The Official "New iPod" Discussion Thread - please post all comments here!

[oagersnap]

Post comments about the new 5G iPod here!

[SlamMan]

* Holds up to 15,000 songs(2) and full-color album art
* 30GB model is 4.1 x 2.4 x 0.43 inches; 60GB model is 4.1 x 2.4 x 0.55 inches
* Bright 2.5-inch, 320 x 240 pixel TFT display
* Up to 20 hours of battery life(5)
* Holds up to 25,000 photos(3)
* Holds up to 150 hours of video(4)
* Plays video or photo slideshows on TV via the optional Dock
* Apple Click Wheel
* Accessory-compatible Dock connector
* Dock works with the new Apple Remote
* Charges and syncs via USB
* Works with Mac OS X or Windows 2000/XP
* Syncs contacts, calendars and to-do lists

Looks like it's got the same face as the Nano. Scraaaaaaaaaatch!!

[BrownCorduroy]

Damn, for only $50 more, I could've had movies... Way to screw all the nano buyers over. What a bummer!

[SlamMan]

That is kind of a bummer.

[betty02]

Well i like it, my g/f thinks its 'too wide' im gettignt his and the nano :D

heres the link

http://www.apple.com/ipod/ipod.html

[Emultion_Rawks]

Looks great to me! Only thing I'm dissapointed in is lack of a name other than just iPod. Oh well, it looks great and this will most definatly be my next iPod! :)

[SlamMan]

BLACK TOO!!

[Trumper]

Nice, they look great and that vid capability will be cool for some.

I'll stick with my Nano though.

If I had a long train ride...or wanted to keep the kids busy...or had some big blocks of time where I could stare at a tiny vid screen, great! I'd grab that in a second!

But I like my TV and Vid big! I don't even like to watch on my computer's 19" LCD if I can watch on my 36" TV. I can't imagine going back to a 2.5" screen to watch TV shows that cost $2 each...unless I had those big blocks of time to burn with nothing else to do....

So great looking iPod...just not for me.

[d-bear]

initially, i think it looks alright. some of the pictures are a little odd. the horizontal picture of the white one appears to be fairly narrow, whereas the vertical black picture appears to be a little short and fat. i am tempted to slap my Nano up on eBay and order a black 30giger. i have no use for the video and picture capabilities, but damn....$70 (more like $150 in reality) more for 28gigs (albeit, HD, rather than flash) is so tempting.

[betty02]

I love it as its just amazing, but to be honest it still doesn't beet he nano, im still going to get my Nano before this and maybe this after xmas when i get my iBook :D:D

[spookthehamster]

Well, my Photo didn't come. So as soon as I got in I checked macrumors and set my browser to reload the Apple store every 5 seconds. Ordered a 30gb white one as soon as it came up.

w00t! :D

[mark754]

There doesn't appear to be a plug for a remote or microphone, unless these now plug in via the dock connector.

They really should have used a scratch resistant surface.

The click wheel looks slightly smaller than the 4G's.

[mrdantownsend]

I peed my pants

It looks a tad bit dispropotrtionate though, but still amazing

[Cameron_Talley]

My only complaint is that it Looks like the remote connector (you know..that the iTrip uses) has gone the way of the dodo...Which means I will have to look for a new auto solution....

[kevmakara]

My only problem is that it comes in a maximum of 60GB, I was realy hoping for 80GB. Oh well, I'll be ordering the 60GB, probably white very soon.

[kevmakara]

Oh,a dn anyone else having an extremely difficult time getting onto apple's website right now? They must be getting their server's *** kicked with all the people rushing to look at the new iPod.

[mark754]

I also expected 40gb and 80gb versions that use Toshiba's new 40 gb drive, instead of 30/60gb. I wonder what drive this one uses.

We might be seeing another upgrade to 40/80 w/in a few months.

[Marilynfan]

Hmmmm....I am very tempted but I have so much invested in freak'n accessories for my 1.5 year old 4th Gen 20GB. I doubt the iTalk and remoteremote will work with it? What about the old inmotion speakers?

[-James]

It looks kinda crap and spec wise its pretty crap as well. I still want one though...

[Doug Gilmour]

Considering I've had video on my X5 for months, I'm not all that impressed...

Nice update for those who were already looking for a new iPod though. Larger screen, thinner, but not nearly enough to warrant me selling my current player - still no FM, custom EQ (edit - maybe there is one?), USB Host, etc.

-Dan

[XxSweetCherryxX]

It's official! In a 30GB and a 60GB hardrive.

[mrdantownsend]

It's really skinny too. I was saving up for a nano, but obviously I changed my mind. Now only $66.09 until I have enough for a 30 GB!

[d-bear]

i hate to be "that guy", but was there any mention of when stores would get them, in order to look at in person? i can't remember if Nanos were in-store right away, or if there was a little delay.

[Emultion_Rawks]

Originally posted by kevmakara
My only problem is that it comes in a maximum of 60GB, I was realy hoping for 80GB. Oh well, I'll be ordering the 60GB, probably white very soon.

Yeah, I wouldn't have minded 80GB as well. :) They might perhaps bring that out at a later date...

[sungfra]

It looks pretty cool to me except the missing remote plug and the smaller looking click wheel.
Wonder if the new Video iPod is gonna:
1) Affect the PSP sales since people may start to copy their own movie now (then again, you can still play games)
2) Affect the eBook business. Now why would you want to read if you can watch Lost on your iPod,
3) Price of regular PVR
Sticking with my Nano for now. I will get myself a nice 4G if the price is right

[Beninark]

Remeber back in the summer it got out that the next ipod would be able to record sounds better? Any word on that, heck they just dont put down all the capabilities of this thing do they? Kinda like the lyrics thing on the nano.

[Beninark]

Remeber back in the summer it got out that the next ipod would be able to record sounds better? Any word on that, heck they just dont put down all the capabilities of this thing do they? Kinda like the lyrics thing on the nano.

[ragingSPAM]

im ordering one today

[Euro_Ford_Fan]

Just called in my order for a white 60GB the lady said she only got the info 30sec before I called! I've been lurking around here for 2 months now deciding which to get either a 4gb nano or 20gb color I'm so glad I waited and didn't get that 20GB color now!

Thank you iLounge!!!

Simon.

PS: My only question is how do I charge the thing up?? It doesn't say it comes with a power cord.

[-James]

I'm tempted to sell my 3G along with my two extra minis, but i don't know if that's the right thing to do. Is it actually any longer width-wise, or does the screen just occupy more space? Or is it just smaller length-wise? It looks weirdly out of proportion.

[Doug Gilmour]

Originally posted by james_shadow07
I'm tempted to sell my 3G along with my two extra minis, but i don't know if that's the right thing to do. Is it actually any longer width-wise, or does the screen just occupy more space? Or is it just smaller length-wise? It looks weirdly out of proportion.

I think that's because the screen goes out to the edge of the unit and the wheel has been shrunk. It's still 2.4" wide.

-Dan

[djsonic]

Don't care. I'm very happy with my 20GB 4G.

[jetfire]

I'll be the first to admit I was wrong about no video iPod until a year or two. Although Steve did address one of the problems I said would delay the video iPod until the future. That was content beyond Music videos. I don’t know what the cost of the TV shows cost is yet. This is still a limited selection though. The battery life is about where I expect it to be maybe a little better. I’m not saying it’s where it needs to be to be ideal though. To watch videos on long trips you still need a charger. But I’ll be damn if he didn’t make the unit small than 4Gs. I will give hats of to pulling that off.

I want to see the quality of the screen before I buy one though, otherwise I would order one right after the wrbsite had them up. I called my local Apple store and they don’t know when they will be in. If it goes like the Nanodid, then they will have them this weekend.

The two main disappointments are that the remote connector is removed like on the Nano. This is something I don’t understand why. The other disappointment is the high end is still a 60GB and not a new 80GB version.

Now if I do want one, if the screen is worthy. What color? Black or White.

[shlo]

Those of us who were hoping for video on a decent sized screen are very dissapointed.

I think I'll wait before I purchase my first ever iPod....

[TnMiPod60]

I just dropped $400 2 months ago for a 60 GIG color iPod. For the same price now I can get a 60 GIG iPod with video. Why do I feel cheated? Would there be a software/firmware update to make our iPod color play videos? Also, does anyone know what video format it uses (MPEG4, avi, etc.)?

