Android phones aren’t wiping the floor with Apple, but they’re doing damn well. While the same can’t be said for tablets, what about media players? Well, Android PMPs are sparse. Today the only real contender in the Android court is the Samsung Galaxy Players, which share the same specifications as last year’s Samsung Galaxy S II phones. The iPod Touch shares the same specs as the iPhone 4, so that made it equal, but Samsung’s larger devices weren’t quite as good as overall PMPs. The 5.0 was better for video with it’s giant screen.

But what about Sony’s upcoming Walkman Z? Sony is finally entering the Android PMP field with a Walkman, which means they’re taking it seriously. But just how seriously are they taking it? And can they dethrone the iPod Touch for best portable media player? Let’s take a look and find out.

Size

For a PMP, size matters, and bigger is better. While a phone is up to the user – after all, we all like something different – a PMP is all about viewing media while still having the option to throw the device in your pocket. The iPod Touch is famous for being razor thin and light, and the Walkman Z is preposterously thick at 11.1mm, nearly 4mm thicker than the iPod, and thicker than many of today’s smartphones. However, it’s a 4.3″ screen compared to a 3.5″ display.

Because screen size isn’t the only thing that matters – obviously smaller devices are more convenient in many ways – this bodes difficult to score for size. The Walkman is larger in every way, and 50% heavier than the iPod to boot. For just screen size, that would be fine, but the overall thickness of the Z evens it out. The defining factor is the display, both of which are TFT panels.

However, the overall ridiculous thickness of the Walkman Z just can’t be forgiven. LTE smartphones, which have a rather large LTE chip (and is one of the reasons Apple doesn’t have an LTE phone out yet) are significantly thinner than this Walkman. Why does it have to be so thick? The bigger screen is a definite bonus, but the gargantuan thickness of the Walkman is a joke for a PMP.

Winner: iPod Touch, because the Walkman is preposterously thick.

Appearance

The Walkman Z looks great, but it’s competing with the iPod Touch, which hasn’t changed it’s design much in five years and still looks damn good. Unfortunately the Walkman doesn’t have any standout or charmingly good looks above and beyond the iPod Touch.

Winner: iPod Touch, which looks great.

Display

Both the Walkman and iPod use the same type of display technology, TFT panels. These high quality panels produce accurate colors and are bright enough to see in bright settings and even direct sunlight. There are only two differences: the Walkman is a 4.3″ screen and the iPod has a 3.5″ screen, and the iPod is much more dense with a resolution of 960×640, compared to 800×480. The former point helps out the Walkman, while the latter is a boon for the iPod.

The only differentiator here is aspect ratio. The Walkman is a 16:9 widescreen display and the iPod is 4:3, so watching video will always be better on the Walkman. So while reading text will be easier on the iPod, the Walkman will produce better video because it won’t have black bars on the top and bottom and use the full 4.3″ display to do it.

Winner: Walkman Z, which has a lower screen resolution and density but is widescreen, better for watching media.

Operating System

For some reason everyone is still making Android 2.3 devices. After spending a lot of time with Android 4.0, I can’t understand how any company would ever want to use it, let alone how users would be interested in it considering the update. Yet here we are, with yet another Android 2.3 handheld. Screw that Sony, ship with the new OS.

Winner: iPod Touch, because the Walkman doesn’t have Android 4.0. There are currently no revealed plans to upgrade it to 4.0.

Processor

Apple A4 versus Nvidia’s Tegra 2? That’s a tough call. The Tegra 2 is slightly newer and is a dual-core chip, but Sony hasn’t revealed which model of Tegra 2 it is. Unfortunately that makes things difficult for distinguishing which chip is better. The A4 is an underclocked 800MHz CPU, and with excellent software implementation is very smooth and fast. Tegra 2 is as well, but at this point, without more information I’m going to have to call this one a tie.

Winner: Tie, not enough information.

Storage

Like most products competing with Apple, the Walkman Z is more expensive for the base model but becomes cheaper when adding additional memory. The Walkman comes in three sizes: 8GB, 16GB and 32GB, compared to the iPod’s 8GB, 32GB and 64GB. Unlike many Android devices the Z does not have expandable storage, so the win easily goes to the iPod. Check Price to see how the memory comparisons stack up dollar for dollar.

Winner: iPod Touch, with a higher overall amount of available memory.

Camera

This is saddeningly dissapointing. The iPod Touch camera is a joke, but at least supports decent 720p video and can Facetime. The Walkman Z? No cameras whatsoever. For this price and at this time for any PMP, that’s just unacceptable.

Winner: iPod Touch, which actually has a camera.

Battery Life

iOS devices have historically had much better battery life than Android devices, at least in my experience. The reason isn’t because they have bigger batteries (they rarely do); it’s because the software is very power sensitive. That said, the times Sony has listed for the Walkman Z pale in comparison to Apple’s own rating: 20 hours of continuous music playback on the Z compared to 40 on the iPod, and 5 hours of video compared to 7. For a bigger device, which should have a bigger battery, this shouldn’t be.

Winner: iPod Touch, with a far longer lasting battery.

Features

The Walkman Z offers some pretty unique features not typically found on PMPs today, most of which are aimed specifically at music listeners. There’s a full equalizer, a number of audio enhancers, a built-in FM tuner (YES!), and decent included earbuds. It also has HDMI out for video and audio playback, as well as gaming.

However, the Z also lacks some pretty basic features, like plenty of video filetypes (though this is an easy fix with the right playback app) and charging through a dedicated cable (not MicroUSB). However, both of these are moot compared to the iPod, the former which can be fixed through apps and the latter which is identical to the iPod’s 30-pin connector.

What really sets the Walkman apart? FM radio. Many forget how important radio is for music listening, which I can never stress enough. It’s what set the Zune apart for the longest time, and what makes some smartphones relevant for many users today. the fact that the iPod Touch doesn’t include it, when the iPod Nano does, is a loss on Apple’s part.

Winner: Walkman Z, with FM radio and an audio equalizer.

Price

The pricing on both the iPod Touch and Walkman Z is, well, unfortunate. Both devices use at least year-old hardware. But Sony has a premium starting price of $250 for the 8GB model, and doesn’t match the iPod’s 64GB model in any way. At every price point Apple beats out Sony, by $50 for the base model, and by $20 for the 32GB unit. And for app fanatics, music junkies, or movie hounds the iPod is the only way to get the maximum amount of data storage.

Winner: iPod Touch, at every price point.

Overall Winner

The score speaks for itself. When comparing the two as completely whole and individual devices, they look fairly similar, but by breaking down their parts it’s clear that the iPod Touch destroys the Walkman Z. The few standout features that the Z offers are interesting and worth remembering, especially depending on your need of a PMP, but the overall device just isn’t competitive. The fact that Sony would make a product like this and not make it competitive with a year-old device is unforgivable.

If you want a PMP for video viewing, the Samsung Galaxy Player 5.0 has a huge screen just for that, and expandable memory. Any Android device can have it’s audio manipulated with downloadable equalizers. The only thing that the Walkman Z offers is everything in a bundle for a high price, but we’ll have to wait and see if for our full review to know whether it’s worth buying for Android lovers.

It seems Apple has a lot more in store of its magnetic MagSafe connectors the company uses on its MacBook laptops, reveals an AppleInsider article. First introduced in 2006 and now a signature design element for all of Apple’s notebooks, the magnetic connector isn’t just beneficial for Apple’s iconic design elements, but lasts longer than using cable and port combinations with male and female connectors that can wear down with time. According to the article, Apple is working on new ways to use MagSafe connectors across several of its products, including the iPad and more.

An example of one new patent by Apple reveals that the connector might replace their 30-pin dock connector. Connections would be made as they are now, but the magnets would be coded with info that would be transmitted when the magnets are connected with one another, allowing different accessories to use a single connector port on a variety of Apple products. So the new cables would act as a universal port that would detect the coded magnet and its info then reconfigure itself accordingly.

But that’s not all since Apple’s patent also involves a new stylus technology for the iPad that would include coded magnets around the tip of the device and allow it to be placed in a doc connected to the iPad (or iPhone, etc) to exchange data. This is all in conjunction to its regular function as a standard stylus pen. All this info on the possibilities and expansion of magnetic MagSafe connectors was first filed in July 2011 and there’s no concrete plans or word from Apple if these ideas will become a reality.

