Thread: Ipods?

If you can afford it then yes, an Ipod is a pretty cool thing. I only have an RCA Lyra myself. Can hold maybe 4 hours at acceptable quality MP3pro.

A new generation iPod comes out most years, the iPod Video we have now is nice, but it doesn't have the greatest screen. People are speculating that this wil be adressed next generation. If I were you I'd wait to see if Apple anounce anything at E3, if they do wait, if not I say go ahead. That's how I'm playing it anyway.

Oh yeah, an Ipod is great. But why settle for something mediocre?

What price range have you got?
If you can afford a 30GB Ipod then you may be able to stretch to a media player.
Check it out- nice thing...
That was a great buy, I can’t criticize it in the slightest

Ok that's a top of the line model but there are plenty of cheaper ones out there. Just give it a thought...

If not then the Ipod is a good choice on the MP3 side of things.
Some others for consideration... Philips
Creative Zen

Edit: Oh- I just realised that you were thinking of getting an Ipod video. Aren't they very restricted in terms of video content that you can download? Definately look around for some media players before you go ahead and buy it!

Originally posted by ataraxis
Plus, it's pretty necessary to get at least some of the accessories

There is one accessory that lets the iPod transmit at a programmable frequency, so it can be played on a radio (iTrip). Stay away from that one. Both my brother and his friend's brother had trouble with it. On my brother's, there is a pin that goes in to the iPod, well that's loose. Any motion and the pin comes out of contact with the female side, sending a *tsstststtstst* static noise onto the radio. He even wanted me to hold the thing in place, and I told him how ridiculous it was, since that still did not do the trick all the time. Extremely annoying.

^^^^Hmph! That thing is banned over here (To my knowledge)

Originally posted by ataraxis
I'm thinking of getting an Ipod... but they are pretty expensive (though, there's really no match for them in the terms of good quality mp3 players with lots of storage and being very practical like the Ipod) Plus, it's pretty necessary to get at least some of the accessories (like the outlet charger thing and "iskin" plus a good pair of headphones). Also, probably an extra battery could help as well. I've read things about the battery life running out quickly if you let it discharge completely a lot... I'd get the 30 GB video Ipod if anything. What do you guys think...?

I have a 30GB Black Ipod video and I love it like a child, lol. It took me foreeever to save the money but it was really worth it. A few things though:

1. You don't need to buy a good pair of headphones, they come with some very high quality ones.

2. An outlet charger is a good idea, but it works fine charging it through the computer. I'd only suggest an AC charger if you plan on travelling somewhere that there's no computer that you could recharge it at.

3. I've had mine for quite awhile, and I've had absolutely 0 problems with the battery. I wouldn't suggest buying a new battery to go with it. If the battery doesn't completely work when you get it, or soon after, you can just ship it back to Apple and they'll repair it, or send you a new one (free of charge, I believe, except shipping)

4. As far as 'iSkin's go, I'd highly recommend the Agent 18 hard plastic case. It's like a shell, and it covers the entire ipod except the click wheel, headphone jack, the jack for the USB, and the hold button. It's very hard plastic and wonderful screen protection, very clear. It's available on the Apple website (that's where I got mine)

The videos are awesome. I suppose they *could* be of higher quality. But personally, I'm completely satisfied. I'd check out the Videora Ipod Convertorthat allows you to convert your DVD's into iTunes, and put them on your iPod. It's a free download too. The complete step-by-step directions for conversions are there too.

Originally posted by Distant Clone
There is one accessory that lets the iPod transmit at a programmable frequency, so it can be played on a radio (iTrip). Stay away from that one. Both my brother and his friend's brother had trouble with it. On my brother's, there is a pin that goes in to the iPod, well that's loose. Any motion and the pin comes out of contact with the female side, sending a *tsstststtstst* static noise onto the radio. He even wanted me to hold the thing in place, and I told him how ridiculous it was, since that still did not do the trick all the time. Extremely annoying.

Those suck. End of story. Never bought one, but I've heard enough horror stories. As far as hooking them up to car stereos (assuming that's what you where trying to do) there's a cheap alternative. There's these little cassetes, that have a headphone wire coming out of them. I believe they where originally developed to play CD's in a car w/o a CD player via the cassette player. You just plug the headphone wire into the CD player (iPod in this case), stick the cassette in the cassette deck, and use the volume controls on the car, and all the other controls on the iPod. Don't look for the ones that are advertised for iPods, the plain CD player ones are the exact same (I got mine for 4$). Although that's the fancy ipod one. Like I said, the one's advertised for CD players are the exact same thing for so much cheaper.

