robert_cringely
Columnist

Apple’s bad vibes

analysis
May 24, 20071 min

Apple Inc.'s legal beagles have their BVDs in a bind over the iGasm, a personal pleasure accessory that plugs into an iPod and vibrates in response to the music. (Sotto voce disclaimer: This device should not be used while driving or listening to Metallica. Side effects may include dizzyness, mild euphoria, and a tendency to scream “Lars Ulrich is a god” at inappropriate moments.) Apple's objection isn't to the

Apple Inc.’s legal beagles have their BVDs in a bind over the iGasm, a personal pleasure accessory that plugs into an iPod and vibrates in response to the music. (Sotto voce disclaimer: This device should not be used while driving or listening to Metallica. Side effects may include dizzyness, mild euphoria, and a tendency to scream Lars Ulrich is a god” at inappropriate moments.)

Apple’s objection isn’t to the device so much as the ads for it, which employ a silhouetted form wearing white ear buds, only with an extra cord leading due south. Apparently Apple believes it owns the trademark for the white-gizmos-on-black form, regardless of what the gizmo is plugged into.

What’s your favorite iPod accessory, and can you get arrested for using it? Post your comments below or write to me here. And no, Lars Ulrich is not a god.