[tequilastuntman]

Does anyone know - am I correct in thinking that the new iPod can't be synced via Firewire? I really hope this isn't the case as I only have USB 1.0 and really don't feel like living with much slower sync time! Why would Apple get rid of the ablility to sync via Firewire? I really can't see an advantage to doing this! Was also a little disappointed the max capacity isn't 80Gb. Wouldn't be at all surprised if there's an update in a few month's time like they did when 3G first came out! What are other peolple's thoughts?

[jetfire]

Questions?
No more Firewire?
How wide is it really? 2.1" or 2.4" The Pic on Apples web site says 2.1 but the Text part says 2.4"
What is the Case like that is listed in "In the Box" on the order page?

[bbqhog]

Its small and cute, but there are better portable video players already on the market that can take content from multiple sources. They have larger hard drives, higher screen resolution, bigger screens, and more versatility. They don't have the Apple name or design.

This will surely be a big seller but I will watch movies at the theater or at home on a 50" screen.

[Emultion_Rawks]

Originally posted by bbqhog
Its small and cute, but there are better portable video players already on the market that can take content from multiple sources. They have larger hard drives, higher screen resolution, bigger screens, and more versatility. They don't have the Apple name or design.

This will surely be a big seller but I will watch movies at the theater or at home on a 50" screen.

Yes, but there were always better DAPs on the market then the iPod, but that doesn't mean all the iPod users will suddenly jump up and go out and buy a Creative Zen, and the same the other way around.

[citric]

Originally posted by betty02
Well i like it, my g/f thinks its 'too wide' im gettignt his and the nano :D

It's actually the same size from the front as the current ones... It just looks wider cause the screen is wider.

[bbqhog]

Originally posted by Emultion_Rawks
Yes, but there were always better DAPs on the market then the iPod, but that doesn't mean all the iPod users will suddenly jump up and go out and buy a Creative Zen, and the same the other way around.

Your right. I would just prefer to watch my video on a larger screen at a higher resolution.

[Ileen]

Initial impression:

*yawn*

I think the whole line-up looks boring now. It's almost like Model-T Fords except instead of "any color you want as long as it's black" it's "any color you want as long as it's black or white."

For me a portable player should be more rugged than something that you have to glue "shields" onto or keep in a sock. What's so great about a glossy finish that only looks glossy if you keep it behind a museum case?

The iPod mini was a true classic and I'm glad I have one. I'll be sad when it dies and there's nothing interesting to replace it with. And as far as watching videos on a 2.5" screen...I don't even watch them on my 32" TV screen since we got a 52" widescreen TV!

[BJB4735]

only 2 hours of video playback is not enough for me. sorry apple

[treoguy]

I've been someone who was waiting for the "the perfect iPod". I almost bought the Nano, but decided to wait. If I went Nano, I was going to change my whole iTunes/iPod songlist strategy -- limiting myself to syncing a few playlist. My guess is that I would have grown tired of the Nano despite how ultra cool it is. I also use iPhoto to manage my photos and was surprised to hear that it didn't allow for playback on a TV. Not that I'd be rushing out to do it, but I did want the capability. Anyway, surprise..here comes yet another iPod. While I agree that video screen/playback is not optimal, this one does have just two many positives:

60GB is big enough for my music, a bunch of photos and some video
It won't be long before I'll be able to use Handbrake to covert stuff for playback on my new iPod. I'm already doing this on my Treo
Allows for photo playback on tube
Can download photos or dump photos from my digital camera


Just ordered the big boy -- 60GB in Black.

-Chris

[Code Monkey]

The 60 works out as suitable for me. I've got a 1G mini that I've been wanting to upgrade for battery life and enough space that I don't have to keep checking and unchecking podcasts because I can't fit everything at once. Also, since I've become a dad the idea of carrying around family pics (and videos) with the 21st century version of the pictures in the wallet is attractive.

Blam, along comes the 60GB Black 5G iPod. I will have to totally relearn a system for music management (an anal retentive's idea of fun ;)) and will be able to carry around the little QT videos my camera takes along with enough pics of my daughter to torture anyone dumb enough to ask how she's doing.

It's still not very cutting edge and I think Apple could be doing a lot better than they are, but I think they did very well to maintain the same price points that have been successful while actually upgrading the line.

I am disappointed to see the AC adapter now completely absent, but the writing has been on the wall for a while that Apple is slicing out everything possible from their packaging (which makes the irony of the included case in response to the fallout from the nano a bit entertaining).

[mark754]

I think I'll wait for the next wave of upgrades, which might include an 80 gigger.

When can we expect the next announcement? Around April?

[xanderxerxes]

Originally posted by TnMiPod60
I just dropped $400 2 months ago for a 60 GIG color iPod. For the same price now I can get a 60 GIG iPod with video. Why do I feel cheated? Would there be a software/firmware update to make our iPod color play videos? Also, does anyone know what video format it uses (MPEG4, avi, etc.)?

Haha... I know the feeling. mine's not even a month old... we're also at the same wave length with regards to any SW/FW update for the color iPods... here's hoping they do have some for us poor fellas. Or i swear i'll never touch any apple product ever again.:mad: :(

[xanderxerxes]

I'm not really impressed... (that's coming from a sourgraping idjit). :D :(

[compuguy1088]

I just dropped $400 2 months ago for a 60 GIG color iPod. For the same price now I can get a 60 GIG iPod with video. Why do I feel cheated? Would there be a software/firmware update to make our iPod color play videos? Also, does anyone know what video format it uses (MPEG4, avi, etc.)?

Im fustrated and annoyed also about the release, I just got the 4g 20 gig color iPod last week, and I thought the rumors were false then.

[moe_4eva]

I've got to say, I'm more impressed than I thought I'd be. The size, the battery life, I'm thinking of selling my soul.... and my mini (the battery life was the main reason I bought a mini in the first place).

[sabbas]

I've already decided that I'll be purchasing the 60GB version, I just can't decide which colour to get, the white one or black? The Black looks so sleek and sexy I must admit...kind of like my PSP.

[d-bear]

you know...

i think a neater idea would have been to have this intro (and all associated intros....the iMac, etc) in September, and the Nano be the "oh...one more thing." but i don't have a marketing team running my show.

[moe_4eva]

The only thing I am disappointed about is once again apple seems to have left off the gapless playback. Sigh... I'm still impressed.

[compuguy1088]

Originally posted by moe_4eva
The only thing I am disappointed about is once again apple seems to have left off the gapless playback. Sigh... I'm still impressed.

I'm impressed with it also, but the thing thats annoying is that they released it without any warning or anything. Because it was just rumors I got the 4g ipod color, and now I'm deciding on what to do.

[TheJosher]

Hah.. I was going to do the same thing. I'm glad I held off. 10 more GBs for the same price, smaller housing, bigger screen, and video. Awesome :)

I'm deffinatly getting one.

Josh

[TheJosher]

Hah.. I was going to do the same thing. I'm glad I held off. 10 more GBs for the same price, smaller housing, bigger screen, and video. Awesome :)

I'm deffinatly getting one.

Josh

[if6was9]

im getting sick of people complaining that apple didnt announce this early. apple are a business and they dont want to be lumbered with factories full of 4G's. it would be bad business to announce it... you can be disappointed, but stop blaming apple! for everyone that bought a 4G last week there will be someone who held off. so pls, no more! i beg you :)

im very happy with the new ipod, its kinda what i expected. more for your money as josh pointed out.

[compuguy1088]

Originally posted by if6was9
im getting sick of people complaining that apple didnt announce this early. apple are a business and they dont want to be lumbered with factories full of 4G's. it would be bad business to announce it... you can be disappointed, but stop blaming apple! for everyone that bought a 4G last week there will be someone who held off. so pls, no more! i beg you :)

im very happy with the new ipod, its kinda what i expected. more for your money as josh pointed out.

I'm not angry at Apple, I'm just angry at myself for thinking the rumors were false and not waiting for it to come out.

[uphillslide]

Originally posted by kevmakara
My only problem is that it comes in a maximum of 60GB, I was realy hoping for 80GB. Oh well, I'll be ordering the 60GB, probably white very soon.

