Pros: BRILLIANT! Excellent computer interface, easy to use, great sound.
Cons: Some awkward changes in the controls.
The Bottom Line: iPod is simply the best way to maintain and transport your music collection, bar none. The sale price makes it ideal for entry level iPod users too.
artsygal's Full Review: Apple iPod 3rd Generation White (10 GB) MP3 Player
The iPod is simply the best way to store music, period. I am on a Mac running System 10.3.5
I bought the 3rd Generation 10GB refurbished from Apple for only $169 when the new click-wheel models became available. My previous iPod was a second-generation 10GB, buttons-around-the-touch-wheel version. Designwise, I give that one a slight edge over this third-generation, buttons-at-the-top variety. The buttons at the top are more awkward to use and much more touch sensitive than my previous iPod. Using the "hold" button at the top is an absolute MUST as it disables the clickwheel and buttons (preventing them from being accidentally activated).
Battery time has been good so far, and the 3rd generation models come with many more options than first and second (including games, notes, on-the-go playlists and ratings). Beware, however, that the backlight will use up your battery life very quickly. Sitting in the doctor's office, playing solitaire and listening to my music with the backlight on, used up the battery really fast!
Also note:
- Occasional lag time with the disk drive.
- The body will scratch easily, which is true of all iPods. If your iPod doesn't come with a case, get one. For a quick solution, try a hard-backed eyeglass case -- mine worked like a charm, keeping the iPod and earbuds safe from bumps and scratches, until I bought a proper case.
- The cord is no longer firewire-to-firewire, but specifically iPod dock-to-firewire (included). An important change if you're used to using whatever firewire cable you happen to have lying around.
GENERAL COMMENTS: The iPod in general is the best way to keep your music portable, bar none. I've tried others, but the iPod always remains number one. Why? Ease of use, quality design, intuitive controls. I don't want to read in inch-thick book to figure out this stuff -- I want to pick it up, flip through, and go. iPod was designed from the ground up to be easy to use, and it is! Maintain, download, and organize your music through iTunes on your Mac or PC and you'll never need to buy a CD again. You can also use iPod as an external hard drive! Accessories available for your iPod allow you to play music through your stereo, in the car, record voice, upload photos, and more. I would like to see more syncing capability in future models (the ability to transfer music from iPod to the computer and not just from computer to iPod). Wireless transfer of music would be sweet too.
BOTTOM LINE:
iPod in general: 5 stars - best thing going!
3rd Generation iPod: 4.5 stars - loses a half point for messing with a classic design
UPDATE:
I talked my friend into taking advantage of the Apple Store sale. I am on a Mac, she is on a PC, so we learned something notable through her experience. Apple's iPod comes with a 6-pin Firewire-to-Dock cable (totally compatible with my Mac). Her PC only has a 4-pin firewire, so although she can transfer files, her iPod doesn't charge when hooked up to her PC! That's important to know. Fortunately, iPod comes with a wall plug adapter, so it can be recharged, but not while hooked up to her PC. Also, her other computer only has USB 2.0 connectors, so she separately purchased a USB-to-dock cable to hook up to that one.
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
Epinions.com periodically updates pricing and product information from third-party sources, so some information may be slightly out-of-date. You should confirm all information before relying on it.
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.