Before I found this program it took me so long to put my DVD’s on to my iPod, and more than half the time it just didn’t work. This program isn’t free, but after using it for quite some time now I can honestly say that it’s the best $30 dollars I ever spent on my iPod. I used countless programs in the past that just refused to work. After I got Cucusoft DVD to iPod Converter, it became my iPod’s best friend, and I have a feeling it will become yours too. We are awarding the Cucusoft DVD to iPod Converter our 2008 iPod Legends Editor’s Choice Award.

Below, you will find a link to download the program, and a step-by-step tutorial to walk you through everything.

Tutorial

PROGRAMS YOU WILL NEED

• Cucusoft DVD to iPod Converter (free download here)

Install the program, and then follow these steps:

Step 1: Click on “Open DVD” on the bottom left corner (Look at the screenshot below). A window will popup. Select the DVD that you inserted into your computer. The program will fast forward to the menu and your DVD will start playing. Next, click on the round “Convert” button on the right. A window will popup. Name your DVD and click “Yes”

At this point, Cucusoft will start converting your DVD. When it is finished, a window will popup.

Step 2: The window that pops up will look like the screenshot below. Select “Open iTunes and output folder to upload the output file(s)” and then Click “Next.” All you need to do now is put it on your iPod!

Wasn’t that easy? I hope you enjoy watching your DVDs on your iPod. If you want to get the program instantly or unlock the trial version, then click here to buy Cucusoft DVD to iPod Converter! I totally recommend it, and iPod Legends has awarded the Cucusoft DVD to iPod Converter its 2008 Editor’s Choice Award.

Warning: This tutorial still might be too advanced for some users.  For an easier way to convert DVD to iPod, check out our new Unbelievably Easy DVD to iPod Tutorial!

PROGRAMS YOU WILL NEED:

• DVD43 version 4.3.1 (Download for free here).
• Nero Recode version 2.2.6.17c (Download for free here).

INSTRUCTIONS:

1) After installing both programs, be sure to reboot your computer to ensure they run properly. Once you have rebooted, launch DVD43 so that it runs down in the taskbar. It will look like a yellow or green face. You don’t have to configure anything for DVD43, it works automatically.

Green smiley face means we’re all set. On with the rest of the tutorial.

After double clicking, a box will popup that analyzes your DVD. It took our DVD about 2 minutes to analyze, but this speed will vary widely depending on your computer’s capabilities. When it is done analyzing, click “Close” on the bottom of the foreground window.

Click “OK,” and click “Next” in the bottom right to proceed.

Select the “Nero Digital Settings” panel (arrow #1) and select the “Advanced” header (arrow #2). Check the “Simple Profile (Quicktime (TM) Compatability)” box (arrow #3). After this is done, click “Burn” at the bottom right.

When the file is done, simply import it into iTunes, transfer it to your iPod, and enjoy!

Here’s a picture of the working DVD on my iPod:

I hope this guide helps you convert DVD to iPod for good. I’ve encountered absolutely no errors with this method after numerous tests and conversions. However, if you run into issues or have any general feedback, please post a comment below. We love hearing feedback! Let us know if it worked for you.

Remember, iPod Legends doesn’t condone illegal pirating or conversion of DVDs. Only do this with your own purchased movies. Make sure you always conform to your applicable laws.

The iPhone is, of course, groundbreaking and all that, argues PC World, but it could have been much better. Initially, the sheer beauty of the iPhone overshadowed the early problems it had (activation headaches and the much-to-soon $200 price drop, and the ensuing “quasi-rebate”). But of course, the problems keep mounting for Apple’s iPhone, and the iPhone’s honeymoon days are over. Sure, sales are through the roof and Apple’s stock has jumped almost 30% in the past month or so, and Apple is now the #2 smartphone maker behind RIM and its Blackberries, but the hype’s over and reality will set in soon unless Steve Jobs and co. make some changes in early 2008. The major carriers are all rolling out iPhone killers, and Google’s new Android mobile platform will surely dent the iPhone’s armor.

