard's Time Machine feature
http://www.macworld.com/article/131579/2008/01/capsule.html?lsrc=newsalert

* iPhone features via a software update
http://www.macworld.com/article/131581/2008/01/iphoneupdate.html?lsrc=newsalert

* The $19.99 iPod touch software update
http://www.macworld.com/article/131584/2008/01/touchupdate.html?lsrc=newsalert

* The Apple TV update
http://www.macworld.com/article/131582/2008/01/appletv.html?lsrc=newsalert

* iTunes movie rentals
http://www.macworld.com/article/131580/2008/01/itunesmovierentals.html?lsrc=newsalert

We'll have more in-depth coverage of these and other announcements
throughout the week. Stay on top of all the news by visiting our
Macworld Expo topic center:

http://www.macworld.com/topics/macworld_expo.html?lsrc=newsalert

iHear and trying out Noise canceling headphones

iHear and trying out Noise canceling headphones
by Dr. Eric Flescher, Olathe, KS (dreric1kansas@aol.com)
Staff Writer at macCompanion Magazine (http://www.maccompanion.com/)

I like my Koss (non canceling ) headphones. But I was interested in some more fidelity and obtaining some audio canceling power to use on jets (to cut the noise). Also I wanted to musically ehance my music while playing my collection on my Imac and iTunes.

I have seen the commercials and the ads about the Bose Quiet Comfort 3 ones. I figured because they never say the price and do installments, well its pricey and out of my budget for headphones. I was right they are over $300. Hey I would like to use the money for an iPhone someday. But I was still looking for canceling power and quality at a budget price.

I have lost some of my hearing (high end) and wear hearing aids when teaching, social stuff etc. My hearing is not that far enough (well talk to my wife though). I wanted to hear more fidelity, use the phones when traveling on jets and possibly cutting down some of the noise, playing my music in more sound ambient environment.

I am pretty good at goggling and found some links. I found some instantly at CNET.
http://reviews.cnet.com/4370-7877_7-229-104.html

They had pricey ones from $100 to the Bose.

I found this page had
Logitech Noise Canceling Headphones.

http://reviews.cnet.com/headphones/logitech-noise-canceling-headphones/4505-7877_7-31797806.html?tag=txt

But how could the price vary so much ($39.97 - $183.95)? But this would not do as I read “The bad: The Logitech Noise Canceling Headphones can be uncomfortable after an hour or so of use; the noise-canceling feature noticeably processes music, though not necessarily in a bad way (depending on your taste). “

I wanted something comfortable around or on the ear. Next please!

Consumer search had some interesting stuff. There were pricey ones and this one caught my eye.

Best value, full-size headphones.
“The Grado SR60 score points in reviews where it counts – sound quality, including bass reproduction. The Grado SR60 headphones have a huge following among music lovers, who say they're great companions to an iPod. “

But they “leak” sound. I won’t use them as I don’t (gasp) have an iPod. I listen to other things and look at then went I work out at the gym at the JCC. But they leak noise so no. Next.

On the PC mag link, I found some interesting facts and information written by Tim Gideon, the Lead Audio and Video Analyst for PC Magazine.
http://www.pcmag.com/author_bio/0,1908,a=3895,00.asp

I liked the very personable style of his writing and information that I wanted to “hear”. Unlike my musically inclined children (my son is Junior Percussion major at Juliard in NYC and my daughter works for music record and sound industry in NYC too) I never have played an instrument (hey I can play Batman on the piano and cool jerk).

I do like listening to my music (I love Moody Blues finding new music and working with garageband and etc for my videos.
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2704,2120964,00.asp

I wanted to know how canceling helps not just plugging the ears (earbuds) which has and does got concern. He noted
“ Noise cancellation ... is achieved actively, using circuitry that monitors surrounding ambient sound and produces an inverse wave, to cancel it out. “

Well he uses the Bose which is out of my price range. But what else did he list? I was getting closer when I read that he liked the more affordable (cheaper).

Recommended were the JVC HA-NC80-J/-C alternative and the
Sony MDR-NC22

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,2113467,00.asp

But these use earbuds and there are other inconveniences. These two models however are less impressive in the cancellation department (but still good) but have more bass than you'd expect for $100. Not bad but I don’t want earbuds. But I was closer possibly then I thought. I was interested if there was a Sony version that I saw at Radio Shack.

I was a little surprised there was this Sony model at Radio Shack.
http://www.winbuyer.com/cat-418/keyword-Sony%20mdr-nc6/init-1/D-10122007/C-Type1_1/pid-22714717/?c=8100418&gclid=CNGu4N7AwpACFQqiQQod81mXPQ

I’ve bought material from Radio Shack to buy stuff to make my robots, thermistors for chemical and electrical experiments and more for years. You could pay less at Overstock but I wanted to try them now. The other local chains may have them but they had them at my local radio Shack for about $50 (most have this price). It was rated from 3/5 to 5/5 so I thought I would try them.

First I tried them in the store. ( I recommend doing this). They were not earbuds but a thick pad fitted on to my ears (no around). While I was really look for an around the ear like my Koss, this sounded very good and felt very comfortable.

At home, I inserted the A battery into the little compartment on one side of the head gear part. I turned on my my Imac and loaded my iTunes. I was pleased with the fidelity and could hear more of the sounds. Some of the TV downstairs was blocked out to a greater extent. Maybe I felt more immersed. The base part was great and I felt more surrounded by my music.

I decided to write about my experience for you all. Let me know what you think about your headphones and whether you use head canceling phones (this model or others).

Dr. Eric Flescher, Olathe, KS(dreric1kansas@aol.com): DrEric1MacNews/Macsightings Blog : http://dreric1macnewsmacsightings.blogspot.com/ : editor MacsU.N.I.T.E. ( MacIntosh Users Network for Integrating Technology into Education):(Subscribe send email to :macsunitsubscribe@egroups.com)
Staff Writer at macCompanion Magazine (http://www.maccompanion.com/); moderator
macintoshvideo@yahoogroups.com- to subscribe
macintoshvideo-subscribe@yahoogroups.com; editor TechU.N.I.T.E. (Subscribe send email to PC version TechU.N.I.T.E.: to subscribe send email to techunite-subscribe@egroups.com