I-pod Nano reviewed

If you are able to afford it, I would recommend getting an I-pod Nano - even if it is not only for the your teens Christmas stocking , as it is with out a doubt the finest MP3 player on the market. Once own one, it will forever live in your pocket and your ears. It is a great (buy) for those that can afford it. It maybe a little out the price range for most, and if you’re look for functionality rather than fashion, you may want to shop around.

Capacity: 4 gigabytes – 1000 songs	Capacity: 8 gigabytes – 2000 songs
Price: R 1,599	Price: R 1,999
Colour: Available only in Silver	Colour: Available in Silver, Black, Green, Pink or Aqua
Earphones	Earphones
USB 2.0 Cable	USB 2.0 Cable

PRO’s	CON’s
Fashionable accessory	Expensive for the average consumer
Easy to use interface	Unable to change the battery
Touch pad, has revolutionised MP3 market	Short Battery life
Screen is prefect for navigating around	Screen too small to watch video’s on
Everyone will know that you own an I-pod with the unique design of the headphones.	Headphones tend to hurt ones ears during extended periods of use.

The I-pod Nano, the third generation of I pods released by technology giant, Apple, is definitely going to be one of the “most wanted”on every teen ‘ s Christmas list this year. While the Nano does what it was designed to do and does it with the style and class that is has kept it the most wanted and desired MP3 player in the world, Tech noir recently had the chance to test drive the gismo and found a few rotten points about the new apple. You may not agree, but that is why the blog has a comments section- let us know what your thoughts are.

As the saying goes, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree and many expecting a whole new product may be disappointed to find that the new addition to the family is not so different from it’s predecessors, it seems that CEO of Apple, Steve Jobs has stubbed his nose at Moore’s Law (will add a link so that readers can click and follow the link to Moore’s Law).
With a smooth metallic housing, the ipod is cool to the touch and is sure to turn those who desire one, green with envy.
With five different colours to choose from, and two different capacities, 4 gigabytes or 8 gigabytes the ipod can hold a thousand to two thousand songs respectively. So Its understandable to see why its the most bought and sort after MP3 around , so whether you want listen to music as you sweat it out in the gym or something to listen to on a road trip, you are never short of music, even if it is your whole nineties collection ( or something like that).

The thumb, the lateral-most digit of the hand, is a useful little appendage that since we evolved it has played a critical part in almost every aspect of human development and even more so when it comes to operating the Ipod.

Who would have thought that the integral part of mankind’s ability to create, destroy or bum a ride from a passing stranger can also control a host of music artists and songs.

It is easy to navigate around, with all the functions that you would come to expect such as album, artist, and song title search. A nice little feature about the Nano, thanks to I-tunes, will automatically download album covers for all the songs you have uploaded , which makes identifying albums or artists a breeze. The same Album covers will act as a sort of screen saver, when the accessing the I-pod’s main interface which means you are sure to have your favourite artist on hand at all times, even if it is only electronically.

I-tunes will have to be downloaded if you want to be able to upload or access your I-pod. If you don’t have a internet connection you can usually find a copy of it on PC magazines DVD.

The Nano is with out a doubt one of the best looking and easy to use MP3 player on the market to date, even though there have been a few companies making knock off versions, it is still one of the best selling techo products too.

In my view, there are a number of small functional irritants that distract from it being the greatest MP3 player of 2008. First off the screen, at 5 centimeters it is large enough to enable ease of browsing and searching for songs.

Apple envisioned that it’s users would be able to watch video clips and view photographs, the screen however is just too small. Imagine attempting to watch an action movie on a screen the size of a match box. It is possible, however, it’s just not worth it and could leave you cross eyed before the second scene. This raises another point, that the large, by Apple standards, screen now draws far more power from the battery. Larger screen, means more heat, more heat means more drain on the Nano’s battery. What this comes down to, is that as your I-pod gets on in life, the average battery life will decrease to the point where it could only hold a couple of hours of charge. Defeating the object of being able to take your nano with while you travel, because, unless you are close to a USB plug at all times, you are not going to be able to use it. And that could prove difficult, especially if you are on a 12 hour flight to England.)

It boggles the mind, why Apple will not allow consumers to change the I-pod battery. Seeing as lithium Ion batteries do have a limited life span, it stands to wonder what people will do a couple of years down the line when their battery is unable to hold a charge anymore? Sure you could send it back, if it’s still under warranty, and allow the Apple reseller you bought it from to change out the battery. But then you may be left without your ipod for a while, which once you have started using it is sure to be a permanent part of your daily attire.

Apple i Pod shuffle (1GB)

Apple i Pod (30GB) Black

i-pod 3dcg

It have been 5 days, since I started studying Rhino3d.
I understand hot to make a box-shape stuff. Even not well sofisticated…

Still I dont understand much about render. How can I express “shinny shinny” metal? With placing many object to the outside of camera frame? With mapping? Need more study.