Projectors aren’t typically impressive to most of us, though that’s due to their high price and, well, our perception of classroom projectors. Those clunky things really are a thing of the past (unless you’re still in school), because today you can just plug your iPhone in and stream movies directly through the projector, no hassle. At CES, BenQ revealed the Joybee GP2 Mini Projector, which not only provides video out for your iPhone, but for any device you can think of. Or, even with nothing plugged in at all.

The Joybee GP2 is is a big step up from the GP1, which acted as an any-device projector utilizing a USB port and iOS 30-pin connector. It wasn’t really an any-device projector unless you had the right cable and had the device on and streaming, which for a projector may sound OK but will kill the battery life of cameras, laptops, and anything else with undue haste. So the GP2 makes one basic change that completely changes the way the projector handles media: it has more ports, including an SD-card slot reader, HDMI, standard USB and a USB-mini port. And, of course, the iPod dock on the top of the GP2.

These extra ports improve on the original not just by making it more accessible, but by releasing many external devices from handling data as intensly as on the GP1. Any computer with work with the GP2, either through HDMI or USB (though as we’ve seen in the past with USB-powered media streaming modules, USB isn’t suited for high-resolution video without a high-performance processor). Devices that use SD cards can remain powered off, and users need only swap the card into the projector. Devices without SD cards can also be plugged directly in using the USB port. If that means your phone, then you don’t have to worry about power, because it’ll charge the phone and stream the data to the projector.

The GP2 is very light and very easy on the eyes. The glossy top has a simple control scheme, and it’s small and weighs just 565g. When we get one in for review, it’s the sort of device I’d take with me on trips to watch TV shows or movies I normally store on my phone, instead of holding the relatively tiny display close to my face.

While the GP2 supports 720p video and recommends 44″ between the projector and a screen or wall, BenQ representatives told me that it’ll hold a solid image up to 160″ (the image can be up to 160″ diagonally). Even at 44″, that’s huge compared to a smartphone screen. BenQ promises 30,000 hours for a single bulb at regular brightness settings, which is about 3.5 years of continuous use.

The GP2 also has 4W speakers, which while minimalist are more powerful than today’s mobile devices. Everything can be controlled either through the dial control on the top of the GP2 or with an included remote. I was impressed with the picture quality on two videos that were playing back in BenQ’s suite at the show, Burn Notice and Moneyball. I’ll need to play with a unit more before I can verify the screen quality, especially indifferent lighting conditions, but from a preliminary look I was satisfied with the video quality.

The BenQ Joybee GP2 Mini-Projector is out now, and can be purchased today for $549 from Amazon, though I’ve already found some lower prices down around $470. It may seem pricey, but for a 720p home projector that can be used for just about any purpose, including business, office, home video, or even travel, the GP2 looks like the kind of projector we should see in classrooms today.

Bang and Olufsen has provided news to launch its Beolit 12 iPhone Speaker later this month at B&O stores and through the Apple store, which will be released under its B&O Play sub-brand that will focus on high-quality portable audio-video products. As a line geared to the “digital generation,” items will cost lower than Bang and Olufsen’s high-end audio installations, but don’t expect any huge price breaks since the items will still cost a pretty penny.

The Beolit 12 is definitely a premium portable iPhone speaker with a price tag of $799, but its specs will defend its steep price. With a full-grain Italian leather carry strap, the speaker features a sleek, minimalist design with its anodized aluminum speaker grill. It’s going to launch in a grey color scheme, but more colors will become available at a later date. Its top is finished in rubber and is supposed to be non-slip so you can place you iPhone on it with no worries of damage when charging or playing tunes. It’s AirPlay compatible. It measures in at 230 x 150 x 188mm and weighs 2.8kg.

The speaker’s insides feature a 120-Watts class D-power amplifier, two 2-inch full-range tweeters and a 4-inch woofer. Which is more than enough to fill a medium-sized room with your favorite music. It also has an internal battery that’s supposed to provide 8-hours of playback (with wireless switched off) and charge your iPhone (or iPod) via a USB port hidden down the side.

The Beolit 12 is designed to be portable so comes with an internal battery that is said to give you 8-hours of playback (with wireless switched off) and will charge your iPhone (or other device) thanks to a USB port hidden down the side.

2012 has officially arrived.  And while that might be a tough pill for some to swallow, it probably won’t be nearly as difficult to gulp down as this over sized iPod Nano pill speaker from Gavio.

The features are pretty skimpy and no, it doesn’t expand or collapse for the sake of storage.  There is however a set of twisting controls found on either end of the pill, allowing you to adjust volume as well as skip tracks forwards or backwards.  Course, keep in mind that your Nano’s screen remains complete exposed, so you’ll be able to pick songs and switch to clock mode for those that place this funky device bedside.

Unfortunately, that’s all we know about the Gavio’s The Pill.  There is no mention of power, speaker size, price or a ship date.

It’s the end of 2011 and it’s been one hell of a year for music! Today’s Amazon Deal of the Day wants to share some of the year’s best music for one low price. Save on the 10 Top 2011 Albums from some of your favorite artists and download their entire album for $3.99 or Less. New albums by Coldplay, Rihanna, Drake, Dauaghtry, the Decemberists, Florence + the Machine, Mac Miller, Amy Winehouse, She & Him, and the Muppets are all available for MP3 download! For less than a cup of coffee, you’ll be able to enjoy the year’s best in music on your Kindle ire, PC, Mac, iPad, or Android Phone with Amazon Cloud Player. You can instantly gift these or any MP3s from Amazon.

Even though you might not be familiar with all the songs on the album, today’s Deal of the Day is a score for any music lover who wants to have a very robust music library. The Late Amy Winehouse’s last album is as amazing as her previous efforts, while Rihanna continues to steam things up with her Talk That Talk release. Coldplay never fails to disappoint, while “American Idol’s” Daughtry is pure magic. Everybody loves the Muppets while Drake is hip-hop’s latest golden child. Florence + the Machine is a musical delight, just as She & Him. Music lovers will definitely want to take advantage at the low prices for the album, while those who are looking for a new sound can easily indulge without breaking the bank!

Didn’t make it to the malls earlier this month and still don’t want to battle all the stress of trying to go today or even tomorrow? Then why not stock up on some cool last minute gifts for friends and family members that are all under $50! Here’s some quirky last minute gadget gifts that you’ll want to even buy for yourself. Even though some won’t be able to ship until after Christmas, you can always print out a picture of the gift, wrap it and surprise them with the gift they’ll receive later next week. Or you can opt for the simple gift cards (a la Netflix and iTunes) that you can score at any grocery or drug store.

15. 6-Month Netflix Subscription – $47.94

Not sure what to get a movie lover? Why not a simple and easy Netflix Subscription that you can easily buy online!

14. iTunes Music Gift Card – $10-$50

Any music lover will appreciate a gift card for some much needed new tunes for their iPod/iPhone/iPad! Nothing beats getting them a gift card that’s usually sold in any grocery store or drug store, making it a great last minute gift idea!

13. Gerber Bear Grylls Ultimate Fixed Blade Knife – $49.97

Everyone can benefit from getting Gerber Bear Grylls Ultimate Fixed Blade Knife, even if they aren’t the outdoor type. Designed to offer a multitude of uses in any environment, the The Ultimate Knife is the pinnacle of Gerber’s Bear Grylls Survival Series.

12. u-Control Silver Bullet Mini RC Helicopters – $29.95

The Silver Bullet remote control mini helicopters are fun gifts for the friend who hasn’t exactly grown up yet. Thanks to the latest easy-flight technology, the mini RC helicopter can fly incredibly fast and fit into small spaces.

11. Stormtrooper Fold-Up Headphones – $29.99

These Stormtrooper Fold-Up Headphones are the perfect present for that Star Wars fanatic in your life. It has 40 mm thumping power drivers featuring a Stormtrooper helmet on the side of each headphone along with the Empire crest on the soft pliable headband.

10. UPEK Eikon To Go Digital Privacy Manager Fingerprint Reader – 39.46

The Eikon To Go Digital Privacy Manager combines portable Eikon To Go USB peripheral fingerprint reader with the same Protector Suite QL software currently shipping on millions of notebook PCs today. A small gift for a paranoid friend!

9. iPhone iFlash – $39.95

The iPhone iFlash provides extra light for photos and videos on your iPhone and works just like a regular flash bulb so that you can take excellent pictures! Small and compact, this is a great gift for that person always going iPhone picture taking happy.

