Contour Design announced today the release of their new cases for the iPod Classic -- the iSee Classic Combo 80/160 and Showcase Classic. These new cases bring Contour's classic protection and style to the latest edition of the full size iPod.

The Showcase Classic offers the ultimate in style and protection with dual layer construction, featuring a shock absorbing layer of rubber and crystal clear, impact resistant plastic. The iSee Classic Combo uses the same ultra clear plastic to form a stream lines case that echoes the lines of the iPod Classic.

"These Showcases and iSee cases reflect our design philosophy that has evolved through the different iPods," said Mike Jackle of Contour Design. "These cases are sized exactly for the iPod Classic, and they reflect the design of the iPod while providing a perfect fit."

The iSee Classic Combo 80/160 fits both the 80GB and 160GB iPod Classics.

Jonathan Takiff | Music, audio gadgets: It's all in the delivery

THE GIZMO: New entertainment software delivery alternatives for giving and getting.

CROSSING THE CULTURE GAP: It's getting harder to buy the gift of music or an audio book for someone you love, especially if they're in their tween, teen or twentysomething years.

CD and cassette tape players are no longer a prime component of techno-savvy youth culture. All their popular culture is stored on an iPod (or equivalent), a mobile phone and a computer.

Sure, you could buy someone a generic gift card or a better phone plan for whatever downloads they choose, but how personal of a present is that? What does it say about your taste, your desire to share some meaningful work of art?

Some new marketing/packaging solutions could resolve this dilemma, making both you and (it is hoped) your gift recipient happy.

Taipei Times - photo

Northeast Coast National Scenic Area Administration chief Chen Mei-kang, left, Tourism Bureau Director General Janice Lai, second left, and Taiwan Railway Administration Director General Frank Fan, second right, yesterday hold up a board showing the route along which a new one-day railway pass can be used.
PHOTO: CNA
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How Much is Your Right to Vote Worth?

Attila Dimedici writes "Two thirds of the students at NYU would give up their right to vote in the next election for a full scholarship. Some would be satisfied with an ipod. A few would be willing to give up the right for the rest of their lives for one million dollars." .

Google to unveil mobile strategy: sources

Google Inc (GOOG.O) will unveil its mobile strategy on Monday, including a phone operating system and a broad alliance with multiple wireless service providers and handset vendors, people familiar with the matter said on Friday.

Sources said the Google mobile operating system would be based on open-source Linux code, which will support applications from different software developers in addition to Google's own services, which include e-mail and mapping.

Its partners include Sprint Nextel Corp (S.N), Deutsche Telekom's (DTEGn.DE) T-Mobile USA, Motorola Inc (MOT.N) and Samsung Electronics (005930.KS), sources said.

The phones are expected to come on the market around the middle of 2008, said one person who was briefed on the plans.

"What Google is trying to do is win the war for a much larger audience, that being the mobile device," said the person, who spoke on condition of anonymity.