kenikov's Full Review: Apple iPod 3rd Generation White (10 GB) MP3 Player
The Introduction
I owned 2 MP3 players before purchasing this iPod, including an iRiver and RIO S50. I needed a high capacity MP3 player that could also store non-MP3 files from both my Mac and PC, so the iPod was the clear choice.
The iPod, as everyone has already mentioned is thin, and very attractive looking, which helped my decision.
Surprisingly, Apple which is famous for its products not being compatible with other Operating Systems, is one of the only HD based MP3 players, that works with other OSs! Neither the Gateway Player, nor the Dell DJ works with both PC and Mac. Now with the new Window's version of iTunes, none works as effectively on both.
My RIO S50 worked great with iTunes, but the greedy developers at Apple, only made the songs on ITMS work with the iPod, so before I could transfer songs I bought from the store to my RIO, I had to burn a disk first. And they blame Gates for being greedy? Seems to me, Apple is trying to have a monopoly going with their MP3 player, with all the advertising and hype.
Is it a good MP3 player? Yes, is great! But, it doesn't live up to all that extreme hype Apple Addicts give it. I've seen them compare it to the designs of Lamborghinis. Please, for God's sake. It is nothing more than a fancy MP3 player, that is designed brilliantly. Nothing more.
The Review
The Good =)
Well, obviously, the great thing about this player is the look. If you go out to public with it, you're bound to get noticed. If you're self-esteem is low, that is a great feature.
The design makes the MP3 player thin and light (considering it holds 10GB). However, if you are looking for an extremely light player, then the RIO S50 is the way to go.
The iPod was designed to fit perfectly in your pocket, and it does. You can choose your favorite playlist, switch the hold button, and let it stream all your favorite songs continuously.
The capacity for this player is perfect, and is the main reason why it is such a hot-seller. 10GB leaves enough space for your favorite tunes, and more, also with enough space to back-up important files, transport documents and keep contacts/to-dos.
Extra features include scheduling functions like a to-do list, notes, calendar, and an alarm clock that plays music. Unlike other players, the iPod includes games that make perfect use of the scroll-wheel like parachute, solitaire, or brick.
Oh, the player also sounds great! Apple claims, "near CD quality". It is right up there to CD quality. The best part about the sound is that you can change the EQ settings to the type of songs you listen to, like rock, Hip Hop or R&B. When the EQ settings is not in use, the sound quality is the same as my Rio, if not worse, so make sure you make good use of that EQ.
The iPod is a clear choice for audiophiles, according to CNet, so I guess the sound is considered premium.
The thing I like most about this player is that it works perfectly with my Mac. I just plugged it in, iTunes started and all the songs transferred. True plug and play.
The accessories they give aren't cheap either, the big, thick, battery-charger for the wall, the firewire cable, and headphones are all nice quality. They also give plugs to keep the ports on your iPod dust free.
What makes the iPod so great is its software. Very easy to navigate through, especially with the touch-sensitive scroll-wheel. Very nice and easy to find all your songs.
Light, thin, great design and nice sound; what more can you ask for?
The Bad =(
The first thing that bothers me about the iPod is the battery-life. Contrary to what biased reviewers say, the battery-life is a huge problem. 8 hours is unacceptable these days, okay? I don't care what you say, but its competitors have it a lot higher. I would think minimum would be 10 hours, like in the last iPod, but instead, Apple made it even lower. The competition from Dell has battery-life twice as long (16), while RIO and iRiver offer players that last well over 24 hours. All the decent competition has higher battery-life.
Think about how inconvenient this is. You can't listen to this thing on oversea airplane flight, nor can you listen to it on long car-trips.
Although the iPod has many useful functions, it lacks an FM tuner and voice recorder. These can be bought for about $50 from 3rd party manufacturers, but they are not worth mentioning. The manufacturers that develop the hardware to fix the iPods problems, aren't even from Apple. It should be Apples job to develop basic things like a built-in voice recorder.
If you want to extend the crappy battery-life, with a bulky, ugly third party battery from Belkin, another $50.
The fact that it lacks some very basic and popular functions is just sad. This model of the iPod doesn't even include a carrying-case, which you will need. At least Dell offers one for free. However, Dell lacks some of those other functions too.
And yes, the case is necessary. The iPod is prone to scratches.
The battery is also a problem. The battery is non-replaceable, unless you want to send it over to Apple for a fee of $99 after the Applecare expires. They don't even really replace the battery. News is that they give you a refurbished iPod (Slashdot), fix yours, and then send it to another guy. So, you may not be getting your own iPod back. Pretty good idea though; to recycle like that.
You can attempt to fix it yourself with a special kit. This is not suggested.
The Conclusion
Word is that new Mini iPods will come out, that are smaller capacity, and will sell for a lot cheaper than the normal size iPods. (Thinksecret.com)
Shhhhh, it's a secret. :)
If you aren't willing to pay $299 for an MP3 player, you may want to wait a while. The capacity, will be lower though...and I can only imagine how horrid the battery-life will be in an even smaller package.
The iPod is well worth $299. It definitely isn't worth a cent over $350 though, considering it lacks things its competition has. However, the iPod isn't as expensive as some say. Considering dollars for gigabytes, the iPod is a pretty good deal. Maybe that is why it is the only iPod selling out this Christmas season.
Though it lacks some extras, the iPod is probably still one of the best hard drive based MP3 players on the market.
I highly recommend it to those whom like to tinker with new gadgets, or audiophiles.
The look and design of an MP3 player, can't get any better than this.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 299 Recommended for: Music Lovers - High Capacity Storage for an Entire Album Collection
All preowned iPods are quality tested and receive a cosmetic check and cleaning an inventory of all components download and play tests product repacka...More at Target
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