I have recently been inundated with questions about using an iPod (or iPhone) with Linux. I have written about Rockbox and how to "Open Source" your iPod, but for the average user, that is not a viable option (Firmware? Do what????). So instead I am going to introduce you to an application that, in my opinion, is much better than the original (the original being iTunes.) Gtkpod is a GTK application that allows the user to sync their iPod with Linux. Gtkpod supports first through fifth generation iPods and does, pretty much, everything iTunes does. So let's first take a look at the features. Gtkpod can:

Apple has offered no official explanation as to why the 5G is left out; however, they did confirm that it is not compatible with iTunes video rentals.

The first iPod software update has just been released by Apple for the new iPod line. It tackles many of the performance-related issues that have been noted since its release.

A teardown analysis of the component costs by market research firm iSuppli indicates that these latest nanos boast the widest margins yet, despite the addition of a video screen.

For those iPod fans out there, a "complete revamp" of the iPod product line has been announced. After more than a week of intense industrial speculation, the details are finally out.

Combining the touch-screen interface coolness factor of the iPhone with the simplicity and convenience of the iPod Shuffle, the Apple iPod Touch gives you a dynamic combination in a mobile device - a music player that can surf the Internet using a standard WiFi connection.

As you may already know, several state laws forbid the use of cell phones while driving. Well, watch out pedestrians, because legislation is right around the corner to ban the use of iPods, BlackBerrys, and cell phones while crossing the street in major cities in the United States. Check out the news story: "N.Y. lawmaker hopes to ban iPod use in crosswalks."

A new image file processing-related flaw has been reported in Apple's iPhone and iPod touch. This can potentially be exploited to compromise a vulnerable device.

I have an absolutely no-frills MP3 player from Creative Media, and I'm considering stepping up to the iPod Nano. I don't need to carry around over a zillion songs. Other suggestions?

When Steve Jobs announced the iPod Touch a couple of weeks ago, people quickly dubbed it the "iPhone with the phone." After all, it has the same great look of the iPhone and features the new iPod UI, WiFi and the Safari browser that makes everyone say, "Wow!"