Free iPod Video Converter: Easy video conversion at no cost

With the video features of iPod, you can now enjoy watching video files in the palm of your hand. Free iPod video converters are frequently downloaded by iPod users to make file conversions easy and fast.

Here are some of the free iPod video converters you can find online.

Free iPod video converter is an easy and completed way to convert all video formats to iPod video. By using free iPod video converter you can automatically enjoy videos in your iPod from different video files like DVD, VCD, AVI, MPEG, WMV, RM, RMVB, ASF, VOB, and DivX.

Its key features include being clean and free without any adware or spyware. Free iPod video converter supports all popular video formats while completely stable and fast. Free iPod video converter's interface is easy to use that helps you set up conversion process easily. The final video that you see in your iPod is also excellent in video and audio quality in using free iPod video converter.

ID3 Tag can be derived from the input files easily while batch processing is supported which can process an unlimited number of files at one time. Other features are detailed hypertext markup language (HTML) is included, and the installing and uninstalling is very easy.

Free iPod video converter also allows you to drag multiple sources files regardless of format from Windows Explorer directly at one time.

You can also download for free a Xilisoft iPod video converter 2.1 which is a powerful software for iPod video conversion. This Xilisoft iPod video converter can also convert all popular video files to iPod video files including:

AVI to iPod

MPEG to iPod

WMV to iPod

MOV to iPod

RM to iPod

RMVB to iPod

ASF to iPod

3GP to iPod

DivX to iPod

Xilisoft iPod video converter 2.1 also converts audio files including WAV, WMA, MP2, AC3, RA, and OGG. Its encoders and decoders are built-in. This iPod video converter offers multi-threading and batch conversion with an adjustable setting such as video size, bit rate, frame rate and others.

This iPod video converter also supports preview which the user can use prior to actual conversion process. You can check on the Internet for the availability of a free downloadable Xilisoft iPod video converter.

Other iPod video converter that are free for download include PQ DVD to iPod video converter with which you can convert DVD to iPod video, DVD to MP4, and gives support to DVD subtitles.

Free Cucusoft iPod video converter suite is an all-in-one solution to iPod MP4 video conversion. It includes Cucusoft iPod video converter and Cucusoft DVD to Ipod converter that help you to convert video and DVDs to iPod MP4 format.

You can also download iPod Media Studio - an iPod video converter that allows iPod users to put DVD directly to your video iPod and enjoy its 2.5" LCD monitor.

The Super DVD to iPod video converter is one of the fastest DVD to iPod video converter software with which you can covert almost all kinds of video formats to iPod MP4 video format.

MovKit iPod Video converter is a handy and powerful iPod video converter that makes easy conversions of all video format to iPod video and audio formats.

WinXMedia AVI/MPEG iPod converter is a powerful iPod video converter converts AVI (DivX, XviD, MPEG4, and YUV), MPEG and WMV files to iPod video and audio formats.

WinAVI MP4/3GP/iPod video converter is a powerful but easy to use MP4 video file conversion utility for iPod and portable video devices that can convert almost all video formats to iPod and Sony Play Station Portable.

Magicbit iPod video converter is also powerful in video and audio conversion for your iPod.

Super Video to iPod converter is a professional video to iPod converter software that supports the latest industry standards.

Lenogo Video to iPod converter is a professional video to iPod converter software that converts all video formats to iPod MP4 format.

A-one iPod Video Convertor automatically converts almost all formats of video files such as DivX, XviD, RM, RMVB, AVI, WMV, MPG, MPEG, ASF, MOV, ASX, SVCD, and VCD stream formats into iPod MP4 format.

Other free iPod video converters are Cucusoft DVD to iPod Converter and Xilisoft iPod Video Converter.

These video converters are free to download for period of time. If you wish to buy, the prices may vary for the different iPod video converters but its prices usually range from $30 to $40.

