Hey, just wondering if any of you have one and what you think about it. Figured I'd better get some input before I drop $400 on one. Here is my thought process.

1. Get the mini, it's less expensive at $250 and cute, but sold out everywhere with a 1-2 month backorder.
2. Spend $50 more bucks and get the 15gb version with 11gb more but lose the colors.
3. Go ahead and get the 20gb for $400 that comes with the dock, leather case, and remote that if bought separately would have cost more than the $100 difference from the 15gb that doesn't include the accessories.
4. I just can't afford or convince myself that the 40gb at $500 is something I need.

I am leaning toward #3.

I am a Mac user so I imagine everything should be seemless without having to use a Windows platform with the Apple product. What do you guys think?


[Thread title modified for clarity. - Outsports moderator]

[ December 20, 2004, 10:52 AM: Message edited by: m1 ]

Something to consider about the iPod mini:

Apple investigating complaints about iPod static

I don't own one, but have heard that Dell has now put one out, that is supposed to be both superior and cheaper than the ipod. May want to check it out.

The iPod will change your life. If you've got more than 500 CDs, go with the largest harddrive version you can afford. I started with a 10-gig, but then got a 30-gig, which still holds only 1/3 of the 85 gigs of MP3s in the collection.
BTW, reviews of the Dell version indicate that it lacks the convenience, ease-of-use and seemless interactivity with software that are the highlights of the iPod. But it is cheaper.
Since you're already a Mac user, I think you'd find the iPod to work much better for you.
Check the SALE page at apple store website (lower left of homepage) for good prices on refurbished iPods.

GET AN IPOD.

They are so awesome. My 40GB never leaves my side, and I'm thinking about buying a mini once my new job starts in a month or so.

How much music do you have your computer? That's the most important thing to consider when deciding between a mini and normal-sized.

Thanks for the responses guys, I am going to get it today. I have 20gb on my hard drive but much of it is stuff I don't listen too. I only loaded it for friends who wanted a copy made. I don't think I'll need 40gb, I'm going to get the 20gb version, and that should be plenty for me. I'll just drag and drop the stuff I want to carry with me.

It's almost like Christmas, I am very excited to get it today

Apple has come out with a new version of the iPod (4th generation, it's referred to) that features longer battery life than in previous models and some other improvements. I'm thinking of getting one, or maybe another player I've read some good things about this afternoon (reading at CNET.com), the iRiver iHP-120 (20 GB) or iHP-140 (40 GB).

Can the ipod be hooked up to play in your car without a tape deck? I only listen while driving.

By all means, get it (and I'm a Windows/PC user). I have the 20 gig, and love it. And, if you want to play it in the car, there is a terrific accessory called itrip that is inexpensive. It has easy software to load onto your computer and transmit to the ipod, and then it simply plugs into the headphone jack on the ipod and transmits the signal to an empty or weak signal on your fm radio. I live in the New York area, where there is little free FM bandspace, and commute every couple of days or so between the city and country but mine works just fine in all locations. (You can also get an accessory cable that will charge the ipod from the cigarette lighter outlet.)

Altec Lansing also makes a nifty set of speakers, battery powered, but also with a plug in adapter that is about the size of a small hardcover book, and provides terrific sound. I use it a lot on the deck.

The only thing I can kvetch about is that I wish the battery life were a bit longer.

Checkout www.ipodlounge.com for reviews, descriptions, accessories and all other things. It's a good site.

What about play lists and sorting songs, is that hard/easy to do ? Alot of the songs I downloaded have just the title, and not the artist, etc, so I'd have to edit each file ?

Now that I can play in a car, I want one.

I'm a total iWhore. I use my iPod in my car to listen from my speakers, I have the Altec Lansing speakers/charging base unit in my office so I can listen there, and I connect to my speakers at my beach house so I can listen there (where it's my sole source of music.) I've also downloaded audio files of art criticism so I can listen on plane rides. I absolutely love my iPod - I can't recommend it enough.

That's funny, the "i" seems to have disappeared. wink

The time-consuming thing for me would be downloading my CDs. None of them are on my PC now, so in order to get a good variety of songs on it, it would take some time, I'd think.

