Apple IPOD
 

Anyone got one? any opinions? Advice? My credit card is throbbing and I think I need one. I'd appreciate feedback from an owner before incurring the wrath of Mrs Handled. Ta.

I don't own one but have set up one up for a customer as their PC was lacking a firewire card.

My impression from just handling it for a few minutes but not actually using it was that it was extremely easy to install (on XP), has a good old fashioned metal feel it but (imho) is let down by the large glass (solid plastic?) screen which looks too easy to be scratched/broken - i.e. not much protection - hence the case they give you. Would have been better if they made that part recessed or a have sliding/flip-over cover to protect it.

For the rest you will need to ring my customer...

Had a Windows iPOD since October, but can't fault it, but the software for windows is cr@p, but if it's for a MAC then there shouldn't be a problem, also if you get a Windows one then if you change, your PC to a MAC you can format if for a MAC.

I have put a link to the Apple iPOD forum so you can look at the problems and this should give you the full picture.

P.S.......I have no regrets about buying one and have not had the troubles that other people have had.

http://discussions.info.apple.com/[email protected]

P.P.S, I have the 20g iPOD and it is running ok with just over 5000 mp3's on it.

Friend recently bought one in NYC. Works splendidly with his iMac over a Firewire connection. He reckons battery life is enough for a reasonable day's listening while walking, jogging, rowing machine etc. He's put most of his 200+ CD collection onto it.

However, he's now pissed orf as Apple have just released a new line that are cuter, slimmer and have more storage. They also have docking stations to allow you to set it up next to your hi-fi and listen through that. This is in line with Apple's new focus on music (iTunes Music Store etc.) - visit http://www.applemusic.com for info.

New ones are very nice but something had to give in slimming them down. Significantly less battery life and the published figures for the new one are based on entirely unrealistic usage.

Apple just might let the old ones go out at knockdown prices and they'd be a bargain. However, they have in the past buried unsold stock in landfill sites just to prevent such price cutting.
Sum up: Superb if used with a Mac.

Regards
Rob

Fantastic bit of kit. All my music now on one device and I bring it everywhere. Play it in my car, out walking etc, etc.

I have the Windows version and it works flawlessly. BUT only because I never used the software (Musicmatch) that comes with it! I took advice and use that as a coaster!

I use Cedex for ripping, ID3-Taggit for tagging the MP3 files and Ephod for transferring the music from PC to iPod. trust me it's simple, if I can do it.......
They are all freeware programs and you'll download them in a few minutes.
Make sure you have firewire. Battery life is about 10 hours.

I'm so impressed that I think I'll be making the switch to an iMac and powerbook very soon! (This is part of Job's strategy I believe by making it available for Windows)

BTTT :)

Thinking of getting Mrs Evo one for her birthday (probably 10Gb - as she's unlikely to use more than that). As six months is a long time for things like the iPod, how do they look now? Anything better?

Anyone using their Ipod with Windows should check out Apple's iTunes for Windows. I don't have an iPod, but I have been using Apple's iTunes on Windows, and haven't used any other music player since. It works the same as iTunes on the Mac, including transferring music to an iPod. Now if I had the money to spare, I would buy an iPod. :D

goates

Hi
I have had a Windows Ipod for a year now, can't fault the product but the software for putting the media on it isn't that good, I found Media Centre 9 is the best bit of software, in fact I use it for all my stored media, also there is a really good web site called Ipod Lounge it has everything you need on it:

http://www.ipodlounge.com/

Younger daughter bought one, manages it with the Mac (she's a PC and Mac person), and raves about it. Uses it on the train to London, and through the car sound system when driving.

She's got some absurd number of CDs stored on it. It's an amazing bit of kit. It's small enough and portable enough that I can't see her wanting a smaller one, especially if battery life is compromised.

I'm tempted myself...

you're also forgetting it can hold other file types, i.e. you can use it to backup essential files like your email file!!!!

Have had one for about 4 weeks - linked to an iMac.

VERY good !! :ok: :ok:

Am just waiting for a media reader and then I can store digital photos on it when I am away - should save on media cards !

Also have a copy of my contacts and calender on it - but find the games a bit difficult to control - lack of fingertip control on my part I think...

Oh and it plays my CDs very well .....

Definately recommend it (also sets the green-envy-gremlims off at work hehe !) :E

Bought the 30gb model about 6 months ago. Cannopt fault it, works even better with the new iTunes for WIndows. I have all my music on it, and also subscribe to Audio Books. Bought a couple of Power accessories ( Car Charger, Back up battery pack, and straight plug in power charger), so seldom run out of juice.

H

Jx is the proud owner of a 20Gb model ('Gen2') iPod. It's the best gadget ever IMHO, superb quality playback of all my 'choons' and synching address book and calendar perfectly with my Mac and mobile phone. I'm even pondering putting a copy of OS X on there to add the capability of a fast portable FireWire drive and emergency boot disk.

I would use my iTrip to broadcast my music as FM to my car radio too, but I know that's naughty and illegal so would never consider it for a moment ;)

Only thing which annoys me is the box of adaptors for the mains charger you have to buy. Why can't they sell a single international adaptor with slide out pins etc.

I have the new 20GB iPod and use it with Windows.
I had so much trouble getting it to work with my computer that I almost returned it. Turns out that Apple's Firewire implementation is particularly sensitive to the kind of Firewire card that's in your computer. I ended up buying the $20 USB 2.0 cable and that seems to work well.
The biggest downside for me is that it doesn't support WMA format files.
You might want to take a look at the new Dell Digital Jukebox. Same concept although the design isn't as nice as the iPod. However, it is cheaper, promises better battery life and support WMA.

BAL

Funny, I had that down as a benefit.. ;)

Apple invented FireWire, and licenses the standard to other manufacturers - so you might need to look to your card's makers, if you suspect an issue with their implementation of IEEE 1394.

Actually Firewire seems to be the number one issue with people on Windows and iPods. My motherboard has a built-in Firewire adapter as does my soundcard. Different chipsets, etc. Both certified to work with Windows, both work with DV cameras and external Firewire hard drives. The motherboard-based Firewire implementation didn't get on to the iPod to the extend that the iPod was so thoroughly locked up it had to be left overnight to discharge. The soundcard's Firewire interface worked but apparently data was being corrupted during transfer since transfers hung and music skipped on the iPod. Check out www.ipodlounge.com for lots of Firewire woes.
The reasons I blame the iPod's implementation are that multiple Firewire hardware (all of which is certified with Windows) has issues with the iPod and that said Firewire hardware works with other devices.
I suppose the solution is to get a Mac :)

...that's my boy! :E

Has anyone tried using the Windows version of iTunes yet?

I have been told by friends the the iPod works seamlessly with it. I use iTunes instead of winamp now, I love it!!

Just need to save up for that iPod!!

Yep, iTunes for windows works seamlessly with the iPod.

H