8. iHome iPad/iPod/iPhone Speaker/LED Table Lamp/Night Light – $29.95

The iHome combination desk lamp/speaker system is a great two-for-one product that doubles as a lamp and speaker! A great gift for anyone who loves music and convenience.

7. Gadget Charger for the Car – $49.95

Give the gift of tech on the go with this convenient Gadget Charger for the Car! The clever design gadget features 2AC outlets for laptops, DVD players, phone chargers, camera chargers, etc., one USB power port and fits conveniently into your car’s cup holder.

6. Booq Boa Folio for iPad – $25.99

The Booqpad iPad 2 Case not only protects your precious tablet from harm, but also doubles as a notepad, making it an ideal gift for that busy professional who needs to jot down important ideas. Keeping a pen or stylus, business cards, cash or tickets close to your iPad and written notes has never been more convenient!

5. Back to Basics Egg N’ Muffin Toaster – $34.99

Forget about running to McDonald’s for breakfast when you have this Back to Basics Egg N’ Muffin Toaster in your kitchen. The all-in-one appliance simultaneously poaches eggs and toasts muffins or bagels to perfection.

4. Portable Micro Cool Mini Refrigerator – $46.49

The Portable Micro Cool Mini Refrigerator is perfect for compact spaces and will make a great gift for an office buddy. Thanks to its compact size, the mini fridge is portable and ideal for travel.

3. Ice Bottle Chiller Mold – $29.95

The Ice Bottle Chiller Mold is perfect for that wine connoisseur! Instead of chilling wine in an ice bucket, create a work of art made entirely of ice. Just pour water into the double-walled mold, and freeze for 24 hours. Unmold the resulting hollow column of ice, and place in its stainless steel stand.

2. Dual Fuel Old Fashioned Gas Pump Liquor Dispenser – $39.95

Inspired by the full-service days at the gas pump, this liquor dispenser is the perfect pumped-up way to enjoy your perfect octane of choice. It features dual chambers that hold nearly a half-gallon each, a silver toned ABS body, and two gas hoses.

1. Wyndham HouseTM 80oz Cooling Beverage Dispenser – $27.92

The best solution for warm beers and too many trips to the fridge is the Wyndham HouseTM 80oz Cooling Beverage Dispenser! Not only will it make the best gift for a special bud, but you’ll probably want to get one for yourself, too! This brilliant beer dispenser keeps 80oz of your favorite brew or drink at a finger’s reach and will keep it ice cold.

Christmas is only days away, so if you have any last minute gifts to grab, you better do it ASAP! For those that have Star Wars fans on their gift list, we’ve compiled some of the geekiest gifts for those that can’t get enough the sci-fi saga. From small stocking stuffers to LEGO Star Wars sets for diehard collectors, we’ve got something for Star Wars fans of all ages!

25. Star Wars Wampa Rug

Fight your own Wampa just like how Luke Skywalker did (in the mountain caves of Hoth) with this unique Wampa Rug. Great for any bachelor pad or collector’s room!

24. Han Solo Star Wars Bobblehead

A true Star Wars fan will appreciate any gift relating to the sci-fi saga and this Han Solo Star Wars Bobblehead would make for a great stocking stuffer!

23. Star Wars Han Solo Carbonite Chocolate

Give any Star Wars fanatic (or sweets lover) a rich and chocolate Han Solo Carbonite Chocolate mold. The officially licensed Star Wars edible delight is a great stocking stuffer or zany gift to give this holiday season.

22. Star Wars In Your Pocket Talking Keychain

Because being a Star Wars fan means taking the force everywhere you go, this Star Wars In Your Pocket Talking Keychain is a must for any diehard fan! With six classic Star Wars sound bites from an array of characters, fans of all ages will appreciate such an awesome stocking stuffer come Christmas day!

21. Star Wars Vader’s Dark Side Roast Coffee

There’s nothing like waking up in the morning and having a great cup of Joe that’s (unofficially) endorsed by Darth Vader. A pack of Star Wars Vader’s Dark Side Roast Coffee will brighten any caffeine junky who is in tune with the force’s day.

20. Star Wars Cookbook

Learn to cook Star Wars style with this cookbook of 25 recipes inspired by the Star Wars movies…great for that Star Wars chef you know!

19. Star Wars Limited Edition Moleskins Notebooks

The world’s best notebooks have met the force! Each Star Wars Limited Edition Moleskins Notebooks comes with a mini poster reproduction of the OG movie poster, making this gift a two-for-oner!

18. Kotobukiya Star Wars: Darth Vader “Final Battle” ArtFX Statue

Based on the finale of Return of the Jedi, this Kotobukiya Star Wars: Darth Vader “Final Battle” ArtFX Statue recreates Vader’s armor, costume and lightsaber to the “T!” It also features multiple light up parts like LEDs in his chest, waist and lightsaber!

17. Fathead Death Star Wall Cling

Not sure what to give that Star Wars collector in your life? Well fret no more by gifting them with this super big Fathead Death Star Wall Cling that they can place anywhere they’d like.

16. Star Wars Lightsaber Pen

Even thought it’s just a set of pens, the fact that they’re Star Wars Lightsaber Pens will make them a keepsake they will hold on to for as long there’s ink! The pens are available in green, blue and red and come in a collector’s box.

15. Custom R2-D2 Xbox 360 by Major League Mods

What Star Wars gamer wouldn’t love a custom R2-D2 Xbox 360 by Major League Mods?! This baby will be an ultimate gift for any diehard gamer!

14. Star Wars Mimobot Thumb Drives

Any Star Wars fan will rejoice unwrapping the cutest storage devices in the galaxy with these Mimobot Thumb Drives that feature various character favorites from the movies. The 4GB thumb drives are compatible with any OS and you can choose from a variety of characters like Darth Vader, Yoda, Boba Fett and more!

13. Star Wars Rebel Pilot Headphones

Designed to look like real Rebel Pilot headgear, these Rebel Pilot Headphones feature the exact colors and insignias from those in the movie. The lightweight headphones are compatible with most MP3 players, iPods, and portable and console games with their standard 3.5mm audio jack.

12 LEGO Star Wars Motorized Walking AT-AT

The All-terrain Armored Transport from the Star Wars movies can now walk back and forth into battle thanks to a new Power Functions Systems, making it the perfect gift for collectors!

11. LEGO Star Wars Mini Alarm Clock

The digital clocks with posable arms and legs will be truly appreciated when opened on Christmas morning for any enthusiast. The adorable LEGO Star Wars Mini Alarm Clocks come in Darth Vader, Boba Fett and a Stormtrooper.

10. Darth Vader USB Hub

The 4-port Darth Vader USB bust will help connect your gadgets to the Dark Side and make a wonderful gift for that Star Wars geek in your life.

9. Darth Vader Bread Imprinting Toaster

Make Star Wars part of your breakfast with the Darth Vader Bread Imprinting Toaster! Features include adjustable toast temperature setting, standard two slot pop-up action and a Darth Vader impression on your toast!

8. Custom AT-AT Walker Bag

The chick messenger AT-AT Walker Bag would be a great gift for that Star Wars fan who is in desperate need to carry around their computer in something as cool as this bag.

7. Star Wars Surround System Mod with Death Star Subwoofer by Major League Mods

Another from the creative minds at Major League Mods for the ultimate Star Wars fan who wants to have the coolest audio equipment in the galaxy comes their Star Wars Surround System Mod with Death Star Subwoofer. The custom set’s coolest part has to be the Death Star subwoofer. The pair of Tie-fighters each has mid-range and dome tweeters and the Darth Vader iPod holder is a must!

6. Star Wars Wii Darth Vader Sensor Bar Holder

Trying to place that Wii sensor bar can by tricky, but for a Star Wars fan it’s easy with this Star Wars Wii Darth Vader Sensor Bar Holder. Darth Vader’s lightsaber gently holds up the sensor bar while maintaining its full range.

5. Star Wars Force FX Lightsabers

No Star Wars fan should go without their own lightsaber and these authentic ones that are licensed by LucasFilm will do mighty fine!

4. Star Wars Science Death Star Planetarium

The table top Death Star Planetarium opens up to become a planetary projector that displays the cosmos on the ceiling, with many viewing options that include Earth’s own night sky or the many world that make up the Star Wars galaxy.

3. LEGO Star Wars Millennium Flacon

This LEGO set is a must have for any collector and is based on the Death Star escape scene of Episode IV: A New Hope.

2. Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II Platinum Edition for PlayStation 3

Every Star Wars gamer should have this Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II Platinum Edition for PlayStation 3 wrapped under the tree. The Collector’s Edition has a few extra goodies, including a collectible steelbook, 3 exclusive challenge mode levels, exclusive Ralph McQuarrie concept “Deak Starkiller” skin, exclusive lightsaber crystal, Starkiller 2GB flash drive designed by Mimobot and digital art book.

1. LEGO Star Wars Death Star

This LEGO Death Star is an ultimate piece for any collection and features 3,803 pieces, making for hours of LEGO fun! It’s one ultimate gift for collectors of all ages.

If you workout then you’ve probably at sometime in your life got tripped up by your headphone cord draped from your ears to your pocket.  When the Shuffle was introduced it hardly resolved this issue, but since Apple released the model that included a built-in spring loaded belt clip we easily overlooked this caveat.  Not Jeremy Saxton & Jacob Hall who recently launched a Kickstarter project to raise funds for the ODDIO1, a cord free set of headphones designed to work in conjunction with the Shuffle.

The headphone’s outer chassis is built from a nylon plastic while the inner ear cushion is crafted from of high-grade silicone.  This should make them lightweight, durable and comfortable to wear during rigorous activity.  This is further complemented by a set of 30mm drivers, which should result in a rather reasonable spectrum of sound.  But that’s the hardly shining feature of these conceptual ear cans.

Located on the right headphone is a special slot specifically designed to hold the latest iPod Shuffle.  Just plug it in and  the Shuffle is converted into an all-in-one portable music player.  The makers say that the controls are fully accessible and that there is no need to remove the Shuffle to sync or charge the device.  They have plans to offer these headphones, which mind you include an adjustable headband, in grey/black, black/blue, and black/pink. Though for some extra scratch you can score a limited edition “Cupertino Colorway.”

To get in on these headphones you simply need to pledge $35.

It may come as a shock to some, but there are still millions of people who don’t use their phones as their media players. For iPhone owners, that must be a huge shock. Android-smartphone owners are now growing a similar sentiment thanks to Google Music. With so many people using their phones as their media devices, the Portable Media Player (PMP) is dying out. However, not all phones make for good PMPs. Android’s media center gets better with each passing day, but is still light years behind the simplicity of both iTunes and Windows Phone 7 with Zune. At the same time, not everyone wants to use their phone as a PMP. Some people just want a dedicated device to listen to music to, or to view all media on. Whether it’s for a jog or a family car ride cross-country, PMPs are still a necessity, and these days they come at better prices than ever before.

iPod Nano

The iPod Nano is still the king of the run. There’s no better companion than the tiny music machine, which not only stores 8/16GB of music, pictures, and podcasts, but has a full FM radio and multi-touch touchscreen to boot. Even with just software updates and a slight price drop, the iPod Nano is the best PMP of it’s class, and a great device in general. It also makes a great gift…perfect for the stocking, or for a game of find-the-gift.

iPod Touch

Like the Nano, the iPod Touch only received a software update, to iOS 5.0, but it’s still the best PMP available to date. It’s a shame that no cosmetic or technical improvements have been made, such as a boost like the iPhone 4S received (over the iPhone 4), yet even with just a firmware upgrade the iPod Touch has access to all of the App Store’s apps, as well as the full catalog of iTunes music, movies and TV shows. There’s no better full-size PMP than the iPod Touch.

Galaxy Player 4.0/5.0

Apple may seem to be the only competitor in this field, but earlier this year Samsung showed off the Galaxy Player, similar to their Galaxy S phones. While the Korean and Asian models included functions to watch TV over the air, the US models are strictly on-device or Wi-Fi media players – no over the air. In two models, 4″ and 5″, the Galaxy Players are the first Android-based PMPs on the market.

Like the iPod Touch, both Galaxy Players run on last-year’s Galaxy S hardware, and still fully-capable of meeting all of your media needs. But unlike the iPod Touch, the Galaxy Players come with only 8GB of internal memory and include a MicroSD card slot that supports up to 32GB per card. The Galaxy Player also has an FM Tuner, though you’ll need headphones to activate it.

The more musically-inclined will enjoy the Galaxy Player 4.0, though it’s music store and media organization pales in comparison to iTunes (except for Google Music), while the Galaxy Player 5.0  is smaller than a tablet, but has a great size for watching movies or TV shows on the go. 

So what should I get?

For exercising or music always on the move, the Nano is the obvious choice. The real question comes up with the full-size media players, between not only the iPod Touch and Galaxy Player, but between the iPod, Galaxy Player 4.0 and 5.0. For strictly music and gaming, the iPod is by far the best, with the biggest App Store for games and iTunes for excellent music purchasing and synchronization. For video, the iPod Touch certainly surpasses the Galaxy Player 4.0 because of it’s Retina Display, though lack of flash playback means the 4.0 has access to a significantly larger amount of content.

But when it comes to the 5.0, hands down the Galaxy Player wins. The larger display, plus access to flash video while still being pocketable (and practically acting as a tablet) makes it more comfortable to watch videos on in any conditions, be it a cramped airplane or at home on the couch.

When Steve Jobs introduced iTunes ten years ago, it changed the world. But not without having to drag the record labels kicking and screaming to it. But a decade later, the music industry has been reborn and downloads are common place. And, as Steve Jobs predicted, people who want their music “ala carte,” are more than happy to pay for it. But they also want to be able to use the music they buy with all their devices. And that’s how iTunes Match was born.  For $24.99 a year, iTunes Match allows users to store their music in the cloud and access it from up to 10 different devices. So, finally, not only can music fans finally just buy the songs they like, they can listen to them anywhere on just about any platform. And it couldn’t be easier to set up. Here’s what you need …

1. Be up to date

First, make sure you have the latest version of iTunes (vs. 10.5.1). It should automatically ask for your approval to update it when you go into iTunes, but if not, then PC users can select About iTunes from the help menu that then Check for Updates. If you’re a Mac user, go directly to Check for Updates from the iTunes menu. Download and install.

This is also a good opportunity to make sure you have all the songs in your iTunes library you want to match initially. You can always add later, but remember that iTunes will store purchased song from the iTunes Store for free in the Cloud, but ripped songs will count against your iCloud storage allotment.

2. Lay down the plastic

Once iTunes is updated, then open and look under the “Store” category. Your second choice will be iTunes Match. Once you click on that, iTunes will give you one last spiel (including reminding you will have millions of songs with which to match, and listen to at 256kbps) and then ask you to subscribe for $24.99. Click on the button and iTunes will ask you to login into your Apple account, where upon the charge will go onto your stored credit card.

3. Scanning commences

Once you’ve finalized paying for your iTunes Match subscription, iTunes will begin to scan your library and match it with the higher 256kbsp versions in the cloud. Any songs you may have that iTunes cannot match will then be uploaded along with matching artwork. Once this three step process is finished, you can then proceed to adding up to 10 iOS devices or computers to your iTunes Match list.

4. Add your computer

To add your computer to your iTunes Match list, go back to the iTunes Match option under Store and iTunes will depict a splash screen with a blue radial button which says “Add this computer.” Select it and your computer, iTunes Match will repeat the process of scanning, matching and uploading any available songs. Only do one library at a time, since iTunes Match will not allow for simultaneous matching. Once matched, your computer is ready to listen. Songs that have been matched will have a familiar cloud and arrow head. Click on the Cloud and you can download those songs to enjoy.

5.  Add Your Mobile Devices

Now it’s time to add your mobile iOS devices (i.e. iPhone, iPad or iPod). But before you take the plunge, make sure you’ve backed up your device to iTunes (before you match would be ideal). The reason is that when you match your iOS device, it will replace your music library with the matched library. This is a good thing as iTunes will be replacing them with higher quality 256kbps versions.

Next, access Settings in your iOS device and then Music. There will be a new menu item at the very top for iTunes Match. You’ll want to turn that on. Then, Match will request your Apple ID password. Once entered, select Enable. The your iOS device will proceed to match your music found on your device.

Once matched, there will now be another item in your Settings menu … Music screen: Show All Music. When you enable, all the songs that iTunes has matched will be shown in your iOS library. They will be the songs with the little cloud icon to the right. When you choose the song to play, iTunes will download it to your device to play and the cloud will disappear. If you leave the Show All Music option off, you won’t see any of the songs from the cloud in your library. Each song in the cloud will be listed with a cloud/arrow head and you can select as many songs as you would like to queue up and download. And here’s a neat thing, the song will play as it downloads.