Another thought: if I ordered the new version of the iPod I might not have it before I leave for my upcoming Canada trip. I know that sites like Amazon are taking orders for it but don't have it in stock currently.

Playlists are a simple click and drag operation. Sorting songs is easy--you have many browse options.

As far as time constraints, my experience has been that it takes a minute or two to upload a CD and import it on my computer to the iTunes library. Then you just plug in the iPod to the computer and the update is even faster. Probably 99% of the content on mine is from my CD collection, although I have been buying tracks and full albums more recently from iTunes.

You might try J& R Music World in NY for current availability of the new model. www.jandr.com

The major advantage of the new, fourth generation iPods is the additional battery life.
The major DISadvantage of the new iPods is that they come without the dock, cable remote and case of the 3d generation iPods. (That's why they're priced $100 less.)

Best deal right now is to get a refurbished 3d generation from the Mother Ship:
"9:08 am ET, Jul 20, 2004

The Apple Store offers the factory-refurbished iPod 10GB MP3 player for $169 in its Special Deals section. That's $30 off our last mention and the lowest price we've seen. Also available: the 20GB iPod for $249, the 30GB iPod for $279, and the 40GB iPod for $329. Shipping is free, although sales tax is added where applicable. Each carries a one-year Apple warranty.  "

http://store.apple.com/

Refurbished iPods (with Dock Connector)
iPod 15GB (Includes Dock and carrying case) - RefurbishedAdd $199.00
iPod 20GB (Includes Dock and carrying case) - RefurbishedAdd $249.00
iPod 30GB (Includes Dock and carrying case) - Refurbished   Add $279.00
iPod 40GB (Includes Dock and carrying case) - Refurbished   Add $329.00"

Whether 3d or 4th generation, you'll LOVE your iPod!

SFDutch (who sold his Apple stock at its 10-year low)


[Post modified for hyperlink format. - Outsports moderator]

[ July 31, 2004, 03:56 PM: Message edited by: m1 ]

Is the dock you speak of the same as the Altec Lansing speakers/charging base unit that Munson Man has?

I'm not sure I want to buy anything refurbished, even if it has a warranty.

[ July 24, 2004, 07:52 PM: Message edited by: Joe in Philly ]

Joe, the iPod dock is a small platform to which you attach the iPod for battery charging, independent of any computer. If you don't have a dock, you can charge the iPod battery by plugging the iPod into the USB port on your computer.

From Apple site: "The iPod Dock makes charging and syncing easier than ever. A convenient and elegant home base for iPod on a desk or connected to a home stereo system, the dock provides syncing via FireWire or USB 2.0*, charging via FireWire and a stereo line out for simple connection to power speakers or a stereo system."

Our sound system is one iPod sitting in its dock, with the iPod's output going to powered loudspeakers. It's great!

Apple refurbs are a small risk with a major $ savings.

Dutch

The iPod dock is a small base you sit your unit in for charging either from your computer via firewire or a USB connection, or you plug it directly into an electric outlet and charge it that way. The dock has been included with 20 and 40 GB units up to know, but apparently that's no longer the case. The Altec Lansing speakers/charger are a separate product not made by Apple (but available at Apple stores) that you can dock the iPod in and listen to music through the speakers that are part of the unit. While listening your iPod is also being charged, or you can sit it in the base just to charge without listening to music.

As someone else said, loading your personal CDs to your computer and from your computer to the iPod is remarkably fast and easy. I have myiTunes preferences set so when I insert an audio CD in my laptop iTunes immediately opens and the laptop connects to the Gracenote CDBB database that automatically lays in the title of the CD, the artist, and the individual track titles (I believe you can only activate that feature if you have a broadband connection).

[ July 25, 2004, 11:48 AM: Message edited by: Munson Man ]

On a related note, July is supposedly the 25th Anniversary of the Sony Walkman. Article from today's Toronto Star.

Sony's new product to take on the Apple iPod:

Sony info.

Yes, all you need to do is go to an electronics store and get a battery-operated wireless electronic transmitter. Its plug should fit in your iPod's headphones slot.

You set it to one of 3-4 FM stations (like 88.5FM or 88.7FM), tune your car stereo to that station, turn on the wireless transmitter (you may have to move it around your dashboard so that it picks up the radio's antenna), then hit the play button on your iPod, and it plays superbly!

