An iPod arrives, with a virus

by Ina Fried
Last week, I got a sales pitch e-mail from Buy.com touting a recertified 4GB iPod Nano for $99. I lost my iPod Touch last December and one of my older iPods had just given up the ghost, so I decided to go for it.

The iPod came in just a couple of days--but as soon as I unwrapped it and connected it to my Mac at home I got an ominous alert from my usually quiet antivirus software. The iPod, it informed me, contained some virus known as AdobeR.exe.

As I dug into the problem, I learned something I probably should have realized before I ordered. The "recertified" iPod wasn't recertified by Apple, but instead through some third party.

Apple sells its own Apple-certified refurbished products via its Web site, with said devices also coming with a one-year warranty. A 4GB from Apple's site would have set me back $129 and come with a $15 iTunes card, while a new model would have cost $149. (So yes, perhaps the lesson is simply that Ina should be less of a skinflint.)

That said, as a customer, Buy.com treated me right, shipping out a brand new iPod and apologizing for the inconvenience.

That doesn't answer the question, however, of how the virus got on a supposedly "recertified iPod." I spoke Monday with Buy.com's VP of operations, Fred Martin, who promised to contact the Illinois company that supplies Buy.com with the refurbished iPods.

My usually dormant Mac antivirus software sprang to life when I tried to connect the refurbished iPod Nano I bought from Buy.com

On Tuesday, he reported back to me to say that after checking with the company, it did not appear that the problem was widespread.

"Our opinion is that this is not a significant problem that is happening with any frequency at all," Martin said. Martin noted that the company does wipe off any user data from the iPods it ships out as recertified. That process might involve a PC or Mac that could theoretically be infected with a virus, though I don't know that to be the case for sure.

Apple itself had a problem with a Windows virus getting on to some new iPods back in October 2006. It said it traced the problem to a single infected Windows machine used at a contract manufacturer.

The company said it had put steps in place to make sure this wouldn't happen again. To my knowledge, it hasn't happened since then.

Nor is the issue limited to iPods. Best Buy had an issue earlier this year where it was forced to warn customers that some of its Insignia photo frames shipped with a virus.

Has anyone else ordered a refurbished iPod from someone other than Apple and gotten more than they bargained for?

iPod Dock and iPod mini Dock by Apple Computer

Included with some iPod models but also available separately, Docks take the hassle out of dealing with cables when you connect your iPod or iPod mini to a computer. You connect the Dock to the cable instead of your iPod. When you want to connect your iPod to your computer, you simply drop it in the Dock. The connection is made more easily and quickly than using a cable alone. Docks also make a great way to store and display your iPod, not to mention making it possible to route the cables so you can keep them out of sight.
Docks also include a Line Out port that you can use to send the iPod’s output to any powered audio device, such as powered speakers, the amplifier for your home stereo, and so on. I highly recommend that you get at least one Dock if you don’t have one already. The convenience is well worth the cost; the added Line Out port is very useful, too. If you use your iPod with more than one computer, consider adding a Dock to each computer you use regularly.

Web Site: www.apple.com
List Price: $39 (iPod or iPod mini)
Pros: Makes connecting your iPod or iPod mini to a computer much easier and faster; enables you to keep the cable out of the way; provides a better way to store and display your iPod.
Cons: It can be more difficult than it should be to place an iPod in the Dock correctly, especially with the iPod mini Dock.

PowerPod iPod Auto Charger by Griffin Technology

The PowerPod is another device to power and charge your iPod from any 12-volt power outlet. The power adapter and included Dock Connector to FireWire cable are separate. To use the unit, you connect the Dock connector end of the cable to your iPod and the FireWire end to the power adapter. Plug the power adapter into an available power outlet and power up.

Web Site: www.griffintechnology.com
List Price: $24.99
Pros: Great way to power and charge your iPod from any standard power outlet; works with the iPod and iPod mini; low cost.
Cons: Cable being separate from the power adapter makes you manage two things instead of just one.

Underwhelmed by iPod gaming

by Christopher Breen, Macworld.com

An open letter to Peter Cohen

Dear Peter,

As you know, I once penned Macworld’s Game Room column. And, now blessed with that beat, you may be starting to feel the way I did once I passed the column along to Andy Ihnatko—if you ever see another computer game, it will be too soon. The once unrelenting joy of vaporizing one cootie after another became a terrible grind.

