IPOD quest...

[disneyred]

Hi all,
I know the subject of IPODs have been discussed many times and many ways...
but I really need your help...

Are the IPOD minis really really worth the money ??? I am thinking of getting one
for the familiy to use and was wondering if its just hype or worth the money I will be spending on it..... and another thing.. can you keep this thing going for a long time or until the battery dies ??/ then what .... can we buy and change our own battery..
thanks for any info..
i have been thinking about getting this mini for quite a while now...but never too sure.......

 

[LuvTigger]

Unless you really HAVE to have the iPod brand, do some research on other brands.

About a year ago, I was searching for an iPod or something similar. I started looking at iPod because it was the one everyone talked about. However, once I did some research, I decided on the Zen by Creative. I chose it for several reasons:
(1) It was cheaper, and had more memory. At the time, the 20GB iPod was $299-$349. My 30GB Zen was $249.
(2) It has the same or similar features.
(3) Playback time is longer (although I understand that iPod has significantly improved the playback time on the newer models).
(4) I can change the battery myself. I'm not sure if things have changed, but one of the major factors in my decision was that all the reviews I read about iPod a year ago said that to change the battery, you either needed to take it to an Apple store (and I don't know if they change it right away or send it away), or you had to send it away. Plus, I think the battery was quite expensive. With the Zen, I can just buy a new battery and change it myself, although so far I haven't had to change it.

That being said, I have friends who have mini's and love them, but personally, I find the Zen to be a better value.

 

[BibbidiBobbidiBOO]

Love my ipod!
This is replacing the mini: http://www.apple.com/ipodnano/

 

[diznygirl]

My DH and I both have them - mine is the mini. My 5 yr old likes to sit and listen to it, and it is easy for him to use. And with iSync I can keep my address book and calendar on it.

I know there are less expensive ways to listen to music out there - so if that is all you need it for, you might want to look at some other models.

 

[BunsenH]

A few years ago, when looking for an mp3 player, I purchased an Archos Jukebox (20G). The cost was about $100 less than an iPod. Last Christmas, we received an iPod (20G) as a gift. The only major advantage to the iPod is its size. I use the iPod at the gym and in other portable situations and keep the Jukebox connected to the stereo as a 'personal radio station'.

Another possible plus for the iPod family is that there will be an unlimited number of third party gadgets and add-ons available.