Learning in Hand - iPod Troubleshooting

Resetting Your iPod 
Resetting is like rebooting your iPod. You won't lose any songs, videos, or data files (though some settings may be reset). To Reset: press and hold the Menu and Select buttons together until the iPod restarts (older iPods may require you to press and hold the Menu and Play buttons for 6 to 10 seconds). When you reset iPod, your music, videos, photos, notes, and files are still saved. However, your iPod may loose some of its settings.

Retrying Your iPod 
Try a different syncing cable if your iPod is not syncing correctly. Also try a different USB port or a different computer.

Restarting Your Computer 
We all know that restarting the computer can many times fix our problems. It’s worth a try!Before you take any of these troubleshooting

Reinstalling Your iTunes and iPod Software 
Remove iTunes software and reinstall it from Apple.com. Make sure your iPod software is up to date by connecting your iPod to your computer. Click your iPod in the Source panel. Select the Summary tab. In the Version section click the Update button if the text indicates an update is available.

Restoring Your iPod 
Restoring completely erases iPod's hard drive. Attach your iPod and launch iTunes. Click your iPod under Devices. Click the Summary tab. Click the Restore button . After restoring, you can transfer your media files back to the iPod through iTunes. Unless you have backups for any files in iPod's hard disk storage, they are lost forever.

Advanced ipod troubleshooting

Just like any other device, you can troubleshoot problems with your iPod to avoid the hassle of going through a lengthy warranty or return process. By searching the Internet and Apple's web site, you may find a solution the problem your device is currently experiencing. Proceed with caution, not all fixes will work for your iPod, and you may cause more harm than good if you do something wrong during a troubleshoot session.

Just like your computer, an Apple iPod hard drive can run into problems of its own. Everything from bumping it against the wall, dropping it or leaving it in extreme hot or cold temperatures can cause the hard drive to fail. There are a few tips and tricks to try and get it to work again.

First, you can check the iPod for disc errors. You want to reset your iPod by holding in the center button and menu button for seven to ten seconds. Once it flashes back to the Apple logo, it will take a few seconds to load back up. During the load, the iPod automatically checks for any disc errors that might be present since last use. If you get a sad face picture on the display, you have some sort of error preventing your hard disk from loading properly.

While Apple suggest you do not use third party software to restore or defrag your iPod, various programs have been used to fix an iPod with disc errors. If you feel comfortable using one, it might just help, but if you do not want to risk it, the easiest way to go about solving this type of problem is retoring the iPod back to factory settings. If you go to iTunes and plug your iPod in, your main screen will have two options: Update or retore. Update allows you to update the firmware and other settings from Apple's web site wheres restore will reformat the hard drive disk in the iPod for a clean use.You will want to click the restore button to do just that. This will erase all information, music, photos and videos from your iPod and restore it to its original settings.

How do I change the battery?

Apple suggests that iPod users do not change the battery inside the device. In some cases, the battery is fused to the motherboard and opening the device can ruin the entire iPod. In other cases, the battery is just glued to the back casing, and you can easily replace or swap out batteries for a better one.

Many third party companies have created and designed new iPod batteries that last much longer than the lithium ion batteries that are used in the units now. In many cases, it is also cheaper than replacing the battery directly through Apple or buying a new iPod all together. Proceed with caution; replacing your iPod's battery can damage the unit and you may find yourself buying a new one if you do not know what you are doing when you crack open the device.

The first thing you want to do is purchase a new battery. Once it arrives, you will want to take apart the iPod casing. This can be the hardest part of installation. Depending on the iPod's generation, you may or may not be able to pry it open easily. Many iPod owners have suggested something like a guitar pick to open up the case; you do not want to use anything sharp, in case you slip, you do not want to damage the motherboard inside. Many battery installation kits come with the tools you need to open, install and put back together your unit. You want to work you away around the entire casing until it comes off.

Once you crack open the case, you want to lay the iPod on a non-scratch surface. Separate the two iPod parts, you will be able to point out the battery quickly from here. It is connected to the motherboard, you want to unplug the battery gently and lay it to the side. Plug in the new battery gently, and make sure it is connected securely. Lay the battery back down the same way you found the old one, and you will begin to put the cover back on. Lay the cover flat, and press down gently on all sides. Pick up the iPod and make sure the cover is on securely before continuing.

Finally, you will want to plug your iPod into a wall charger, and let it sit for four to six hours. Once it has charged, you will notice the difference in charge within a few days. If you encounter any problems, it may be a sign of a faulty installation, and you will want to contact the retailer where you purchased the replacement battery for further help or troubleshooting.