Here are the links to stuff I mentioned:

Agent 18 Ipod Case: http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebO...plm=TG018LL%2FA

Videora Ipod Convertor: http://www.videora.com/en-us/Converter/iPod/

Videora Conversion Guide: http://www.videora.com/en-us/Converter/guides.html

Cassette Adaptor Example: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0001MQUR...glance&n=172282 Although that's the fancy ipod one. Like I said, the one's advertised for CD players are the exact same thing for so much cheaper.

Originally posted by dudesuperior


Edit: Oh- I just realised that you were thinking of getting an Ipod video. Aren't they very restricted in terms of video content that you can download? Definately look around for some media players before you go ahead and buy it!

Well, I can "acquire" a copy of video editing programs that will make it work for me

Originally posted by Distant Clone+--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Distant Clone)</div>

There is one accessory that lets the iPod transmit at a programmable frequency, so it can be played on a radio (iTrip). Stay away from that one. Both my brother and his friend's brother had trouble with it. On my brother's, there is a pin that goes in to the iPod, well that's loose. Any motion and the pin comes out of contact with the female side, sending a *tsstststtstst* static noise onto the radio. He even wanted me to hold the thing in place, and I told him how ridiculous it was, since that still did not do the trick all the time. Extremely annoying.[/b]

Hrm... I probably wouldn't get that anyways (I can just listen to it with headphones ) but I heard it works fine with some other people... Also, I think some versions of it don't work with some versions of the Ipod.

<!--QuoteBegin-Courtney


I have a 30GB Black Ipod video and I love it like a child, lol. It took me foreeever to save the money but it was really worth it. A few things though.

1. You don't need to buy a good pair of headphones, they come with some very high quality ones.

You mean just the white Ipod ones? I have an Ipod shuffle (I got it as a gift) but I wanna upgrade. Unless you mean it comes with in-ear-monitor headphones (the earbuds that things that actually get inside of your ear... they cost usually a minimum of about a 100 bucks though). Those are alright, but A) they are incredibly uncomfortable (I lost the "comfort pads" anyways... they fall off fairly easily... so it's just the metal in my ear), especially like in a car. B) Fall out kinda easily. I want to get a over the head pair of headphones. This is the pair I'm gonna get

2. An outlet charger is a good idea, but it works fine charging it through the computer. I'd only suggest an AC charger if you plan on travelling somewhere that there's no computer that you could recharge it at.[/b]

Yeah... well, it's definitely important when like, going on a vacation. I don't ever have access to a computer unless my mom brings hers. It's pretty necessary I think... I can just pop it in anywhere.

3. I've had mine for quite awhile, and I've had absolutely 0 problems with the battery. I wouldn't suggest buying a new battery to go with it. If the battery doesn't completely work when you get it, or soon after, you can just ship it back to Apple and they'll repair it, or send you a new one (free of charge, I believe, except shipping)[/b]

Isn't there some sort of protection plan I have to get for some amount of money to get a new one free of charge if anything goes wrong? Well, I don't mean a new battery... but one that extends the current one's power. I read that the Ipod can only play 2 hours of video...
Also I heard the battery only lasts like 300-500 full charges then it starts losing duration. And it says it goes faster when not operated in 32-95 degree weather. Considering I want to listen to it in the winter and I live in Vermont (at least 1/3 of the year is in less than 32 degree weather ) I dunno how safe it would be

4. As far as 'iSkin's go, I'd highly recommend the Agent 18 hard plastic case. It's like a shell, and it covers the entire ipod except the click wheel, headphone jack, the jack for the USB, and the hold button. It's very hard plastic and wonderful screen protection, very clear. It's available on the Apple website (that's where I got mine)
[/b]

Hrm... well I heard the iskins were the best plus they cover the touch wheel so it won't get grimy...

Thanks for all the responses

1. You don't need to buy a good pair of headphones, they come with some very high quality ones.[/b]

No, Simply No.

iPod headphones are shockingly bad, not only that but they clearly label you as having a £150 mp3 player in your pocket.

Get a pair of sennheiser earbuds or the over the head portable headphones, the PX*00 are available pratically everywhere nowadays, but whatever you do don't keep the standard iPod buds, its too risky.

Anyway, I recommend waiting until the next big mp3 player comes out. I think the capacity of the iPod nanos wil be increased in a bit and possibly Creative may release a new mp3 player to compete.

Personally I have a creative Zen Micro, it was designed at the same time as the mini and was slightly smaller and held a gig more, however the size of the ipod Nanos does seem tempting and the battery life they provide cause of the lack of movable parts is desirable too. But still, my best advice is to not be so hasty in splashing out.

Originally posted by Dagget

not only that but they clearly label you as having a £150 mp3 player in your pocket.

Well duh, the iPos is a fashion acesory, of course the earphones are noticable. It's to show off that you have one.