Yes 80 would have been a lot nicer. I bet an 80 will ship after the holidays. SO now I either have to wait or just get a 60. Too bad I already have 60gb of music. Lousy Apple, never making a bigger ipod.

[bibby]

I like 5G. That's what we expected, right?
I have color 4G for about a month and I still love it! You shouldn't look at things that way - enjoy your iPods whatever generation they are, because they're all so beautiful! And be happy for having them, ‘cause there are a lot of people who just don’t have money to buy them, but adore them as much as we do.

I kinda have that feeling – 6G will bring wireless connection[earphones] and radio, or at least that’s what I would like to have in next generation iPod.

And… I would like to thank Apple for bringing wonderful iPod to us, we all so enjoy using it! That’s one of the best designed things in the history of technology – thank you guys!

[Pekemom]

enjoy your iPods whatever generation they are, because they're all so beautiful! And be happy for having them, ‘cause there are a lot of people who just don’t have money to buy them, but adore them as much as we do.

I agree, bibby!! (4G Photo iPod owner, 20 gig)

[AmazingDM]

this is great! i just wanted an ipod for music
couldnt decide between nano or ipod but this pushes it over the edge

[star882]

Does the video iPod support VGA out?
After all, there are some users who want to use it along with a monitor or projector.

[vrity]

Does the 5G show lyrics when you play the song like the nano does? I know it's not a feature that people really care about like gapless playback, but I think it's cool. It's so easy to just press a button to see the lyrics instead of scrolling all the way to your Notes to see the lyrics. Does anyone know if the 5G include this feature?

[bdb]

Originally posted by compuguy1088
I'm impressed with it also, but the thing thats annoying is that they released it without any warning or anything.They always do that. Yes, its very annoying. But it also allows them to sell the old stuff at full price until the very day it becomes obsolete. Other companies start selling their old stuff off cheap when they're about to become obsolete. Personally I think Apple's kind of screwing their customers, but no one seems to mind.

I wish Apple had stayed with the larger batteries and gone for more video playback time instead of making it thinner and only capable of playing 2 hours. Of all the video-capable devices, this probably has the worst playback time.

[yoursource]

does anyone know of a promo code for the new 60g vpod?

[AmazingDM]

Any clue when the cases like from iskin will come out?

[andy71600]

i just bought my ipod photo 2 days ago. I am ####ED.

[compuguy1088]

Originally posted by bdb
They always do that. Yes, its very annoying. But it also allows them to sell the old stuff at full price until the very day it becomes obsolete. Other companies start selling their old stuff off cheap when they're about to become obsolete. Personally I think Apple's kind of screwing their customers, but no one seems to mind.

I wish Apple had stayed with the larger batteries and gone for more video playback time instead of making it thinner and only capable of playing 2 hours. Of all the video-capable devices, this probably has the worst playback time.

I realize that; in reality I mentioned that because I was angry that I didn't get the "video iPod" initialy. But I realized the video features arn't as good as they seem.

enjoy your iPods whatever generation they are, because they're all so beautiful! And be happy for having them, ‘cause there are a lot of people who just don’t have money to buy them, but adore them as much as we do.

I aggree with that now, and enjoy now my 4g 20 gig color iPod. I just need to protect it better from scraches :D.

[finiteyoda]

i don't quite get what's so great about having video? the only possible use for a portable video player i can think of is on an airplane flight, where i have nothing else to look at for several hours... but seeing as how the battery time is only 2 hours, i'd be lucky to finish one movie. also, i can't imagine watching a movie on such a tiny screen for longer than 10 minutes... what if the movie had subtitles?? not to mention, i wonder how long it'd take to rip a full-length dvd, recompress as h264 or mp4, and then download it to the ipod? no thanks, i'll probably miss my flight.

as for music videos and tv shows, aren't those free on tv anyway? so what exactly is so great about video anyway? unlike music, i can't watch video while i'm a) walking, b) driving, c) working... maybe when i'm eating, that's about it :) how do people envision using the new video capabilities in a way that makes the new ipod a revolutionary step forward? for me, it'd be about as useful as the new stopwatch feature.

ps: and how long until somebody complains that their black ipod got so scratched up they can't see their video anymore...?

[if6was9]

talk about being negative. correct me if im wrong but doesnt this ipod give you a lot more for the same price as previous ipods? ok, so its not a revolutionary step, but apple didnt claim it was. they said it was an ipod with video as a bonus.

if you arent bothered about using it for music videos and tv shows (its not aimed at using for movies - see battery life) then dont. its still a DAP and always will be. personally, i dont consider this a new ipod, but a refinement of what we already have. it doesnt cry out to me to upgrade, but if i didnt have an ipod id take this one in a moment.

[finiteyoda]

yea, i totally agree that compared to the 4th gen this is a nice improvement: thinner, more capacity, new extras. and i think video is a plus, not a negative. but i keep reading in the news about how portable video is the next big thing, and now that apple's finally delivered, i'm curious what people think is so great about it?

[if6was9]

well i think its down to people wanting media on demand. home box office, podcasts, downloadable tv series...eventually we will be able to access databases of every tv programme and movie ever made. obviously we can watch these at home, on our tvs. but to be truly 'on-demand' we want to watch them on the train, or where we dont have access to our home comforts. portable video will be big, its in its infancy now. i wouldnt agree that apple have finally delivered at all. its the very beginning of portable video in ipods and a lot will change.

[mitchjordan]

Originally posted by finiteyoda
i don't quite get what's so great about having video? the only possible use for a portable video player i can think of is on an airplane flight, where i have nothing else to look at for several hours... but seeing as how the battery time is only 2 hours, i'd be lucky to finish one movie. also, i can't imagine watching a movie on such a tiny screen for longer than 10 minutes... what if the movie had subtitles?? not to mention, i wonder how long it'd take to rip a full-length dvd, recompress as h264 or mp4, and then download it to the ipod? no thanks, i'll probably miss my flight.

as for music videos and tv shows, aren't those free on tv anyway? so what exactly is so great about video anyway? unlike music, i can't watch video while i'm a) walking, b) driving, c) working... maybe when i'm eating, that's about it :) how do people envision using the new video capabilities in a way that makes the new ipod a revolutionary step forward? for me, it'd be about as useful as the new stopwatch feature.


Thankyou!!! Finally someone agree's, you have summed it up perfectly. I have been flamed pre october 12 for saying i dont want video, please dont put on video, and i probly will be again...

You know what we pay for now? The actual ipod users who dont want video, get this disproportionally large screen, and smaller clickwheel... when all i wanted was sound quality, smaller form and battery life, big advancement.

Originally posted by finiteyoda

ps: and how long until somebody complains that their black ipod got so scratched up they can't see their video anymore...?

About a week, when people start getting them.

[Razorwing]

my gut feeling is telling me to get the nano instead.., cheaper, smaller, better... well that's IMO.

[VousDew]

Originally posted by mitchjordan
Thankyou!!! Finally someone agree's, you have summed it up perfectly. I have been flamed pre october 12 for saying i dont want video, please dont put on video, and i probly will be again...

You know what we pay for now? The actual ipod users who dont want video, get this disproportionally large screen, and smaller clickwheel... when all i wanted was sound quality, smaller form and battery life, big advancement

I also never wanted a video iPod, and posted a while back about how useless one would be. Who wants to watch music videos or TV shows on a screen that small? (Apparently lots of you.)

But on the other hand...what's to complain about? Nothing has been lost, and two major boons (plus better audio recording, better games, clearer display, etc.) have been gained. This new iPod is perfect for prospective buyers - the same great features of the 4G, plus video playback and a thinner size, at no additional cost.

I recently decided to upgrade my mini and get a regular iPod, and even though I have no use for portable video, it's nice to have the option - especially since it costs the same as a 4G would have.

[uphillslide]

So the 5g ipod looks wider becasue the wheel is smaller (why I don't know) and because the front is flat not rounded. The 4g's gave the impression of being less wide than they were due to rounded corners. Apple should have stuck with those by the by. Also, why they didn't release an 80gb ipod confounds me. The thing that excites me the most is that Apple claims the sound is comparable or better than the shuffle (the gold standard). The runner up is that the 60gb has a 20 hour battery life. The video thing right now is pretty blah. Most people don't have lifestyles that allow them to gaze at a 2.5 screen for 42 minutes at a time to watch a tv show. The music video thing could catch on with kids, but I doubt very seriously many adults will buy music videos. Who knows, though. Maybe this is the return of the music video as an artform. We can recapture our youth and relive inchoate MTV days.

