Shopping for an MP3 Player? iPod is the way to go!
Written: Feb 20 '05 (Updated Feb 20 '05)
Product Rating:
Sound:
Ease of Use:
Durability:
Portability:
Battery Life:
Pros: interface design, stability, transfer speed, battery life, 3rd party support.
Cons: no "quick-jump" feature.
The Bottom Line: Buy an iPod! Their players have been around the longest; they've designed the best player that I've seen. iPod has the most 3rd party support.
djjimphilips's Full Review: Apple iPod classic 4th Generation from HP (40 GB) ...
Before I review my 40gb gen4 iPod, I think it's important to provide some background... I bought my second iPod last week. The first one that I owned was a gen3, and at the time, I was using Windows ME. The store clerk told me that I could use this iPod with ME by downloading a patch online. I had nothing but problems, so I returned it (after major arguments with the store manager). I then purchased a Dell DJ 20gb gen1. When I got my DJ, I was extremely happy with it. I filled my DJ very quickly (I'm a mobile disc jockey with a large music collection). So, that brings me to current day...
I went looking for a new portable mp3 player and narrowed my choices to the new Dell DJ 30gb gen2, the Zen Touch 40gb and the iPod 40gb gen4. Although I've been relatively happy with my Dell DJ, I spent some time with my friends' iPods and Zen Touchs to explore other options. I realized that iPod is the way to go. Here's why...
A few Dell DJ / Zen Touch flaws...
(1) It seems that the Dell DJ and the Zen Touch use the same OS. I don't know if they've made any OS improvements from gen1 to gen2, but the gen1 version in my DJ constantly had to "re-build library" (this is a 3-5 minute process that took place upon startup where I couldn't do anything but wait). It was quite annoying.
(2) My Dell DJ and my friend's Zen Touch use MusicMatch with a USB 2.0 connection (the new MusicMatch v10 is great!). When we transfer music from our computers to our portable devices, it takes quite a bit of time - it took me almost 3 full days to transfer 20gb (not sure if it was the connection, software, device HD speed or a combination thereof?).
(3) I was never really ecstatic about the DJ/Touch interface. Of course they're both limited to the same OS, but both of them have controls in different areas and are rather clumsy compared to the iPod.
Why iPod?...
(1) Interface, interface, interface. The interface on the gen4 iPod is absolutely amazing and incredibly well thought out. I can easily make all simple changes (volume, play/pause, track forward/reverse, track shuttle) when the device is in my pocket with simple clicks. All controls are in the same area.
(2) Seemingly stable software. My iPod has been amazingly stable so far and none of my friends have had any troubles with their iPods to date.
(3) Transfer speed. I transferred 20gb from iTunes to my iPod using FireWire in under 2hrs!!!
(4) So far, my battery life is amazing at close to 12 hours (I've heard that this diminishes over time - I cannot comment on that yet).
(5) 40gb - I need the space. Dell DJ only offers up to 30gb.
(6) Additional features. With a simple click and scroll, I can quickly and easily shuttle to any point in a song and give the song a rating while it’s playing. iPod also has a clock, alarm, sleep timer, games (name-that-tune using your own music library is pretty cool and helps you get used to the scroll wheel).
(7) 3rd party support. I purchased iTrip, which is a wireless FM transmitter that works pretty well (sound quality isn't amazing). I plan to buy the Bose Speaker Dock, which transforms the iPod into a full-sounding stereo with remote (Speaker Dock sounded great in the store and got one of the best reviews in this month's PC Mag out of a bunch of competing products).
The only downside that I see in the iPod is that it doesn't have a "quick-jump" feature; a feature that I got used to from my Dell DJ; a feature that I think is essential for large music collections... If I want to get to a song on my iPod that begins with the letter "M," I have to scroll to it. While the iPod can scroll rather quickly, as it picks up speed, I'll often scroll past the letter that I want. The DJ had a feature that allowed me to quickly jump to the first letter of the song/artist/genre that I wanted.
Other than this one flaw, I absolutely love my iPod!!! I still cannot believe that 10,000 songs (a few cases of CDs in slim view packs) can all fit in the palm of my hand - AMAZING! I only hope that Apple will enter the professional DJ market soon!
BTW - As far as durability is concerned, I purchased a leather case with the front of the iPod exposed for like $19. I just used my iPod on a weekend excursion and suffered no scratches. For all those people commenting on durability - BUY A CASE!
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 400 Recommended for: Music Lovers - High Capacity Storage for an Entire Album Collection
40 GB model holds up to 10,000 songs; supports AAC (16 to 320 Kbps), MP3 (32 to 320 Kbps), MP3 VBR, Audible, AIFF, Apple Lossless and WAV Up to 12 hou...More at Amazon Marketplace
Holds up to 10,000 songs Up to 12 hours continuous backup with rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery Innovative Click Wheel makes navigation easier Synchs ...More at Amazon Marketplace
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