Having had nearly a decade-long break from the column, my interest in gaming has started to return. Sure, it’s only been resurrected to the point where I’ve purchased the reissue of Return to Dark Castle and LittleWing’s Monster Fair (so sue me, I’ve got a nostalgic streak and I’m still a sucker for pinball), but at least there’s some spark.

What rekindled my once-dead romance with gaming may surprise you. It was my iPhone. I’ve jailbroken the thing since just about Day 1 and when I have a spare couple of minutes, it’s not unusual to find me banging away on Mahjong 2.

I mention this game specifically because I noticed that the iTunes Store now offers updated versions of iPod games that were pulled from the Store’s shelves because they weren’t compatible with the 3G iPod nano and iPod classic. Among those games is Electronic Arts’ Mahjong.

Given that I’ve had recent experience with the iPhone’s version of the game, I thought I’d give the Apple-sanctioned Mahjong a spin (quite literally, thanks to the iPod’s clickwheel). Having done so I was prompted to write to you because you, more than anyone I know, might have an informed answer to this question:

iPod gaming kind of sucks, right?

And I suggest that for these reasons:

* An iPod’s screen—even a 5G or iPod classic—is awfully small for someone who doesn’t have 14-year-old eyes.

* The clickwheel is great for quickly moving through lists but as a game controller, ick.

* The eye candy on some of these things is nice enough, but try playing these games without sound (as you do with games on jailbroken phones). Maybe it’s just me, but without the accompanying noise some of these games don’t stand up very well.

I admit it, I was among those crying out for more iPod games, but having seen what’s possible on the iPhone and iPod touch (also jailbroken)—larger screen, acceleration, touch-interface—it’s hard for me to return to a “traditional” iPod and gain much pleasure from spinning a wheel and clicking a button. And I have to think that it will be just as hard for those who own both an iPhone/iPod touch and a clickwheel iPod when third-party games come to the iPhone and touch this summer.

Will the iPhone 2.0 software and the games that will pour in with it spell the end for gaming on traditional iPods? You now bear the master’s mantle, please set me straight.

Your friend and colleague,

Chris

Auto Charger for All iPod Models by Dr. Bott LLC

This device enables you to power and charge your iPod from a standard 12-volt power outlet, like those in all cars. Using the device is simplicity itself; simply connect its Dock connector to the Dock connector on your iPod and plug the power adapter end into a power outlet in your vehicle. When the unit (and thus your iPod) is receiving power, its LED glows to let you know.

Web Site: www.drbott.com
List Price: $29.95
Pros: Easy way to power and charge your iPod while in your vehicle; works with the iPod and iPod mini.
Cons: None.

iPod Remote & Earphones by Apple Computer

This package includes a wired remote control. You connect the remote’s cable into the Headphones and Remote ports on the iPod. Then, you connect an output device, such as headphones, into the Headphones port on the control. The control includes Play/Pause, Fast-forward, and Rewind buttons along with a Volume control. It also includes a clip that you can use to attach it to your clothing. Installing the remote is no harder than connecting headphones is. You simply plug it in, connect an output device, and clip the remote in a convenient location. This control is ideal when you are wearing your iPod in a case because you usually can’t see its controls very well. You can place your iPod in its case and then clip the remote to a convenient location so you can easily control the iPod.

Web Site: store.apple.com
List Price: $39
Pros: Simple installation; clipping on the remote makes it easy to use; the remote’s buttons are easy to understand and use; the Volume control is better than using the Scroll pad or Click Wheel on the iPod to change volume; works with the iPod and iPod mini.
Cons: When using this unit, you have a lot of cable to manage because its wire is fairly long, and when you add headphones, you get even more cable to deal with.

naviPod by TEN Technology

The naviPod adds an IR remote control to your iPod. The package includes the remote receiver, the transmitter, and a handy stand that keeps your iPod upright so that it can better receive the control’s transmissions. Installing the naviPod is a breeze. You simply plug the receiver into the Headphones and Remote ports on the top of your iPod; the receiver includes a Headphones port in which you can plug an output device, such as speakers or headphones.