We’re all sick of hearing that the iPhone is painstakingly slow on the EDGE network and that 3G capability is a must-have for the next-gen release (which will probably come out in early 2008, perhaps with GPS to boot… and maybe this time around we can set our own ringtones - it’s 1/4 iPod for crying out loud). But, even if Apple finds a way to maintain battery life with 3G capability and the upgrade drastically improves performance, they still have a lot to do if they want to be in the market for the long run.

Apple is notorious for maintaining control of almost every aspect of the user’s experience on its products, as evidenced by the lack of access third-parties get to the iPhone’s platform. The iPhone won’t even sync correctly with Outlook, and it’s calendar / email functions cripple it for enterprise users. The typical smartphone is much more open-ended, and it’s only a matter of time before the iPhone’s limited customization seriously hurts its rep. With a Google Phone (reportedly called the “Switch”) on the horizon, especially one that is officially going to be open-source, Apple needs to change its game - and fast. Google will undoubtedly offer a more open, more customizable package that users will find refreshing now that the iPhone’s losing its grace. It’s probably too early to speculate exactly what the Google Phone will offer, but one thing’s for sure - it will threaten the iPhone’s throne.

The List:
14. The iPod Belt Buckle, aka TuneBuckle™

It’s not about simply holding your pants up anymore. The TuneBuckle™ allows you to add some class to your belt, while storing your iPod nano inside the buckle. Choose among the Original, Full Moon, or Full Metal Jacket styles.

Price: $59.95 USD

Site: www.tunebuckle.com

13. The iPod Wallet, aka C.E.O.™ Billfold Wallet

This might not be so ridiculous, and is actually kinda cool, but it deserves a place on this list. The iPod wallet holds a 2nd gen iPod nano and covers the screen and click wheel with protective plastic. Now when you whip out your wallet, you can really impress your friends - it actually looks really cool.

Price: $34.95 USD

Site: www.marware.com

12. The iPod Bed, aka Pause

It’s billed as the world’s first iPod-compatible bed, it can support all iPods except the shuffle, and it can be ordered with a Bose speaker system. Enter the Pause bed from New Zealand’s Design Mobel. It certainly looks comfy, and for some reason their main site has a bunch of naked people on it in an effort to promote a new style of sleeping… just an FYI for those of you at work. The company is also known for its sustainable business practices - for every piece of furniture it sells, it plants a tree, which has resulted in the planting of over 40,000 trees. Currently only available in New Zealand and Australia.

Price: starts at $4,317 USD

Site: www.designmobel.co.nz

11. The iPod Chair, aka iRocker 250

The “iRocker 250 Interactive Sound Game Chair” is probably the one thing in this lineup that I want the most, and it isn’t ridiculously overpriced. It contains a premium 15-watt amp that delivers surround sound all around you while sitting in the chair. It also has a wireless remote for controlling your iPod once it’s docked in the 30-pin docking station. Get ready to recline in four different ways in the chair that truly rocks.

Price: $299.00 USD

Site: www.livingincomfort.com

10. The iTable, aka Concerto Table

The Concert Table from Lovegrove and Repucci is an extremely over-the-top table designed for the “experience of the modern dinner party.” It has a piano shape and a piano lid, which lifts up to reveal speakers that are for, you guessed it, a docked iPod. They have even created the perfect playlist for your dinner party! There’s a drawer which keeps silverware, and a laptop can fit beneath the piano lid. It’s made out to be really elegant, and apparently the modern dinner party is supposed to stay at the same table all night and be entertained by an iPod… either way, it’s a pretty weird concept with a HUGE price tag.

Price: $14,000 USD

Site: www.concertotable.com

9. The iBra, aka POWER POUCH Clothing

There was an image circulated on the web not too long ago as an April Fool’s joke or something with an iBra that had two speakers in obvious places. Well, it’s no longer a myth… at least in part. Gracie’s Gear is now selling various forms of its POWER POUCH clothing, including a sports bra. It has a pouch in the front that can hold really anything, but what makes it iPod friendly is the headphones cord hole in the top. Plus, until Dec. 31, 2007, half of all online sales of their POWER POUCH clothing are donated to cancer research.

Price: $33 USD

Site: www.graciesgearandtraining.com

8. The iBoxers

To go right along with the iBra, there are the iBoxer Shorts from Computer Warehouse. They come in black, teal, or orange, with a green waistband, and have a pocket on the front left side for an iPod. In case you ever wanted to rock out in your boxers, which is feasible I suppose, you are now able to. I’d recommend only using the iBoxers in private, though - the sight of a headphone cord coming out of your crotch area while fully dressed might be a little awkward.

