kosherdave's Full Review: Apple iPod mini 1st Generation Blue (4 GB) MP3 Pla...
Apple iPod Mini (Blue) 4GB
I have re-written this review of the Mini twice now; this time, after owing it for a year an a half and upgrading to two different models (the iPod Shuffle for exercise, and the new color iPod 20GB for everyday usage). Despite my desire to carry more music with me than was allowed by the relatively small hard-drive of the Mini, I would still recommend it to anyone who wanted to carry tunes on the go. It is still a great product, albeit a bit on the small memory side.
Intro
I've had my iPod Mini (blue) for about a year and a half now. And for the most part, I think it is flawless. Before I got it, I never really carried any music with me when I went out but now I have it on me all the time; it is nice to have so much at the touch of a button. Apple’s iPod brand has become synonymous with excellent (trendy) MP3 players and the 4GB (and now 6GB) Mini continues to uphold the tradition with its fashionable, intelligent design and easy user interface.
At the time I bought mine, the Mini was available with only 4GB of storage, which Apple claimed would hold 1000 songs. In my experience, I‘ve found it holds more like 700 unless the songs are really short 3 minute songs. None the less, it does hold a lot.
The new 6GB version (still using a small Hitachi hard drive and not flash memory), holds quite a few more tunes and continues to offer a range of color options to chose from (though the colors have changed slightly from the original Mini; they now appear a bit more neon-looking). The new mini also has a longer lasting battery, which is nice since the original model lasts around 6-8 hours and will eventually drain down even if it’s not being used. That does take a couple of days, however and I usually just plug it in each night when I charge my cell phone so it stays fully charged when I need it.
Display
The Apple iPod Mini uses a 1.7” screen that’s a bit smaller than the traditional (standard white, larger capacity) iPod but the display is very crisp and despite its small size, easy to view. In “Browse” mode, files display song titles and artist names but not detailed album information like the larger iPods. Also, it should be noted, at the time of this “updated” review, the Mini still does not come with a color display. I am quite sure they will eventually offer it with a color display as a standard, as the same has recently happened with the regular iPods (though not the shuffle which has no screen, color or otherwise).
Memory
Initially I thought I would not think I needed the larger 20GB, 40GB or 60GB models, since I did not think I had that much music, however, after many months (2 years now I suppose) of putting music onto my computer, I've found I had a lot more than I initially expected. At about 22 GB now, it will not all fit onto the mini, which means I could either be very selective, or upgrade. I upgraded after about a year with the Mini to the new iPod 20GB Color. Which I REALLY like!!
Buttons?
The play, menu/back, fast-forward, and rewind functions that the user needs to navigate the iPod Mini (and all non-shuffle iPods now) is conveniently packaged into a little touch- scroll wheel (or as Apple calls it, the “Click Wheel”). Running your finger over this “wheel” operates the volume, and can be used to rate songs or move through the menu. Pressing the wheel on either side skips forward or backward in a song. Up will access the menu and down will play/pause music. This is truly the genius behind the iPods; they are completely user friendly.
Connectors
You plug the Mini into your computer via the slot on the bottom using either the (included) FireWire or USB 1.1/2.0 cable, or you can buy an optional cradle which connects to the AC adapter or a FireWire/USB port or directly to a stereo through the line-out jack.
It should be noted that the new Mini (6GB version) does not include the FireWire cable and you may have to charge it directly through your computer, and not an AC outlet; something to consider when choosing more memory over more external options.
Usage
The Mini's playback features can be accessed and programmed from the main menu, which also allows you to browse by song, artist, album, genre, playlist, or composer. You can create playlists on your computer ---when you sync the player to iTunes it can automatically download them to the Mini, or use the “on the go” function to create playlists without a computer.
When you plug in the Mini (or drop it in the optional cradle), iTunes starts up and automatically syncs your music collection or selected playlists. With iTunes, you can also create MP3 and AAC (Apples format default format) files from your CDs and friends’s CDs, or buy them through iTunes on your computer, or at the online Apple store (www.Applestore.com). The Mini also supports WAV/AIFF and spoken-word Audible files, which also can be purchased from the iTunes Music Store at a reasonable price.
iTunes is REALLY easy to use on a PC or a Mac. I run in on a Dell 700M laptop and the disc that came with the iPod was easy to install.
Extras
The games that come pre-loaded are not that great; there is a non-user-friendly version of solitaire, which is hard to see, an old parachute/cannon game---fun for five minutes but mind numbingly boring, there is a game reminiscent of pong, and a music game which randomly selects songs from your library and you guess the name. I seldom play them; I stick with Tetris on my Samsung cell phone (please check out my review).
The Mini also has a “contacts list” and a calendar that syncs with Outlook, and can read your pre-made memos, though I’ve never used these functions. Also, the Mini has an alarm clock that can beep or play the song of your choice through your home stereo, but again, I’ve rarely use any of the extras.
More Extras
Apple offers an optional in-line remote that once-up-a-time was a standard accessory on the more expensive iPods, though I think is always extra now, and about 40 dollars.
It does come with a free “belt clip” so you can connect it to your pants, belt, shirt or bag (the included “belt clip” is white; despite the color of the mini you chose) for “on-the-go” listening.
Apple also offers an over-priced arm band for 30 bucks that they say can be used for exercise, though this should be avoided as excessive bouncing (from running and other movement) will damage the hard drive, as it has moveable parts. Eventually it will skip a lot, like a scratched CD.
For an iPod suitable for use while exercising, please read my review of the iPod Shuffle, which uses an internal flash memory and can take the jolts that occur when working out.
Overall
Despite its small capacity, it is indeed a cool piece of equipment. You really can’t live in NYC (or any Metro area) without one; everywhere you go, you see the white earbuds. If you're into trends, this is the mp3 player for you. As it has been pointed out in other reviews, the cool factor is a draw, though not the main reason to buy it.
Also, you should not forget that the Mini is really little (hence the name) and it fits in nicely in your pocket, bag, or anywhere you want to put it. It takes up very little room at all. Before I got a shuffle, I’d bring it with me when I snowboarded and it fits into a small chest pocket on my coat made for a cell phone.
Side Note: being near my chest kept it warm too, but when they get really cold, the liquid crystal display can freeze, which might freak you out at first since it looks broken, but it gets better again when it is warm.
Bottom Line
The iPod brand has become more than just an excellent way to carry your music; it has become a statement in trendy fashion and a “reported” red-flag for subway muggings. Years ago it was the Air Jordan’s that got a person “jumped” (no pun intended), now it’s the iPod, or rather, the white earphones: the dead giveaway that you have expensive electronics on your person.
But if you can overcome the fear of muggings (who really gets mugged anyway?) then you’ll quickly find that you too, need an iPod. And for many people, the Mini is the way to go. The iPod Mini is a great MP3 player.
*UPDATE*
Recently I was asked to report on the sound quality of the iPod Mini compared to that of the other iPods. This is a very good question, and owning three iPods, I feel I can safely answer it.
While the Mini sounds very good (I am using an after market pair of Sony Earbuds which I highly recommend) there is a noticeable difference between it and my new iPod 20GB Color. It seems that my headphones require less power with the 20GB, and need to be cranked way up with the Mini, which causes a slight amount of distortion. Having said that, the Mini does still sound good, even with the standard headphones and I can not tell a difference between it and my Shuffle.
4 GB model holds up to 1,000 songs; supports MP3, AAC, WAV, MP3 VBR, Audible (6), and AIFF formats Mac and Windows compatible; FireWire and USB 2.0 in...More at Amazon Marketplace
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