Ipod Impressions
 

Hi All.

I'm going to buy an IPOD.

Some Impressions ?

Is it a good item ?

Thanks

I use a 20GB ipod on the road for two different reasons...

1) I like my music

2) I use it as a external firewire drive beofre my trip. I load it up with all the files I'll need on my trip and then use it as an external drive with my Powerbook.

Not sure if it will double as a hard drive if you get the Windows version.

My impression? It is invaluable to me.

My opinion:

Poor battery life (even on the newest generation).

Poor software support, quite frankly I find itunes to be a major PITA

Expensive accessories

Expensive purchase price of the device.

The ipod is overrated, I had an ipod in the week it was introduced (paid $600 for the original 5Gb). Personally I'd pick one of the other HD players out there, like the Dell or the Iriver.

I have an iRiver iHp-140. 40Gb, cheaper than the iPod of the same size, better functionality (radio, Ogg and WMA support etc), almost double the battery life and it does the whole external HD thing like the iPod doesn't do on Windows. It's slightly bulkier, but for me that's fine. On balance though, friends and colleagues love their iPods and I love my iRiver so everyone is happy :)

^ ^

And don't forget the included LCD backlit remote control!

The more I've been reading about the iRiver 20gb, the more tempting it looks. Maybe I should trade someone my iPod for one...

Has anyone found a website that does a good comparison between both devices?

I've had one of the newer iPods for about two weeks now (the 20GB version). I love being able to listen to whatever I want whenever I want. The device is pretty slick from a design perspective and very functional. I do find the battery life to be somewhat lacking though.

Contrary to what another poster indicated, I feel that iTunes does a pretty good job of organizing the music I've got.

The iTMS is also a fantastic spot. I'll probably never buy another CD again.

I think www.misticriver.net might help a lot.

Wow. I also picked up one of the 5GB original's as soon as it hit Swiss shores (metaphorically of course, America's Cup not withstanding). I only paid ~650 CHF. That would have translated into 400 to 500 USD (I guess I could go back and confirm the exchange rate on the date of introduction on www.oanda.com, but nah). Why did you get nailed for such a premium?

As to the OP's question. I'd say go for it unless you are into technical hobbies. I do audio restoration for a hobby and have worked in and dealt with audio gear at some level for 30+ years as both a vocation and avocation. Apple's standard apps are not blemish free but more than good enough independent of the host platform.

Plus, if there is any doubt, check out the iRiver and iPod side-by-side and let your gut reaction be your guide.

Lets just say there was an Apple dealer with 2 of them, and a gadget freak that really really wanted an ipod in it's first week.

Add the 2 together and you've got a prime opputunity for a dealer to screw you :D

I love my iPod. The battery is lame, but if I figure if I have to keep it running for more than 6+ hours, then I need sedatives.

A Matter Of Personal Preference
 

I can't say that I've made a side-by-side comparison between the iPod and other MP3 players, nor have I even tried out another HD-based player to compare audio quality differences, but working on my second iPod in as many years, I have to say that I join the millions of converts to the cult, without reservations.

If you enjoy listening to music, then this is the toy for you. Being able to have every single CD in your collection with you at all times is really something extraordinary. Whenever I used to travel with my CD player and some subset of my music collection, I'd invariably wind up wishing that I had brought some other CDs. Now, no matter what I feel like listening to, I can switch very easily.

It's true that battery life is still a challenge, but I and many others believe that they've made a reasonable compromise, espeically with the latest models. Moreover, if you're using it mostly for travel, and you're going to be either on an airplane or in a car, there are simple accessories that you can buy that will enable you to run the iPod off an external power source, thereby eliminating battery life as an issue in those situations.

I also have downloaded a number of audiobooks from Audible.com and I've also got my contacts sychronized with my Outlook so that it acts as a backup to my Palm and cell, in case either one or the other dies on me.

As far as software, I do not use iTunes or MusicMatch. I use third-party programs and have not found them to cause me any problems. There are also a wealth of resources and add-ons available for the iPod, due to its popularity.

Go to iPodLounge or any one of dozens of iPod-dedicated sites (essentially, the iPod equivalent of FT) and read the posts from these users. Anything that elicits this level of passion and devotion from its owners can't be a hunk of junk.