6. Wrap Up

And that’s it. Now you have access to all your songs in the Cloud. But understand that while iTunes has access to millions of songs in it’s master library, not everything is up there. So if you have an eclectic ear, or love to listen to obscure and older artists, you may have to wait a short interim until iTunes acquires those songs. But that’s the price for being eclectic, isn’t it?

Last year’s iPod Nano was Excellent. It was a big step forward for Apple, as they returned the device back to it’s roots of music player first, everything else second. Half the weight and size was dropped along with the VGA video camera, scroll wheel and video playback, replaced by a beautiful 240×240 pixel touchscreen, a simplified version of iOS, and a handheld that was smaller than a belt-buckle but larger than a watch face.

This year, Apple returned with more of the same, though perhaps too much more. This year’s upgrades to Apple’s mobile devices (iPhone, iPod Touch, iPod Nano) have been perceived by many as a lack of innovation, partly because of Steve Jobs’ at the time failing health. The iPhone 4S saw few improvements, the iPod Touch none at all, and the Nano remained questionable. iFixIt’s teardown of the Nano revealed that it too is the same as last year’s model, though with parts from different manufacturers.

Sorry, no return of the camera. It wouldn’t be Apple to sell new products without some changes, and just like the new iPhone 4S and iPod Touch has iOS 5, the new Nano has upgraded software, known only as Version 1.2. For this review I tested the hardware and found no differences in performance, so we’ll only touch upon the hardware briefly. For a more in-depth look at the hardware, take a look at last year’s review of the iPod Nano 6^th Generation.

Last year’s iPod Nano (left) beside this year’s. They’re virtually identical

The move from versions 1.0 to 1.2 isn’t a big step, but it improves on several key areas. Firstly, the apps now take up the whole screen, one at a time. Originally four apps were visible on any one page (and in fact users can still set apps to appear that way), but the new default is to show larger icons, and only one at a time. For farsighted users who had trouble using the small screen before, small icons made the Nano too small to use. No longer.

The other major change came to fruition because people fancied the Nano a watch. While I’ve never actually seen someone wear an iPod Nano wristwatch, major electronic retailers all sell them. Apple graciously included a few watchbands for this review, and it’s very strange to wear the Nano as a watch. Apple includes 18 different watch faces, spanning from analog and digital watches to Kermit the Frog and Mickey Mouse. 18 isn’t a whole lot, and I’d like to see the ability for users to download new watch faces from iTunes, and possibly even make (and sell?) their own.

Using the Nano as a watch does solve one of the Nano’s problems, albeit partially – as a watch, it’s harder to lose. The Nano is frighteningly small. Like last year, I lost my Nano at least three times during the review process. When I used the Nano as a watch, I never lost it once. The bright green or heavyset blue bands are much easier to spot than even the glossy, reflective screen of the Nano.

Because the Nano is so easy to lose without wearing it, there is one improvement I’d like to see in future iterations: a keychain hole in the clip. It may sound counterintuitive, to place electronics on a keychain, but the Nano is small enough to fit and light and thin enough to not be in the way. The glass would have to be scratch resistant; after all, it would be in the same pocket as keys.

Back to the watch, what’s missing from the Nano is an option to set screen duration, or how long the screen remains active before automatically turning off to conserve power. There is no option to do so. Apple simply made the screen shut off after a minute. Some users may be inclined to have the Nano shut the screen off sooner or later than that, especially if wearing the Nano as a watch.This is one aspect that should be left to users to decide.

There are a few other features that Apple passed over on this second outing for the 6^th gen Nano. AM radio, an internal radio antenna (instead of using headphones), iPod earbuds with a microphone, and an improved battery. Each of these would have improved the Nano significantly, but with no hardware updates none are available this time around. And each of these areas is a fault of the Nano since last year. AM radio, or even HD Radio, is an incredibly attractive feature for people who have used it. A proper radio antenna would provide for a stronger, better signal that simple earbuds or even larger headphones. Earbuds with a microphone would allow everyone to use voice commands immediately, without spending another $30 for a set of iPhone headphones. And Apple has pushed every year for more advanced batteries, but neglected a higher-capacity battery for its smalled screened device.

The Nano’s stacked beside an iPod Touch. The Nano is thinner except for the clip.

Even updating one of these things would have drastically improved the Nano. I’m still shocked that Apple doesn’t include earbuds with a microphone on all of their products at this point. Additional radio functions could be a heavier strain on the battery, and the device’s small size requires a small but powerful battery. I know Apple could have improved in this area, but compared to their other goals it’s not surprising to see no upgrade here.

On the one hand, the iPod Nano is an excellent example of how important software is, and how with strong hardware it can improve devices better than simply pushing out newer parts. However, looking back at last year’s Nano, there was very little that needed improvement. The Nano now makes a novelty watch, and is easier for older users to see, but it isn’t a significant step forward. It isn’t even truly the next generation Nano, which is why the software version didn’t jump to 2.0. No, it’s a software upgrade only, one that last year’s buyers can enjoy just the same as new purchasers.

Even considering all that, the iPod Nano is still the best handheld music player of it’s kind on the market. I would have liked to see some serious upgrades, to see the famous Apple yearly revisions, but this year that wasn’t the case. Then again, it’s still the best.

Pros:

• Larger icons are easier to see
• Watch feature is an interesting turn for many users
• Everything good about it last year is still there

Amazon has some quick savings you can get on this latest Apple MC585LL/A iPod shuffle 2 GB Pink (4th Generation)!

If you’re looking for a quick way to listen to your music or audiobooks on the go then check out this slick deal! You can get a discount price on any color variety of this latest generation iPod shuffle, while Amazon itself offers another bonus of $2 free MP3 credit to you after your purchase. This shuffle includes 2GBs of space which is enough for about 500 songs and is so small you can clip it anywhere and enjoy music no matter where you are. With 15 hours of battery life and the easiest buttons for song management around mixed with its natural shuffling through your playlist you can just set it up to play and forget about touching it again, unless you wish to pause or switch the song. Check out this sweet offer while it lasts.

Save a quick $2.01 to buy this current gen iPod Shuffle for just $46.99.  All colors apply and shipping is included

It’s hard to imagine life without an iPod. It’s been embedded into our everyday lives and incorporated into popular culture. It’s changed the way we listen to music, watch videos, play games, exercise, drive, interact with friends and more! Apple’s iconic media player even changed the music industry, shaking up its entire foundation. It’s been 10 years since the iPod’s introduction and throughout the years it’s been revamped into an even better version of itself, but one thing always remains the same…it’s one of the best devices of our century!

The Beginning: 2001

Back when it was first introduced on October 23, 2001, the iPod was welcomed with less than stellar reviews. In what was predominately a Windows-based world, and hardcore techies didn’t think it would really make a huge impact on the industry. Boy, were they wrong!

With intentions to enter the very popular personal digital device market that was beginning to take off, Apple decided to enter it with its own rendition, but didn’t want to make it big or clunky as others had been. When the late Steve Jobs showed off the first generation iPod, he promised “1,000 songs in your pocket” for $400. Instead, he delivered an entirely new gadget that has grown into the world’s leading way we listen to music, as well as helped propel other such devices like the iPhone and iPad.

Like all first versions, it was expensive, especially for only being 5GB (nothing compared to what’s out there now). It was white and very boxy; about the size of a deck of cards. While it wasn’t exactly clunky, it was a bit bulky. The interface was simple with its mechanical scroll wheel that dictated its functions on the small black-and-white screen. What made it so cool was that the spinning wheel interface as fun and new, which is what helped give the new iPod an edge over the competition. A new era of music was officially born.

iPod 2G: 2002

A year after its debut, Apple give its fairly new iPod some minor updates. First the price is now cut to $299, making it more affordable to the masses for the 5 GB. Then begins the cycle of offering different and more expensive versions of the gadgets. The new 10 GB and 20 GB version are born, selling for $399 and $499, respectively. These larger iPods now featured a touch-sensitive scroll wheel and a wired remote. But, the big news was that Window users could now use the iPod on their PC, allowing them to download music via MUSICMATCH Jukebox.

iPod 3G and iTunes Music Store: 2003

The third-gen iPod got a totally new design for the first time in April 2003, when it showed up with a new lighter and thinner enclosure. Again, Apple did some price adjusting, launching the 10 GB at $299, but also dropped a new 15 GB for $399 and 30 GB for $499. But then later in September, Apple decided to just upgrade the two more expensive ones to 20 GB and 40GB. The era for bigger and better for Apple’s iPod was in full force…and only three years from its birth!

iPod Mini: 2004

Aww, the iPod Mini that so many love came to be right at the beginning of the year, when Steve Jobs announced that 2 million iPods had been sold thus far and showed us the baby iPod. Half the size of the original one, the iPod Mini was the first to get some color (enclosure-wise). They came in silver, gold, pink, blue or green and were made of anodized aluminum. The iPod had now entered the fashion world! But that’s not all the Mini did. It was also the first to include Apple’s new-styled “click wheel” instead of the scroll one. Since it was half the size of an iPod, it was also priced so, coming it at $249 for a 4 GB model, offering 1,000 songs.