I have a hand-me down first generation iPod, change my playlists around about once a week, love it, love it, love it!

Can't contribute anything to this thread, but caught this story on the headlines.......

RealNetworks Says Files Can Play on iPod

1 hour, 54 minutes ago Add Technology - AP to My Yahoo!


By ALLISON LINN, AP Business Writer

SEATTLE - RealNetworks Inc. says it has created technology that allows songs purchased through its online music services to be played on Apple Computer Inc.'s popular iPod player, just a few months after complaining that Apple was rebuffing attempts to form an alliance.

In an interview Friday, RealNetworks chief executive Rob Glaser said he did not know how Apple would react to the new technology. Apple, based in Cupertino, Calif., did not return numerous phone calls from The Associated Press seeking comment.


Glaser said the new system, called Harmony Technology, will let people securely transfer music bought using RealNetworks' music download services to an iPod or virtually any other portable music player.


Previously, music purchased through RealNetworks' music download services could most easily be played on devices that supported its copyright protection technology. By the same token, the easiest way to get digital music onto the iPod player was through Apple's iTunes Music Store, which uses its own system. The same held true for devices that supported Microsoft's Windows Media Player anti-piracy technology.


Microsoft said it could not immediately comment on the system.


Glaser said the new the system works by essentially translating the various anti-piracy technologies, to make the players' systems compatible with RealNetworks' system. RealNetworks said it was not concerned that the system would be illegal.


"We are making it so that consumers can buy music once and play it anywhere," Glaser said.


A test version of Harmony will be available Tuesday on Real's Web site.


In April, Apple chairman Steve Jobs (news - web sites) rebuffed Glaser's request for a meeting to discuss an alliance between the companies, prompting complaints from RealNetworks representatives about why Apple didn't want to make its popular system more open.


There is already a way to make songs from RealNetworks' online music services play on the iPod, but it is cumbersome. To do so, a user would have to burn the songs from a computer to a CD, download them back onto the computer in a different format and then put them on the player.


Phil Leigh, an analyst with Inside Digital Media in Tampa, Fla., said he was surprised to hear that Real had developed the technology, since Apple has been careful about guarding its popular — and proprietary — system.


He said the new system could be a potential boon for RealNetworks, because customers would be able to buy whatever player they want without worrying about whether it would work with Real's service. But he said it would only be a success if it was easy and reliable.


"The question is, 'How well does it work?'" he said.

I own the 20gb Nomad Zen Nx Jukebox by Creative. It was a better deal than the Ipod. Plus, the Ipod software didn't work well with crappy WindowsME. When I finally upgrade my OS, and now that Apple has dropped the price of the Ipod, my next purchase will be the 40gb 4th generation Ipod. The 20gb doesn't cut it for me. And yes, I do want to carry around all of my music. I spend a long time commuting 60 miles so the music is a must. While I love my Zen (best jukebox mp3 for the dollar) I think I'll give it to my partner when I get my new Ipod.

I love my 3rd Gen iPod. I take it almost everwhere. To the gym, on weekend trips, etc. It even provided all of the music for a party at a friend's house. I have a set of Cambridge Soundworks speakers (with Subwoofer) that I pack into a backpack with the iPod and away we go. Everyone was amazed at the sound quality.



My only gripe is the battery life. frown

In doing some further reading I've learned that the new 40GB version does indeed come with a dock. Seeing as how I downloaded iTunes when they were giving away free songs on the Pepsi bottle caps, it seems like the easiest thing might be to go with the iPod. That's how I'm leaning, anyway. Thanks to all for the input.

After some more reading on other brands, I decided to get the iPod. I was going to order it from Amazon.com (linking through Outsports, of course), but while the link to the iPod says "usually ships in 1 to 2 weeks" when I went through the order process it gave me an estimated ship date of October 4, 2004! Sorry Amazon, sorry Outsports. I ordered it from BestBuy.com last night and picked it up today. Tonight the fun begins!

Congrats Joe, you will love your new toy. I use mine almost daily and I picked up an iTrip to listen to it in the car on FM. I hope you like it as much as I do.

I just got an iPod today! I have begun transferring all my Bangles and Bangle-related music to the ol' iPod. It's so cool! Am totally jazzed.

