OK, this is just so weird you need to read the story for yourself. Short summary: Levi Strauss has produced a jean product that is iPod compatible, not just in that it has a place to store the player; it also has a built in docking cradle and retractable headphones. Yes, Levis with a built-in docking cradle and headphones.

What, no built-in speaker system?

What's next, bluetooth jeans?  

One feature that many "other" music players have had for some time--but which the iPod has lacked--is an FM tuner. Apple has resisted calls to incorporate an FM tuner into the iPod, presumably to keep the overall iPod package small, while including the largest possible screen, battery, and storage. It is also conceivable that Apple was concerned that more radio listening would lead to a reduction in iTunes Music Store purchases.

It appears as though Apple has reached a nice middle ground, by building FM radio into a new iPod remote, dubbed the iPod Radio Remote. Rather than include the FM remote into a new iPod model, the optional iPod Radio Remote is a tiny box in the middle of a headphone cord. (Headphones are included.)

This may seems strange at first, but I believe Apple has a winner here, for these reasons:

1. It is compatible with existing iPods with a dock connector.

2. For $49, you get the FM radio, a remote, and new earbuds--essentially three devices in one.

3. It keeps the iPod as small as possible.

4. It follows the philosophy that Apple has expressed in the past of offering a core product (the iPod), and allowing users to customize the product through the use of accessories that meet their needs. As a person who doesn't care about FM radio, FreeiPodGuy likes this aspect.

Today's Macworld keynote address brought several other new product announcements, not the least of which are new Intel-based desktop (iMac) and notebook (MacBook) computers. Read Apple's official line on all of these products at their Macworld page  

Today at Goodwill, I picked up a like-new working Griffin iTrip for about $7. Not a total steal (rare at Goodwill nowadays), but a fair price nonetheless.

I've always poo-poo'ed FM transmitters due to their reputation for poor audio quality and spotty reception, but I'm reconsidering now.

With this particular model, the audio comes in clear on the default frequency, even though the frequency isn't totally free of stray radio broadcasts in my area. The audio quality is noticeably duller than a 128k AAC file (which is what I use); this is a characteristic of FM broadcasts. In other words, it sounds as good as the highest possible FM radio broadcast, which in my experience is totally hypothetical--I've never actually heard an FM broadcast by a radio station that was totally free of interference. I've found that the dull audio can be mitigated somewhat by using the "Treble Booster" EQ setting.

The nicest thing about the iTrip though is that there are no wires. Previously, I used a cassette adapter in my car. The sound quality is better to be sure, but the wire was always a pain in the butt. Also, I like the fact that I can use this with ANY radio, not just one in the car. So, anywhere in the house that I want to hear my iPod through speakers, I can as long as there's a radio within earshot. It's sort of a poor man's iPod speaker setup.

So, though they aren't for everybody, I'd say FM transmitters have a place in this world.  

If you are an iPod video lover who wants to instantly turn your $400 toy into a $1000 toy, eMagin has the thing for you: the EyeBud.

This thing straps on your head and shoots photons into one (yes, one) eyeball, giving you the sensation of watching the world's lowest resolution 105-inch TV from a distance of 12 feet. With a brick strapped to your head.

Or, you can accomplish the same thing with 6 cents worth of duct tape.