This time of year, everyone has holiday gift suggestions. Therefore, I may as well join the fun, particularly since some of the coolest gadgets have not received much attention. In doing so, I'll stick to what I know best — digital music.
To kick off my list, I recommend Apple's Airport Express — the other music gadget from the company behind the iPod. Because I don't like headphones, I still don't own an iPod, but I raced to the Apple store to buy an Airport Express the week of its release. Airport Express is a portable WiFi base station and USB print server, but more importantly, it streams music from your WiFi-equipped Mac or PC to your stereo — and the sound quality is terrific. One of the major problems with computer speakers is that they play every sound your computer makes, such as e-mail alerts. Airport Express only streams sound from iTunes so you'll never hear anything except what you're playing in iTunes. Also important to note is that Airport Express can join an existing WiFi network (e.g., I also have an Asante FR1004G router). At $125, it's a luxury item that won't put you in the poorhouse.
When Apple released Airport Express, many critics panned it because it lacks a remote control. Personally, I think the critics missed the point. Traditionally, we desperately needed remotes for our CD changers to skip tracks or program tracks because most CDs contain filler. With iTunes, you can create playlists full of songs you love in perfect sequence. Therefore, a remote becomes less important for track skipping and unnecessary for programming. Furthermore, many stereo receivers come equipped with remotes, which resolves the one remaining use — muting the volume when the phone rings (admittedly, muting the volume is not as satisfactory as pausing the music). What's more, the perfect remote for Airport Express would likely cost as much as Airport Express or more since it would have to give you iTunes-like functionality in an iPod-like device. Perhaps Apple will release such a product when it can do so at a reasonable price point. Notwithstanding the above analysis, I'll be the first to admit that even a dumbed-down Airport Express remote would be nice to have. Thankfully, Keyspan recently began shipping the Keyspan Express Remote, which provides a remote control for Airport Express. In addition, you can use the remote to control PowerPoint and other programs on your PC. The Keyspan Express Remote sells for $60.
Personal preferences aside, there's no denying the allure of the iPod, which will find its way under many a Christmas tree this year. You can find lots of iPod buying advice on the Internet, so instead let me make a few recommendations about some iPod accessories that haven't received the press they merit.
First, in case you hadn't noticed, winter will soon arrive. One of the most traditional of holiday gifts is the winter jacket. But before you buy that special someone a new jacket, find out whether they're an iPod user. If so, you'll want to buy them a jacket with a chest pocket that will accommodate an iPod. Some people prefer carrying their iPod in an inside pocket (which conceals the wires) whereas others prefer an outside pocket (which allows easier access). In either case, the pocket should have a zipper to prevent the iPod from taking a spill. Some of the nicest winter jackets, such as shearlings, do not have such pockets.
Second, the number of iPod cases out there is daunting. However, earlier this year in our TechnoLawyer NewsWire newsletter, we covered a company that makes outstanding leather iPod cases — Vaja. Vaja truly understands fine leather craftsmanship. As I mentioned, I don't own an iPod, but I did buy a Vaja wallet. People always ask me about it when they catch a glimpse. Vaja also makes cases for Sony cameras, Treos, and other gadgets. Although it might be a little late, you can customize Vaja's cases in just about any color imaginable.
Third, Belkin, Griffin, and various other companies sell FM transmitters that enable you to play an iPod through a car stereo. However, because you're essentially streaming the music using FM frequencies, sound quality suffers. Instead, depending on the car stereo in question, you might be able to configure it to accept the iPod as an input. If the person to whom you're giving a gift has a recent model BMW, you're in luck. BMW offers a special iPod connector, but you'll need to "steal" the car in question for a few hours because it requires installation by an authorized BMW facility. For other cars, Neo Car Audio sells the Neo iON, which works with a variety of car stereos, both factory and after-market. If instant gratification is not necessary, Monster is 18 days away from shipping its iCruze, which promises similar functionality. Finally, Alpine also sells an iPod connection device for use with certain of its after-market car stereos.
And there you have it — my holiday gift suggestions.
And so ends another year of TechnoLawyer. We'll be off the "netwaves" for the next three weeks. And then we'll kick off another year of TechnoLawyer on January 10, 2005!
Until then, I'd like to wish you and your fellow TechnoLawyer members an enjoyable holiday season, and a happy, healthy, and successful new year!
I'd also like to thank those of you who contributed to TechnoLawyer this year. Because we specialize in peer-written newsletters, TechnoLawyer would not exist without your contributions. In 2005, we will work harder than ever before to promote your contributions, and increase the size of your audience. Please stay tuned for further details ...
Although we already have several initiatives to improve TechnoLawyer in the works for 2005, we always welcome constructive criticism and suggestions. Please feel free to opine publicly or privately.
See you in three weeks!
About TechnoEditorials
A TechnoEditorial is the vehicle through which we opine and provide tips of interest to managing partners, law firm administrators, and others in the legal profession. TechnoEditorials appear first in TechnoGuide, and later here in TechnoLawyer Blog. TechnoGuide, which is free, also contains exclusive content. You can subscribe here.
