Dr. Lomayn Newdell
Official DIS Investigative Reporter
- Joined
- Mar 23, 2001
Its been forever since Ive posted, but with all of the talk and threads about iPods, and with the iPod topping a lot of Christmas wish lists, I thought Id come out of hiding, do a little digging, and put together a comparison of the different models available.
First let me say that I may be a bit biased toward the iPod over other mp3 players. I have been a user of Apples computers for the last well, forever, and an iPod user for the last 3+ years. Ive got nothing against any of the players made by Creative, Sony, Samsung, or the host of other manufacturers, but I know very little about them, and would not feel comfortable making any recommendations about them one way or the other. Perhaps someone with experience with the other brands could speak up and give their input!
The good Dr.s guide to the iPod
What is an iPod?
iPod is a family name for digital music players made by Apple Computer. There are currently 3 different models in production, the iPod shuffle, iPod nano, and the iPod. All versions play music that is synced from your computer via Apples free iTunes software. The nano and regular iPod have additional features listed below.
What kinds of music work on my iPod?
The iPod can play numerous types of digitally compressed music including mp3, ACC, Apple Lossless, wav, aiff, and audible formats. Music can be added from your existing CD collection, mp3 files already on your computer, or purchased from the iTunes music store. iPods DO NOT work with music subscription services like Napster To Go, nor do they play wma files.
How much music do they hold?
Approximate conversion: 1GB of storage equates to 240 songs.
iPod shuffle (512MB) = 120 songs
iPod shuffle (1GB) = 240 songs
iPod nano (2GB) = 500 songs
iPod nano (4GB) = 1,000 songs
iPod (30GB) = 7,500 songs
iPod (60GB) = 15,000 songs
How can I listen to my music?
The iPod comes with basic headphones called earbuds. There are also dozens of adaptors available to connect your iPod to virtually any type of stereo. Cassette adaptors and FM transmitters for your car, portable speaker systems from JBL, Bose, and Altec Lansing to share your music anywhere. There are over 1000 various accessories made exclusively for the iPod.
Theyre so small, are they fragile?
The shuffle and the nano are both flash memory based. They contain no moving parts and are great for exercising, but you do need to take care to keep from scratching the nano and regular iPod screens, putting then in the same pocket with your keys or a bunch of change is not recommended. The newer models may be supplied with a protective case, if not, it is highly recommended that you get one. (Ive had my regular iPod for over 3 years, and my shuffle since they debuted, with no problems.) There are reports on the web about a shuffle that went through the washer and dryer 3 times and still works fine Another website tested the nano by dropping it from 3 feet and 6 feet, dropping it from a moving bike at 10 miles per hour, a moving car at 30 and 50 miles per hour (still working at this point but the screen cracked) and finally running it over with the car, TWICE. It still played but the screen was broken. It was finally done in by throwing it as high and far as the tester could chuck it.
Will it work with my computer?
You need to be running Mac OSX or Windows 2000/XP. All current models connect via USB 2 for charging and syncing. If you do not have USB 2, you can still sync via USB 1, but it will be rather slow and you will need an external charger.
How much do they cost?
Below you can find a picture and price comparison of the current iPod models. Prices listed are Apples suggested retail price, however, you can generally find slightly lower prices at Amazon.com or elsewhere on the web. If buying online be sure that you get the model that you are really looking for! Amazon and many brick and mortar stores still have several older models that do not have all the features of the current crop. If you do not need or want the newest model, chances are you can get a great deal on the older versions.
The iPod shuffle
2 versions available:
iPod shuffle 512MB
Cost $99
Holds approx. 120 songs
iPod shuffle 1GB
Cost $129
Holds approx. 240 songs
Capabilities: Music & Data Storage
Size: 3.3 x 0.98 x 0.33 inches. No Display.
The good and bad: Ultra small, lightweight, doubles as a flash drive for transferring files between computers. No screen can make navigation difficult. Great as an entry level music player, especially for younger kids.
Click here for full shuffle Specs
The iPod nano
4 versions available:
iPod nano 2GB (available in black or white)
Cost $199
Holds approx. 500 songs
iPod nano 4GB (available in black or white)
Cost $249
Holds approx. 1000 songs
Capabilities: Music, podcast, and audiobook playback. Stores and displays up to 25,000 photos. Also syncs contacts, calendars and to-do lists.
Size: 3.5 x 1.6 x 0.27 inches and 1.5 ounces with 1.5-inch color LCD display
The good and bad: Small, lightweight, very easy to navigate. Black models tend to show scratches. More expensive than the shuffle, better suited to someone that you can trust will take care of the device.