[Unwinking Orb]

I wish people would stop saying that 'it's not Apples fault' that people have just bought a 20gb 4th gen, or that 'Apple are a business so what do you expect' etc etc etc. BORING!

It IS Apples fault, they DO NOT have to keep everything a secret and they CAN prevent people being very annoyed at having spent 300 hard earned pounds on something which in their eyes is now slightly out of date!


You don't walk into a garage and buy a car, only to find a new one out the next day. Everyone knew this was coming so it's not too much to ask for some sort of 'ETA' so that we can make a more informed choice. It's just greed, and although Apple are to commended for having probably the best all round player on the market, their attitude is now dangerously close to sort of arrogance that will alienate more and more poeple.

[Adam]

Just quietly - it's been done before! :D

But at least they're trying to do something new and not being complacent. For that I credit them.

[daphox]

Originally posted by Ileen
The iPod mini was a true classic and I'm glad I have one.
too bad it sounds like total schia**t

[Sarafina]

Originally posted by Unwinking Orb
I wish people would stop saying that 'it's not Apples fault' that people have just bought a 20gb 4th gen, or that 'Apple are a business so what do you expect' etc etc etc. BORING!

It IS Apples fault, they DO NOT have to keep everything a secret and they CAN prevent people being very annoyed at having spent 300 hard earned pounds on something which in their eyes is now slightly out of date!


You don't walk into a garage and buy a car, only to find a new one out the next day. Everyone knew this was coming so it's not too much to ask for some sort of 'ETA' so that we can make a more informed choice. It's just greed, and although Apple are to commended for having probably the best all round player on the market, their attitude is now dangerously close to sort of arrogance that will alienate more and more poeple.

Hey man, don't get your panties in a twist. It's not like you get nothing. New ipods, even ones that are now and older version, work just as good as anything else. When you paid for it you made the decision that it was the right thing for you, and just because something else came along, doesn't make it crap. Just be glad you can afford that. I'm sure that there's many people out there just willing to take an ipod, any ipod off your hands.

This is the facts of life and buisness, especially in electronics. There's always something new around the corner, so if your always waiting for it, you'll never get anything. Frankly, that's what you deserve.

[AcerBen]

I'm also completely uninterested in the video capability. Heck, I'm not even bothered about storing photos ! I just desperately need more space and I quite like the idea of being able to see the album cover so I'll probably just buy an iPod photo cheap.

But it seems the 5G isn't that much of an improvement for those who are ONLY interested in playing music. I actually don't like that the screen has got bigger and the wheel smaller.

I don't really understand what models are going to be kept in the range... are they going to continue manufacturing plain iPod photos or are they just going to sell off remaining stock cheaper? And are the plain screen oens going too?

[mitchjordan]

Manufacturing them is over now for sure... But they will hang around for a few months most likely, you mite get $30 off, dont expect a major reduction, stores dont make much on ipod's.

I agree with Snowy28, there has been rumours of a 5th gen out in october/november for a good month, its what stopped me getting a nano. We have even known the release date for a week and a half... Do you think Apple is going to advertise on tv "New ipod coming out, dont buy the current one"... No one does that. Especially in the electronics world.

Apple sometimes walks a fine line between customer support, and mistreating there customers, but what else can they do, there a company out to make money... They also have one of the most lienient return policies around. Not many other electronics product can u return for 11 days after its been used, just cos you dont want it.

[zerock]

hmm they always release new ipod on sept/oct, then get a bigger capacity one in november, i expect that, lol. even guessing this will happen i cant help but get one now. lol.

[morning_glory]

I think Apple did some really smart things here, but died in a few other aspects...

What they did right:
I love the new look, and IT COMES IN BLACK!!!!
The deal with ABC
iTunes 6 (gifting and whatnot).
The sound quality was finally improved!


What they did wrong:
The new look is great, but who wants to watch an hour of Lost hunched over a 2 1/2 inch screen?
Not enough TV contracts.
What Apple should've done was gone to the big 5 (ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, and HBO), and ink contracts with all of them. It led to an incredible start to the iTunes Music Store and would probably work just as well.

The TV selection.
You have a contract with ABC/Disney, why not use it? Put up Alias. Let the kiddies watch Cinderella. I know this is a just for the start type thing, but what else have you got?

No ripping.
Why no ripping? I rip music I bought all of the time. I'm all for Apple and their strict DRM, and proprietary audio format, because it still gives me the freedom to not only listen on my iPod, but on my stereo, at my friends house, etc. how do I do that with video?

[ThatsMyJazz]

the things that made me want to buy a 5g + for people who ain;t interested with the vid playback

1. INCREASED BATT LIFE!!! 20hours!!!
2. INCREASED AUDIO PLAYBACK QUALITY!!! (so they say)
3. VIDEO OUT!!!
4. ITS WORTH THE VALUE!!!

and then u've got the other bonuses like vid playback

[Code Monkey]

Regarding Video on the 5G:
When I show my grandmother and parents the 1-5 minute QT clips that I have of their (great) granddaughter this Thanskgiving the video featues will have justified themselves many times over.
The device is not at all suited for movie or really even television watching. But the sort of low res shorts that show up on sites like Hedonistica and such will probably soon be distributed in H.264 320x420 and people WILL be getting a kick out of stuff like that.
While not for everyone, there will probably even be a bit of a porn short fandom for the new iPod. Don't need that high of res, and you don't need to be watching it for long either. And the fact that it goes whereever you are, the new iPod could become the fan of lonely business travellers everywhere ;)

But even if you never watched a single second of video on the new iPod, I find it a pleasant upgrade for those looking for a full featured iPod for music. At least on the 60GB model, battery life is finally reaching acceptable levels and sound quality is claimed to be much better than any of the previous large iPods. Capacity is cheaper or the same cost, and the larger, wider screen = more realestate for displaying information.

I thought the whole nano replacement of the mini was a downgrade and a mistake over all compared to what could have been done. I like the changes in the full sized iPods: same or better capacity, roughly the same or better battery life, better sound, better display, improvement for photo display, AND the option of video capacity all for the same price points of previous iPods.

Yes, one of these days hopefully Apple will give us the super DAP many would appreciate, or at least detachable batteries, but in terms of a full sized iPod I can't find anything to genuinely fault considering that this is Apple we're judging.

[ThatsMyJazz]

and for those who just got an older ver. of the ipod. u could always go exchange it for the 5g, as long as u ain't dumb enough to dump the receipt and the box.

apple are nice people, and fruits too

[if6was9]

Originally posted by Code Monkey
Regarding Video on the 5G:
When I show my grandmother and parents the 1-5 minute QT clips that I have of their (great) granddaughter this Thanskgiving the video featues will have justified themselves many times over.
The device is not at all suited for movie or really even television watching. But the sort of low res shorts that show up on sites like Hedonistica and such will probably soon be distributed in H.264 320x420 and people WILL be getting a kick out of stuff like that.
While not for everyone, there will probably even be a bit of a porn short fandom for the new iPod. Don't need that high of res, and you don't need to be watching it for long either. And the fact that it goes whereever you are, the new iPod could become the fan of lonely business travellers everywhere ;)

hehe you started out innocent and it turned into filth lol :)

just dont show grandma the wrong clip :eek:

[ThatsMyJazz]

now if only they could bring itunes down to Australia. what does jobs has against aussies anyway, i almost thought of going Creative just because buying music online all comes only in wma format.

if jobs wants to monopolise the music market, do it right damn it, WORLD DOMINATION!!! GET CHINA TOO!!!

[if6was9]

as far as i know they are trying hard to get itunes down under, but a couple of the record companies havent signed on. they want to charge more for A grade songs, while apple want to keep the price level. so unless you want a half-###ed itunes that is more expensive, you will just have to be patient :)

[TheFly]

Personally, I'm more happy with the look over the new video capabilities.

