GeekSugar

When Did You Get Your First iPod?

GeekSugar — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:44:35 -0700

Eight years ago today, Apple announced the first iPod - what you may recognize now as a 5G clunky gadget with a click wheel. The original iPod held 1,000 songs and weighed 6.5 ounces (current iPod classics hold 40,000 songs and weigh just under five ounces).

In the past eight years, the iPod has seen many changes - it's kind of unbelievable that now a tiny shuffle can hold nearly as much music as the original!

When did you get your first iPod? And how many have you had since?

Photos courtesy of Flickr user Jennie Faber

Name That iPod!

GeekSugar — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 05:47:28 -0700

Since its introduction eight years ago (Happy Birthday Apple iPod!), the iPod has gone through some major changes and updates, including a full spectrum of color changes. Can you identify an iPod by color? Test yourself with this quiz.

Question 1 of 6

Which iPod featured a black case and red click wheel?

Super-Simple (and Cheap!) Earbud-Cord Storage

GeekSugar — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 13:22:12 -0700

Sometimes even the most high-tech gadgets can be improved with the simplest of projects. Case in point: these earbud clips ($10 for a package of four) by PKOH. The colorful plastic clips slide secure your earbuds after wrapping them around your iPod.

I love this simple solution! No matter how carefully I try to store my iPod headphones, they're usually a tangled mess by the time I take them out of my bag - so I'm a huge supporter of cord management.

Lesson Learned: Don't Run a Marathon With an iPod

GeekSugar — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 10:16:34 -0700

I can't make it more than a few miles without some driving tunes in my ear, so running a 25 mile race sans iPod would be out of the question. Thankfully, I'm not looking to win a marathon anytime soon, but if I was, I'd know that running with an iPod is a dangerous move if I want to take home the gold. Take for example, the winner of the recent Milwaukee Lakefront Marathon winner, Jennifer Goebel, who was disqualified after being photographed during the race with an iPod in her pocket.

The racer says she only listened to her playlist during the latter part of the race (you know, when you hit the proverbial "wall"), and although the rules of the marathon state that the judges have a choice to ignore the "no iPod rule" of the traditional race, this group took her medal and sent her packing. It's true - most marathon races do have a ban on MP3 players during the race, but if the judges don't have to acknowledge it, why would they?

Do you run marathons? If so, have you strapped on your MP3 player for the race?

You Asked: Dealing With iPod Case Funk

FitSugar — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 09:00:14 -0700

Dear Fit,
I love my iPod Nano for running but I really hate the way the armband gets so smelly and sweaty! You can't wash your armband as frequently as your running gear because the thin plastic window gets destroyed. The best compromise I've found is to put some detergent in a bowl, let it soak in hot water, and then I rinse it out by hand and let it air dry overnight.

Do any of you have better ideas for keeping your iPod clean and non-smelly?
- spacekatgal

This question came to us from RunningSugar - FitSugar's online community dedicated to our readers who run. To hear my suggestion on getting rid of iPod funk, read more.

You're so right about iPod armbands getting sweaty and smelly. I spoke to all the runners I know and getting that nasty smell out seems to be a common problem.

Since your iPod armband has a plastic cover, handwashing is the best method to use. Like you pointed out, the plastic cover will end up coming off in your washing machine over time. You can also try washing your armband in the gentle cycle with cold water, but that might not get it clean enough. I'd suggest adding some vinegar to your soaking mix - since armbands trap bacteria, the vinegar will help kill the germs and the smell.

If you're open to a new product, I've been using the iStik for just over a year now and I love it. You put the iPod in a plastic face case, place that on your body wherever you like, and put the magnetic backing on the other side of your clothes in the same spot. I put mine on the waistband of my pants and it works like a charm.

I know it sounds a little iffy, but the magnets are extremely strong, your iPod is protected from sweat, and the case is so easy to clean. When I run, my iPod doesn't move around, and it's easy to change songs because I keep it on the belt area of my pants.

For more tips, advice, and support from fellow FitSugar runners, check out the RunningSugar group!

iPod Evolution: Then and Now

GeekSugar — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 03:51:10 -0700

Oh Apple, how can I ever quit you? As much as I love my Apple, I can get a little frustrated when it releases a great product, then comes out with an even better one just a few months later. How can I ever keep up?! This fact is especially true when it comes to iPods. We've seen so many iterations of the famous MP3 player hit the shelves, that you may have forgotten where it all started. Well, I'm here to remind you. Check out this retrospective of iPods from then until now in this slideshow.

View Slideshow ›

Daily Tech: HP Launches Its Printer App Studio

GeekSugar — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 12:03:18 -0700

HP's Printer Application Studio is available for those who pick up a web-connected printer later this month - CNET
Walkman surpasses iPod sales in Japan - Wired
AT&T is finally bringing MMS to the iPhone on Sept. 25 - USA Today
Gmail adds four new themes to its collection, including Super Mario Bros.! - Gmail Blog
These 15 iPhone apps will help you with your home design projects - Unplggd
This cute SIM card address book keeps all of your addresses in one handy spot - Gizmodiva

My Fave iPod Accessories For Runners

GeekSugar — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 07:03:17 -0700

I just love throwing on my runners and going for a nice long jog. I don't know if it's the wind in my hair or the rush of endorphins, there's just something great about being at one with nature while working up a sweat. Now I've already discussed some great iPhone armbands to use while you're working out, but what about the stuff for your iPod? Gear like earphones, accessories, and stylin' armbands? Here are some of my suggestions for keeping your running experience as enjoyable as possible while rocking out to your favorite tracks.

View Slideshow ›

Should You Really Not Share Your iPod Playlist?

GeekSugar — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 07:33:11 -0700

A study from the University of Cambridge focused on how we judge one another based on the contents of our iPods and came to the startling conclusion: Don't share your playlist with anyone!

Dr. Jason Rentfrow, who led the study, says that "we get a very strong impression about someone when we ask them what music they like," and that revealing what you listen to can “reinforce stereotypes and, potentially, social prejudices” about you.

Well, duh. Don't we always judge people on their preferences in movie, music, TV, and books? Isn't that why things we like but view as lowbrow are called "guilty pleasures"?

I must admit that sharing your playlist with someone is an intimate thing, but I don't know that shielding everyone from your musical opinions is the answer to not being judged - I say go forth and share.

Have you ever been afraid to share your playlist with anyone?

The Next iPod to Have a Built-in Camera

GeekSugar — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 10:40:21 -0700

I'm not exactly gasping in shock that the next generation iPods and iPod Touches will come with cameras. It's what people want and need these days.

A online store in Portugal has come out with these Nano and iPod Touch case designs, which look pretty spot on to what we can expect in the upcoming months.

And the Apple Tablet? Sounds like we'll have to wait until 2010 before an official announcement on that front. I guess it'll be iPods all the way at the keynote in September.