Nanos Sell Out; Xbox 360s Overheat

As I predicted, the Apple Nano iPod is proving to be the Christmas season's big winner. Don't take my word for it, let the numbers do the talking.

Here's hoping, meanwhile, that you skipped the Xbox 360 launch. The new console, essentially available only on eBay and at astronomically high prices, apparently doesn't work properly. Reports of units overheating and numerous software glitches are flooding the Internet.

Microsoft is attempting to spin the trouble as only "isolated" incidents. Did the company rush the launch? You be the judge.

What do I think? I suspect the folks at Edelman Seattle are going to be busier than they anticipated the next few weeks.

Xbox 360 Conspiracies; iPod Via CD Changer

XBox 360 conspiracy theories. Oh, they're out there all right. Regardless of what Microsoft claims, it doesn't appear everyone's favorite Redmond entity was ready for a Q4 worldwide launch.

I'm sticking with the new Apple iPod as my Christmas request. Just today I learned that a US Spec aftermarket adapter can be used to connect an iPod to most any car's factory stereo CD changer input. Best of all, you get CD quality sound and can use your car's stereo controls to control the iPod (all while the iPod draws power from your car's electrical system). How cool is that?

T-Minus 24 Hours

Tuesday, the new Microsoft Xbox 360 hits store shelves. They won't be there for long. Retailers are all reporting limited quantities. In fact, supplies are so limited outlets are unable to honor customers' pre-order commitments. Kind of makes one wonder how Microsoft will sell the three million units it promised Wall Street analysts before year's end.

Either way, I'm out. I just learned the integrated Media Center Extender can only be used with an Ethernet cable (unless one's willing to shell out another $100 - on top of the already exorbitant $399 - for the wireless option, which I understood to be included by default).

Too much nickle and diming. I'll wait for the dust to settle.

Then again, PGR3 looks pretty good in the reviews I've seen...

Christmas 2005: iPod Nano Tops Xbox 360

A new Macerich Company poll reveals the number one most-requested gift this holiday season is Apple's iPod Nano. No big surprise, there, as the Nano is a sleek, innovative device that's proven to be an outstanding portable music player and the fashion accessory of the year.

What is surprising is the item that placed second (if a distant second) to the Nano: Microsoft's Xbox 360. I've been considering picking up an X360 when the new model comes out November 22nd (due to its including an integrated Media Center Extender). The next-generation gaming console, which sets new standards for graphics performance, requires anyone wishing to maintain backwards compatibility with older Xbox games to purchase a premium version boasting an integrated hard disk. Out of the gate prices for that model appear set at $399. Even at that incredibly inflated cost finding one will be difficult.

Retailers are only offering pre-release bundles, most of which require buyers to also purchase four to eight games with the console, pushing the already bloated price as high as $999, in the case of Toys R Us. That's preposterous.

If anyone at Microsoft is listening, you had a chance to position your new console as the number one most-requested gift item. Apple beat you out, though. And now, your chances to recover are fading fast. Instead of helping shareholders maximize value, rumors on the street claim supply issues (some people allege purposeful to generate more marketing buzz at launch) may hinder sales.

Then again, this is the same division that's lost four billion (billion, as with a b) dollars since its inception. So I guess a blown debut shouldn't come as any surprise at all.

If Microsoft, and retailers, insist on building ludicrous margins into the Xbox 360 this holiday season, I'll take the cash I was going to invest in one and give my money to Apple. That $400 will buy a new Nano and a ton of iTunes. And, I won't have to leave my house or sleep in a tent outside some forsaken Best Buy to get one.

Linklater Filming 'Fast Food Nation'

Several years ago I reviewed Eric Schlosser's Fast Food Nation for eBook.com. At the time, the Australian firm owning the eBook.com domain was publishing quite a bit of content covering the electronic publishing industry (if you follow the hyperlink today you'll see the organization has since adjusted its strategy and now leverages the site to promote its capable desktop publishing software).

I thought I knew what to expect when I picked up the book. Already a vegetarian, I suspected I was going to read how poorly livestock are treated, how many chemicals compose popular fast food entrees and the like.

But I'd learned, in the process of reviewing some 40-plus books for the site, to discard all preconceived notions before beginning a book. I approached each title fresh.

What I found in Fast Food Nation, though, was exactly what I suspected, and then some. I hadn't known one in eight Americans will work for McDonald's in some capacity, and neither did I know McDonald's is the world's largest toy distributor. I didn't know, either, that a few chemical companies in Jersey are responsible for most of the flavors you and I taste on any given day.

Now the director of Slacker, Before Sunrise and Before Sunset (the last two of which I highly recommend) is bringing Fast Food Nation to the big screen. Apparently Richard Linklater's crew began working the production under the title Coyote to better enable the group to gain access to fast food restaurants. Filming just began on Monday.

When it hits theaters, I recommend you check it out. Or, save the film in your Netflix queue, at the least. While you think you may know everything the storyline is going to cover, with Linklater at the helm and Schlosser's research powering the ship, it's sure to be an interesting voyage.