New iPods take off

Apple`s new iPod Nanos are already a sell out within a week of going to market, reports The Inquirer.

The report quotes Forbes as saying the 4GB Nanos are already rare, attributing the new iPod`s success to Apple`s marketing machine.

Apple has reportedly dedicated a manufacturing facility to iPod Nano production to ensure there will be enough of the devices to meet year-end demand and avoid the shortages of the iPod minis experienced last year.

A new version of Apple`s iTunes software released last week appears to be giving many iPod owners problems, reports News.Com.

Apple has acknowledged there are problems with version five of the iTunes software in the wake of complaints from customers finding it difficult to install and use.

The company says it is working on the problem and expects to have an update for the latest upgrade early next week.

San Diego-based Triage Wireless has created an intelligent patch that when applied to the skin is capable of relaying information about a person`s blood pressure, heart rate and other vital sign to their doctor via wireless links.

News.Com says the idea behind the AdvancedBPM system is to give doctors a far more accurate picture of a person`s health.

Developers of the system say it`s almost impossible to characterise someone`s blood pressure in a medical office, often leading to incorrect medication decisions. They say the AdvancedBPM system will give doctors a more complete view of a person`s vital signs during different times of the day.

Ericsson Response`s GSM equipment for disaster situations has been sent to the US to join volunteers from around the world working to provide mobile communications in areas worst hit by hurricane Katrina.

The shipment was organised in conjunction with the Swedish Rescue Services Agency, which is an Ericsson partner in disaster response operations.

The GSM equipment is designed for fast deployment, being able to connect up to 50 000 users in two days to a temporary mobile system.

Local distributor Pinnacle Micro has released MSI`s MegaBook M645, which allows editing, gaming and DVD movie screening, and features a 15.4-inch widescreen LCD colour brightness display.

The M645`s 16:10 display aspect ration also allows users to view two applications side-by-side or multiple information sources.

The M645 is built on Intel Centrino Mobile Technology, incorporating the Intel Pentium M processor and 915 chipset.

It also features built-in wireless LAN and extended battery life.