Apple does offer a warranty for battery replacement outside their one year limited warranty. This came about after several class action lawsuits that alleged Apple trumped up the capabilities of its batteries without actually testing it with real world music listeners. You can learn more at Apple's web site.

What do I do if my computer doesn't recognize the iPod?

If your computer does not recognize your iPod, you want to try the following steps: Make sure the hold switch is not on, make sure the battery is charged at least half-way and try resetting the unit to see if the Apple logo appears. If those do not work, let the iPod battery drain, recharge it, and see if that works. Again, if it does not, you will want to update the firmware by downloading the update from Apple's web site.

If these fixes do not work, it is possible a conflict may be occurring on your computer between the iPod and other USB or FireWire devices. Try a new or different USB or FireWire cable, first, and if that does not work, disconnect all USB and FireWire devices, including your keyboard and mouse, then, plug in the iPod and see if it works. If it does, one of your other devices is now conflicting with the unit, and you will want to go about trying to fix that conflict so you can potentially use both at the same time. Last but not least, try connecting the iPod to another computer and seeing if it is recognized.

What do I do if troubleshooting fails?

If you can not fix your iPod, you may want to contact Apple Support or visit their web site for the closest Apple store in your vicinity. Local consumer electronics stores may also have help for you, and you can always try and find a local store that repairs iPods if it falls outside your warranty. If you do not feel comfortable troubleshooting on your own, your best bet is to take it to somebody who has experience with the units so you do not cause more harm than good during your attempts to fix your iPod.

iPod troubleshooting basics and service FAQ

Symptoms

Having trouble with your iPod? These troubleshooting steps will show you the smoothest path to resolving your issue. Be sure to perform troubleshooting before having your iPod serviced.

Resolution

Start with these first

• Make sure that your computer meets the system requirements for the iPod.
• In some cases, simply updating to the latest versions of iTunes and iPod Software may resolve your issue.
• Visit the iPod Support page if you have questions about using your iPod or need help with an issue.
• Check out these helpful tutorials for more information on updating and troubleshooting your iPod.

Your iPod doesn't respond, won't turn on, or the display remains blank

If your iPod doesn't respond, is "frozen", won't turn on, or nothing appears on the LCD screen check for these possible causes:

• The Hold switch may be on. Check the Hold switch to make sure it's not in the locked position. Unlock it, and try using iPod again.

  

  Tip: Even if the Hold switch is already in the unlocked position, it's sometimes helpful to toggle it so it's locked and unlocked again.

• You may need to reset your iPod. Resetting your iPod does not affect your music or data files. 
   
• Your iPod's battery may not be charged. Plug your iPod in, wait for a moment, press a button to turn it on, and check the screen. Here are some easy steps to get the most out of your battery. Note: On recent iPod models, when the battery is completely empty, your computer may not recognize your iPod for up to 30 minutes even though it's connected and charging.

  

Songs do not transfer to your iPod

If you've recently downloaded the latest version of iTunes and songs do not copy to your iPod, your iPod may require a specific or later version of iPod software. Use iTunes 7 or later to determine if your iPod's software needs to be updated.

You see a folder icon with an exclamation point

Some iPod models require a specific or later version of iPod software. Try updating or restoring iPod. If you still see the exclamation point, try these additional troubleshooting tips. If you see a sad iPod icon with an exclamation point, see thisarticle.

iPod doesn't appear in iTunes, on the desktop, or in Windows Explorer

Several things could keep iPod from appearing in iTunes or on the desktop when you connect it to your computer. For Mac, find an answer here. For Windows PC customers, try these solutions.

"Do not disconnect" screen

The "Do not disconnect" screen is normal. Learn more about the disconnect screens.

The headphones don't work

If your iPod's headphones don't work or have static or garbled audio, try connecting them to any other 3.5 mm stereo headphone jack, like the one on your computer. If the issue with the headphones persists, replace them. For an iPod under warranty, you can order a replacement online. Otherwise, check out the cool headphones at the Apple Store. If the issue appears to be with the iPod, try resetting it. If that doesn't work, then restore iPod with the latest iPod software using iTunes 7 or later.

Gather information for service

To order service for your iPod, you'll need to know its serial number and purchase date. If service for your iPod is not covered under Apple's one-year limited warranty or AppleCare Protection Plan for iPod, there will be a fee.

How to get your iPod serviced

It's easy! Additional answers to common service questions can be found in the iPod Service FAQ.

• In North America, simply complete the online iPod service request form to receive service for your iPod or accessory. You can also schedule a service appointment with either an Apple Retail Store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider.
• In Europe, please schedule a service appointment with either an Apple Retail Store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider. Our online repair service is also available.
• In Australia, simply complete the online iPod service request form or schedule a service appointment with a local Apple Authorised Service Provider.