I always hated the rounded edges of the 3rd Gen and above iPods. I really liked the thick, clear surface of the first and second gens. I was happy to see it come back with the nano and really happy to see it in the 5th Gen now. With the added taqctile scroll wheel, it's exactly what I've been waiting for since I made the mistake of getting a 3rd Gen iPod.

I'll wait to see some initial impressions and use reviews though.

[Cameron_Talley]

Originally posted by Unwinking Orb
I wish people would stop saying that 'it's not Apples fault' that people have just bought a 20gb 4th gen, or that 'Apple are a business so what do you expect' etc etc etc. BORING!

It IS Apples fault, they DO NOT have to keep everything a secret and they CAN prevent people being very annoyed at having spent 300 hard earned pounds on something which in their eyes is now slightly out of date!


You don't walk into a garage and buy a car, only to find a new one out the next day. Everyone knew this was coming so it's not too much to ask for some sort of 'ETA' so that we can make a more informed choice. It's just greed, and although Apple are to commended for having probably the best all round player on the market, their attitude is now dangerously close to sort of arrogance that will alienate more and more poeple.

I don't like the car analogy. Cars are very different than computers and mp3 players. For one, cars always come out with new model year upgrades every year, usually at the same time. The same is not always true with Apple.

Releasing information like you want can cause "Osborne Syndrome" (Google or wiki it if you don't know the originator). I.E. People will wait for the next best thing to buy, and won't buy your product. So what happens if you run into snags in production and end up having to push the product back later? People will wait longer. You lose your revenue streams, don't get the money needed for R&D, and go out of business. It's happened before, and it can happen again.

Personally, I love Apple's idea of annoucing a product and having it available within the same day (or a week, in this case). No wait times.

Welcome to the computer world. Things move very quickly. The iPod that was purchased yesterday still works great, and still offers compelling features. Why shouldn't people be happy with them? Should I be ####ed off that Apple has released this new iPod without giving all previous iPod's the same features? There has to be some compelling for consumers to upgrade...

As far as Apple's "Attitude..." It's the same as it's always been...How is it more arrogant?

[swy32x]

Seems that this iPod also natively supports line-in ...

The specs page lists Voice Settings too ... check out the images.

[yinyang]

Originally posted by ThatsMyJazz
now if only they could bring itunes down to Australia. what does jobs has against aussies anyway

it is commonly thought that it is Sony Aus that is delaying the opening of iTMS AU, because they want to charge more for the music than apple feels is 'justifiable'.

the iTMS AU store has been ready for months....!?

[iPod Master]

I may have missed this in the thread, so if it's been answered, I apologise... I just have a couple questions about size.

How much wider is this iPod than the 3G/4G. What were the dimensions of the 3G/4G. Also... Is the click wheel the same as the old 4G? Or is it bigger or smaller?

[dcx693]

Originally posted by Unwinking Orb
I wish people would stop saying that 'it's not Apples fault' that people have just bought a 20gb 4th gen, or that 'Apple are a business so what do you expect' etc etc etc. BORING!

It IS Apples fault, they DO NOT have to keep everything a secret and they CAN prevent people being very annoyed at having spent 300 hard earned pounds on something which in their eyes is now slightly out of date!


You don't walk into a garage and buy a car, only to find a new one out the next day. Everyone knew this was coming so it's not too much to ask for some sort of 'ETA' so that we can make a more informed choice. It's just greed, and although Apple are to commended for having probably the best all round player on the market, their attitude is now dangerously close to sort of arrogance that will alienate more and more poeple. Perhaps you care much more about being cool and having the latest thing instead of having an mp3 player. It's just an mp3 player that we're talking about.

And so what if you bought a car and found they'd put out a new model the next day. That's a bad example. You can generally return an mp3 player to the retailer for any reason within a reasonable timeframe.

[CrzyCanuck72]

Originally posted by iPod Master
I may have missed this in the thread, so if it's been answered, I apologise... I just have a couple questions about size.

How much wider is this iPod than the 3G/4G. What were the dimensions of the 3G/4G. Also... Is the click wheel the same as the old 4G? Or is it bigger or smaller?
It's the same width as the 3G/4G, the bigger screen and smaller clickwheel give the illusion of it being wider.

[iPod Master]

Oooohh... ok, I see.

It seems pretty cool. My only complaint is that I't looks kinda disproportionate. I must say I like the looks of the 3G and 4G better. But who knows, it probably looks much better in person.

I also liked the tapered edges in the older ones. I think the flat front looks kinda wierd, but I guess it was necessary for the bigger screen.

Well I want one, but I'm not in any position to shell out $300 right now...Christmas?

[TheFly]

Originally posted by iPod Master
I also liked the tapered edges in the older ones. I think the flat front looks kinda wierd...

I had a second generation iPod before i got my third generation and I really feel the opposite. I loved the thick front panel on my first iPod. It felt like a piece of art. Never felt that way about the smooth third generation and since.

Edit: Thurd != one more than the second.

[iPod Master]

Welll, I never used the 1st or 2nd... I just had the 3rd, and still do...

Maybe I'm just used to the tape, like I said earlier, I can't make any final judgements until I see it in person.

[Beninark]

The line in support is what has got me wanting this new ipod, that is if it is done right, I just wonder if you can stick a mic into the speaker port and start talking?

Or if you have to go buy more stuff to get it to work....I sure hope not.

[mmmarrkk]

So what about the firmware update for us 4g owners?

I read on think secret that

The video playback capability, which sources say is in fact available in current models but is disabled, will be geared towards watching broadcast content...

I'm bummed that I just spent my $399 on a 4g 60gb ipod. If only I had waited...

So what's the word on this "disabled" feature on the ipod I already own. Is this report accurate, and when is a firmware upgrade likely to happen?

I'm not the type who always has to have the best and latest of everything, but I do feel slighted. I'm a professional video guy, and I love the idea of being able to put my videos on my ipod.

It seems to me, in my honest opinion, that in the face of an immanent new version, they could lower the price on the current stock, allowing people to either jump on the bargain, or wait for the upgrade.

Let's face it... offering a price break on soon-to-be outdated stock is certainly something they can afford to do, given the massive influx of purchases that happen every time they come out with something new.

that's all

-->mmmarrkk

[xboxman]

If a firmware update allowed the 4g iPods to playback video, then I might just buy one of them instead, as im sure they will go down in value within the next few months. Im not too keen on the 5g design....It looks very out of proportion IMO. Wide, small clickwheel....

[studogvetmed]

Originally posted by mmmarrkk
So what about the firmware update for us 4g owners?

So what's the word on this "disabled" feature on the ipod I already own. Is this report accurate, and when is a firmware upgrade likely to happen?



I wouldn't expect any update to happen before a year, if one would happen at all.

[Adam]

Can anybody elaborate on the recording ability? If done right it could sway me like nothing else.

What would be ideal is an unlimited recording time (limited by the size of the disk), all in uncompressed wave, adjustable volume on the fly. I can only dream...

[Beninark]

I am in the same boat as you Adam, as I stated before, that is what I want to know.

[ragingSPAM]

wow some people take this apple keeping a secret way to seriously...sheesh even with cars we dont know whats gonna come out...we just speculate with spy shots and stuff...plus a car is an unfair comparison...its not like u can keep a car in ur pocket and hide it from others while testing...other people will see it...and NO cars companies do not come out with new models every year they might make a slight upgrade here and there...hell i find it amazing that they were able to make everything so compact for the ipod

[MOCKBA]

Originally posted by Doug Gilmour
Considering I've had video on my X5 for months, I'm not all that impressed...

Nice update for those who were already looking for a new iPod though. Larger screen, thinner, but not nearly enough to warrant me selling my current player - still no FM, custom EQ (edit - maybe there is one?), USB Host, etc.

-Dan X5 doesn't have video out.

[Adam]

Why would you want to watch low-res video on your TV anyway? (I am assuming it is low res, and not scaled down on the iPod when played).

[Doug Gilmour]

Originally posted by MOCKBA
X5 doesn't have video out.

I'd value every one of the features I mentioned far above video-out capabilities. I'd even rate Ogg and FLAC compatibility higher. I've used video on the X5 once in the five months that I've owned it.

Not an enticing feature for me at all, but to each his own..