Color Screen iPod: 2004

After the success of the colorful iPod Minis that debuted earlier that year, Apple decided it was time to bring some color to the iPod’s screens and unveiled a new version in October 2004. It was capable of storing 25,000 digital photos, but we’re not sure if anyone if did that, but it was still cool, nonetheless!

iPod Shuffle: 2005

Deciding that the iPod Mini was still too big, Apple dropped their iPod Shuffle the very next year. They weren’t wasting any time trying to take over the digital device market with every kind of size imaginable. The MP3 player was “smaller and lighter than a pack of gum,” according to Jobs. Apple marketed the new version as a random way to listen to your music, making it perfect for those on the go and who liked a compact version of the iPod while out exercising or whatnot. IT plugged into a USB drive and had 512 MB of storage, which was 120 songs, for $100. It also brought out a larger version 1 GB for $149, which held 240 tunes.

iPod Nano: 2005

So the Shuffle wasn’t small enough, or the Mini, which brought the new iPod Nano. Slimmer, thinner and lighter than any of the previous versions, its claim to fame was that it was “thinner than a standard No. 2 pencil.” Not only was it the smallest one with a screen in the fairly short history of the iPod, but it had the smallest capacity for an iPod with a screen. It sold for $199 for the 2 GB version and $249 for the 4 GB one. Despite having less capacity, the Nano was a success!

iPod Video: 2005

Apple had a big year in 2005, with the Shuffle and Nano and its new iPod video that they released in October. Not only was it a music device, a hard drive for pictures, but the new video could also hold up to 150 hours of video and boasted a high-res display. Also notable, was that it was the first time a full-sized iPod came in another color besides white; black was now an option.

iPod & Nike Collaboration: 2006

As if Apple wasn’t a huge iconic company on its own, it decided to partner up with Nike, which was one of the first extensions of Apple’s non-music platform marketing. So Nike made special shoes that synched with the iPod Nano to store data on exercise and the like. It did wonders for athletes everywhere.

iPhone & iPod Touch: 2007

From the great iPod came the idea to make a phone from the same concept…and volia! The iPhone was born. Taking a lot from its famous iPod, the iPhone was Apple’s first phone that featured touch controls, including “swiping” through menus. The iPhone has obviously become its own iconic device, but that’s an entirely different post! While the iPod might have inspired what many believe is the best phone on the planet, the iPhone inspired something great on the iPod…a new touchscreen version. Basically, the new iPod Touch was an iPhone without a phone. Genius, right?!

App Store & iPod revamped: 2008

Every year gets better and better for the iPod and in 2008, Apple launched it’s new App Store and the 2.0 iPod Touch that could play music, browse the web and more.

iPod Nano with Video: 2009

The iPod Nano received a video camera and FM tuner in 2009, as well as slashed the price on the Shuffle and added new color options. Again,

The Present

The iPod hasn’t exactly changed much since 2009, but the iPhone has evolved significantly. Also, the iPad is now part of the family, helping the extremely innovative company stay on top of the mobile device game.  And to think, it all spawned from the iPod.

We no longer listen to music the same way we did and the industry has felt the repercussions of it. Nobody goes to buy full-length CDs anymore at a record store; they instead download their favorite tracks online from the App Store or some other MP3 online site. Car radios don’t make a CD player an upgrade option, but have now made iPhone/iPod-enabled features standard. Life has definitely changed thanks to such a small device…has it been for the better? Hell yes and we have the Steve Jobs to thank!

The Future

It seems Apple will obviously be redesigning and upgrading their current line of successful products. For sure, expect an iPhone 5 soon and from what the rumor mill says, an Apple-based TV. But with Steve Jobs gone, his memory will obviously live on and inspire more innovative tech from Apple…at least we hope he left them in good hands.

We’ve definitely had a wide range of products get sales hit in the past week. From video cameras to HDTVs at record breaking low prices and even smartphones and tablets. Here’s we’ve compiled a list of the best ones that are still around to take advantage of:

10. Panasonic HDC-TM41H Camcorder – $200

Beach Camera offered this sale on eBay and regardless of the nice price docking here it’s still around. This portable camcorder from Panasonic has everything you need for taking videos everywhere and of course comes in at 1080p. It has 16GBs of internal memory to take advantage of along with slots for SD cards which allow for much more. It even boasts an impressive 135 minute recording battery life to boot.

9. Yamaha RX-V471 5.1-Channel Receiver with Free Apple TV – $330

Now this is certainly an impressive one. Not only do we get a sweet discount deal on this powerful 5.1-Channel receiver system but it even comes with a free Apple TV (Which is a $98 value by itself!) This receiver has full support for the latest technologies like 3D and ARC while also presenting us with 4 HDMI inputs, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD encoders and an included iPod dock for pumping your music through your system.

8. Dell Ultrasharp U2412M 24-Inch Monitor – $320

Now this may seem like a high price from Dell, but this is no ordinary monitor. First off an $80 Coupon (XD5W7S1JRP52C8) bring this Dell LED Display down to this price. The monitor itself features IPS technology bringing out truly realistic and stunning visuals along with an incredible viewing angle which makes it easy to look at from anywhere in the room. And you also get a wonderful 16:10 resolution of 1920 by 1200 which gives you more than enough room for multitasking to be very easy, both vertically and horizontally.

7. Canon Powershot ELPH 100 HS 12MP Digital Cameras – $130

Crutchfield’s coupon savings still apply on this super portable Canon Digital Camera. Using code: 3A825 will save you $20 off an already low price mark. This camera can take large 12-Megapixel shots with ease and also contains a 4x Optical zoom while each and every image is graced by its DIGIC 4 image processor which brings out the best of quality. It also has a 3.0-Inch touch display and is capable of taking full 1080p High Definition videos.

6. Blackberry Playbook 7-Inch 16GB Tablet – $299

Yes you heard right, this powerful and brand new Blackberry Playbook tablet has had its price reduced even more, and even now you’re able to take advantage of it. This tablet comes with a colorful HD 7-Inch display and utilizes the BlackBerry OS which allows for some great multitasking and Internet browsing freedom. It’s powered by a 1Ghz Dual Core CPU and has 1GB of RAM, which sounds more like PC specs than a tablet. This one also comes with 16GBs of Internal memory which can be expanded with SD cards.

5. Apple MC526LL/A iPod Nano 16GB (Current Gen) – $150

The price hit has come down for these super sleek and powerful iPod Nanos. You can grab any color you like at this new low price from Amazon. The newest Nano features a size similar to a shuffle, but includes a multi-touch display for controlling your music cravings. 16GBs of internal storage come from this model for plenty of music listening on the go and when gesture based controls are combined with its display its never been easier to listen to exactly what you want to hear.

4. Apple Macbook Air MC968LL/A 11.6-Inch – $950

Believe it or not you can still catch this super low price for the popular and super thin Macbook Air. This model comes complete with a super compact 11.6-Inch screen and comes powered by a speedy Intel core i5 processor and 2GBs of RAM. It also contains a 64GB solid state drive which gives it even more speed and impressing performance and includes support for Bluetooth 4.0, integrated HD Facetime webcam and a brand new Thunderbolt port.

3. Curtis LCD4686A 46-Inch LCD TV – $445

And here it is, if you’ve wanted to get your hands on a large TV for any room now’s your chance to make some awesome savings! This large 46-Inch Curtis TV has a full 1080p High Definition resolution and a 5,000:1 contrast ratio for deep colors. It also includes a wide variety of inputs which make it home theater friendly and these include HDMI, VGA, HD Component and several analog composites to fit all of your needs with ease.

