A few bugs, but a great MP3!
Written: Sep 16 '02
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Pros: Slim and light design, very functional controls, excellent sound
Cons: Pricey, horrible case, many problems with included MMJB software
The Bottom Line: Buy it, but don't use the MMJB that comes with it. Find another product to manage playlists and transfer music with.
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| lawgirl8673's Full Review: Apple iPod (20 GB, PC - M8741LL/A) MP3 Player |
When I read that Apple was going to release a 20GB iPod, I was estatic. I have always wanted an ipod because the other MP3 player I own (Archos Jukebox) is lacking in many features and functions. The bonus was that Apple was formatting it for PC, so I wouldn't have to go through any extra steps to get it up and running. The even bigger bonus (so I thought) was that Apple was packaging Music Match Jukebox with the player. I use MMJB to rip, burn and play music. So, I ordered the 20GB iPod for PC and waited and waited for it to arrive. When it did, I was very excited. The packaging alone is so nice that you almost don't want to open it up and ruin it.
Receiving package and setup
Once I did get it open, I got it hooked up right away to the Firewire port that I had installed a few weeks previously. This is where things went bad. The "instruction manual" included with the iPod was ridiculously lacking. I'm sure that hooking up the iPod on a Mac is much easier and doesn't need a lot of written instruction, but the PC version is different and should have better direction. My first problem was installing the MMJB. Since I already had the software installed on my computer, it prompted me asking if I wanted to overwrite my current MMJB software (7.2) with an older version. Of course I said no. What I didn't realize at the time was that the MMJB 7.1 which comes with the iPod is different than the 7.2 version I already had. The 7.1 is the only way to get the iPod to work. After much frustration, I finally figured this out and installed the 7.1. However, this solved no problems because I could never get it to work quite right. Initially, the MMJB transferred music properly, but after a day or two, it started slowing down. After a week, it took 24 hours to transfer 15GB of music. After reading posts on the Apple iPod support site, I discovered that Ephpod works much better. I downloaded it and have never had problems with transferring music since. I can transfer 15GB of music in less than an hour!!!
Use
As for use of the iPod, I would give it high ratings. The controls are very easy to use and the large screen is easy to read and can hold a lot of song information. I especially like the redesigned selector wheel. Some people have complained that it doesn't move, but I like it much better than a moving part.
Sound
The sound of the iPod is much better than other MP3 players I've used. It's crisp and clear and very loud. The ear buds that come with it are very comfortable. However the ear buds don't come with the foam covers on them. It's a job you have to do yourself and it's not easy to get them on. Also, after a couple of weeks of use, they tend to start falling off. I finally just took them off and use the earbuds without them. I feel that they are just as comfortable without the foam covers.
Remote
I love the included remote. It's controls are easy to use and it clips to you very handily. My only complaint with it, which others have voiced, is that it's difficult to tell the buttons apart because they are shaped the same. I agree with the person who suggested that Apple should have done something to distinguish the buttons, like texturizing them or something.
Case
The case that comes with the iPod just plain stinks. I had the iPod less than 2 weeks when it broke. I can't believe the folks at Apple thought that you could hold a steel pin under tension with teeny, tiny plastic rings. They are not sturdy and unless you are extremely careful, it will break. Another problem with the case is that it covers up all the controls, so to use the iPod without the remote you have to take it out of it's case. I did find a really nice case on the market, however it cost me another $40! I think if Apple is going to charge $500 for an iPod, they ought to include a nice case. Especially since the case is a necessity due to the iPod's tendency to scratch.
Battery Life
I think the iPod has good battery life. Although I haven't been able to get the 10 hours advertised by Apple, I have gotten much better than on my Archos Jukebox. I can get between 5-6 hours before having to recharge.
Summary
Overall, I love my new iPod. I think Apple should release a better jukebox software to use with the iPod to make transferring music and updating playlists and the library easier. They also need to get rid of the horrid case and package a better one with it. When it comes to actual use, I think the iPod is the best MP3 player on the market. I would recommend it.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 499
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Epinions.com ID:
lawgirl8673
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Reviews written: 4
Trusted by: 1 member
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