-Dan

[F4R00QU33]

NO FAST FOREWARD OR REWIND!!!!?

[theoutsidr]

It ffw and rrw the same way you do with songs. you click center wheel then scroll to a position and play. jus doesnt multiply the frame rate like a remote would on a dvd player. you do it manually. not to bad.

[Unwinking Orb]

Thanks for all your comments, but I must add that I am not someone has bought an iPod recently and don't care about the fashion element at all. My slight anger was driven by the fact that a friend of mine who knows nothing about iPods had bought 'the latest thing' for their son, only to now find it's not the latest thing. Of course this is always likely to happen to some extent, but Apple actually seem to invite it.

Do they really believe that they sell more iPods because of the way they announce things? I can't see that being the case.

They would sell just as many by allowing people to make slightly more informed purchases, and hence treat their market with a little more respect.

How would this not benefit Apple in the long run?

[Elhabash]

This goes along with their firmware policy. As soon as a new device is out, support for the older ones stops. No upgrades anymore, if you want to have a new software feature which would be easily implemented software-wise, you got to buy the new one.

I don't really see anything especially customer friendly in any of Apples behaviour.

BUT, they still have by far the best MP3 players (not regarding audio quality, but anything else), and as long as this is so, people keep buying them despite the drawbacks in other areas. People like me, I have to say... I want to get a replacement for my broken one, too. :)

[jcrockerman]

the dimensions of the vid ipod are the same as the photo...as far as length and width are concerned...of course the vid is not as thick. The reason it looks wierd is because the screen uses all of available space on the ipod..where as the photo screen was right in the middle and had unused space on both the right and left...

[ragingSPAM]

i just ordered one and i think ill right a nice review when i get it

[gadgeteer]

When you guys have the video ipod, can you post some pictures?

[geocamp]

One could argue that it's not fair to release a new product so soon after announcing, hyping, releasing and promoting one, but than all companies release new products. It's how they stay in business. And we are consumers. So go forth and consume, choose the right one now, covet the latest tomorrow. Listen to a song. That’s what the iPod is for. This video thing is secondary. Will you watch it, will you take more time out of your day to convert existing material to take with you. Do you have time later to watch an episode of Lost (their current favorite to promote) that you can't watch on a tivo or a vcr. I mean is Apple serious. Videos. Not to mention that they changed the form factor forcing yet more manufactures to change molds, and redesign existing schemas to accommodate. I feel for the companies that tooled dies for mini's and now have a dead product line. Hey bonus for mini owners, mini case and accessories going on sale soon. (At a retailer selling the new Ipod of course)

[audioholic]

Originally posted by ThatsMyJazz
the things that made me want to buy a 5g + for people who ain;t interested with the vid playback

1. INCREASED BATT LIFE!!! 20hours!!!
2. INCREASED AUDIO PLAYBACK QUALITY!!! (so they say)
3. VIDEO OUT!!!
4. ITS WORTH THE VALUE!!!

and then u've got the other bonuses like vid playback

Ditto :D Yes I finally got some redemption for not getting the Nano...when did that come out again ?? yesterday LOL! Just dumped my 20G 4TH gen iPod (non-color) on Ebay for a cool $225!Wow, I got that waaaay back in April...gee that was long ago! Only to watch a color screen version come out in the summer and the Nano shortly thereafter.

Now for an extra $75 (no biggie, cost of owning my "old" one for 5 months) I get 10g more space, bigger color screen, video playback, and it's 30% thinner.......awesome:D

If you want to dump your "old" iPod on Ebay do it now!!......cause there were LOT'S for sale yesterday and today. You'd be lucky to get back $200 for a 20g color one you bought only a week ago! As soon as the commercials come out for the new version you can forget about it!:p

[Code Monkey]

Originally posted by geocamp
One could argue that it's not fair to release a new product so soon after announcing, hyping, releasing and promoting one, but than all companies release new products.One could even argue that since the color iPods actually first debuted October 26, 2004 that this update was pretty much dead on for utter and complete predictability and timeliness and that all the people mistaking Apple's penchant for trivial name changes (i.e. iPod Photo to iPod photo to just iPod) over this past year somehow for actual product changes desperately need to get a clue ;)

[ThatsMyJazz]

ahahahaha, man, i'm lauging over peeps who bought their 4g recently and are now complaining. u want the latest news on when a new ipod's gonna be released, read the forums!!! i've held on to my 3g 15gb just for this moment.

rumours usually have a 70% chance of getting it right, and the rumoured date of release has got an even higher chance of getting it right. READ THE FORUMS!!! hundreds or thousands of people on the forums can be considered as analysts since everyone chips in their 2 cents worth which would have a result of getting it close to the correct release date. I knew the date of release would happen like months ago, even before july. when they were going to release the nano, was hoping for the g5, but it didn;t come. and then poeple start placing posts about the g5 releasing in oct, and well they were right! ALWAYS TAKE NOTE OF APPLE EVENTS!!! they always have something up their sleeves for the events.

[Unwinking Orb]

Thats my Jazz:

That's big and clever of you - laughing at other peoples misfortune and the vast majority of iPod owners who probably aren't aware of this source of information.

What a nice chap.

[Code Monkey]

Originally posted by Unwinking Orb
That's big and clever of you - laughing at other peoples misfortune and the vast majority of iPod owners who probably aren't aware of this source of information. Oh come on, they found the forums to carp and moan didn't they? It is logically impossible that they can find these forums for their whining but they couldn't find them to also glean a little information.

Heck, they could have just read the various iPod articles on Wikipedia and noted the release dates and have predicted the 5G in October/November of this year at the least incorporating the same new features of the nano.

[Unwinking Orb]

I'm talking about the public at large, not the small percentage of people registered on ilounge.

Read my earlier post for an example.

[duncthepunc]

removed

[Code Monkey]

Originally posted by Unwinking Orb
I'm talking about the public at large, not the small percentage of people registered on ilounge.

Read my earlier post for an example. But you were complaining about Jazz, and he was amused by the people *here* as far as I can tell (since you'd think that anybody not discussing in the context of the forums would say so).

And, even in the context of your earlier post: where exactly would Apple be distributing this information? Should they be taking out full page ads in all the major newspapers and magazines so someone's spoiled brat doesn't get last months model?

If you want information in this world you must make some effort to find it. You can't expect to learn everything by passive osmosis. If you want insider information on a company's practices, it stands to reason you'd look somewhere other than the company's website or ads, and if you did that, you'd have known Apple's product release patterns that would let you make some reasonable predictions.

I've got not the slightest inkling of sympathy for someone who can't be bothered to at least look for information and then whines about how some company or government screwed them over.

[ThatsMyJazz]

pah, darn englishmen and their greedy schemes, they got it down here in aus too (we are colonised by brit). games and electronic devices here are blardy expensive. in fact i reckon that apple products are one of the least inflated products. i bought a vaio laptop for 500 lesser in singapore than compared to what they are selling here. and u can always trust sg on quality, unlike china or hk. i think it has something to do with the taxes that they have on importing electronic products.

oh, and thx for covering my back codemonkey

[Unwinking Orb]

You don't get it do you?

By stating 'apple are a business' you seem to think that absolves them of the responsibility to act with any sort of respect for customers. That's pretty much how it works in the US I know, but it doesn't make it RIGHT.

It's not so much that Apple do not take out a full page spread advertising the fact that a new iPod may be about to be released (I say may because if you read the forums here, you'll know that it was NOT nailed on that Apple were going to release a new iPod - a fact you seem to be conveniently forgetting) but that they actually seem keen to make sure people DO buy their old product a matter of days before a new one comes out. There is, for example, no drop in price, and an incredibly short time between new products.

I and others are not against advancement at all, but to state that 'it's business' is certainly an explanation, but not justification.


Jazz - not going to respond to the brit jibes. You aussies should know your place...........

[Code Monkey]

Originally posted by Unwinking Orb
You don't get it do you?

By stating 'apple are a business' you seem to think that absolves them of the responsibility to act with any sort of respect for customers. That's pretty much how it works in the US I know, but it doesn't make it RIGHT.

I know of NO analogous equivalent to the iPod that doesn't behave similarly to Apple.