Important

1. If you use our online repair service, please provide an address where someone will be available to accept the service box or accessory.
2. If your iPod was personalized (engraved) by Apple, please use our online repair service, which is the only way to have a replacement iPod sent with the same personalization.

What is the status of my iPod repair?

Just go to our Repair Status page any time you want to find out the status of your iPod repair.

 

Additional Information

Additional information about service for your iPod is available in the iPod Service FAQ and the iPod out-of-warranty Battery Replacement Program FAQ:

• Australia
• Canada
• United Kingdom
• United States

The 20 best iPhone and iPod touch applications

Until the 1.1.3 firmware is successfully hacked by the resourceful iPhone hackers, you can still enjoy all of the features the update is bringing and more with your jailbroken iPhone. Here's a look at 20 outstanding

New iPhone and iPod touch models

Apple today added new models of the iPhone and iPod touch which have double the memory. The iPhone now comes in a new 16GB model for $499, joining the 8GB model for $399. iPod touch now comes in a 32GB model for $499, joining the 16GB model for $399 and the 8GB model for $299.

Share your photos

iPod classic uses iTunes to sync the photos you have in iPhoto on a Mac or Adobe Photoshop Elements and Adobe Photoshop Album on a PC. View photo slideshows complete with music and transitions on iPod classic, or play them on a TV using an optional Apple component or composite AV cable.

Play iPod games

Put hours of fun at your fingertips. iPod classic comes with three games — Vortex, iQuiz, and Klondike — and you can purchase games such as Monopoly from the iTunes Store. All iPod games are designed specifically for the iPod interface

Watch movies and TV shows

The vivid 2.5-inch display makes video come alive. Purchase or rent movies, buy TV shows, and download video podcasts from the iTunes Store, then sync them to your iPod classic to watch anywhere, anytime.

Click to enjoy

Finding exactly what you want to watch or listen to is easy. Use the Click Wheel to browse by album art with Cover Flow or navigate your songs and videos by playlist, artist, album, genre, and more. You can also search for specific titles and artists. Want to mix things up? Click Shuffle Songs for a different experience every time.

Hold everything

iPod classic gives you 120GB of storage capacity, good for up to 30,000 songs, 150 hours of video, 25,000 photos, or any combination. And you get up to 36 hours of battery life, so you can keep on rocking for a long, long time.

Meet a musical Genius

Say you’re listening to a song you really like and want to hear other tracks that go great with it. With a few clicks, the new Genius feature finds the songs in your library that go great together and makes a Genius playlist for you. You can listen to the playlist right away, save it for later, or even refresh it and give it another go. Count on Genius to create a mix you wouldn’t have thought of yourself.

Apple ipod classic

With 120GB of storage, iPod classic is the take-everything-everywhere iPod

ipod nano

3G speed. Worldwide

3G technology gives iPhone fast access to the Internet and email over cellular networks around the world. iPhone 3G also makes it possible to do more in more places: Surf the web, download email, get directions, and watch video — even while you’re on a call.

How it works.

iPhone 3G uses a technology protocol called HSDPA (High-Speed Downlink Packet Access) to download data fast over UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) networks. Email attachments and web pages load twice as fast on 3G networks as on 2G EDGE networks.¹ And since iPhone 3G seamlessly switches between EDGE, faster 3G, and even faster Wi-Fi, you always get the best speeds possible.

Talk and browse. At the same time.

iPhone already gives you mobile multitasking. But 3G technology lets you multitask in more places — without connecting via Wi-Fi. Since 3G networks enable simultaneous data and voice, you can talk on the phone while surfing the web, checking email, or using Maps. All from your 3G cellular network.

Go anywhere.

iPhone 3G meets worldwide standards for cellular communications, so you can make calls and surf the web from practically anywhere on the planet. And if you’re in an area without a 3G network, iPhone connects you via GSM for calls and EDGE for data.

More wireless. Less space.

iPhone 3G delivers UMTS, HSDPA, GSM, Wi-Fi, EDGE, GPS, and Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR in one compact device — using only two antennas. Clever iPhone engineering integrates those antennas into a few unexpected places: the metal ring around the camera, the audio jack, the metal screen bezel, and the iPhone circuitry itself. And intelligent iPhone power management technology gives you up to 5 hours of talk time over 3G networks.² That’s some of the best in the business.

Apple: No New Macs Under The Christmas Tree

Bah humbug. Santa Claus will not be delivering new or upgraded Apple (NSDQ:AAPL) products, an Apple spokesperson said.

"Our holiday lineup is set," Apple spokesman Bill Evans told Macworld.

The buzzkill came amid of Internet rumors that on Nov. 10 Apple was set to unveil revamped and refreshed iMacs and Mac Minis as well as an update for its desktop products.