Apple iPods on Parade

At the time when everything is going digital and the technological world had been bombarded with digital this and digital that -- digital camera, digital camcorder, handhelds, digital celfone, laptops -- Apple Computers saw nothing much digital in audio technology, except maybe for the compact disc players. In 2000, Apple had decided to tap this unchartered market, with Jon Rubenstein as the Chief Engineer of the iPod project. A year after, released the first generation of Apple iPods.

GENERATIONS OF APPLE iPODS

Currently, Apply iPods come in three iPod names. Technical specifications of these Apple Ipods differ either in storage capacities or in exterior design, weight, and size. As of February 7, 2006, the Apple iPods are classified into the following:

- iPod (Original) (Capacity: 30 GB and 60 GB)
- iPod Nano (Capacity: 1GB, 2GB, and 4 GB)
- iPod Shuffle (Capacity: 512 MB and 1GB)

Two years ago, in 2004, Apple released Ipod Mini (4 GB and 6 GB in various pastel colors). iPod Mini's marketing was discontinued in September 2005 and was replaced by iPod Nano, which was 62% thinner and has a color screen.

Since Apple iPod's release in 2001, Apple has sold 42 million units. Which is why Apple iPods has been constantly re-engineered to cater the growing demands for faster, sleeker, and feature-packed Apple iPods.

Apple iPods have evolved from monochrome (black and white) screen, the first generation, to its color screen with video player, the fifth generation of Apple iPods.

APPLE iPODS ON PARADE

1. Apple iPods (Original)
1.1. First Generation of Apple iPods

Criticized for being costly for an initial release, the $399 First Generation Apple iPods were, nonetheless, instant hit. Apple iPods, after the October 29, 2001 release, dominated the digital audio player market, quickly overtaking sales of MP3 players (such as JukeBox and the NOMAD).

The first generation of Apple iPods was designed with a mechanical scroll wheel that was divided in four buttons that worked as Menu, Play or Pause, Back, and Forward. Apple iPods' scroll wheel has become a prominent design and feature of Apple iPods.

1.2 Second Generation of Apple iPods

This was the first generation of an iPod that was compatible with Microsoft Windows OS. Although it also had the prominent scroll wheel feature, the mechanical wheel of first generation was replaced by a touch-sensitive wheel, now know as teh "touch wheel."

1.3 Third Generation of Apple iPods

The "ultrathin" Apple iPods were shown to the public on April 28, 2003. Apple CEO Steve Jobs introduced these slightly smaller, and with beveled edges iPod series to the public as the third generation line of Apple iPods.

Aside from being ultrathin, this was the first set of Apple iPods that had a built-in Hi-Speen USB connectivity.

1.4 Fourth Generation of Apple iPods

If third generation Apple iPods were called ultrathin, I don't know what to call the fourth generation of Apple iPods which are slimmer than the ultrathin line. The sleek and trendy design had skyrocketed Apple's sales, and made the name iPod synonymous with digital audio player.

This generation of iPod was introduced with the monochrome screen; but after a few months, only, it was marketed with a color screen and thus named: iPod photos.

1.5 Fifth Generation of Apple iPods

Apple launched in October 12, 2005 the fifth generation and was quickly known to the public as video iPod or iPod video, although Apple refer to it as the Fifth Generation iPod

2. iPod Nano

2.1. iPod Mini

Digital player manufacturers such as Creative and Digital Networks released digital audio players smaller than that of iPods sometime in 2003. Their Zen Micro and Rico Carbon products were starting to attract a number of supporters and this had prompted Apple to create their own line of small iPods; thus, the birth of iPod Mini. The 4 to 6 GB storage of iPod mini was made possible by using Microdrive hard drives.

2.2. iPod Nano

On September 7, 2005 Apple announced that marketing of iPod minis would be discontinued to be replaced by a thinner and color screen iPod, which Apple named as "iPod Nano."