Creative, for example, may stupidly tell you exactly what they plan to release in advance but they don't tell you exactly when. This does kill their sales and is, imo, part of why their sales are so weak. Nonetheless, you could still buy a Zen micro today only to find them releasing the Zen micro photo next week and you would have received no warning.

As another example, if I go onto Dell's site and order their current $500 machine, there is every chance that next week I will have been able to get a much better machine for the same cost.

Name me *one* evolving market consumer item that doesn't behave like Apple, just one, and I'd think your whining is at least whining with some merit, but I can't think of it.

Apple does mark down old stock *immediately* upon announcing new stock, but that's not good enough. They offer industry comparable restocking of recently ordered stock, but that's not good enough. No, you want some sort of "coming October 2005, the 5G iPods WITH VIDEO", and that is just never going to happen and it shouldn't happen. Not only does Apple not want to lose out on sales leading up to their product release, most of all they don't want to tip their hat to the competition.

My Creative example also serves as a good example of why Apples does things the way they do. Creative gives a rough idea of when they anticipate modex X, and then sales of similar models drop, but then they delay the release... The results for Creative are beyond predictable.

Apple, on the other hand, doesn't announce things until they're ready to actually get them to market. As a consumer I actually appreciate that.

Further, despite your denial, they are actually rather predictable about when upgrades are coming, they're just very tightlipped about exactly what the upgrades are. Unless you're deluded, you knew that the standard iPods would either be updated in Oct/Nov or January. I wouldn't have put money on the video, but I would have bet my house that the main iPod would have received a significant update in one of those two rollout periods for Apple because they always update products during these periods and the color iPods were a year old and the iPod has been updated more or less yearly since they first came out.

1G came out October 2001, part of the Oct/Nov update cycle.
2G came out July 2002, part of the June/July update cycle. Delay of 9 months.
3G came out April 2003, part of the March/April update cycle. Delay of 9 months.
4G part 1 came out July 2004, part of the June/July update cycle. Delay of 15 months.
4G color came out October 2004, part of the Oct/Nov update cycle.
And, hey, look at that, the 5G came out Oct 2005 part of the Oct/Nov update cycle. A delay of either 15 months or 12 months depending on whether you count from the first 4G or the 4G color.

Average period of major updates: 1 a year since the iPod came out.

Who exactly was surprised again by the 5G?

[Unwinking Orb]

My previous post started with the line 'you just don't get it do you?'

I think that last 'essay' has just proved my point, but maybe it's best if we leave it there...............

I was wrong. Apple rule. Long live the god of profit.

[Code Monkey]

Originally posted by Unwinking Orb
My previous post started with the line 'you just don't get it do you?'

I think that last 'essay' has just proved my point, but maybe it's best if we leave it there...............

I was wrong. Apple rule. Long live the god of profit.

Look, I'm the first person to get in line to criticise Apple, you can find thread after thread where I do. In fact, it's highly unusual to find me defending them. Jobs makes a lot of decisions I find repugnant.

However, if you think Apple is doing anything wrong or even vaguely different than the lowliest muffin merchant in the entire history of human civilisation with their practices when it comes to cycling models, you're a deluded individual with a very poor grasp on reality or even business ethics for that matter.

I do get it. Apple eeks out every single penny of profit possible. When they do things like drop the AC charger and convince twits it's saving them money when they buy a current iPod, I criticise. It's nothing but a way of gaining profit at the *expense* of the consumer.

However, there is no basis at all for your whining and blathering on about them switching models. Some markets use a start high and decline the price point over an item's life cycle. Apple in their entire history has not done that. They introduce a line at $X and it stays at $X. When line.2 comes out, it's costs $Y and it stays at $Y. The only exception is when something isn't selling (e.g. the original prices for the photo). How hard is that for you people to grasp.

If it was true when an Apple II was the cutting edge, it's true today. Don't like it, don't buy their products, but for chrissakes STFU with the whining about how people are shocked and surprised with an extremely predictable product cycling.

[Unwinking Orb]

Are you really quite as stupid as you seem intent on coming across?

I know Apple have done it forever, I know most (not all) businesses do it too, and I know it's not going to change, but THAT DOESN'T MAKE IT RIGHT!

Stop using the same argument! If we all thought like you, women would never have got the vote - 'that's just the way it is' you would have proclaimed.

Apple are not unique in this way, I grant you. But they are fairly unique in that they have a very fashionable product that millions adore, and for one reason or another, most of these people 'have to have the latest thing'.

Don't microsfot give evreyone a heads up when a new operating system is coming out? I suppose I'm not allowed that analogy either am I?

Yes, it's fairly predictable that a new iPod will come out (even though lots of so-called experts - maybe even yourself - didn't see this one coming so soon), but will you for heavens sake stop using it as justification.

In other words, you STFU.;)

[Emultion_Rawks]

Originally posted by Unwinking Orb
My previous post started with the line 'you just don't get it do you?'

I think that last 'essay' has just proved my point, but maybe it's best if we leave it there...............

I was wrong. Apple rule. Long live the god of profit.

I think by his 'essay', he proved he knows more then you'll ever know. :rolleyes:

Originally posted by Unwinking Orb
Jazz - not going to respond to the brit jibes. You aussies should know your place...........

Excuse me!? That's a shocking thing to say! Their place is just as much as your place in society, and if I had the choice, I'd demand an apology or punishment of immediate banning. This is a multi-cultural forum, and if you can't stand to be with people outside of England, you really need to re-think about what type of person you really are.

[Unwinking Orb]

Excuse me, you did read his Brit jibe didn't you? About colonising? But that was okay was it?

It's just playful banter I presume. Chill out.

p.s. I'm married to an Aussie.

[Emultion_Rawks]

Originally posted by Unwinking Orb
Excuse me

You're excused...

I did, but while his was said in a laid-back, non-threatning, and joke-y sort of manner, but yours was said harshly.

It just seems to me like you're the type of person who will come onto a forum and start flame-wars. If you don't like the way Apple do things, then just leave it, or post it on a Windows forum, rather then posting about it on an iPod forum.

'K pumpkin?

[geocamp]

Originally posted by Code Monkey

Average period of major updates: 1 a year since the iPod came out.

Who exactly was surprised again by the 5G?

The nano people are surprised, and the product cycle was shorter than a year for the 5G. (from the nano release)

What most people are feeling is "Next best thing syndrome" or "Awe shucks, I should have waited" When my wife wanted to buy me an iPod, she entertained the idea of a mini which at the time was the "next best thing". Sold out. So she decided what the heck, the bigger one will do. And whoa am I happy for that one. 20g is still better today than 4gig of nano tech any day. Color. For what. Pictures. Listen I have a digital camera and a CVS/Walgreen on every corner. Pictures. I got pictures. What i need is more cd's and a napsteresque unlimited download.

I do so love to hear however, that in other parts of the world, our consumer items are more expensive. Now thats good posting.

[HalloweenOnXmas]

seriously, some people are ######ed. If you bought the 20g g4 you said to yourself " this is what I need and it will work for me " now if 2 days after you buy the g4 the make a better1 then return it and buy it, but come on.

[geocamp]

Thank god the things dont come in lime, strawberry and bondi-blue. That would just get eveyones pantie's in a bunch.

[ThatsMyJazz]

Originally posted by geocamp
The nano people are surprised, and the product cycle was shorter than a year for the 5G. (from the nano release)


u gotta take note however that nano comes under the mini line up instead of the regular ipod line ups so the product cycle should be based on the mini instead, i'm not too sure when the mini was released but i think it was close to a year? not counting the 6gb update. just a pointer;)

[MOCKBA]

Everybody knew that iPod with video capability will be available by Christmas.

[ThatsMyJazz]

Originally posted by MOCKBA
Everybody knew that iPod with video capability will be available by Christmas.

thats is definitely not true. as a matter of fact most of the people were expecting a non vid capable ipod due to jobs claiming that video on an ipod is not practical. but we do know, kind of, that an ipod is coming out for christmas. apple always jumps on the christmas bandwagon like the past few years.

[Unwinking Orb]

Okay, I'll move on after this.......

Certainly not trying to wind anyone up, just a bit frustrated at the games these big companies play.

Like I said, I'm not one of these people who has bought a 4g in the last 6 months - I just feel for those people who are 'addicted' and have to have the latest thing - quite often kids who can barely afford it.