I am wondering ... those of you who download off the internet, do the sites you go to seem to only have tracks that are available as officially released cds, or do they also have rarities ... live tracks, unreleased stuff, b-sides? Any tips on which music sites are better than others?

My iPod saved my life the other night!

Okay, actually, I woke up at about 4:30 am all sweaty, and the room was completely dark, and it was completely dark outside, and I realized that the power was out. I needed to stumble my way to a flashlight, and used the backlight on the iPod to guide me. wink

Oh, and so far I've gotten over 900 songs on it. I have many, many, many more CDs to go.... eek!

iPod update: as I was sitting down on the bus this afternoon, somehow it slipped out of my shirt pocket this afternoon and bounced off the seat in front of me and then to the ground. eek! It seems to have survived but that was very scary. I really need to get a carrying case. The one I saw in the store yesterday (as I was buying my new Altec Lansing speakers/charging base unit for my bedroom) didn't have a swivel belt clip and I really want that.

I've got 4293 tracks on it (about 16.6 GB) and still have about 310 CDs to go through! I hope I get it done by Monday night for my trip.

In another thread, George_vikingfan posted

Since you guys were so helpful when I was looking to get a new computer, I thought I'd seek your guidance again as I look to finally get my first MP3 player. I've decide to treat myself to one after the holidays (hopefully find some good deals then!). But what brand is best? What should I be looking for as far as any "extras"? I want a good one but I don't need a top of the line model. Something mid range in price would be good I think. Anyway any feedback would be greatly appreciated!

I was about to link to this thread in the post that was moved here. Damn lightning-speed moderators. Anyway, I did some research into other players (mentioned above) but ended up with the iPod and I'm happy with it. It's more expensive but it works well, it's easy to use, it's easy to load songs from CDs onto the computer and then into the iPod using iTunes. Any idea of how many songs you might be using? The 40GB iPod is supposed to hold 10,000. (The newest one is a 60GB iPod Photo. I see the photo capabilities as a waste because the screen is so small.)

I have the newest 40GB iPod with the scroll wheel and as of now I have 7,349 on mine (including Christmas music, which will disappear after the holidays). wink

I still have not transitioned to an IPOD yet...and I may never do it. The new Creative Zen Touch 40gb looks wonderful so I may just stay with the Creative line.

Loving the iPod lifestyle. I can't recommend the product (line) to folks enough. There really isn't another MP3 player out there that performs this well and is as easy to use. Period. What's nice now is there is a growing array of iPods to choose from. I out grew the mini I won from work almost immediately but have it on good authority a 40GB will be under the xmas tree. In return, i'm stocking the mini full of custom playlists and giving it to my Aunt who was asking for a mini.

Consider this odd marketing trend: Non apple computer users that own iPods are so thrilled with the user experience that they are purchasing Apple computers instead of windows based PCs. This isn't just PR spin, it actually happens in Apple stores every day. Too weird. I can't think of an accessory that was so popular that it drove larger ticket item sales.

I love my iTrip transmitter, but not everyone seems to think the sound quality is perfect. There are more and more kits out there that let you plug your iPod into your car stereo. The most expensive being the BMW built with iPod controls on the steering wheel.

Regarding the iPod Photo: The screen maybe small, but it's great for portable viewing. If you want to show your photos off on a bigger screen, just bring along the included cable that plugs into a TV to run a giant slide show along with a soundtrack from your music library. Pretty nifty.

merry chrismahanukwanzaka

No compatibilty problems, MDB? For one thing, I understand that Apple uses its own encoding format called AAC, rather than the MP3 standard. And you can't upload from iTunes to any player other than an iPod. But with the proliferation of digital audio sources these days, maybe that's not an issue... (Oops, just answered my own question -- CNET just published an article on iTunes-compatible players, including one from Creative.)

Coincidentally, this morning's Globe has an article about the latest "personal broadcasting" phenomenon, \"podcasting\".

[ January 03, 2005, 06:31 PM: Message edited by: redsoxbreath ]

That's if you buy a song from iTunes. The iPod plays regular MP3's, though. (I believe you can burn an AAC song to a CD, then save it to the computer as an MP3 just like any other song on a CD, in order to play it on other players.)