2. Vlingo Voice Assistant for iPhone – FREE

We’re sure you’ve heard the saying If it’s free its for me, and iTunes has surely delivered on that by offering the powerful and flexible Vlingo Voice app for just that. This app allows you to speak your commands to your iPhone, which it will follow to a T and make life much easier on the go. You can tell it to do things such as texting your friend Mike, or updating your Facebook status or even ask it to locate a place of interest for you and a map will display. Eitherway it’s definitely worth checking out as it will cost you nothing!

1. HTC Droid Incredible 2 for Verizon Wireless – $0.01

Speaking of free, why not check out this new and improved Droid Incredible 2 for a price that may as well be free. With a contract deal you can experience the latest smartphone technology packed into this little phone. With a large 4.0-Inch HD display it graces you with the latest Android has to offer as well as SRS WOW HD sound to complete the experience. It includes an 8MP cameras as well and plenty of connectivity from Bluetooth to GPS and WiFI so you’re never left behind.

You’d be surprised how often it happens. You’re checking your email or updating your Facebook page on your iPhone and nature calls. You walk in, lift the lid and kerplunk! The iPhone is sitting at the bottom of the toilet laughing at you. It’s almost as if there’s a micro black hole that can tug on anything electronic and pull it into the bowl. Don’t panic, you can save it. Just grab it and do the following:

1. Turn it off … IMMEDIATELY

First, turn it off. The longer your iPhone is on, the more likely the moisture that has seeped into it will short circuit and cause permanent damage. Turning it off stops any electrical activity humming around the circuitry.

2. Remove the battery, if you can (applies to non iPhones)

If you have a phone that has a removable battery, you’ll want to take it out now and completely dry it off. Use a blow dryer set on low just to be sure. This will ensure that your battery doesn’t corrode later over time.  If you don’t, well, there’s really not much you can do but move on to step 2.

3. Bury your phone in uncooked rice

Rice?  Yes, I know it sounds strange, but the next thing you’ll want to do is fill a quart or gallon size Ziploc with a cup or two of uncooked rice and bury your phone in it. If it takes more, then fine. But completely cover it and seal it.Over a few days, the  rice will act as a desiccant to draw out any excess moisture from within the phone.  If you are in the habit of keeping those silica packets that come in electronics and shoe boxes, those will work, as well.  But you’ll need a lot of them.

4.  Time will tell

Now is not the time to be impatient. That phone is going to have to sit in the rice for a few days to get completely moisture free. So if you have an old backup phone, and your smartphone is a GSM phone, then you may want to remove the SIM and use that backup for a few days. Yeah, you won’t have your apps or music player, but you can live without it for a few days, right? Your patience will be rewarded.

5. Blow dry the finishing touches

While the rice will draw out most of the moisture, there may be a little bit left and it may show on your LCD screen in the form of a black area when you turn it on. Don’t panic. Just turn the phone back off and either place it back in the rice or, use a blow dryer on low for about 15-20 minutes to drive off the rest of the moisture. I had this happen to my iPhone 3GS and there was a small black corner on the LCD. So I just blow dried it in the rice until the corner came back. It didn’t come back completely, but over time, it gradually did. But don’t think that if you can do it on low for 20 minutes, you can do it on high for 10, or save yourself two days in a rice bath. The higher the heat, the more likely you could damage the interior or cause any glue used to secure parts to melt and loosen them. Again, your patience will be rewarded.

6. Living with it

While your phone will come back, it may not be perfect right away.  And there may be some minor annoyances over the long term. First, understand that depending on your smartphone, your mileage (results) may vary.  What will work well for an iPhone may not be the complete solution for your Android or Blackberry phone.  But it’s a good place to start.  Also, understand that there is a small dot in every smartphone that changes color to reflect water exposure. So if you have any problems with the phone – that is the first thing the technician will check. If they see that there has been water damage, the warranty will be voided and you’ll be out of luck. Some corrosion may also occur over time in areas like the on/off button.

Conclusion

But in the end, it should be manageable.  I dropped my iPhone 3GS in water about 2 years ago. Dried it out and it’s been working ever since. So don’t panic! Just remember RICE and TIME.  Patience is your friend.

Amazon is offering a new low price on the Apple MC526LL/A iPod nano 16 GB Silver (6th Generation)!

Just as the title implies the world’s sleekest and easiest to use MP3-Player just got a lot easier to obtain! Now the Apple iPod Nano’s latest generation player comes to you at a much lower price, but for what it offers it certainly seems a steal of a deal. This Nano includes a full multi-touch display and to supplement the usual music playback it’s also capable of playing videos and even displaying all of your album artwork without so much as breaking a sweat. The functionality included will seem very familiar, and that’s because it’s based on the same technology as the iPod Touch, and when you consider that and how portable this device is there seems to be nothing you can’t do. That’s not all this generation added however, and with this Nano you can use gestures like shaking the player to shuffle through your music thereby not even having to touch a button. Now that’s smart.

Today Apple cut the prices of all their iPod Nano (Other than silver).  It’s now $149.99 after a $30 instant savings.

So what is iCloud?  Well, it used to be called Mobile Me, but it wasn’t automatic and it cost $100 a year.   But starting next month, iCloud is Free.  And simply put, it’s your archive online.  It stores everything you want and syncs it to every device you need, whether your iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, Mac, or PC.  You take a picture at Disneyland of the kids with Mickey?  iCloud will automatically sync it to you Desktop at home.  Get a new client’s information with a fist bump to your iPhone?  It’s automatically synced to both your iPad and Desktop.  Download a great song you heard at Starbucks?  It’s on your iPod almost immediately.   And with a simple login, you can transfer all your apps and media to your new iPad from your iPhone.

That’s iCloud.  More than just a hard drive, it’s a syncing service.  And the best part is, it’s free.  Well, up to 5GBs worth that is.  But here’s the kicker on that – your purchased music, apps, books, photos and TV Shows don’t impact your 5GB space.  Just documents you share and CDs you rip.  After that, you need to pay a nominal fee (between $20-100 a year) for more space.  And here’s the awesome thing – with an upgraded plan, you can also just list the CDs you own and iCloud will automatically go get them.  No ripping required.  Man, that’s completely worth the upgrade price!

Although Apple’s iCloud won’t officially launch until Apple releases iOS 5 next month, there are several features which iPhone and iPad fans can enjoy right now. Here’s how …

Finding previously purchased Apps on your iOS device

If you want to re-download an App you’ve purchased before on your iPhone , iPod Touch, or iPad

1. Go into the app store and navigate to the “updates tab.”
2. There, you will see a new button called “purchased apps.”
3. Touch that and it’ll take you to another screen that will list every app you have purchased and downloaded.
4. There are two tabs – all apps and then apps not on this phone. Find the app you want and then click on the download icon.
5. The app will begin to download.

Finding previously purchased music on your iOS device

The huge development that iCloud is bringing is that users can now re-download music that they’ve purchased.

1. Just go to iTunes on your iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad and click on the new “purchased” tab. You will see a listing of all the media you have bought divided up between music, movies, and TV shows. Select.
2. You will then see two tabs, “All” and again, “Not on this iPhone (or iPad)”. You’ll also see stats on how many you’ve purchased and how recent to break it down further. You will also note your songs broken down by artist and how many purchased.
3. Select an artist and you will get menu that shows the number of songs and each one listed with a download icon. If it’s on the iPhone or iPad already, it’ll be grayed out with “Downloaded.”
4. If not, you will see an iCloud icon to redownload it. Or, you can select the “Download All” option at the top of the screen.

Finding previously purchased music/apps in iTunes on your Mac or PC

1. Enter iTunes and log in.
2. On the main iTunes page you will see a option on the right that says “Purchased.” Click on it.
3. You will then see your media broken out into All Media, and Not in my Library. Then, it’ll further be broken out by Music, TV Shows and Movies, Apps and Books. You will then see it further organized, like in your mobile device, by artist and the number of each per artist.
4. Select your artist and you’ll get a separate page with each song or media broken down and a button to either download or you’ll see you’ve already downloaded. Then you can re-download whatever you’re missing, or turn on automatic downloads and they’ll download immediately without further action.
5. And in the lower right hand corner you’ll also see a download all button to download anything you’re missing off your desktop. This is advantageous if you’ve bought apps or music directly from your phone and you need to get them onto your desktop as a backup and to enjoy in iTunes directly.

In addition, downloading is complete, the song or app will also be automatically synced to all of the other devices using the same iTunes account via iCloud, for up to 10 devices.

