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Apple today released a refresh of its iPod mini and iPod photo lines. The changes are as follows.

iPod mini

The new iPod mini has a 4GB model priced at just $199 and a new 6GB model with 50 percent more storage priced at $249. Both include increased battery life of up to 18 hours (according to Apple), USB charging and an ultra-portable, lightweight design available in four vibrant colors. It ships with earbud headphones, a belt clip case, a USB 2.0 cable, and a CD with iTunes 4.7.1 for Mac and Windows computers. An optional USB power adapter is available for $29 (US) which easily charges iPod mini when traveling.

iPod photo

There is now a 30GB model, holding up to 7,500 songs, for just $349 and a new 60GB model, holding up to 15,000 songs, for $449. It’s now possible to easily import photo’s from a digital camera since via the new iPod Camera Connector for instant viewing and slide show playback on iPod photo.

According to Apple the iPod Camera Connector is expected to be available in late March for $29. It will support certain cameras and allow you to copy your pictures to your iPod essentially giving you much more storage.

Mentioned Products

All products mentioned in this article can be found at the iPod Store

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Yub.com, is a social network website (similar to friendster or orkut) but for the purpose of making informed shoppers. You can review products on Yub, and purchase through reviews. You get “points” for all your purchases (1% of the list price), which are ultimately redeemable for cash. The website is themed partially as a mall (including a map). The iTunes store is located right across from Sony (next to Target).

Because you get Yub Points for each purchase you make, essentially everything on the website is 1% off. This includes Buy.com, Target, Sony, Apple’s iTunes and several other websites. If someone purchases something based on your review, you also earn points. You need to obtain $10 worth before you can redeem your points.

You do not buy through Yub, instead Yub sends you to the website. Your purchase still comes from the merchant.

It’s an intersting concept. There’s apparantly no mention of the site on Apple’s website. If you enjoy writing reviews, want to see what other’s think of your music, or just want to save 1%, “checkout” the Yub.com website.

Got my iSkin for my iPod today. Boy is this a cool product. Some quick observations:

Things that rock

* Very nice tight fit. Not loose at all. Fits like a perfect glove.
* Belt clip is extremely strange (in the way it’s attached to the case). Very clever, but unusual.
* Screen cover is really clear. I don’t even notice it’s there.
* The White color still keeps that iPod look, but gives some protection.
* With the belt clip removed, you can see the Apple logo in a clear part of the case on the back, in a big circle. Pretty cool looking.

Things that can be improved

* Belt clip is a bit weak, but I never intended to use it. Hence I liked the fact it came off. Would be better if it were metal, and spring loaded. Not to mention rotated smoother.
* screen cover lifts the small part between the screen and the clickwheel. Not bad, just could be a bit tighter.
* iSkin around the clickwheel should have been beveled. Same for where it meets the standby switch, and headphone jack.

It’s not perfect for those who use an iPod dock (though you can pull the iPod partially out through the clickwheel hole, and sync that way). I’d recommend a cable for ease.

Overall it’s a well made product. It’s a very simple design that compliments the iPod very well. It’s sleek, comfortable, and protective. It does provide a little padding for your iPod, not to mention a screen cover. It’s also made of water resistant material (though don’t test that out).

Products Mentioned

iSkin eVo2 4G iPod 20GB - Arctic
iSkin eVo2 4G iPod 40GB - Arctic

This week’s file of the week is: Skype.

Skype is free computer telephony (telephone) for your computer. That’s right free. You can call anyone else who runs Skype at no charge. For a somewhat low cost, you can also call landline phones using SkypeOut.

Skype initially is an IM application like iChat, AIM, Yahoo IM, or MSN. You still have a buddylist, and the very typical IM type message. What makes Skype unique is unlike those other services, it specialize (defaults) to voice communication. And for those wondering, you can still IM users via Skype.

Skype uses surprisingly little bandwidth, and works behind every Firewall, NAT environment I’ve ever tried. With 0 configurations needed. No ports to open or anything. Just install, and go. Because it uses so little bandwidth, it’s performance is rather good, even when browsing the web. The audio quality is very clear and has almost no noticeable delay. It’s far superior to any other product I’ve tested thus far.

Skype is a P2P (peer to peer) application, like many file sharing networks, allowing it to be very reliable and fast. Your conversations are of course well encrypted to ensure nobody can listen in to anything you say.

Skype provides several screenshots of their application for you to view before you download (see below).

Skype is completely free for computer -> computer conversations and is available for many platforms. Calling landline phones is available for a low fee. The program it self is ad-ware free. How do they make money? Through services such as SkypeOut, selling hardware, and soon voice mail and other add-ons.

This product is very likely going to help revolutionize phone communication as the VoIP movement continues to progress. Thanks to it’s ease of use, great quality, compatibility, and simplicity Skype is an excellent way to cut down on your phone bill.

Product Information

Skype Homepage
Screenshots
Download

The Plasticsmith released their new products for the Mac Mini. Their new product “Grandstand”:

gives the mini a protective covering while supporting an LCD or CRT monitor. Available in clear acrylic or steel finished to complement the mini, they are both sleek and attractive as well as functional and space-saving.

According to Plasticsmith, both can hold up to 60 lbs, which is enough for just about any LCD or CRT monitor. It will be available for $34.95.

Also available is a “mini Tower” which reduces the footprint of the mini even more by placing it on it’s side, and the mini skirt ($39.95), which elevates the mini to provide extra air circulation under the system ($19.95).

Products Mentioned

Grand Stand
mini Tower
mini Skirt