Price: £14.46 GBP (~$28.50 USD)

Site: www.computerwarehouse.co.uk

7. The iBelieve Lanyard

If you’re a Christian and you want to show it, then the iBelieve iPod Shuffle Lanyard is for you. It makes your iPod Shuffle look like a cross hanging from your neck! Pretty pointless functionally, but cool nonetheless. Too bad it’s discontinued - the product page has been down for a few weeks now. 10% of the purchase price was previously being donated to charity.

Price: $12.95 USD

Site: www.devoted1.com (discontinued)

6. The iThong, aka Black Thong Nano Case

This is one of the most ridiculous and functionally devoid iPod cases I’ve ever seen. It’s also a black leather thong. If you have an iPod Nano and you want to put it in a thong case that prohibits you from pressing buttons, then get this case. You can wear it through your belt loops on your pants, or around your neck. Wow. At least it comes with one of those microfiber bags, not that you already get one when you order an iPod or anything…

Price: $4.95 USD

Site: www.mycellworld.com (search for “thong” to see the product page)

5. The iLog, aka Story Log

This is just one of those things that comes as a result of a) too much free time and b) craftsmanship. Inspired by sitting around campfires as children, the iLog includes a dock, adjustment knobs, and two speakers on each end of a log on four legs. It’s pretty cool, not gonna lie. Just totally pointless.

Price: $600 USD

Site: www.housespecial.org

4. The iStethoscope, aka Stethoscope Recording Package

This is a little too much for me. For the doctor who likes iPods and for some reason would want to use his or her nano to record heartbeats or deep lung breaths of patients, they can do so with the Thinklabs Digital Stethoscope Recording Package. The package off the site is basically a digital stethoscope with a 2gb nano and an XtremeMac MicroMemo recording kit. Why they would need an iPod for such a specific niche I’m not sure, but again, these are really weird accessories. The recorder also lets doctors record dictation and lectures for patients, but there are other ways of doing this with more targeted products.

Price: $495 USD

Site: www.thinklabsmedical.com

3. The iBreathalyzer, aka iBreath Breathalyzer

This is pretty ridiculous, but at the same time, it’s definitely serving a good purpose. I would venture to guess that a good deal of people who own iPods are at some point or another going to drink. When they do, it sure would be nice to know what they are going to blow on a police breathalyzer should they be pulled over (you should never drive drunk, of course). This will let you know when it’s safe to drive, and help you pace your drinking. The iBreath displays your blood-alcohol content (BAC %) on the iPod screen, and keeps your last three tests in memory. The kicker: it also doubles as a compact FM transmitter for your car. Just make sure that you’re not drinking and driving when you use that transmitter. Comes in black or white.

Price: $50 USD

Site: www.davidsteele.com

2. The George Foreman iGrill

We mentioned accessories from professional boxing business ventures, and here it is. George Foreman’s Lean Mean Fat Reducing Grilling Machine has made a huge impact on our lives (I own two), and the iGrill is his next addition to the lineup. With a 10-watt speaker system that connects to any mp3 player with a USB connection, namely the iPod, and with 200 mean square inches of grillin’ space, George Foreman takes the #2 spot on our weirdest iPod accessory list with his electric iGrill. Sold at Linens ‘n Things

Price: $149.99

Site: www.lnt.com

1. The OhMiBod Vibrator

This is not a joke. This is totally serious, and apparently totally popular. This is the OhMiBod iPod-activated electric vibrator for women. The vibrator vibrates according to the music you’re listening to, and the louder the volume, the more it vibrates. It also comes with a velvet privacy case, a cap for use without an iPod, and an invitation to the OhMiBod “Club Vibe” where you can share your, uhm, best performing playlists… It doesn’t just stop at the vibrator, though. There is a garter that holds the iPod while you would presumably be using the vibrator, and a whole host of other “acsexsories” from high-performance batteries to lubricant. There is even a spinoff porn site featuring people using the OhMiBod, but we won’t link to it from here for obvious reasons. The price is also fitting, as you’ll see.