The Macs were rumored to feature upgraded chipsets and DisplayPorts, which lets users connect an external display or projector using an adapter. The new MacBook, MacBook Pro and MacBook Air already come with a Mini DisplayPort.

Apple launched the Mac Mini three years ago but has let it languish while it concentrated its efforts on the more popular iMac and MacBooks. Cupertino, Calif.-based Apple hasn't updated the Mac Mini since last year, leading some Apple watchers to speculate that the company will kill the computer.

Last month, Gizmodo reported that two major European retailers can't order the Mac Minis anymore, and "they have been told by Apple to expect no more of it."

In October, Apple launched its new family of MacBooks and said chip maker Nvidia will provide GeForce 9400M motherboard graphics for all of the new MacBooks, as well as discrete graphics for two 15-inch MacBook Pros. The older, 17-inch MacBook Pro is the only one in the current lineup with Intel (NSDQ: INTC)'s integrated graphics chipset, according to Apple. The company's Mac Mini has not been updated since last year.

The iPod-O-Lantern - Happy Halloween From iPod Hacks!

It's Halloween! And here at iPod Hacks we've let the spirit of this special day take hold of us. All it took was a crisp autumn eve with leaves dancing magically on the wind, a patch of uncarved pumpkins, and—yes, perhaps a bit too much time on our hands as well.... The end result? Well, let's just say we can't think of a better desktop wallpaper image for this time of year.

iPod touch Now everything’s in play with iPod touch.

Games

Games designed for iPod touch technology are just a tap away. Browse hundreds of games from the App Store right on your iPod touch, download what you want, and you’re ready to play.
Games

Music

Flip through your library by album artwork. Create Genius Playlists on the go. And add to your collection by shopping the iTunes Wi-Fi Music Store from any Wi-Fi hotspot.

• Music
• iTunes Wi-Fi Music Store

Movies + TV Shows

Movies and TV shows pop off the 3.5-inch widescreen display. Choose from thousands at the iTunes Store and take them with you everywhere.
Movies + TV Shows

Internet

Browse the web with Wi-Fi. Get rich HTML email, including attachments. Get directions and live traffic reports. Feed your YouTube addiction.

• Safari
• Mail
• Maps
• YouTube

High Technology

Its advanced technologies enable iPod touch to respond to both touch and movement. It also finds wireless networks and connects you to the Internet.

• Multi-Touch
• Accelerometer
• Wireless

Nike + iPod compatability

Tune your run.

iPod touch now includes built-in Nike + iPod support. Just slip the Nike + iPod Sensor (available separately) into your Nike+ shoe and start your run. The sensor communicates wirelessly with your iPod touch, tracking your time, distance, and calories burned. It even gives you voice feedback on your progress.

Tune your cardio workout.

This feature also works with new cardio equipment available in many fitness centers. Just look for Nike + iPod compatible treadmills, ellipticals, stair steppers, and stationary bikes.

Sync with nikeplus.com.

When you get back to your computer, sync your iPod touch via iTunes and transfer your exercise data to nikeplus.com, where you can track your workouts, set goals, and challenge friends.

Millions of songs. Thousands of movies. Hundreds of games. The new iPod touch

New designed iPod Video Grows Bigger

Along with the new iPod Nanos and Shuffle, Apple has discontinued one of the iPod Video units, the 60gb model. Do not dispair, as it was replaced by an 80gb model. This would make sense, since the new iTunes 7.0 will allow users to buy and download feature films from the Walt Disney company.

While I don't expect it to replace the local video stores, it is nice to have the option to get a movie or two for that long plane ride on your next business trip. Who knows what else Apple has up their sleeve, but this is a major change in how copyrighted content is handled, and it will be interesting to see how it plays out.

Video Conversion

This one wasn’t even close. QuickTime 7 Pro took around twelve hours to encode the video in an iPod-friendly format, while PSPware took under three hours to encode the PSP-formatted version our test video. Twelve hours was simply unacceptable, and not something we’d be likely to do again.

Video Size

323.6 MB — That’s the size of Kill Bill Vol.1 compressed with PSPware, compared to 498 MB for the iPod video. The settings in PSPware had the video quality on high, with resolution set at 368x208 (16:9), as compared to the 320x240 resolution set in QuickTime for the iPod’s file. Obviously, the PSP video file doesn’t take full advantage of the unit’s screen — which features a 480x272 resolution. This has been rumored to be due to a protective measure by Sony to protect sales of UMDs, which use the full screen resolution.