After you remove a battery protector from the handheld control/transmitter, you are ready to go. The handheld control replicates the playback controls on the iPod (everything except the Menu and Select buttons) and includes Volume buttons. As long as you have the control in the line-of-sight of the receiver, you can control your iPod remotely. The unit’s range and performance is similar to IR remote controls for your television or other devices. The naviPod is a must-have accessory if you use your iPod with a home stereo or car stereo.

• Web Site: www.tentechnology.com
• List Price: $49.95
• Pros: Easy installation; works extremely well; enables you to effectively control your iPod from a distance; highly recommended; works with iPod and iPod mini.
• Cons: None.

Controlling Your iPod Remotely

The iPod’s controls are well designed, but that doesn’t mean that they are always easily accessible. Sometimes, you want to be able to use its controls when your iPod isn’t in a position where you can easily reach, or even see, its controls. For example, when you are wearing an iPod in a case on your belt, you can’t see its controls. Or, if you use an iPod in your car, you might not want to be looking for its controls instead of looking at the road ahead. In those situations, a remote control can be a great help.

Returning an iPod to That Factory-Fresh Feeling

On occasion, all your work configuring your iPod might not be what you intended.
Fortunately, you can return the iPod settings to their default values with a single menu command.
To do this, choose Main menu, Settings, Reset All Settings. You’ll see the Reset All menu. Highlight Reset and press the Select button. Your iPod’s menus and all other settings will be returned to their default condition.

Working with the iPod’s Language

When you first turned your iPod on, you selected the language in which you wanted it to communicate with you. In most cases, you will never need to change that initial setting. However, you can if you do need to for some reason.
To choose a different language, choose Main menu, Settings, Language. You’ll see the Language menu. Highlight the language you want your iPod to use and press the Select button. The menus will change and use the language you selected.

How to Configure the Clicker in iPod?

As you select various menu options, your iPod “clicks” to give you audible feedback. If you don’t like this, you can turn it off by choosing Main menu, Settings. Then highlight the Clicker option and press the Select button so that its setting becomes Off. Your iPod will start running in silent mode. To make your iPod click again, highlight the Clicker option and press the Select button so that its setting becomes On. Your iPod will happily click away as you move around its menus.

How to Set the Sleep Timer in iPod?

You can configure your iPod to turn itself off automatically after a specific period of time passes. To do this, use the following steps:

1. Choose Main menu, Extras, Clock, Sleep Timer. You’ll see the Sleep menu, which consists of a list of sleep time periods, from Off (meaning that the Sleep Timer is turned off) to 120 Minutes (meaning that the iPod will shut off in 2 hours).
2. Choose the Sleep Timer setting you want by highlighting it and pressing the Select button.

When you have the sleep timer on and view the Now Playing screen, the current amount of time until the iPod sleeps is shown at the top of the screen. When the counter gets to zero, the iPod will turn itself off. This happens regardless of whether you happen to be listening to music at the time or not. So, if your iPod suddenly shuts off and you don’t first see a “battery low” warning, this is likely the reason.

Setting the Screen’s Contrast

You can adjust the contrast of the iPod’s screen so that you find it easier to read. To do this, choose Main menu, Settings, Contrast. You’ll see the Contrast menu, which consists of the Contrast slider. Drag the Scroll pad or Click Wheel clockwise to increase the contrast (which makes the text and background darker) or counterclockwise to decrease the contrast, making the text lighter. As you drag, the shaded part of the Contrast bar indicates the current relative contrast level. When you think you have a setting that suits you, move to other menus to see if the setting is correct for your eyes and viewing conditions.
Otherwise, continue to adjust it until it is correct.

Setting Up Your Main Menu Preferences

You can configure the commands on the iPod’s Main menu to customize it to suit your preferences. For example, suppose you frequently browse your music by artist. You can add the Browse by Artist command to the Main menu so that you don’t have to drill down through the Browse menu to get to this category you use frequently.
To configure your Main menu, do the following steps:

1. Choose Main menu, Settings. The Settings menu will appear.
2. Highlight Main Menu and press the Select button. You’ll see the Main Menu menu. On this menu, each command is listed along with its current Main menu state. If “On” is listed next to a command, it appears on the Main menu. If “Off” is listed to a command, it doesn’t appear on the Main menu.
3. To add a command to the Main menu, highlight it and press the Select button so that “On” is listed next to that command. That command will then appear on the Main menu.
4. To remove a command from the Main menu, highlight it and press the Select button so that “Off” is listed next to that command. That command will not appear on the Main menu.
5. Repeats step 3 or 4 for each command until you have set all the commands you want on the Main menu to “On” and all those you don’t want to appear on the Main menu to “Off.” When you view the Main menu, your command preferences will be in effect

How to Use the iPod’s Equalizer?

