MP3 Perfection (Apple iPod 10 GB)

Member Name: Kris002263

Product:	Apple iPod 10 GB
Date:	15/12/03 (325 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Lots of Memory, Easy to Use, Sound Quality

Disadvantages: Expensive, Battery Life Not Amazing

The spectacle that is the Apple Ipod. This new design and model completely reinvents and destroys all previous mp3 players. It is in simplicity the only thing you ever need to concern yourself with in regards to mp3.

First of all my reasoning for buying such a device. Well for months now I have been the proud owner of a Rio 600 mp3 player (and have reviewed it) but recently found that the player itself was just not functioning as well as I had previously expected although still in fine working order, I wanted more, I needed more - Enter the Ipod. It is not a secret that the Ipod is easily one of the more superior mp3 players but was not until recently when I picked up a copy of my monthly magazine - Stuff - and realised that it was voted top gadget, that I took it into consideration. Although the price had been a serious blockage in the past decided, that you can't put a price on pure quality and ordered myself one of these players.

When it arrived I couldn't be happier, I ripped off the packaging and immediately began to set about getting songs onto the player. And let me just say in brief, that despite my high expectations, I was not disappointed. And here?s why.

MP3 Explanation
For those of you who do not fully understand the full concepts of mp3s, in simple terms it?s just a smaller version of the same song (compressed). These mp3s are often downloaded from such programs as Kazaa or Audio Galaxy, although I would not promote music piracy of course.

Appearance
The previous version of the Ipod featured a slightly bulkier case and less user-friendly layout of buttons, however this version improves upon all these original faults and more. It is slim, sleek and stylish. It is designed to be just slightly larger then a small pack of playing cards making the whole system operational using just one hand. The small white case is just 0.62 inches thick by 2.4 wide and 4inch tall and made out of a tough but light metal. T
he edges are curved slightly, to give it that more appealing look. It features a large backlit LCD screen which displays track info, play lists, functions etc. The previous button layout has also been tweaked slightly although the basic touch wheel idea has been kept in tack but now also features a slightly more ergonomic layout, making the ease of use even better. The new button layout consist of a central button for confirming options, a scroll ring for selection and more buttons on this ring for such features as menu, play/pause, and skipping backwards and forwards through tracks. This is by far the sexiest gadget out there.

Capacity
This is where the Ipod really shines. The Ipod comes in 3 different sizes; the 10GB model contains a hard drive capable of holding near 2000 cd quality tracks (big step up from my 12 track Rio). Once more mp3s and lesser quality music files can be stored in greater amounts averaging at about 2500. I've only got round to putting a few cds worth onto this player but am sure that I wouldn't be to fill it anytime in the immediate future. If you have a lot of cds and want to use this for prolonged amount of times, don?t even consider another mp3 player this is for you.

Software and Transferring Files
With the Ipod came an installation disk and a fire wire cable and adapter plug. I did not experience any problems when installing and the "At a glance - User Guide" helped me to get to grips with the program straight away. The transferring of songs was not a difficult or tedious task, it was a simple case of plug it into your PC via firewire/USB socket, open the program (named MusicMatch) and insert the cd you wish to transfer across, then it is simply a case of click, select and upload.
The speed of transfer is also something, which must me dearly noted; I am now able to upload entire albums in between 10-15 seconds. Essential for fast paced on the go lifestyles.

Audio Details
T
he player supports a variety of audio formats such as MP3, WMA and VBR, allowing you to access a wider range of audio selections anywhere.

Functions
The Ipod features many essential basic functions but also adds its own little quirks to give it that little bit extra, For example songs can be arranged in play lists (orders depending on genre, length, band or just the order you want them to play) thus saving you time having to flick through searching for the song you desire. It also features a few none music related items such as games, calendars, alarm clock, sleep timer, contact book and even a basic notepad, allowing you to view text files. The Ipod also features the ability to be connected up to your normal stereo system and have tracks played via that (great with the better speakers).

Battery
Despite being so close to perfection this is where the Ipod, as many other mp3 players, fails to achieve its full potential. The battery can be charged either via a normal wall socket or via your computer, either way is meant to take approximately 4 hours to achieve a 10-hour battery life. I do manage to get the occasional 9 or so hour run out of this device but have never seen its full potential. For a device containing thousands of music tracks I would have appreciated a slightly longer lasting battery allowing me to experience these tracks for longer periods of times. However this isn't a major flaw as I am very rarely in the position in which I would desire to be listening to music for a 10 hour long period.

Price
The Apple Ipod is one of the more expensive Mp3 players on the market at the minute but with good reason. The ones you see advertised for under £100 have on average 64Mb - 128Mb memories, nothing compared to the huge 10GB hard drive of the Ipod. It usually goes for between £230-£250, I bought mine for £239.99 on Amazon.co.uk. Although this is expensive just keep reminding yourself of how man songs it can hold and how i
t is the only thing you?ll ever need with regard to MP3. Believe me it is worth shelling out the extra cash for this, you'll regret it if you don't.

Accessories
The box in which the Ipod comes in contains Installation disks, user guides/help manuals, protective holder, plug adapter, firewire cable plus adapter, small pouch for carrying and a set of good quality headphones.

This overall is a great player. The quality is superb. Has a great design small and sexy. Long enough battery life. Is easy to use. Can transfer racks at lightning speed. And most importantly it holds thousands of high cd quality songs. If you are looking to experience music on the go, save up for a while and buy this, you wont regret it.

Five Star Product *****

Hope You Have Enjoyed Reading My Review and Hope It Helped You! - Kris

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