3. iPod Shuffle

Apple iPods were known for using Microdrive hard drives. Although most of iPod's competitors were already using flash memory for their digital audio player, Apple didn't jumped the flash bandwagon immediately. Apple waited until 2005 to release an iPod using flash memory instead of Microdrive, and named it "iPod Shuffle."

Keeping up with the taglines, "Give chance a chance" and "Life is a random," iPod shuffle plays music in random order although users can still play songs in order that has been set in iTunes.

iPod Shuffle has no screen. Its size is as small as a pack of chewing gum, and weighs less than an ounce.

Quick Guide to iPod Accessories

Since iPod's initial release in 2001, manufacturers of iPod accessories has grown so big and is continuously growing that financial analysts now call the market of iPod accessories as "iPod ecosystems."

Engineers and stylist are not running out of ideas on how to accessorize an iPod from generations one to five, including the nano and shuffle lines. Even the established corporations such as the Altec Lansing and Bose joins the crowd of iPod accessories retailers. This shows how iPod has etched its name as the leading brand for digital audio player market.

But beware. There are many iPod accessories out there that are expensive but useless. So as for you to save time and energy in finding the most useful and least expensive iPod accessories, we have scouted the net and listed the five (5) topmost iPod accessories worth saving money for.

1. SPEAKERS.

Companies such as Altec Lansing, JBL, Bose and Kessington jumped into the iPod accessories bandwagon and started manufacturing speakers that are designed to work with iPods, using the iPod's dock connectors.

Speakers come in the usual "Apple white" color, and sleek, lightweight design to complement other iPod accessories. Although these speakers are smaller in size compared to the usual speakers bundled with audio component systems, iPod speakes' sound remain crisp, there is no cracking sound, and the bass booms in that thick, pumping sound.

We rated Altec Lansing inMotion iPod speakers as No. 1, for staying cheap while remaitaining its high quality. It is priced for only $149.

Why speakers?

Although iPod does have a small, built-in speaker, it is not working to emit sounds from audio files. The small, built-in speaker's use is for warning tones only.

A separate speaker will allow you to play your favorite song outside of the earphones. The rich and crisp sound of iPod speakers are good enough to play for small parties.

2. FM TRANSMITTER.

Companies such as Monster Cable and Griffin Technologies introduced to the iPod accessories community the FM transmitter. With this iPod accessory, you can play not just the songs from your playlist but also music played over the radio.

3. iPOD CASES AND iPOD SKINS

These iPod accessories are designed, primarily, to protect iPods from dirt and scratches. iPod skins and iPod cases manufacturers, so as to increase sales, came up with stylish and innovative iPod skins. Known manufactureres of fashionable iPod cases are iSkin, Kate Spade, Incase, Xtreme Iconz, Chums, and Speck.

www.iLounge.com offers the best iPod skins in the market at low prices. These iPod accessories are a must have for your iPods to last longer. Choose the silicone types than the leather ones since silicone skins are much cheaper than leather skins and offers better insulation from heat.

4. ARMBANDS

You can enjoy your iPods while running or jogging with iPod armbands.

iPod armband is one of the most innovative iPod accessories there is. It allows you to do your daily workouts while listening to your iPod Abs Workout Music. You can even do the most difficult Yoga position and still keep your iPod, playing a soothing crystal and waves sound, in place.

These iPod accessories keeps your iPod in place and screen scratch free with Screen Protector.

5. SOUND ISOLATION EARPHONES

These iPod accessories are best for those who works as a transcriptionist, is a musician or a student reviewing for the bar exams.

Etymotic Research ER-6i sound isolating earphones offer high accuracy in emitting sound treble and bass, and keep all the noise at bay. It is lightweight and portable and comes in the usual "Apple white" color.

SOME UNIQUE IPOD ACCESSORIES

1. CAR INTEGRATION ACCESSORIES

BMW is the first automotive company to release an iPod releated accessory for itsautomobiles. BMW introduced iPod automobile interface sometime in 2005. An iPod control was integrated into the built-in steering wheel, alongside the control and radio head buttons. The iPod unit is safely confined inside the glove compartment, and is attached to a cable harness to keep it in place everytime the car speeds up or is traversing rocky and bumpy roads.

