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:

Exact details are elusive though achieving parity towards the iPod by building in additional features is mentioned, with additional support for things such as video and podcasting. Also, attention will be given to key differentiators such as the presence of wireless feature(s) and other extras such as FM tuner capabilities.

Investigate the first PC-to-Windows-handheld, cross-infector malware We've seen blended Trojan and virus threats that can spread through smartphones using multiple wireless protocols. Now analyze the first malware that simultaneously infects both PCs and Windows Mobile handheld devices.

Yet beneath the apparent optimism is the fact that Steve Jobs pegged the sales of iPhone to reach 10 million in 2008, which means Apple has barely 16 months left to go. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that Apple will be hard pressed to even reach 8 million by the end of 2008 at the current rate, because sales will probably taper off somewhat after the hype over its initial launch dies down.

It has been less than a week since the iPhone's release, and my head is still spinning from all the iPhone unboxing and cracking open galleries. Already, it appears that the hacker crew of IRC #iPhone channel has managed to gain shell access to the iPhone.

Do you spend part of your workday blogging, communicating on IM, listening to your iPod, or taking pictures with your camera phone? If so, here's a news article that you don't want to miss: "Time to crack down on tech at work?"

The iPhone blends a revolutionary touch-screen interface, media player, and smartphone into a slick package. No wonder everyone wanted to see it cracked open. We waited in line, spent $600, signed a two-year AT&T contract, and activated our iPhone - then took the thing apart in classic TechRepublic Cracking Open style. Get a look at the hardware inside the 8GB iPhone and see whether we got it back together in working condition.

If you spend any amount of time on the Internet, you'll seen a kazillion promotional offerings for free goods... all you have to do is hit the clown in the face with a pie, squash the fly with a swatter, kick the soccer ball into the goal, and then pimp out your personal information and the personal information of seven of your closest friends. Sounds appealing, doesn't it? For some people, these free items are too good to pass up, no matter what the ultimate cost. However, as this News.com article explains, companies that violate privacy policies by selling users' personal information will get a big slap on the hand - and a healthy fine to boot: "‘Free iPod' firm hit with privacy-breach suit."

Bill Gates and Steve Jobs shared a stage for the first time in over ten years at The Wall Street Journal's D5 conference Wednesday (CNET picture gallery), though this time the two industry pioneers met face to face, which looked a lot more comfortable than the Orwellian appearance of Gates over Jobs shoulder in 1997.

A new executive chair of Palm's board arrives after successes leading Apple's iPod division and will lead new product development as part of the reorganization. Other new directors from the equity capital firm which engineered the deal are another former Apple exec and a third, said to be fervently pro-gadget. Two board members are replaced, one a hangover from 3Com days, in a deal which preserves Palm autonomy and brings in more cash, without assimilating it within another device manufacturer.