Video Sharpness vs. Screen Size

The video on the iPod was surprisingly crisp despite its 2.5” screen. Since Kill Bill is shot in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio (typical widescreen formats, such as HDTV and the PSP’s screen, are 1.78:1), it actually only used about a third of the iPod’s screen, as opposed to using a majority — around 75 percent — of the PSP’s screen. Unfortunately this large size advantage did not equal a better picture. The video simply wasn’t as crisp as the iPod’s due to the fact that the movie was more or less being “blown up” to fill the PSP’s screen. All in all, the experience on both was about even - the iPod’s screen showing crisp video on an extremely small scale, while the PSP had a much more comfortable screen size but lacked the sharpness of the video being shown on the iPod.

Audio Quality

The audio quality of both videos was good, but the iPod’s seemed just a tiny bit clearer and better separated, most likely due to the fact that the audio in the iPod video file is encoded into AAC audio, the same codec used in purchases from the iTunes Music Store. To its credit, the PSP did seem to have a little more bass when needed — but this was a pretty small difference that we had to use fairly expensive listening equipment to hear.

Battery Test

Once again a blowout. The iPod video lasted two hours and twenty-one minutes on one charge playing the movie in a loop, while the PSP lasted seven and a half hours one one charge playing the same loop. Granted, the iPod’s screen was brighter for the duration — it doesn’t have a brightness control — but the constant accessing of the hard drive and smaller battery size really hindered the iPod’s performance in this test.

Overall

It is very close to being a toss-up. The PSP has its strengths, and so does the iPod. Of course we didn’t try to watch either of them hooked up to a TV — something that you can’t currently do with a PSP — but the resolutions of the files lead us to believe that the difference would have been negligible. Really, it’s all about what you want. If you want super-sharp video and can stand the small screen size, the iPod isn’t a bad choice. If you want the larger screen and don’t mind losing a little bit of the image clarity, the PSP is your gadget — plus you can’t forget about the always expanding library of UMDs to which the iPod has no answer. It’s these facts, coupled with the faster video encoding and longer battery life, that lead us to the conclusion that the PSP is the better mobile video player.

PSP vs. iPod video — video comparison

We’ve now had our 30GB iPod with video for five days now — long enough to run battery tests, encode several test videos, and test out the audio quality of the iPod and PSP in regards to video. We had expectations going into our tests, and we were really surprised by the results in some tests. Read the full report to see our comparisons and some photos.

iPod Video 30GB Review

Packaging & First Impressions

Steve Jobs said that people don't like to watch videos on small screens, I guess he meant small non-Apple screens. The fifth generation of iPod now has video playback ability and it is very cool. Like all of Apple's products, the fifth generation (5G) iPod comes in a snappy little box about half the size of the original iPod box. Our iPod box was black which matched our black iPod and had a picture of Bono from U2 on the iPod screen. Seems like every time you turn around Apple and U2 are closer and closer. i2? uPod?

Out of the box the new iPod is both familiar and new. The shape and weight of the device are familiar while the big 2.5" color screen and relative thinness are really new and appreciated. This time around you get a pair of earphones, a soft, pouch carrying case and a USB 2.0 cord to hook the iPod up to your computer. Where did the firewire go you ask? We don't know. We tried plugging our iPod into our old iPod dock and of it displayed a screen saying we needed to use a USB 2.0 connection. Maybe Apple is finally giving up to the rest of the PC world and is going to just use USB for consumer devices. Steve hasn't returned our calls.

Video Killed the iPod Star?

We got our iPod video hooked up to the computer as quick as we could and headed into iTunes 6.0 to the new video section to get some viewing material. Since we have already watched Lost and are not really interested in housewives, we purchased the premier of Night Stalker a new ABC thriller. As that downloaded we headed over to the music video section and bought a Shakira video. All videos and TV shows are $1.99 for now but we are not sure paying the same amount for a three minute video and a forty two minute show will remain the same (or should).

Videos on the go and we were off. First of all, yes the screen is amazing. It is so clear, so crisp that everyone in our "world lab" was impressed. Both the music video and TV show come across in vibrant colors and while sitting there watching it reminded me of those tiny little portable TV sets that were so hot in the late eighties. In our tests the screen compared very well to a Palm T3 but was both brighter and clearer. If you think the videos look nice, try out some photos from iPhoto which also looked great. Not much to say about the music as it still plays music, showing album art and all the rest just like the old iPod photo.

So, it is smaller, faster, lighter has a bigger screen, more capabilities and comes is black. Anything not to like? Well, yes, there are a few things. The lack of firewire support bugs us as it now counts out a whole set of docks and plugs that most of use have for our older iPods. Also, while not official yet we think that the video iPod might suffer from the same sensitive screen as the iPod Nano, so keep that in mind. On the really picky list of things we would love to see a pair of black earphones and to have the iPod ship with a dock again.

Style your iPod.com

Personalise and protect your iPod® and unlike other cases or covers your iPod® will be easy to use, look cool with no added bulk.

There are over 100 different designs.