:eek:

Arrrrgh!! The URL above opens up five different pop-up windows and ads and asks if you want to install GAIN/GATOR. :mad:

I believe the correct URL is http://www.misticriver.net/ :D

Oops... sorry about that...

I agree. I use iTunes for Windows, and have had no problems. I don't need all the wiz-kid features of other software packages.

The iPod is flawless in design and use. The battery has lasted for 5 hour flights. If you need longer, they do have power adapters and even an external battery pack you can get. Worth every penny. Why get something "almost right" for $50 less, etc.? Treat yourself. In sum, it's been one of three or four electronic items I can say that have lived up to the hype.

maisany, all the other HD players do the same as what you have stated and some like the IRiver do much more! It's not that its a hunk of junk or not, or whether its the best value for money.

The iPod works great as a Windows external HD.

I'm not a Mac guy, but I really like my iPod. The user experience with it is much better than any comparable player that I have used.

Yessssss...ipod
 

I have had mine for most of a year (40 gig) and it is grand. Easy to use, ALL my music with me. I too have had no trouble using itunes. I have not used the others so have no comparison to offer but it is hard to imagine anything working as smoothly as the ipod. Certainly nothing ever built by Microsoft, Dell, Intel etc.

If the mini comes out with just a bit more capacity I will switch to that
bbkenney

I have both a 20GB iPod, and an iPod Mini and I love them both. iTunes is (in my opinion) the nicest jukebox/music management software I've ever used, the iTunes music store is great (for music and audiobooks), and the integreation with the iPod is seamless.

I am (unfortunately) by no means a "price sensisitve" gadget shopper ("it's cool! I want it, and I want it NOW!"), so I am willing to pay a premium for small size, and a superior user interface. I think that is one aspect the iPod really shines in, its user interface. It's pleasant and brainless to use.

Chris

My only complaint about my Ipod is Itunes... you can only buy/download if you are from the US! What about Europe or even Canada?
I love my Ipod, have had no problem with battery power, but always keep the adapter with me for when we arrive to recharge it.
Until Itunes lets me in I'll just have to manage with my collection of CDs - I've downloaded almost the limit at 10,000 songs. :)

Not that it helps you in Sweden, but iTunes music store is available in France, Germany, and the U.K.

I have also heard they are launching the music store in Denmark this fall.

I bought a Dell when it first came out. When the IPOD mini came out I bought one of those. I havent used the Dell since. I think the sound is better (marginally) on the IPOD, mainly volume-wise. I have both Macs and PCs. I use the Dell software on a PC and the IPOD software on a Mac. With those caveats, I find the iTunes software and iTunes music store (again, on the Mac) to be very, very much superior to the software that comes with the Dell. It is the main reason I dont use the Dell.

In Italy isn't aviable too, but the lanching is imminent (in the end of 2004 )
It's a very good site with a lot of songs !
I'm waiting for it...... ;)

Actually, one thing was brought up that I hadn't considered as a unique feature before, and that's audiobooks. Can other players play Audible's format like the iPod can? Also, do other players pick up where you last left off in the audiobook like the iPod -- and iTunes -- does?

This is such a small feature, but it really is quite nice. I don't know if any of you have had to fast-forward through an audiobook to find your last stopping place. That is a big hassle that you eliminate with the iPod and iTunes.

Also, it's worth mentioning that because the iPod is the most popular option, there's some nifty options for accessories that aren't available -- or aren't available in the same variety/quality/whatever -- for other players. The Altec Lansing InMotion speakers come to mind.

I think what it comes down to the most, like others have mentioned, is if you're a geek who likes to tinker, you might be bothered by the limitations of the iPod and iTunes. If your first requirement is to organize and listen to your music anywhere you go, and you like sleek solutions but maybe less ability to mess with the stuff under the hood, the iPod should satisfy you.

Here's a good litmus test...

Ogg Vorbis.
1. I need to go to the mall. Where are my Manolos?
2. Is that a character from Star Wars or something?
3. Makes my eyes glaze over. Do you want to play DDR?
4. That's what the hardcore kids are doing these days.
5. Ugh. That's so 6 months ago. I've encoded all my music in <some other, more obscure format> now. Get with the program, you valley girl.

