Unlocking the iPod Touch isn’t too difficult and the transformation allows for some powerfull and fun applications to find their way into your iPod Touch.  Take for example, this tutorial which gives you the tools to run Instant Message on your iPod Touch

Click for a tutorial on installing Instant Message on your iPod Touch (via Instructables)

If you have a few minutes and want to sharpen some Photoshop skills you can run through this tutorial on how to create a USB drive. I for one will definitely do this, as my USB Forum link needs an updated look.

This Photoshop tutorial would also be a good project for anyone running a gizmo or gadget website to create some stock images for those random posts.

Before you make the jump, the tutorial uses 19 steps to create the image below.

However, I think a little more time is needed to make the object more proportional and some attention to shadows would also help. But if you are in a pinch and need something quick - this will work.

Jump to Photoshop tutorial

So it turns out a white onion is not only good for salsa, but good for charging iPods too. Here is a video showing you how to charge an iPod with an onion, Gatorade and USB cable.

I knew those electro-lights are good for something. For those not interested in watching a 3 minute video here is the down-n-dirty:

• put two holes on either side of your onion with screwdriver
• soak the thing in Gatorade until most is gone (about 1 cup worth)
• use the iPod USB cable and push in the USB connector into the onion.

Your iPod will then turn on and charge shortly there after. So for about 1 cup of gatoraid soaked into the onion will get you about 30 minutes of charge time.

Source: TreeHugger, YouTube link
If you like this we have other USB hacks and USB Tutorials.

Windows Vista has not been an easy transition for many people. One of the problems with Vista is USB support, or lack of. If you are having USB problems with Vista then please read on.

Several months ago Microsoft released hotfixes for Vista for some badly-needed improvements for USB operation. Most notably is the problems, conflicts and issues related to USB and audio components.

Microsoft plans to officially address the USB issues with their SP1 due out in early 2008, but in the mean time lets check out the Microsoft roll out update page.

If you are using Vista and having problems be sure to double check the device manufacturer update before using the Microsoft updates, your solution might already be out there.

Peter Kirn provided a couple valuable tips while diving into your problems, please read (more…)

Reading an article from Crave, I realized the very obvious… I should have written about this topic months ago…maybe years ago. Turning a typical USB hub into a power center for all those electronic gadgets.

The key is getting a USB hub that has a dedicated AC Power adapter which plugs directly into the wall. This way a stable supply of 5v will be streaming to all ports. You can grab a 4 port, 6 port or 7 port hub for only a few dollars.

The power hub via USB is a perfect illustration of the potential of such a setup: pretty much anything that accepts USB charging (iPods, Blackberries, cellphones, headsets, Xbox 360 controllers, and the like) should be compatible.

You should be able to power up non USB charging devices as long as they are (more…)

The Mac can easily and quickly become a DVR with the right software and hardware. This Mac only tip comes just in time for this season’s prime time TV.

Using a Mac, other than the one pictured, with a USB TV Tuner (like EyeTV Tuner) along with some DVD Burning software (Toast) you can watch, record and burn every season premier your wife demands while you’re watching real TV (Football and Baseball).

For all the details jump to Macworld. Thanks LifeHacker.

I’m not a Mac guy, but I can spot a [good] nugget of info when I see it. The Keychain utility on a Mac is designed to safeguard your important passwords, credentials, log-in info, and all those financial records.

So how can you maximize your Keychain security - well at Nevali.net they marry up the Mac Keychain and USB drive for some good-ol-fashion USB security where even the most paranoid can sleep well at night.

If interested, make the jump.

Photo courtesy of Jaron Brass.