Automatic downloading of previously purchased App/Music

To sync purchases to all your iOS devices and your Desktop, you’ll need to enable Automatic Downloading, and here’s how …

1. For the iPhone or iPad, go into Settings.
2. Then, scroll to the Store menu and tap.
3. There, you can enable automatic downloads and decide if you want to use Cellular as an option to download them over 3G. If this is disabled, you will only be able to download via WiFi.

What to expect in October

And coming in October, users will be able to sync up to 1,000 pictures and videos up to iCloud and share them with those same devices through an app called PhotoStream. Documents, emails, calendars and contacts will also be synced to the cloud through iCloud.

Users will be given 5GB of iCloud storage for free, with additional space charged as follows:

10GB – $20/year
20GB – $40/year
50GB – $100/year

Additionally, users can buy iTunes Match for about $25 a year, with unlimited iCloud storage space and the ability to sync all music, not just purchased but also ripped music from CDs or purchased from other stores like Amazon. And users won’t have to upload them. iCloud will merely scan your iTunes account and add whatever is missing to other iCloud devices – up to 25,000 songs per account. Brilliant!

And the best part is, you don’t have to enable anything except automatic downloads. Starting with iOS 4.3, iCloud functions became available.

5 out of 5 stars

Halfbrick Studios is the iOS developer that brought us Fruit Ninja, which has helped cement the studio as one of the premier iOS developers, alongside the likes of Rovio (Angry Birds), PopCap (Plants vs. Zombies, Bejeweled), and EA (too many titles to list). So when they make a new game for the platform, we should all be at the ready. And dagnabit, their latest is a flustercut of an amazing game.

Jetpack Joyride is so simple it’s just dumb. Playing as Barry Steakfries, players traverse an ever-changing maze of incoming missiles, ensnaring electrical fields, and scurrying scientists because he’s has too much of being an office grunt. The video trailer/introduction below explains it with the precision of a Pixar mini.

This developer hasn’t only discovered how powerful touch is (which they clearly did with Fruit Ninja), Halfbrick has made the simplest possible game without making it boring. All players have to do is tap on the screen with one finger to control Barry’s elevation, going up or down, and the game does the rest. As a one-button game, Jetpack Joyride exceeds perfection because it’s built to last.

Let’s look at the gameplay a bit first. Barry uses a chaingun jetpack to propel himself into the air, all the while “escaping” from a never-ending research lab that is bent on stopping him. Electrical traps are set in place to stop him, missiles fly at him, lasers pop out of nowhere to cut him down, and Barry has zero defense against any of these. Instead, he uses his speed to go over or under the overwhelming onslaught, going faster and faster all the while. That said, Barry does have some help. He can collect coins, which can later be used in the store to purchase (mostly useless) vehicle upgrades, different jetpacks, clothes, and in-game bonuses. There are six vehicles in-game, which start slow and accelerate quickly while acting as a one-hit shield for Barry. If he gets hit in-vehicle, he’s safe, but that vehicle, be it the Mr. Cuddles dragon, Gravity Suit or Bad As Hog motorcycle, blows to smithereens.

Alone, this game would be fun for possibly 20 minutes, at most an hour. But it’s all the extra bits that make Jetpack Joyride a work of art. At the end of each round, players can spend collected tokens on a slot machine where they can win money, more tokens, a second chance to continue where they left off, a bomb to ricochet Barry’s corpse just a tad further to help set a high score, or a bonus for the next round like a head start or double coin value. Or, if players don’t want to use the slot machine, they can cash in their tokens for $50 each.

Then there’s the missions. There are always three missions available to complete in-game to rank up. The ranks have no inherent value, but at each new ranking players earn more money for getting there, along with a new title. Missions range from the standard “collect so many coins” to the odd jetpack against the roof for 400m or high-five 25 scientists in one game. These missions give each round more meaning and make them far more fun than just trying to get a high score, even if some of those missions are inherently dangerous and will almost guarantee death, but even then it’s worth it. Completing the missions becomes a drug in itself, far more addictive than the longer-form and more tedious high-score objective.

The final piece to the puzzle, depending on how interested you are in collecting everything, is the ridiculously overpriced store. Everything in the store, from clothes to jetpacks, is priced so highly that even after two complete game playthroughs (meaning I completed all the missions, achieved the highest rank, and did it again twice), I have enough money only to buy six of the seven available jetpacks, and a pair of nerd glasses with nothing else to spare. It’s a completionists wet dream/nightmare, because the game is in itself so addicting that it actually feels natural to want to get the money to buy everything, even though players are lucky to get $500 in one round.

What’s particularly ironic about the whole situation (of virtual items, that is) is Halfbrick’s simple payment solution. Gamers who must have the money without putting time into the game can simply buy money, from $20,000 to $1,000,000. It’ll only set them back $13 in real, hard cash, which will buy everything in the store. In fact, the $250,000 coin set ($5 in real money) would do that too. But Halfbrick also offers a counterfeit machine, where for just $1 they can double all in-game coin collections. I never buy in-game DLC like this, because it is in a sense cheating, but this is the first time where I was so tempted that I had the only reason I didn’t was because the in-app purchase confirmation came up and reminded me that I was paying real money for fake money.

Since starting Jetpack Joyride, all of my friends have purchased it and now we all compete for high scores and high rankings. It’s replaced, in my circle of compatriots, Doodle Jump as the time-waster of choice. And whenever I start playing, I have to be careful because one round always turns into at least ten. I’ve lost hours to this game. It’s dangerously good.

Rumor is that Gamestop will not only start accepting iOS devices for in-store trade-ins, but that the massive videogame retailer will also begin selling iPhones for the largest technology company in the world, Apple. This rumor, coming straight out from the yearly Gamestop Manager’s Convention in Las Vegas, sounds ludicrous. Not for trading in old iPods, iPads and iPhones mind you – Gamestop already has an enormous used-game sales infrastructure and iOS devices easily complement that – but for selling new iPhones.

Today, there are only three ways you can get an iPhone without purchasing it directly from Apple: through AT&T Wireless, Verizon Wireless, or Best Buy. That is, the two carriers with a total of 200 million current customers, and the largest electronics retailer nationwide. Ma’ Bell has over 2,200 retail stores, Can-you-hear-me-now has 2,300, and Big Blue has over 1,150. Even combined (5,650+) that pales in comparison to the 6,500+ retail locations that Gamestop has, selling only products involved with the burgeoning videogame industry.

Should the rumors of Apple iPhones selling through Gamestop ring true, then wireless carriers need to be on their guard. With only 345 Apple stores, the fruity mega-giant may well be planning to use Gamestop stores as more than just a point of sale for iOS devices. What that is remains to be seen, though there are several possibilities. We’ve already seen Apple step away from the major wireless carriers in several ways, including making the iPhone available for Verizon (instead of just AT&T) and possibly Sprint with the iPhone 5, and the new messaging app found on iOS 5 which supersedes any wireless carrier.

What could Apple be planning? It’s possible that Gamestop wants a piece of the app pie, and is working with Apple to not only demo games (the most profitable type of iOS app) in-store but also to sell them. Kongregate, the flash-game site and subsidiary of Gamestop, may make its way to the iPhone (sans flash, of course). Just like Gamestop points can be used to purchase items through Xbox Live, they may be made to work with the App Store as well. Gamestop could also attempt to open their own iOS marketplace through the retailer’s website, though no major company has seriously pursued selling titles outside of Apple’s App Store, even if the apps don’t meet Apple’s requirements.

Or perhaps something more cunning is taking place. Consider the number of Gamestop locations. 11,000+ Starbucks locations in the US offer free Wi-Fi to iOS users plus recently played music. The same can happen with Gamestop through their 6,500+ stores, except with games. Apple can clearly differentiate iOS with Android by suddenly making the millions of Gamestop customers obscenely aware of the iPhone’s gaming capability. Gamestop’s Gameinformer Magazine doesn’t currently cover iOS gaming outright (it doesn’t even have a dedicated section to the platform, while many other major gaming publications do), and there’s no reason it won’t the second Gamestop starts selling iPhones.

I personally believe every major move Apple makes has much deeper implications, and in this case Apple will have over 15,000 contracted retail locations available to it. With all that extra money, I can only imagine what Apple could do. And even without Steve Jobs at the helm, the now-Chairman certainly had the vision to instruct his executive staff for years to come.

Image via Gadgetspider.info, from Jesus Diaz of Gizmodo