The iPod steering wheel control allows the driver to create and shuffle five (5) "BMW playlist." The playlist is displayed through the small LCD of the vehicle's radio head.

2. iTalK VOICE RECORDER FOR iPod

Tired of listening to your iPod everyday? With this iPod accessory, your iPod can now listening to you.

Thank You Internet! Free iPods on the Net

Due to the success of Apple iPods, numerous websites on the Internet have invested on offering free iPods to website visitors with little strings attached.

An example website would be FreeiPods.com. FreeiPods.Com gives away free iPods to website visitors and potential participants who completes an offer. Then they would be required to recruit 5 friends to do the same. Internet websites such as this claims that it is not a scam, though it does require a little bit of work on your part.

If you're extremely gullible, you will easily be enticed to get one o fthe free iPods, although we must admit, this promise of a free iPod from Internet websites such as FreeiPods.com looks very dubious.

But closer scrutiny would make it appear that the site is legitimate. The scheme does not look every bit like a networking pyramid scheme. It seems like a new type of marketing online. It looks so professional with support from major Internet companies like AOL, eBay and Columbia House.

Also, many happy customers are appearing like mushrooms all over the internet claiming receiving free iPods. All the more that skeptics are analyzing the economics.

How it Works

This is basically how it works:

1. An internet website offering free iPods like FreeiPods.com would offer either an iPod or a US$ 250 gift certificate to potential contestants that would sign up for several online promotions.

2. It would also be required that they persuade five more people to sign up.

3. The subscribers are then given the option of choosing from 10 different offers, that includes a trial of 45 days of AOL, and a trial of two weeks of the genealogy service of Ancestry.com. As you can see, these offers are easily cancelled and are free.

4. When the online trials are finally over, for both the main customer and the five referred people, the free iPod is provided.

Several people have written on their blog about the free iPod. At first they were skeptical, but when they tried it out, they eventually had the free iPod. Some also had a nice feedback for the set up since the Internet company did not require any credit card number or any hidden fees.

In fact, some receivers of the free iPods are so convinced that they created Internet websites that are affiliates of the free iPods websites. These websites are called "conga lines," and are supposed to persuade other people that the free iPods schemes are not a scam. Some of the websites, to name a few, are FlatScreens.com and FreeiPodGuide.

Gratis Internet

People behind the free iPod websites also denied that the site is a a networking scheme. It is not like an advertised networking scheme on eBay that also promises to give away free iPods.

They also revealed that Gratis Internet, maker of FreeiPod.com receives a huge amount of money for sending potential subscribers to sites like eBay, AOL, or RealNetworks. These internet websites offering free iPods are marketing firms sending potential customers to client websites or advertisers. The scheme is closely related to viral marketing.

The management refused to specify the money involved in the business, and said that they do not directly deal with the major companies involved. Gratis Internet was just commissioned by a third-party marketing agency, such as San Francisco's Adteractive.

For four years, Gratis Internet was in operation of customer-acquisition schemes via these websites: FreeCDs.com, FreeVideoGames.com, FreeDVDs.com, and FreeCondoms.com.

More than US$ 3 million worth of free merchandise that includes free iPods and CDs were given away, including five to six million condoms.

Since its launching last June, FreeiPods.com was successful in dispatching more than 2,500 free iPods. In monetary terms, that is more than US$ 1 million.

During the last few weeks, Internet traffic hits have exploded. About one million Internet visitors have enrolled in the scheme. Though majority of these people are using fake names and addresses, it reflects the interest of the public on the free iPods and other stuffs.

Successful customers that have finished the requirements of the scheme would receive a message of "Sent to Vendor, Waiting on Product." This message means that the free iPod is already on backorder. Though, previously, iPods were delayed in shipment, the process would be improved.