Click here for full nano Specs
The iPod
(Note- The black and white versions are the same size, the above images are not properly sized)
4 versions available:
iPod 30GB (available in black or white)
Cost $299
Holds approx. 7,500 songs
Size: 2.4 x 4.1 x 0.43 4.8 ounces with 2.5-inch color LCD display
iPod 60GB (available in black or white)
Cost $399
Holds approx. 15,000 songs
Size: 2.4 x 4.1 x 0.55 5.5 ounces with 2.5-inch color LCD display
Capabilities: Music, podcast, and audiobook playback. Stores up to 25,000 photos. Has video playback capabilities on the iPod itself, may also be connected to an external video source to play video and photo slideshow presentations with music. Also syncs contacts, calendars and to-do lists. Able to download photos directly from some digital cameras (with an optional connector).
The good and bad: Relatively small, lightweight, very easy to navigate, surprisingly bright full color screen. Ability to play video files. Very large storage capacities. Again, black models tend to show scratches. Good for people with large music collections and lots of digital files that they want to keep portable, and for those that want the latest and greatest techie gadgets.
Click here for full iPod Specs
For comparisons sake here are some of the older models that may still be available for purchase. (Image sizes are not to scale)
Apple 20 GB iPod Photo
(Model MA079LL/A)
Apple 60 GB iPod Photo
(Model M9830LL/A)
Apple 4 GB iPod mini Silver
(Model M9800LL/A)
May also be available in blue, green, and pink and in 4 GB and 6 GB sizes.
iTunes Software
If you are even considering purchasing an iPod for Christmas (or otherwise) I would suggest downloading the free iTunes Software from Apple just to play around with. Check out the capabilities and features. Try importing a few CDs and see what you think. If you decide to get an iPod, youre already 75% done with your set-up, all youll need to do is connect your new toy and sync your music! Even if you never get an iPod, the program is top notch as a music & video jukebox player.
Other Stuff
If you already have an iPod or know someone that does, there are 100s of add-ons for the devices that would make a wonderful gift. Cases, FM transmitters, external speakers, audio recording microphones, even music gift cards for the iTunes store. Just make sure you know what model you or your intended recipient has, as not all add-ons are compatible with all models.
During the last 2 holiday buying seasons the iPods have been in fairly short supply, if youre planning to get one, you may want to get it sooner rather than later. (I waited nearly 3 months for a pink iPod mini for my daughter!)
For more info you can check out the following links to iPod specific websites and discussion forums.
Apple Computer
The iPod Lounge
iPod News Network
iPod Garage
Take the above info for what you will. As I said, I am an admitted Apple/Mac/iPod geek and hopefully this will help at least one person decide if the iPod is the right or wrong choice for them.
My fingers are tired now.
First let me say that I may be a bit biased toward the iPod over other mp3 players. I have been a user of Apples computers for the last well, forever, and an iPod user for the last 3+ years. Ive got nothing against any of the players made by Creative, Sony, Samsung, or the host of other manufacturers, but I know very little about them, and would not feel comfortable making any recommendations about them one way or the other. Perhaps someone with experience with the other brands could speak up and give their input!
The good Dr.s guide to the iPod
What is an iPod?
iPod is a family name for digital music players made by Apple Computer. There are currently 3 different models in production, the iPod shuffle, iPod nano, and the iPod. All versions play music that is synced from your computer via Apples free iTunes software. The nano and regular iPod have additional features listed below.
What kinds of music work on my iPod?
The iPod can play numerous types of digitally compressed music including mp3, ACC, Apple Lossless, wav, aiff, and audible formats. Music can be added from your existing CD collection, mp3 files already on your computer, or purchased from the iTunes music store. iPods DO NOT work with music subscription services like Napster To Go, nor do they play wma files.
How much music do they hold?
Approximate conversion: 1GB of storage equates to 240 songs.
iPod shuffle (512MB) = 120 songs
iPod shuffle (1GB) = 240 songs
iPod nano (2GB) = 500 songs
iPod nano (4GB) = 1,000 songs
iPod (30GB) = 7,500 songs
iPod (60GB) = 15,000 songs
How can I listen to my music?
The iPod comes with basic headphones called earbuds. There are also dozens of adaptors available to connect your iPod to virtually any type of stereo. Cassette adaptors and FM transmitters for your car, portable speaker systems from JBL, Bose, and Altec Lansing to share your music anywhere. There are over 1000 various accessories made exclusively for the iPod.
Theyre so small, are they fragile?
The shuffle and the nano are both flash memory based. They contain no moving parts and are great for exercising, but you do need to take care to keep from scratching the nano and regular iPod screens, putting then in the same pocket with your keys or a bunch of change is not recommended. The newer models may be supplied with a protective case, if not, it is highly recommended that you get one. (Ive had my regular iPod for over 3 years, and my shuffle since they debuted, with no problems.) There are reports on the web about a shuffle that went through the washer and dryer 3 times and still works fine Another website tested the nano by dropping it from 3 feet and 6 feet, dropping it from a moving bike at 10 miles per hour, a moving car at 30 and 50 miles per hour (still working at this point but the screen cracked) and finally running it over with the car, TWICE. It still played but the screen was broken. It was finally done in by throwing it as high and far as the tester could chuck it.