Price: $69 USD

Site: www.ohmibod.com (WARNING: NSFW)

Warning: This tutorial may be too advanced for some people. For those who would like an easier way to convert DVDs to your ipod, click here to see our Unbelievably Easy DVD to iPod Tutorial!

Note: Check our DVD to iPod tutorial for an updated version of this tutorial

PROGRAMS YOU WILL NEED:

• DVD Decrypter version 3.5.4.0 (available for free here).
• Videora iPod Converter version 2.0 (available for free here).

OPTIONAL PROGRAMS:

• DVD43 version 3.9.0 (available for free here). This program runs in the background and helps DVD Decrypter tackle certain types of encryption on the fly with no user interaction required. Some DVDs might not need DVD43, but others, including the one used in this tutorial, did need it. If anything, it’s good to have because it works with a whole host of other programs, too.

INSTRUCTIONS:

1) Once the DVD is inserted into your DVD drive, open up DVD Decrypter. If you are using DVD43 as mentioned above, also load this now (it usually auto-loads, you’ll see the smiley face in the task bar if it’s running). In DVD Decrypter, open up the source of the DVD by selecting the drive the disc is in using the drop down arrow. Nine times out of ten it will automatically detect the DVD and load it’s information - the only time you’re really going to need to choose the DVD manually is if there are multiple DVD movies in your computer at the same time, or you inserted the disc after loading DVD Decrypter.

2) Click the “Mode” option at the top, and select “IFO.”

3) Go to the “Stream Processing” tab. Check the box for “Enable Stream Processing.” Check only the Video file (there should only be one shown in most circumstances) and the Audio file that you want (in this case there is only one to choose from, but some movies will have dubs in other languages, or 2.1 or 5.1 options - check only the box that best suits your needs, which will most likely be 3ch and 6ch English). Don’t check the subtitle boxes unless you want them.

4) Click the “Tools” option at the top, and select “Settings.”

5) Select the “IFO” tab. Change the “File Splitting” drop-down menu to the “None” option and click OK.

6) If needed, change the output directory by selecting the folder and magnifying glass icon - make sure to remember where it rips to, because you’ll need to go back there soon. Click the large button with the disc and the hard drive images to begin ripping the DVD to your hard drive as a VOB file.

7) A typical movie will be about 5 to 6 GB in size when ripped, and will take about 15 to 20 minutes to rip. Sit back and let it go. DVD Decrypter plays a funny sound clip when it’s done, too.

8) Open the Videora iPod Converter program. Click the “Convert” button at the top.

9) Click the “Select File” button at the bottom right, and select the VOB file that DVD Decrypter just ripped to your hard drive.

10) You can play around with the onscreen settings as you wish, but for this tutorial, I chose options that give excellent video and audio quality while cutting conversion times considerably. These settings created a movie that was 747MB in size. I set “Video Format” to Old, “Video Size” to iPod, “Video Quality” to medium, “Enhance Quality” to off, and “Audio Quality” to medium. Click the “Next” button when you have the settings you want.

11) Select the “Set Title” tab at the bottom of the screen and choose the output name of the video file you are about to make. I just typed the name of the movie. Click the “Start Converting” button at the bottom right.

12) The movie has now started converting to mp4 format for your iPod. The progress bar for me zoomed to 100% instantly before it even started converting, but as the status figures show, you can see it’s progress. Just don’t be fooled by the instant 100% bar - it’s obviously faulty. Just let it go until it’s done. My particular movie took about 18 minutes to create.

13) Once the movie is done converting, the program automatically adds it to your iTunes library, if you have it installed. If not, it seemed to default to the My Documents\Converted Videos\iPod\MPEG4 folder if you need to access the movie file manually. It is now ready to move to your iPod. I received excellent video and audio quality, and no hickups during the entire procedure. And at last, a final picture to prove that it worked:

Hopefully this guide will be sufficient and definitive enough for all of our readers. I encourage you to comment below or post in the forums if you encounter any difficulties or anomalies, or if you have any additional feedback. Remember, iPod Legends doesn’t condone illegal pirating or conversion of DVDs. Only do this with your own purchased movies.