If you scored 1-3, an iPod is for you. If you scored 4, you will find an iPod to be like nails on a chalkboard. 5+: You glare at anyone you see with white earphones, further ensuring your dateless status and participation in the next several years' worth of LAN parties in your metropolitain area. :D

You can get perfectly decent speakers for any other MP3 player, their only difference is that they are $100 cheaper...

As for OGG Vorbis, I can understand Apple not being much of a supporter of it, as they prefer to push their own format, but in the audio world Vorbis is considered one of the best formats there is, plus it's an open source format, for the regular user that just wants his Kenny G collection in a pocket format I can understand Vorbis isn't important, but a serious geek doesn't listen to Kenny G ;)

Plus you can buy them through the iTunes store, and it's seamless, and it just works.

Yikes... hopefully we won't get into an Ogg Vorbis religious war. It's starting to sound like Slashdot :D

Ahh, that's a trick question. No one is from Canada!

*ducking for cover*

oh, but the Altec Lansing InMotions are really cool:

1. It's really compact.
2. Good sound
3. The iPod docks into it
4. It's also an alarm clock
5. Better sound than anything $100 cheaper (These are $150)
6. The iPod charges in it.
7. You can plug the thing into your Firewire port to sync the iPod
8. Has audio in for other devices
9. AC adapter or battery powered (4 AAs)

...and that's the point I was going for. Sure, you can find accessories for everything that'll do anything. But because the iPod is so dominant, you can find some really cool accessories for it.

I think this makes you a 6. :p :D

uhm, that would be /. Get it right next time, ok? :mad:

Well, I've gone through 2 Archos players (both died and were returned to Amazon), and I'm now expecting my third Dell DJ (first two both developed headphone jack problems). I really liked using the DJ with MusicMatch as my ripper/burner/organizer, and transferring files using Dudebox. Dell also has a great no questions advance exchange warranty, but I am sick of returning the thing. When the new one arrives tomorrow it's going up on ebay.

I had bought my partner (an Apple freak) a 15gb 3G iPod a few months ago. But he never used it and has now given it to me. I like the size better than the DJ, but the interface is, frankly, klunkier. Battery life is shockingly poor compared to the DJ. Also, I still don't like iTunes. I had tried it out a few months ago and uninstalled it. I reinstalled it to make my initial transfer to the iPod, but have now bought Anapod Explorer and will use that with MusicMatch, and will probably uninstall iTunes once again.

I probably still wouldn't pick the iPod as my first choice, but I have it, it's paid for, and so far it works. So I'm stuck with it.

What else would I try? Probably not the Creative Zen Touch since it's likely to replicate any build problems with the Dell DJ (both made by Creative and very similar). Probably not the Rio Karma because, although it sounds really cool, it also sounds like there are vastly more reliability problems than any other player and it has a rotten warranty. Maybe the iRiver IHP-120, though it has its share of detractors as well as fans.

Personally, I think that HD-based MP3 players are really cool, but the technology is still not quite ready for prime time.

There will be a new Karma pretty soon. Colour display among other new features...

I have just buy miniIpod (silver) for 295 €.

It's a very beautiful design and a splendid mp3 player.
In a smallest size I have 4 Gb... Alarm....mp3.... files....
Very cool !

Thanks all for give me impressions about Ipod !
:cool:

Our university bookstore just got a huge shipment in of minis. Walked in and got the silver for my taller half and the fm adapter. I paid 249 for the
mini with tax. They are kind to gov't workers and university staff.

Gave it to Taller half last night, she looked at it and was happy to get it, but I think she expects me to load it up for her. :rolleyes: Hope she likes the Pixies and firehose. :D

lala

On the US APPLE site there is the mini Ipod for 249 $. On the european site of IPOD for 279 €..... :(
With the correct change the total 208 €............ :rolleyes:
Next time I will buy elettronics on US online store.... whit shipping charge, I will pay .... less......

Personally, I think that HD-based MP3 players are really cool, but the technology is still not quite ready for prime time.[/QUOTE]

To each his own for sure but IMHO the ipod is The Deal. I wish my Dells/Toshibas/Anything from Microsoft...worked 1/2 as well.

