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iPod Video Review
Review posted December 26, 2006 at Amazon.com by
Emily Threlkeld
I must say, having upgraded from a
40G Photo , the iPod Video is really nice. The screen is
noticeably larger. I've already watched video on it, and I like it.
(Just don't try to watch wide screen movies or TV shows. The screen
is too small.) Also, the battery life is GREAT! I can't wait to take
it with me when I fly. You're theoretically able to watch a 6 hours
of video before you drain the battery.
The new iPod also gives you more control. You can change the
brightness of your screen, and there's a new search feature that
lets you search your entire collection in a snap. Another great
addition is the letters that appear when you're scrolling through
lists of artists or albums. It helps you keep up with where you are
alphabetically so you can slow down and avoid scrolling past it.
However, like other iPod models, the back of the
iPod and the screen are easy to scratch. It didn't really bother me when
I had my first iPod; I just accepted it as normal wear and
tear. However, now that I'll be watching videos on the screen, I'm a
lot more concerned about it. I really recommend buying a case as
soon as possible. They're worth the investment.
When you buy your 80GB, the box includes a USB cable, really horrible
headphones that most everyone I know throws away, a quick start
guide, and a black velvet sleeve for protecting your
iPod.
(The sleeve is nice as an interim case, but you probably won't use
it for much more than that.) The kit doesn't include a dock or a
wall charger. The USB cable both charges and syncs your
iPod,
so you don't really need either of these things unless you really
want them. (The dock is basically a middle man between the USB cable
and your iPod. I really wouldn't recommend it, since you're
paying $39 for a piece of plastic that is basically superfluous.)
If you're new to iPods, I'd like to address a couple of
complaints that new users often have. Most of these are quite easy
to fix:
1.) BAD SOUND QUALITY. You have control over this. If you toy with
your advanced preferences, you can change how you import music from
your CDs. CNET actually has a tutorial on this under tips and
tricks. ("Toss your CDs after archiving your digital media") The
Apple Lossless codec is probably your best bet. Lossless essentially
means that all of the song data is imported; none of it is lost in
compression, which is the case with both mp3 and AAC codecs.
2.) BAD HEADPHONES. Yes, the headphones that are included for free
are terrible. You get what you pay for, and, in this case, you
aren't paying anything, so the lack of quality shouldn't really
surprise you.
3.) BAD BATTERY. No, your battery will not last forever. No battery
does. Apple uses lithium-ion batteries, which have a lot of
advantages: they won't develop a memory, they're incredibly
lightweight, and they hold a charge when not in use. However, there
is a tradeoff; they only last about two years. This doesn't mean you
have to throw your iPod away. Apple offers battery changing
service for $59, or, if you're brave, you can purchase a DIY kit for
about $30. (I'm not very good with my hands and I managed to do
this. It comes with tools and a really great instructional video.)
4.) INCOMPATIBLE WITH WINDOWS. Despite the fact that
iPods are made
by "Mac people," this doesn't mean that your
iPod won't play nice
when hooked up to your PC. In my two (going on three) years using an
iPod with Windows XP, I've never had a compatibility problem. Also,
there is excellent support on Apple's website for Windows users.
Basically, you will have a much more pleasant experience with your
iPod if you do a little bit of research. The
iPod is an instrument,
and you can't just pick it up and immediately know how to use it
through osmosis. Try going to Apple Support's iPod 101 or reading
your manual (Which you'll have to find online, since they only
included a Quick Start guide in the box.) Taking the time to get to
know your iPod will ease your initial frustration, and help you
maximize your iPod's potential in the long run.
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