When I first saw it, I thought it was a picture of an opened up iPod, but in reality it’s the case - it claims to be scratch resistant too.

It uses the existing circuitry for the click wheel, and includes a DIY kit for self-installation (professional installation is an option, and it’s currently free if you pre-order before it comes out). It’s only $29.99 and you can get it for any 5th gen, 4th gen, or nano.

http://www.rapidrepair.com/shop/ivue-ipod-crystal-case.html

The upgrade is totally internal, and requires no software additions or plugins to use the new hard drive. PDASmart is also guaranteeing 100% compatibility with current iPod accessories, a definite plus. Owners of the 60gb and 80gb versions will notice no external changes because the hard drive is no larger than the current hard drive, but owners of the 30gb version will be given a slightly larger backplate to account for the added size of the new hard drive (a small inconvenience for 30gb users considering it more than triples your storage space). If you want to do the upgrade yourself, the do-it-yourself toolkit comes with all the necessary components, including the hard drive. Otherwise, for a small surcharge and shipping fees, you can send it into the PDASmart repair center and their technicians will handle it for you.

Pricing is a little steep, but worth it if you want the added storage without buying a whole new iPod. 60gb and 80gb versions are $275 for off-site installation, plus shipping. The 30gb version is slightly more expensive at $299, considering the need for a new backplate. The Toshiba hard drive itself carries a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty, while PDASmart has a 90-day warranty should something go wrong immediately after the upgrade.

30gb upgrade

60gb/80gb upgrade

As you can see in the image above (click to see), two auctions for the iPhone are going for $1,495. The 4Gb iPhone and 8Gb iPhone will hit the market at only $499 and $599 respectively. In another auction, there have been 33 bids on a 4Gb iPhone that has thus far reached $600.

Even more, these aren’t even the highest priced auction in the list. $5,000 has been name for the Internet domain, www.iPhone.net. If someone must have it now, the domain can be bought now for $15,000! Similarly, but not nearly as expensive, another auction selling 8 domain names is going for $3,000.

So why are people willing to put so much cash in? Obviously the iPhone is big. Many want the top-of-the-line iPhone and be able to use all it’s cool features. Once the iPhone hits the market, I do not doubt that it will be even larger.

Want to see it for yourself? Go to Ebay.

5) Commercial GPS, an ever expanding market that’s becoming more popular every day. Finding your way around has never been easier. Now that we have an all-seeing eye guiding us, it’s almost impossible to get lost. Thus, commercial GPS on the iPhone would be extremely practical and is our #5 nomination. (Image courtesy of NASA)

4) Coming in at #4 is voice recognition. Two things come to my mind: 1. Note Taking, and 2. Universal Translator. These two options will probably be most popular among those who travel for business a lot, but still will hold useful options for the majority. Note taking by voice will cut the slow speed of writing or typing while still giving you an electronic copy of your notes. Next, the universal translator eliminates the need for a human translator or carrying a bulky dictionary.

3) The ability to receive and send a TV signal or FM/AM signal wirelessly from the iPhone will be our third nomination. Beef up the iPhone with this feature and you can be watching and listening your favorite shows and music anywhere with a TV or stereo, and could easily be integrated with the just-unveiled Apple TV device.

2) #2 on the list is a little farfetched, but it was too cool to pass up. A portable projector small enough to fit into your pocket has not yet been invented. However, once this technology is developed, combining a portable projector with the iPhone would make the iPhone worthy to be called an all-in-one device. A portable projector small enough to fit into your pocket….. I must be dreaming.

1) Last, but perhaps the most practical, feasible, and possible concept is a credit card. No, no, I don’t mean the flimsy plastic thing, I mean the iPhone! Imagine going to a store and swiping your phone to pay for your purchase. Actually, you don’t have to imagine. In fact, in some places in Japan, the phone is being used to pay for daily goods by utilizing RFID tags. Some normal plastic credit cards in the US are even using RFID tags to “wave” the card rather than swipe it. It may just be the next big thing…. (Image courtesy of Microsoft Clipart)

There you have it. Our Top 5 Concept Add-on Ideas for the next generation iPhone. Imagine it, and embrace it! ‘cuz these concepts will be in your hands in no time!

What do you think? Have suggestions? Comment below.