iPods are in their 4^th generation and are being used for more than just listening to digital music files and audiobooks. During a recent Friday@Noon presentation hosted by the UAMS Library Learning Resources Center, David Meroney, a senior systems consultant with Complete Computing, and Mike Colvin, a systems engineer with Apple, discussed new applications for these small wonders in the academic environment.

The iPod is essentially a portable hard drive that can connect to either Mac or a Windows PC using a USB 2.0 or FireWire connection. Current models come with either 20 or 40 gigabytes of storage. The 20GB iPod retails for about $269; the 40GB iPod retails for about $369 and includes the docking station. The built-in rechargeable battery provides up to 12 hours of “playtime” when fully charged.

The iPod has been used by IT groups for data backup, transferring files from one computer to another, and as a boot device for bringing up new servers. It can also be used to keep track of personal information such as calendar and contact information or as a reader for digital notes.

Increasingly, iPods are being used by students to record classroom lecture audio. Microphone and speaker accessories can be purchased to enhance the recording and playback. Audio formats supported include AAC (16 to 320 Kbps), MP3 (32 to 320 Kbps), MP3 VBR, Audible, AIFF, Apple Lossless and WAV (upgradable firmware enables support for future audio formats). Digital images can also be downloaded and viewed on the iPod.

For more information about the iPod or to view David Meroney’s presentation, visit http://www.complete.com/david/.

Friday@Noon is a weekly, informal seminar series focusing on education, technology, and how the two can work together. These mini-seminars are open to UAMS faculty, staff, students, and the general public. If you have an idea for a Friday@Noon presentation, please contact Jan Hart, HartJaniceK@uams.edu.

Loretta Edwards
LRC Network Manager

PubMed & Classes

PubMed users have the ability to set up search strategies that can be run periodically for current awareness and personal research purposes. To learn more about how to set up and use this feature, please contact Susan Steelman at 686-6737 or SteelmanSusanC@uams.edu.

Please note that free PubMed classes are offered each month on the UAMS Campus. These classes are open to any practicing health care professional in Arkansas. If you would like to arrange for a class, please contact Susan Steelman, M.L.I.S. at 501-686-6737 or SteelmanSusanC@uams.edu. Early morning or early evening classes are available.

Note: Classes may be taught on-site at any Arkansas hospital or clinic where 4 or more health professionals are registered to attend.