To each his own for sure but IMHO the ipod is The Deal. I wish my Dells/Toshibas/Anything from Microsoft...worked 1/2 as well.[/QUOTE]


You mean like this:

Update: 42% report 4G iPod audio problems
http://www.ipodlounge.com/ipodnews_c...d=4753_0_7_0_C

:D

I'm about to pull the trigger on my 20GB iPod purchase but I'm wondering which accessories I should buy with it. Specifically:

--If I already have a bag full of adapters for use in every country on the planet, do I need to shell out for the iPod's $39 set of international adapters? Is there a power cord that I can just plug into my existing adapters? (And: even the iPod set does not include a plug for South Africa and their nutty outlets--what do I do for these trips?)

--For playing the iPod in the car, the NY Times Circuits section recently recommended the Sony cassette-player hookup, which Apple sells as an iPod accessory. Is the $20 price from Apple decent, or can I get this cheaper elsewhere?

--I want to listen to the iPod while running. Should I buy the in-ear headphones? (My head, like the rest of me, is small and I often have problems with headphones being too big and falling off. Will the in-ear headphones stay in place any better?)

--I want to listen to the iPod while running, part 2. Should I buy the $39 belt clip carrying case or is there a better and cheaper option for this purpose? Like the belt pack I already own, for instance?

--Do I really need that $79 kit to attach the iPod to my stereo (which is so lo-fi that a Monster Cable would laugh at it), or will any old connector wire do the job? Is the output jack for the iPod unique enough to require a proprietary cable?

Thanks to the experts for your help!

I've traveled with my iPod (and the rest of my travel gear) to different parts of the world and never had the need to buy the $39 international adapter set from Apple. I just use of the adapters in my grab bag of wires and cables that I've collected over the years of travel. And if I don't happen to have the appropriate one, most decent hotels have adapters to loan out during your stay. The Apple adapter set sure looks cool though.



You can probably get it cheaper at Radio Shack but not by much.



I've used my iPod while working out outside and in the gym and it works fine. But I'm probably in the minority because I think it's still too bulky for that purpose. I use a flash memory-based MP3 player instead.



The iPod output jack is standard mini-RCA (I think that's what it's called), no different from the outjack jack of a Sony Walkman. So you need whatever cable to connect a Sony Walkman to your stereo. In my case, it's a Mini to RCA Stereo Y Cable that looks like this .

The main benefit of the international adapter kit offered by Apple is that the plugs actually snap on to the brick adapters used for all Apple devices. Once you get your ipod, you'll notice that one corner of its power adapter where the plug resides can come off. You can replace it then with the plug for another country. While not essential, it's quite nice when you have several Apple devices that can all make use of these different tips. ...not all at the same time though.

When in a country like South Africa, you could charge your iPod from a computer's firewire port. In fact, this method of charging is primarily how I charge my iPod everywhere. I never bring the wall adapter when traveling, because it's so easy just to plug it into my computer while working or using my car charger when driving.

As far as I can tell, there's no difference between tape adapters. They're probably all made at the same facility in Thaiwan, ShenZen or Singapore, where different companies have their labels stuck on them. Go with the cheapest, probably about $10.

Don't go with in-ear headphones for running. I don't think they'll stay in for that. Plus, it seems like you wouldn't want to keep out noises around you while running, which in-ear styles tend to do. I don't know what would be best... Maybe check out reviews on Amazon or some fitness sites.

For the full-sized iPods, they make these neoprene belt packs that are designed for use while running. The belt clips seem like they would kind of bounce around on your waistband as you run. But might as well try out what you already have, and if that doesn't work then research other options.

The output jack is a standard mini jack. You can get the Y dongle suggested by BP888. I experienced a problem with grounding when I did that though. Because the iPod wasn't grounded, I could hear a hum through the speakers when I played my iPod. While you don't need any special kit for hooking up your iPod to your stereo you will probably need something that takes care of that grounding issue. I'm sure there's a solution less than $39 out there.

Thanks very much, bp888 and swise. I've been poking around the iPodlounge looking at accessories and found a nice option for the belt pack. swise, I'll take your advice on the headphones vs. earbuds idea--I'll just see what comes with the unit and test that headset out. bp888, thanks very much for alerting me to the $1 (vs. $79!) option for hooking this thing up to the stereo! And swise, I will just stick with my bagful of international adapters now. I am embarrassed to admit that I have no idea what a firewire port is, much less whether my laptop has one, so it looks like I will be carrying that wall adapter around until I figure this out.

I think I am ready to go here! Woo hoo!