They are very thin (2mm), protective iPod® covers made with premium grade 3M vinyl and adhesive technology.

They are crafted using the same process and materials used in F1 and the automotive customisation industry.

They're the first and leading brand in fashionable iPod® protection that doesn’t add unwanted bulk.

They're printed vinyl with a photo quality finish and a special patented 3M adhesive that allows you to remove and reapply the skin without leaving any residue on your iPod®.

Your iPod® will still fit perfectly in its dock.

They are designed for numerous application. So that way you can change the style and look of your iPod® as many times as you want.

Fake iPod video

This is not real. But since I'm trying hard to warm up to this iPod video idea, I thought I'd post it. Plus, the graphic is well done and the design actually has some merits to it. (They shouldn't have capitalized the word video in the title bar though. Everyone knows the iPod video has a lower case "v".)

ipod video black and white

iPod Video 5th Generation Review

The 5G (5th generation) iPod with Video and Photo viewing capabilities is the latest evolution in the iPod line. The key word here is evolution, as, for the most part, it only includes a few minor improvements from the previous 4th generation iPod. Read on, and I'll tell you exactly what I think of this hot new product.

Installing

Installing the iPod, I decided to just plug it into my computer. Unfortunately, the iPod locked up! That seemed pretty bad to me. After browsing the web a while, I figured out how to reboot the frozen iPod (hold down the middle select button and the menu button at the same time for about 6 seconds to reset/reboot it). Also, make sure that the iPod hold switch is not set when you try to reboot it. After rebooting, I decided to upgrade my iTunes from 6.0 to the most current version at the time (6.0.1.3) just to be safe, and then plugged in the iPod again, and it worked this time.

Design

The 5G iPod has the same classic iPod look of the 4th generation design. From a design standpoint, it is gorgeous, the same width and height as the 1st generation iPod, but about half the thickness. It has a classy and classic design that looks beautiful and elegant. In the hand it feels nice- moderate weight but solid. One thing that you'll notice is how minimalist the design is- there are very few buttons and knobs and switches. The most notable thing is its round touch wheel which has 4 buttons embedded on it and a button in the center. The 4 clickwheel buttons have a nice tactile feedback when you push on them, however, they are completely flat on the touch wheel. In fact, it's so minimalist that there is not even an on/off switch (you have to hold the pause button down for several seconds and then flip the hold switch). There is no volume knob- you use the touch wheel (which also serves also to scroll through songs and also for rating your songs). Sadly, the latest touchwheel is a downgrade from all previous versions. It is much more "twitchy", and error-prone than the one on my second generation iPod mini, and much inferior to my 1st generation mechanical wheel in feel and accuracy.

The LCD screen is color and it's beautiful. It is 2.5" diagonal and has a resolution of 320x240. Videos look good on the screen. Motion is clear and smooth, though the screen is really too small to watch long movies on. On the top edge, there is one headphone jack and a hold switch. On the bottom, there's a custom connector which you can use a cable to connect to your computer's USB port (Firewire is no longer supported). No docking station is included, a money-saving tactic on Apple's part.

I Call It Scratchy

The 5G iPod has a very scratch-prone screen. In fact, after just 1 day of using it gently, and putting it in my pocket (without any metal objects or coins) it somehow developed far more scratches than my 3 month old 2G iPod mini which was not babied at all. In fact, it's rather upsetting that the screen in some parts is so marred with scratches that it causes video playback to sometimes shimmer in that area. At least Apple now includes a new ultra-thin neoprene-like case. I like the case a lot, it's very simple but compact and provides just enough protection for carrying around without adding much bulk.

Features

The iPod is fairly light on features. It plays music files in AAC format (used by Apple's iTunes music store) and plays MP3s and Apple Lossless format. Apple has finally added reasonable recording support (though you need to buy a separate add-on microphone). And, the big news is, Apple's video support. Actually, video support is pretty good. Apple's web site says it supports H.264 video at 320x240 resolution at up to 768 kbits/second, or MPEG-4 resolutions of up to 480x480, and 2.5Mbits/second but. The MPEG-4 video size limit is slightly misleading, as it in reality supports resolutions that have up to 480x480=230,400 pixels. That means with a normal 1.33 aspect ratio, it can actually do up to 554x415 pixels (good for output to a TV, the built-in screen is 320x240 and downsizes the video shown to fit the built-in screen). Note, using higher resolutions increases file sizes significantly and could severely decrease battery life because of the increased computation power needed. Other reasonable resolutions for a 1.33 aspect ratio are 512x384 or 480x360. I've decided to standardize my video content on 480x360 at 1.5Mbits/sec. as a reasonable compromise in terms of quality and space.