Will it work with my computer?
You need to be running Mac OSX or Windows 2000/XP. All current models connect via USB 2 for charging and syncing. If you do not have USB 2, you can still sync via USB 1, but it will be rather slow and you will need an external charger.
How much do they cost?
Below you can find a picture and price comparison of the current iPod models. Prices listed are Apples suggested retail price, however, you can generally find slightly lower prices at Amazon.com or elsewhere on the web. If buying online be sure that you get the model that you are really looking for! Amazon and many brick and mortar stores still have several older models that do not have all the features of the current crop. If you do not need or want the newest model, chances are you can get a great deal on the older versions.
The iPod shuffle
2 versions available:
iPod shuffle 512MB
Cost $99
Holds approx. 120 songs
iPod shuffle 1GB
Cost $129
Holds approx. 240 songs
Capabilities: Music & Data Storage
Size: 3.3 x 0.98 x 0.33 inches. No Display.
The good and bad: Ultra small, lightweight, doubles as a flash drive for transferring files between computers. No screen can make navigation difficult. Great as an entry level music player, especially for younger kids.
Click here for full shuffle Specs
The iPod nano
4 versions available:
iPod nano 2GB (available in black or white)
Cost $199
Holds approx. 500 songs
iPod nano 4GB (available in black or white)
Cost $249
Holds approx. 1000 songs
Capabilities: Music, podcast, and audiobook playback. Stores and displays up to 25,000 photos. Also syncs contacts, calendars and to-do lists.
Size: 3.5 x 1.6 x 0.27 inches and 1.5 ounces with 1.5-inch color LCD display
The good and bad: Small, lightweight, very easy to navigate. Black models tend to show scratches. More expensive than the shuffle, better suited to someone that you can trust will take care of the device.
Click here for full nano Specs
The iPod
(Note- The black and white versions are the same size, the above images are not properly sized)
4 versions available:
iPod 30GB (available in black or white)
Cost $299
Holds approx. 7,500 songs
Size: 2.4 x 4.1 x 0.43 4.8 ounces with 2.5-inch color LCD display
iPod 60GB (available in black or white)
Cost $399
Holds approx. 15,000 songs
Size: 2.4 x 4.1 x 0.55 5.5 ounces with 2.5-inch color LCD display
Capabilities: Music, podcast, and audiobook playback. Stores up to 25,000 photos. Has video playback capabilities on the iPod itself, may also be connected to an external video source to play video and photo slideshow presentations with music. Also syncs contacts, calendars and to-do lists. Able to download photos directly from some digital cameras (with an optional connector).
The good and bad: Relatively small, lightweight, very easy to navigate, surprisingly bright full color screen. Ability to play video files. Very large storage capacities. Again, black models tend to show scratches. Good for people with large music collections and lots of digital files that they want to keep portable, and for those that want the latest and greatest techie gadgets.
Click here for full iPod Specs
For comparisons sake here are some of the older models that may still be available for purchase. (Image sizes are not to scale)
Apple 20 GB iPod Photo
(Model MA079LL/A)
Apple 60 GB iPod Photo
(Model M9830LL/A)
Apple 4 GB iPod mini Silver
(Model M9800LL/A)
May also be available in blue, green, and pink and in 4 GB and 6 GB sizes.
iTunes Software
If you are even considering purchasing an iPod for Christmas (or otherwise) I would suggest downloading the free iTunes Software from Apple just to play around with. Check out the capabilities and features. Try importing a few CDs and see what you think. If you decide to get an iPod, youre already 75% done with your set-up, all youll need to do is connect your new toy and sync your music! Even if you never get an iPod, the program is top notch as a music & video jukebox player.
Other Stuff
If you already have an iPod or know someone that does, there are 100s of add-ons for the devices that would make a wonderful gift. Cases, FM transmitters, external speakers, audio recording microphones, even music gift cards for the iTunes store. Just make sure you know what model you or your intended recipient has, as not all add-ons are compatible with all models.
During the last 2 holiday buying seasons the iPods have been in fairly short supply, if youre planning to get one, you may want to get it sooner rather than later. (I waited nearly 3 months for a pink iPod mini for my daughter!)
For more info you can check out the following links to iPod specific websites and discussion forums.
Apple Computer
The iPod Lounge
iPod News Network
iPod Garage
Take the above info for what you will. As I said, I am an admitted Apple/Mac/iPod geek and hopefully this will help at least one person decide if the iPod is the right or wrong choice for them.
My fingers are tired now.
When we finally dumped all his tapes and such, we sold well over 1000 tapes/albums...and he would love to listen to them all still today! Plus everything he's added since then!!! And he loves to just explore new music/genres/bands/etc all the time. Ugh. So I guess we should look at others besides the iPod since it's not compatible with the subscription services....more research! (and will check out the iTunes service just to cover all the bases...)
