lambchops's Full Review: Apple iPod 3rd Generation White (30 GB) MP3 Player
Always the nerds, my husband decided that he wanted a 30GB Apple iPod for his birthday. I of course obliged as the device will certainly be of use to both of us in the future years. It has taken me a great deal of humility to admit that the iPod is indeed a great device. I've read for years now about how great it is and how it does indeed surpass most all other units on most all other levels aside from of course the price.
That's right--the main drawback to the Apple iPod 30GB device is the moolah it requires for purchase--it boasts a ticket of a hair beneath $500. I'm sure tongues are wagging at me right now. Half a grand for a mere MP3 player? Get REAL! But the exact reason we decided on this particular unit wasn't because of the ridiculously large capacity and the promise it can hold up to 7500 songs. Oh no, it was because of the size (about the dimensions of a pack of playing cards) and because it also functions in many other capacities¡Xmost importantly as a portable hard drive able to hold as much as many entire computers.
By all accounts and according to all of my personal experiences the Apple iPod is absolutely worth every penny for somebody looking to do more than just listen to music--unless of course you want to impress your friends a whole bunch. Get something else (or a smaller capacity iPod) if that is your goal.
While on first glance, it would seem that the Apple iPod is only for Apple computers. Nothing could be further from the truth, it can just as easily (although using a somewhat wonky program) be attached to a PC. My husband and I are lifelong and snobbish PC people, and you know that Apple has to be doing something right for us to shell out our hard-earned cash. The Apple iPod is in a word WONDERFUL.
In addition to the price and the wonky PC connectivity program, the only other drawback is the fact that the iPod does not include a radio tuner. This isn't any worry for me as our main uses are as a car stereo (with the addition of a Belkin add-on transmitter) and as a pocket-sized hard drive. I suspect that to add such a feature to the device would also make it much larger and Apple is clearly looking to make it sleek, stylish, and small.
The navigation is easy. Apple has put together a system of touch-sensitive buttons and "wheels." The menus are easy to go forward and back through and all of the buttons make complete and utter sense. It couldn¡¦t be easier. Also easy are the connections and the base. It's easy to put everything together and easy to see exactly where to hook up your headphones. Just think of it as a rather pricey, but equally easy to use Sony Walkman.
As mentioned, the iPod boasts that it can hold up to 7,500 songs. Well that is a half-truth. But who the hell needs that much music with them at all time anyway? The half-truth comes into play in that that capacity is dictated by the lower sound-quality. You won¡¦t be able to get as much on the unit if you want it to be CD quality or better. In any case I'm just pleased to be able to stuff it full of all my tunes. My husband is just pleased to back up his entire computer. Really, that is an incredible draw.
The Apple iPod 30GB drive is compatible with both Macintosh and PC systems via a firewire connector. Apparently, there is also a USB 2.0 docking station in the works. In addition to the firewire card, the box also includes the following necessities: Dock, remote, carrying case, earbud headphones, AC adapter, dock connector to FireWire cable and 4-pin-to-6-pin FireWire adapter. It's all there, nicely provided by Apple. There are a number of optional accessories ranging from the aforementioned Belkin FM Transmitter, Belkin battery pack, Belkin car power adapter, JBL "Creature Speakers", and Monster iSplitter Cable.
Also as mentioned previously, Apple has gone over and beyond the requirements for the usual MP3 player. It boasts a 2-inch (diagonal measurement) grayscale LCD screen. In the future this will probably go the way of cell phones color-wise, but for now it is completely functional. But beyond mere functionality is the inclusion of easily alterable playlists (although they cannot be created while music is played), games (solitaire, brick, and parachute), a calendar, a contact list, text notes, and an alarm option.
As far as syncing goes, the iPod has worked flawlessly (if of course you follow their directions and NOT disconnect the unit while transferring data). We have yet to have the iPod die or lock up or anything. But apparently if it does, the restore is easy and no data is lost--only the playlists as far as I can tell. The syncing is easy--just plug the thing in and it goes. It doesn't get easier than that. Unfortunately, the PC software included is as troublesome as all the reviews have stated. MusicMatch Jukebox 7.5 is a less than desirable software package. We did mange to get it working on three separate computers (a Dell Inspiron, a Toshiba Satellite, and a homegrown desktop) but it is widely purported to not work all too often. But since neither of us have anything to really compare it to, it works fine enough for our purposes.
Overall, the Apple iPod 30GB is pricey but a nearly perfect unit. I have been very pleased, like the looks (white and metal), and am impressed with the interface. It¡¦s been an overall very positive experience and for tech junkies it is a perfect purchase.
- Total included memory: 30 GB
- Audio playback time (near CD quality): 7,500 songs in AAC format; 8 hours when fully charged
- Add digital audio standards: Mac: AAC (16 to 320 Kbps), MP3 (32 to 320 Kbps), MP3 VBR, Audible, AIFF, WAV Windows: MP3 (32 to 320 Kbps), MP3 VBR, WAV
- Display: 2-inch grayscale LCD with LED backlight
- Battery status display: Yes
- Track programming: Yes
- Random play: Yes
- Repeat: Yes
- Forward/reverse: Yes
- Bookmark: Yes
- Preset EQ curves: 20 Equalizer settings
- AC adapter: Yes
- Belt clip: Yes
- Carrying case: Yes
- Batteries: Built-in rechargeable lithium ion battery (630 mAh)
- Headphones: Earbud-style headphones with 18-mm drivers using Neodymium transducer magnets
- Software: Mac: includes iTunes for Mac OS X; Windows: MUSICMATCH Jukebox Plus 7.5
- Interface: Stores data in FireWire or USB 2.0 disk mode
- Transfer rate: Information Not Available
- Battery life: 8 hours when fully charged; 2 weeks standby when fully charged
- PC system requirements: PC with built-in FireWire or USB 2.04, or Windows-certified FireWire or USB 2.0 card; Windows Me, Windows 2000 or Windows XP Home or Professional; CD includes MUSICMATCH Jukebox Plus 7.5 software
- Mac system requirements: Apple computer with built-in FireWire port; Mac OS X v10.1.5 or later (Mac OS X 10.2 or later recommended); CD includes iTunes for Mac OS X
- Width: 2.4 in
- Height: 4.1 in
- Depth: 0.73 in
- Weight: 6.2 oz (176 g)
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