Sorry gusy I didn't search to see if a thread already existed on MP3 players. Bad, bad George!!!

Anyway I have some reading to do cuz I missed this thread entirely. Thanks for the link!

While it's too late for Gaga4Gaby to bid, you can still take a peak at a recent eBay classic auction: Hasselhof Holiday iPod

Thanks for all the info on Ipods. I've been thinking about getting one, since we have three overseas trips coming up in the next couple of years.

From dealmac.com today:
  10:16 am

If you need an iPod by Christmas, time is running short. Local stores may have stock. Or, you can buy one from The Apple Store, but you'll pay the full retail price, applicable sales tax, and $17 for next-day shipping. (Skip engraving, otherwise it won't arrive in time. Click here for Apple's deadlines.) Cheaper options are available:


Buy.com offers the HP iPod 20GB MP3 player for $289.99. Its $10 off $175 coupon for new customers reduces it to $279.99. 2nd-day shipping is a $3.99 upgrade, a total of about $11 for shipping.
SmartBargains.com offers the HP iPod 40GB for $389.99. Activate its $40 off $350 coupon (the discount shows in your cart) and pay $349.99. Plus, a $40 iTunes Gift Card is free after a mail-in rebate. Add $6.95 for 3-day shipping, ending today.
Update: A reader notes that Costco.com offers the iPod mini in blue with Apple's iPod Arm Band and a $15 iTunes Gift Card for $269.99. That's a $25 savings. Express shipping adds about $22, tax is charged, and non-members pay a $13.50 surcharge. Note: At "3 to 6 business days from the time of order", the expected ship date is not explicit.

or this from dealmac.com today (Tuesday):

"Apple 40GB iPod for $295 after rebate  11:22 am EST
A reader discovered that PC Connection offers the Apple 40GB iPod MP3 player for $394.88 before a $100 mail-in rebate, $294.88 after. That's the lowest price we've seen for Apple's 40GB iPod. Add $9.40 for shipping. Rebate ends December 27. "


Loving our iPods!

Unwrapped one from my husband last night!! 40gb.

...are we still talking about iPods?
hehe

...and I got an iPod!! wink

I have decided not to become a pod person.

I'm leaning towards the 40gb Creative Zen Touch but the 40gb I-River is also very intriguing.

A little late to the tea party but...a pitch for a less expensive alternative to the IPod. I've been a maniacal music collector all my life and have tons of tapes, records, and cd's (over 5,000). This summer I bought a Rio 20 GB Karma for under $250. Spent months transferring all my stuff (hooked up a turntable to the computer) and I still have several GB's left. I'm very happy. And I feel (smugly) proud that I didn't pay the IPOD price.

My iPod was acting all screwy last night -- it would play for a few seconds and then start sort of skipping -- not like records or CDs skip, just a brief pause and then it would resume -- but it would do it repeatedly, then at the end of the song it would pause completely, even though the screen showed it was in "play" mode and the title of the next song was displayed. Then the icon showing battery life disappeared. Then while I was trying to figure that out, I noticed that the clock display showed 1 Jan 2002 12:00 am. I got so fed up I was close to throwing it against the wall. But instead I put it down and slept without my iPod music. It's playing normally now, however, and I reset the settings on it and fixed the time. Bizarre.

Any suggestions for how to make the entire flight to Paris without losing power on my pod??

MiamiSpartan:

Check out ipodlounge.com; there are several additional battery packs that are suppose to work for extra long flights. Wish I would have had my iPod for my flight to Paris. Have a great trip.

Thanks for the tip.

OK I caved. I bought a 4G 40gb Ipod. I wasn't planning on buying one but I was in a Stupid Prices store the other day and saw a brand new 4g 40gb one sitting in it's orginal box in the glass cabinet for $280 and they pay the sales tax. That was too good of a deal to pass up so I bought it. I thought it was refurbished or a return but it was beand spanking new. $280 tax free for 40gb 4g! Now that's what you call a "Stupid Price"

They also had a 20gb U2 ipod for about $230.

I'm in the process of filling that baby up.

You have been assimilated. Welcome to the pod world MDB. Mine travels everywhere with me. I just got an iTrip for mine and it works pretty well!