Isn't there some sort of protection plan I have to get for some amount of money to get a new one free of charge if anything goes wrong? Well, I don't mean a new battery... but one that extends the current one's power. I read that the Ipod can only play 2 hours of video...
Also I heard the battery only lasts like 300-500 full charges then it starts losing duration. And it says it goes faster when not operated in 32-95 degree weather. Considering I want to listen to it in the winter and I live in Vermont (at least 1/3 of the year is in less than 32 degree weather ) I dunno how safe it would be [/b]

Yeah, there's an Apple Protection Plan for 60$ I believe. I don't have one, but still, if there's something wrong with your iPod (not that you broke it yourself...) they'll still replace it. And, I live in Oregon, it gets pretty darn cold here as well, and I've never had any problems, but you've also got to keep in mind that your hand, or pocket, is MUCH warmer than the -20 degrees outside.

Also, I've heard horror stories about the battery pack things that you can 'plug in' I'm sure there are some good ones, but by horror stories, I mean 1st and 2nd degree burns to do overheating. Here are some reviews from the Apple website from various products such as these. (And Apple doesn't sell 'crap' stuff usually....)

I bought at Micro Computers, used once or twice when I used it again it started over heating to the max. If left alone I'm sure it would have caught fire. When I took it back to store they exchanged it but didn't seem to care how dangerous the cond... Read more >ition is or could be.

Any parent giving an iPod to your kid, if they use one of these battery packs I'd require they test it several times during the day. Hate if someone feel to sleep with their iPod connected to the battery pack under their pillow. Be safe
[/b]

This battery pack got so overheated it gave me third degree blisters on my hand, after I fell asleep. It was horrible, I had to go to the emergency room and be treated for burns. Do not buy this product, I had a very traumatic experience.
[/b]

I live in Arusha, Tanzania (from Chicago) and bought this as a back-up plan for when I'm in the bush and on LONG road trips...After my flight from the US (where I didn't use it), it worked for about 2 of the 5 hours from Nairobi to Arusha and then short circuited and melted!! Needless to say, I was VERY dissapointed.

After reading all the other reviews of clients experiencing the SAME thing - I would DEFINATELY think twice about buying this poorly manufactured piece o' junk![/b]

Although there are just as many good reviews, I wouldn't want you to get 2nd degree burns.

Thanks for the warning Courtney... I probably won't buy it.

Also... I would indeed not really want to show off that I had the Ipod in my pocket. I just don't like it too much Plus, the earbuds are kind of crap. I'm trying to find a pair of in ear headphones on Ebay.

And I'm thinking about getting an Ipod on ebay instead for like 150 or 200...

These headphones are supposedly great quality-
http://froogle.google.com/froogle_cluster?...oring=mrd&hl=en

Originally posted by Seeker
If you can afford it then yes, an Ipod is a pretty cool thing. I only have an RCA Lyra myself. Can hold maybe 4 hours at acceptable quality MP3pro.

I have an RCA Lyra too. it is good but when i put a card in the back it sometimes freezes.

I love my iPod.

Love it. Love it. Love it.

Probly one of the best purchases I've ever made.

Yah I've got a 30gb black video, its good, but really how could you possibly go wrong with 30gb of porn in your pocket!? ...

...anyways I'd definetly suggest getting better earphones then the mediocre ones Apple gives you. The in ear ones (I mean the ones that go far into your ear and block out outside noise )are a lot better (if you can find a pair of comfortable ones). They have far better bass, and songs sound quite different between Apple's earphones and good ones.

You don't even know what you're missing until you've heard your music through a good pair of isolating earphones, and it makes no sense to spend hundreds of dollars on a kickass digital music player, only to get half-assed sound..just don't get the really cheap in-ear ones cause they still suck too.

Hey does any one know a way for me to get my iPod to play on my car stereo? If my car didn't come with a cassett player, only a cd player. Is there anyway around iTrip, or is there any iTrip type things that works decent?

I don't think there's an Itrip for the fifth generation Ipods yet... but search around for reviews for how it works

hrm there is an itrip for the 5th generation but its really bad according to pretty much everybody

amazon.com 5g iTrip reviews

i got a 4 GB ipod mini (V. 1.3) last year

the only disappointment was the battery. even when new it ran out much quicker than it was supposed. when i asked about this it turned out they determined the battery life by playing songs at minimum volume

i only get about 3 hours of playing time on it in ideal conditions at normal volume.

i believe they upgraded the battery size in the second generation (and obviously they have bigger batteries in the iPods). however, as far as i know the technology is the same.

if this is the case, you have reason to worry about how the temperature affects battery life. when it is 10 degrees celsius the battery starts to drop noticably faster.
in temperatures at or below 0 celsuis i can charge the battery to its maximum and be lucky to get an hour's worth of playing time if outdoors. i will turn it on and after 5 mins the energy bar is down to two thirds before it stabilizes.


awesome technology though...a must have for any music lover.

hard to remember tat about ten years ago sony sports walkmans were all the rage