The iPod also has a built-in Equalizer that you can use to improve (improve being a relative term, of course) the music to which you listen. The iPod includes a number of presets designed to enhance specific kinds of music and other audio sources. To use the iPod Equalizer, do the following steps:
The current state of the Equalizer is shown next to its setting on the Settings menu. For example, when the Equalizer is turned off, “Off” will appear next to the EQ setting.

1. Choose Main menu, Settings.
2. Highlight the EQ setting and press the Select button. You’ll see the EQ menu. On this menu, you will see all the presets that are available to you. The list is pretty long, so you will need to scroll down to see all your options. The presets include those designed for specific styles of music, such as Acoustic, Classical, Jazz, and so on, as well as for situations in which you might be using your iPod to play music, such as on Small Speakers.
3. Highlight the preset you want to use and press the Select button. You’ll return to the Settings menu, and the preset you selected will be shown next to the Equalizer setting. When you play music, the Equalizer will adjust the volume levels of various frequencies to enhance certain frequencies and to reduce the levels of others.

How to Use Sound Check?

iTunes Sound Check feature causes songs to play back at the same relative volume level—if you have ever been jolted out of your chair because of one song’s volume level being much higher than the next one, you know why this is a good thing. Using the iPod’s Sound Check setting, you can cause the iPod to use the volume levels set by iTunes when Sound Check is on.
To use Sound Check, make sure it is on in iTunes. Then, connect your iPod to your computer so the iPod’s music will be updated, or you can perform a manual update if that is how you have configured iTunes for your iPod. After the update is complete, on the iPod choose Main menu, Settings. On the Settings menu, highlight Sound Check and press the Select button. The Sound Check setting will become On to show you that it is in use. When you play music back, it will play at the same relative volume level.
To return the volume level to the “normal” state, choose Main menu, Settings. Highlight Sound Check and press the Select button so that Off appears as the Sound Check setting.

How to Repeat Music?

The Repeat feature enables you to repeat an individual song as many times as you’d like or to repeat all the songs in a selected music source as many times as you can stand.
To repeat the same song ad infinitum, choose Main menu, Settings. Highlight Repeat and
press the Select button once so that One is displayed next to the Repeat setting. Select the song you want to hear and play it. It will play and then play again until you pause the iPod or choose a different song. While the song plays, the Repeat One indicator will appear on the Now Playing screen
If you want to repeat all the songs within a selected music source, choose Main menu, Settings. Highlight Repeat and press the Select button twice so that All is displayed next to the Repeat setting. Select the music source (such as a playlist) you want to hear and play it. It will play and then repeat until you pause the iPod or choose a different music source. While the music source plays, the Repeat All indicator will appear on the Now Playing screen To turn Repeat off, choose Main menu, Settings. Highlight Repeat and press the Select button until Off is displayed next to the Repeat setting. Music will again play one time through and then stop.

How to Shuffle the Music?

You can use the iPod’s Shuffle feature to have songs play in a random order. To shuffle music, use the following steps:

1. Choose Main menu, Settings. You’ll see the Settings menu.
2. Highlight the Shuffle command.
3. If you want the songs within a selected browse category or playlist to play in a random order, press the Select button once. The Shuffle setting will become Songs. This causes the iPod to shuffle the songs within a music source when you play it.
4. If you want the iPod to select random albums when you select a browse category or playlist, press the Select button twice. The Shuffle setting will become Albums. This causes the iPod to select an album randomly, play all the songs on the album, choose another album randomly, and repeat this pattern until you turn Shuffle off again.
5. Select the music you want to play in a randomized fashion and play it. On the Now Playing screen, you’ll see the Shuffle indicator to remind you that you are in Shuffle mode.
6. To disable the Shuffle feature, press the Select button until you see Off next to the Shuffle setting. Your music will again play in a linear fashion.