And don't forget that despite the hype over the iPhone, Apple is still vulnerable to moves by the wireless carriers and rivals such as Google and Microsoft. All these fears have taken hold of the stock and explain why Apple shares have lost about a third of their value since peaking at almost $203 in late December.

Arriva, a small start-up in Telluride, Colo., is trying to make a name for itself by developing uniquely designed "sport" headphones. The company's first product, simply called Arriva Sport Headphones, featured a springy, squiggly shaped coil that wrapped around the back of your head to create a secure fit. At the time those headphones came out, Arriva told us that it was in the process of developing its real killer product, a set of headphones that offered a similar design but incorporated an iPod Shuffle dock. Obviously, the advantage to having the iPod connected directly to your headphones is that it cuts the headphone cord out the equation, effectively making them cordless--pretty cool if you can do it right.

Bachman went on to say that the Mac will begin to take on more importance because the iPhone is not likely to experience growth on the scale of what the company has projected for this year. He also pointed out that the iPod is starting to show signs of market saturation, leading to slower growth rates for the device. Despite the somewhat gloomy predictions, Bachman maintained his outperform rating on Apple's stock, noting that "more carriers and lower handset [prices]" could improve the iPhone's prospects. Bachman reduced his forecast for iPhone sales in fiscal 2008 from 9.3 million to 7.7 million units, and also reduced his iPod sales forecast for the same period, from 54.6 million to 51.1 million units.

Boomwave Products today began shipping its Bearaphim, Diablo, and Diablo Spectrum cases for Apple's current-generation iPod nano and iPod classic. Boomwave's new Bearaphim cases aim to protect third-generation iPod nanos in the form of a bear with ears and an extended paw. Diablo Spectrum cases for current-generation iPod nanos appear as 'devilish' enclosures complete with pointed ears and a tail. Boomwave Diablo cases for iPod classes resemble Diablo Spectrum cases, but offer different graphical effects and include an embedded ring in the back for easy carrying.

PDO today announced the availability of its Flipp leather case for the iPod classic and Touch. The Flipp for the Classic features black leather, and is rigidly constructed, offering full protection, even to the edges and bottom. Cutouts allow quick access to the wheel and dock connector, while the screen is protected by built-in clear plastic. A sturdy metal belt-clip is securely fastened to each model, and the front flap is held shut by magnets. Users can purchase the Flipp for either 80GB or 160GB models, and both are selling for $30.

Should a gamer want to relax a bit more, they can switch to a creative mode which encourages artistic thinking. The game is a 34MB download that costs $4.99; it is only compatible with the iPod classic, iPod video, and third-generation iPod nano.

Academy recruits for the New York City Police Department will receive an iPod loaded with training material. Since many of the recruits use mass transit in their daily travels to school, officials decided it would be easier to provide materials in digital format, rather than requiring students to carry around masses of books on the crowded subway system. Reuters says that recruits will be able to see content from subjects like New York State Penal Law, warrants, ethics, and community policing. The announcement said that the information that will be stored on the iPods will not contain any security sensitive information, so that if the iPods are lost by students, the NYPDs operations will not be compromised.

XtremeMac today debuted its new Verona iPod case for Apple's iPod touch, iPod classic, and current-generation iPod nano. The new designer leather case aims to blend fashion with functionality, protection, and style. Verona cases include different types and styles of leather enclosures, all hand-crafted from genuine leather with a soft interior lining. The Verona Flip cases for iPod touch and iPod classic are folio style cases with an integrated leather wrapped belt clip. The cases come in various colors and designs, ranging in price from $25-$30. All Verona cases are available for pre-order via XtremeMac's website, and are expected to ship in the coming weeks.

Apple today released a software update for its newly release iPod classic and "3G" iPod nano as well as the 5G iPods. iPod Software 1.2.3 resolves a problem with the iPod (5th generation) where songs and other content do not appear after updating to software version 1.2.2. According to Apple, the iPod v1.03 update for the iPod nano/classic offers "bug fixes;" however, reports indicate that it resolves general issues with games affecting song play counts, the iPod nano's clock, problems with Cover Flow and a spinning hard drive issue (on the Classic). The 58.2MB available via iTunes.

USBFever.com today began shipping its new iPod 2-in-1 Remote + Radio, offering compatibility with Apple's recently released third-generation iPod nano as well as its iPod classic and iPod touch. The device boasts high sound quality, and enables users to switch between Radio or iPod video/photo/music playback modes with a single click. The iPod 2-in-1 Remote + Radio is priced at $26, and ships in either black or white to match Apple's iPod classic players.