The iPod video is known as the last generation of iPods, which surprised the market and the sales since its appearance. Basically, this new device is able to play videos. If this seems like fun, the technical part might need some guidance.

Firstly, you should know that both the PSP and iPod can play H.264 / MP4 encoded videos with AAC audio tracks. Due to this fact, the resolution is rather limited, together with the limitation of the bit rates that you can use on the device. For the new iPod video, this limits means (for the H.264 video) up to up to 768 Kbps, 320 x 240 and 30 frames per second. For the MPEG-4 video, the limits are up to 2.5 mbps, 480 x 480 and the same 30 frames per second. Even more, the AAC audio bit rate is around 160 Kbps. After establishing the limits, the next step is to establish the source of the video, which can be either from a DVD or a video of the computer.

In other terms, the company Apple claims, in a purely informative ad which is posted on the official website, that the new iPod, as they call the new iPod video, can store 15, 000 songs, 25, 000 photos and not less than 150 hours of video.

If wanting to get a video from a DVD, then the first thing you should do is to insert the DVD in the device. After this, you should open (in case it doesn’s immediately open by itself) the DVD, using file and open DVD from the menu. Check the options in the DVD menu, to set up everything as you like, meaning language, subtitles or chapters. Begin playing the movie, using the DVD menu to navigate. When the vidoe begins, you should press the record button and select the folder in which you want to store the recorded files. When you want to end the recording, simply click the stop button and if the recording goes well, there will be a screen confirmation that you have converted your file successfully.

If you wish to convert a video from your computer to your iPod video, then the first thing that you should do is go to the menu file and click open video file. After this, your video is supposed to start to play, the perfect moment to adjust the video as you like. Also, you can set the perfect time to start the recording, using the bottom playback controls. When you decided this, click the button record and feel free to stop it at any time. After recording, just like in the case of importing videos from a DVD device, there will be a message on the screen say that everything went on successfully.

If respecting these basic rules, the videos and movies will be stored carefully in your iPod and you will be free to watch them, at any time. Still, be aware of the fact that the iPod offers limited space and resolution, which means that you should be picky when deciding what to keep and what to delete. The new iPod video is a challenging and innovative product that combines music with images, offering, for the first time, the possibility of playing video on such a small digital device.

Kensington Car Charger for iPod and iPhone 1G 3G Black

Charge your iPhone or iPod from your car’s 12-volt power outlet. Or connect a USB cable (sold separately) to charge your other USB powered devices.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars iPhone / USB Charger
This seems to be well made and does a decent job of charging the iPhone. Although it may not be clear in the description, this charger comes with a detachable cable that can plug in both the USB port on your computer and the car charger which is very handy… imagine you have been playing Bejeweled a bit too long at your desk at work and need a quick charge ;).

2 Stars Works great, when it’s working
Decided on this charger because I liked that it doubled as an extra USB cable so I could charge my iphone while using it at work. For the first week, this worked ideally and I congratulated myself on my good choice. However, the past several days, the cord will sometimes work and sometimes won’t. I haven’t discovered any trick to it. If I disconnect it for a while and then try reconnecting it, I can sometimes get it to charge. The frustrating thing is it will pretend to charge it. The lightning bolt/charging icon will appear in the battery, but then I’ll receive a message saying I have 20% battery. Also, it doesn’t sync with the computer. I haven’t had any luck removing photos using this cord.

I have only used it in the car once, and it didn’t work at all. Hopefully I discovered its uselessness in time to get a refund. This is also my first review with Amazon, although I’ve been buying from here for years. This product annoyed me enough that I am hoping to spare others the hassle.

5 Stars Works as advertised on my 3G iphone
Arrived on time and the product works perfectly with my 3G.

iPhone ver2.1 software. The build quality of the charger is very good and the removable USB end could be very useful if I need to charge from a PC while visiting relatives. My only gripe is that the form factor of the adapter is a little bigger than expected.

5 Stars Nice Product
Looking forward to the many mays this product will become handy to me over the years.

5 Stars Perfect for long trips or people on the go
I finally broke down and bought one of these when my iPod ceased holding a charge for longer than a few hours. With a long car trip in our future, I knew we’d need it because long car trips with nothing to listen to mean wanting to throw yourself out the window.

Well, it did it’s job as advertised, which is all I can ask of it. Kept the iPod charged and ready to go, which meant a steady stream of music and podcasts for the family and me. And that meant no throwing myself out the window.

Which would, as I’m sure you can imagine, have been quite painful.

Fairly small unit, easy to store, doesn’t really get in the way. I just toss it in the glovebox when not using it.

Thumbs up for an affordable iPod accessory.

Buy/More Info

Turbo Charge TC Portable Charger for iPod and iPhone

Mobility and the iPod are two magnificent partners. You can move here, there, and everywhere to listen to music, view videos (where applicable), and view photos. But power is limited. Take Turbo Charge TBA650 Reusable Portable Charger for iPod and some AA alkaline batteries with you. Two AA batteries will completely charge your iPod up to 3 times. That’s definitely more mobility.

User Ratings and Reviews

2 Stars Doesn’t Work on iPhone 3G
While this seems like a good idea, it doesn’t work on my iPhone 3G. The problem, I’m assuming, is that since the iPhone isn’t usually powered off completely, the charge is not strong enough to overcome the power draw.

It’s nice unit, but stay away if you have the 3G model.

5 Stars I am Portable and can go ANYWHERE!
I recently took a trip around the world and did not want to depend on the electronic converters. I loaded up my iTouch with movies and music and purchased this charger - AA batteries can be purchased all around the world and I used this charger everywhere I went. Even on Easter Island I was able to watch Season I of LOST!

Highly recommended as it makes your music, video unit portable anywhere you go!

1 Star Save your money
I was given this as a gift. Thought it would be helpful when I traveled. The first time I inserted the batteries, it flashed and died. Never got to use it even once. I’m still searching for one that actually works. Maybe I’ll try the Kensington.

5 Stars Works great
I love this charger!! It works great. It’s small so it’s easy to carry. Only negative is the lights are too bright.

I always make sure I remove the batteries when not in use so have never had an issue with accidentally turning it on.

3 Stars good but limited
This charger worked as advertised - but in a pocket or luggage the on button tends to turn to on. I also found when I put my iPhone3G into an OtterBox case that the plug into the phone was too big, so to use the Turbo Charge I have to take the iPhone out of its case. Any thin plugs available?

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