Ok, ok, it's not exactly news that there is Apple gear being sold on the Internet. But given that popular electronic accessory retailer Monoprice recently decided to stop selling Apple accessories, you might be looking for a new place to buy your cords and hookups. That's right -- TUAW contacted Monoprice the other day after a few readers reported that they couldn't buy iPhone and iPod-related gear, and Monoprice confirmed that it has "decided to suspend offering these products as part of our business plan. We will let you know if and when we resume selling these products. Truly sorry for any inconvenience it may cause you."

Bummer. Fortunately, we also received word earlier this week that competitor Cable Wholesale is selling unofficial Apple gear, and their prices look to be competitive if not at least equal to the cheap costs that led us to Monoprice in the first place. Even if you don't want to buy from them, but still need an AV cable or a car charger without paying through the nose for official products, there are still sites online selling what you need.

I have already seen the iPad used in home automation -- Savant is using an iPad app to hook up to some of their home automation systems, using Apple's tablet to control the TV, a whole entertainment system, or even do some remote control of house lights or HVAC, or even monitor cameras remotely with a video feed. And here's another system that does the same type of thing: iPort is a home automation system centered around an iPad, providing an in-wall port where the iPad can both charge and work as a multi-use touchscreen control. On its own, it's basically just a wall-mounted dock, but in conjunction with a home automation system, the iPort turns the iPad into a touchscreen-based interface for the home.

Prices on these things are always weird -- because most high-end home automation systems are sold as solutions rather than products, they tend to run into the "if you have to ask how much it is, you can't afford it" range. But I give the iPort folks a call, and they told me that while each dealer has their own setup and pricing, the recommended price is around $500.

Some of you may scoff, sure -- $500 is a bit steep for what's essentially a port with a frame around it. But like Savant told me when I saw their products, the iPad is actually a revolution in this industry. For what the same-sized touchscreen interface with similar functionality would have cost a few years ago, sticking an iPad in a wall and building an app to control an automation system is actually a bargain.

[via Macsimum News]

The aesthetics and convenience of wireless devices add to their appeal, but buying batteries (no matter how special) is a bummer. MacRumors forum user MarkBog felt so strongly about buying all of those batteries that he hacked his Magic Trackpad to use a USB connection.

To accomplish this feat, he removed the pad's batteries, stripped a USB cable down to the red and black power wires and then attached them to a battery-sized wooden dowel. He then pushed the dowel inside the pad's battery compartment and presto! It worked.

It certainly won't win praises from Apple, but it will save the hacker (and the environment) from a pile of batteries. Well done.

[Via Übergizmo]

If you were looking to buy a contract-free iPhone 4 from the online AT&T or Apple stores, you're now officially out of luck. Customers looking to purchase an iPhone 4 from either online store are now required to enter into a two-year contract.

If this news disappoints you, don't fret too much. According to an official statement from an AT&T spokesman, you can still get a contract-free iPhone, so long as you brave the outside world and head to an AT&T store to make your purchase. 9to5 Mac reports Apple will sell you one in their physical stores as well.

No explanation has been given for the sudden change in policy, and it's especially strange that it's still possible to get one through the brick-and-mortar stores.

[via iLounge]

Read more →