Photo viewing on the 2.5" screen is very nice. However, Apple left out the most important feature, being able to zoom in on the details of an image. Even my obsolete 3 year old digital camera could do that. Also, the iPod doesn't support viewing RAW photo file formats.

There is still no FM radio, there is no bluetooth wireless connectivity built in (you can buy extra 3rd party addons for bluetooth, but really, it should be built in), there is no 3rd party software support for applications to run on the iPod. I hope they'll correct these deficiencies soon. There are a few extras like an alarm clock which which is practically useless because the built-in speaker is so weak, and there are a couple of games that aren't very good.

Other extras include a contact manager, a calendar, and the ability to show text notes.

A recently added feature is support for Podcasts. Podcasts have their own menu and also are bookmarked if you switch to something else in the middle of listening to one. Also, a dot appears next to podcasts that have not yet been listened to (a nice touch). Happily, smart playlists work correctly (if you set the star ratings for a song for instance, it will dynamically get updated on the iPod without having to re-sync with the computer). This feature had been broken by Apple for my 2nd generation mini with Firmware version 1.3.

In Use

With all this talk about design and features, we shouldn't forget, it's all about the audio. My opinion is, the iPod's audio quality is very good. Audio is clear and clean. It seems to be an improvement on the iPod Mini I own, as it doesn't seem to have audio glitches when switching tracks. I'm not an audiophile, so you may want to check for yourself if you're particularly picky. Overall, I'm happy with the audio quality.

Where the iPod really shines is on the software side. iTunes integration is fantastic. Keeping your music in sync between the computer and the iPod works really well. iTunes is great at managing your music, if you are willing to give it full control over organizing your music- I fought this for a while, but in the end gave in as it's just easier to let it manage and consolidate your collection. It has nice little features like finding duplicate songs so you can clean up your collection. The iTunes user interface and functionality is excellent.

Playlist management in iTunes is fantastic. It is easy to create playlists and rearrange music within playlists. In addition, playlist management is very good on the iPod itself as well. Smart playlists are playlists that dynamically get updated (for instance, you can have a playlist of all 5 star rated songs, or of the most recent songs you've downloaded). You can create on-the-go playlists on the iPod directly, which is one feature I really love.

This 30GB 5G iPod I own is advertised as having an 14 hour battery life, or 2 hours for video. The iPod battery is also not easily replaceable, so you can't just switch batteries when it runs out, instead, you have to recharge the iPod. Your battery results may vary. (Come back later for a full report on battery life!)

Video content is now available on iTunes. However, the quality and the restrictions are a joke. You pay $1.99 for video content (such as music videos, or TV shows) but you get poor quality 320x240 resolution videos that you can NOT burn to DVD. Low quality and severe restrictions, together with a lack of much content to begin with is a disappointment.

Trouble in paradise

There is a very dark side to using the iPod and iTunes, however. Apple has been very consumer unfriendly by refusing to let iTunes protected AAC format music to interoperate with other software and other MP3 players. You can not play music purchased on iTunes using any other MP3 player on the market. Although you can burn the music onto CD and then rip it again, that is a rather annoying and time-consuming barrier. Furthermore, if you purchase music from any other online store such as Real's or one that supports WMF, you can not play it in the iPod. In fact Apple has threatened to sue Real for making their music files playable on the iPod. This level of anti-consumer monopolistic behavior is beyond comprehension, for a company that has so much going for it. They basically lock you into their system and keep you there through incredibly anti-consumer practices. There is no excuse for Apple's monopolistic behavior and consumer unfriendliness here. They have a good product that stand on its own merits.

A Note on iTunes Encoding Sound Quality

When ripping songs from your CDs, you need to think about what sound quality you will be happy with. The audio encoder and quality settings are found in the iTunes Preferences (under the Edit menu --> Preferences), and select the "Importing" tab. The general consensus is, the high quality 128K bps AAC setting is adequate for most purposes, though definitely not CD quality. In general it's a lot of trouble importing your entire CD collection into iTunes, so, I recommend picking a higher bit rate AAC encoding to get higher quality (select the "Custom" option). I experimented with MP3 encoding and it seems to be produce poorer quality audio in iTunes. I ended up choosing the AAC Encoder at 192 Kbps, which is a reasonable compromise in terms of space usage and audio quality. At this quality level, all but the most serious audiophiles should be satisfied. See A Report on Apple's iTunes AAC Compared to CD. See also the iPod Audio Page for more details on audio quality.

Conclusion

The iPod 5G is an excellent music player, though still missing some important features. It has style and design that's unmatched, and works well with Apple's outstanding iTunes software. It is functional and works well for what it was designed for. Features are lacking, certainly lagging behind the competition, and you get locked in Apple's system, so that's a tradeoff you will have to weigh. I like my 5G iPod video edition, and plan to keep it at least until the next generation comes out.

Apple iPod Video Review