Surely most people can see that? What I don't like is this 'well that's just tough' attitude, and if we're not allowed to publish it in a dedicated forum there where can we?

You also have to realise that it's WAY harder to get refunds and exchanges over here than maybe it is in the US. Anyone who has ever bought from Comet will know what I'm talking about!

Anyone who now wants the last word can have it...........

Orb.

[Code Monkey]

Originally posted by Unwinking Orb
Are you really quite as stupid as you seem intent on coming across?

I know Apple have done it forever, I know most (not all) businesses do it too, and I know it's not going to change, but THAT DOESN'T MAKE IT RIGHT!

....

Like I said, I'm not one of these people who has bought a 4g in the last 6 months - I just feel for those people who are 'addicted' and have to have the latest thing - quite often kids who can barely afford it.

Surely most people can see that? What I don't like is this 'well that's just tough' attitude, and if we're not allowed to publish it in a dedicated forum there where can we?


The problem here is that although you reject my arguments out of hand, you have offered no reason why Apple's practice isn't right. I can think of no reason a company owes me anything more than what they tell me they do. As a consumer I make the decision if it's enough for the price or not, and that's my part of the "dialogue".

Yes we're all free to carp and moan on these boards and even do something slightly more useful like mail/call the company in question, but unless they see it as affecting profits, they in all probabillity won't change just because you've got some odd notions of company obligations.

What you're doing is saying that although person Mr. Foo thought that iPod GenX was a perfectly fine value on a given date when he purchased it that he is actually correct in his pseudo time-travel activity of wanting to take back his assent when something "better" comes along. Nothing has changed about the product he bought and it lives up to exactly what was promised about it, yet you believe he is *owed* something by a company just because they now offer iPod GenY. More illogically, you believe he was owed something based on the fact the company had plans for a iPod GenY.

Care to explain the logic of that one and how the company is the one in the wrong?

I get the part about whining children, got one myself, however the solution is not to blame a company for miserable parenting. My parents had a very clear, very immovable policy: this is what we are/were willing to get you, if you're not satisfied, go get a job and buy it yourself and if you complain much more you won't have anything because we're leaving the store or taking the item back.

They never budged on that and I'm grateful for it. The companies want you to think you *need* the greatest and latest. Childhood peers are generally corporate zombies who reinforce this attitude arround your own children because their parents are unable to do something as simple as limit their television and purchasing. If your friend that prompted your involvement in this thread put half as much effort into teaching his children the utter pointlessness of materialism instead of looking to blame Apple for upgrading a related but separate line shortly after they upgraded the mini/nano line he and his child would wind up a lot happier.

[Unwinking Orb]

Not sure that one's even worth responding too, but hey.......

Also not sure you can grasp the concept that something may not be 'wrong', but that does not make it 'acceptable' so why don't you look it up then move on.

You must be close to boring yourself let alone everyone else.

Orb

[geocamp]

Okay, i'm moving on. Does anyone know if the new iPodV has the same connector on the top to support addons. I have the Icombi bluetooth headset and dont want to lose that.

[Code Monkey]

Originally posted by Unwinking Orb
Also not sure you can grasp the concept that something may not be 'wrong', but that does not make it 'acceptable' so why don't you look it up then move on.
But the burden of proof in this little question is on you. The standard and accepted practice in the world is that companies release new products without sending out the psychological counselors and most consumers buy them. If you want to make an argument for why this should be different, it is you and not me that needs to be looking stuff up as well as posting something that makes even a wee bit of sense.


You must be close to boring yourself let alone everyone else.
I never bore myself, and I don't much worry about what others think.

I'm just amused at your complete inability (or possibly just unwillingness) to attempt to formulate a position that goes beyond "WAAAAAH MY PU*** HURTS!!!" You go on about how it's not right what Apple is doing but can't come up with an actual reason it's not right.

[Unwinking Orb]

<very loud snoring>

[Doug Gilmour]

Alright, enough between you two...

Let's move on, shall we?

-Dan

[Unwinking Orb]

Good idea.

[saminegm]

How many lines of text can displayed in the notes?
Is there still a note size limit?
Is there any HD sound distorting the audio?
Is the black version as scratchy as the nano?
Is the click wheel same size as on the 4G and photo or small as on the nano?
Does the screen "smear" (i have a black/white 4g and you cant really play the games nor scroll the notes because of the "slow" screen)?
If u choose to convert DVDs at higher rates (you can read that in the tutorials) is the TV playback than better than in the reviews?

Imho THAT are important questions, not if a company should be slower in innovation...

Thanks for everyone giving some useful information.

Sami

[Code Monkey]

Originally posted by geocamp
Okay, i'm moving on. Does anyone know if the new iPodV has the same connector on the top to support addons. I have the Icombi bluetooth headset and dont want to lose that.

Nope, I'm not sure how you missed the numerous posts complaining about this (including comments in the "First Looks" from the editors), but anything dependent on the extended headphone port are not compatible.

[youm0nt]

i like it alot

[interior_decor]

I couldn't care less about photos/video.

Where the hell is our gapless playback, Steve?

BS.

[Sosha]

i was all set to upgrade from my mini to the 20G color; the color screen is so easy to read (my eyes are getting old). The video is not the selling point for me. It's 10 more gig and a bigger screen.

Thank you, Apple!

[Surf Monkey]

First, some background:

I bought a first generation iPod on the day they came out. For me the iPod/iTunes was just as revolutionary as the original Walkman. It completely changed how I listened to music. It made enjoying my large audio collection much easier, more intuitive and much more frequent. From there I went on to own a third gen 15 gig and now a fourth gen 40 gig. I've never owned or had any desire for a Mini, a Shuffle or a Nano because I like both the physical size and the large capacity of the "full sized" iPod.

Here's my thinking about the new iPod.

Pros:

1) Improved audio playback. If this can be verified it is the single biggest reason for me to want a fifth gen iPod. I only put complete albums on my iPod and I never rip anything below 192kbps. Even at that bit rate I can hear the compression and the weak bass response of the iPod hardware. The prospect of getting a step closer to actual audiophile quality sound is very attractive. Unless and until capacity goes up to the point that I can store 1k albums or so in Apple Loss-less format I'm content to upgrade periodically to get better sound quality.

2) Improved battery life. At 20 hours of audio playback the iPod fifth gen is getting closer to a usable timeframe. I don't listen to the iPod for 20 hours at a time but I do get in at least three or four hours a day (either via head phones or through my stereo) and that means frequent charging. If I don't pay close attention to my battery meter I can easily find myself far from the charging station and a dead battery. Not cool. The 20 hour life-span will minimize that situation.

3) The return of the lucite slab. Personally, I think that the sharp edged lucite slab front of the original iPod was its most attractive design element. It looked unique, elegant and solid. The rounded corners of the later iPods never appealed to me. It made the iPod look cheaper and lumpier. The sharp edges of the lucite slab in the original iPod made the face look flatter and cleaner. I'm a graphic artist so industrial design is important to me. I like the design of the fifth generation iPod more than the fourth.

4) Larger screen. I've never owned a color iPod, mainly because I saw no advantage to having a colored interface. I'm not much into using the iPod as a game platform, a contact manager, a calendar or a clock. I use the screen to select songs and playlists and to browse my library. Adding color to that activity is pleasant but not necessary. However, the small iPod screen can be very limiting when browsing certain albums and artists. having a wider screen means being able to fit more characters on screen, making browsing the library and playlists easier. That's a big positive.

5) Larger screen part II. I'm a photographer and I like to be able to share my latest images with my friends. The iPod Photo was a cool idea and I was somewhat envious of my friends who bought them but the screen was just a tad too small for my taste. This larger, higher resolution screen should be just the thing for me to use when showing off my latest hundred or so images.

6) Loss of the top port. Okay, I know a lot of people are up in arms about this one but I think it's a benefit. For one thing, using a wired remote on the iPod is a little silly. Even the full sized iPod is so small that adding a remote is a minor convenience at best. When it comes to the smaller iPods a wired remote is redundant in the extreme. By removing the top port Apple forces all third party accessory makers to standardize their interaction with the iPod. Everything fits on the bottom. I like the consistency of that approach. And as far as remotes go, I want a living room remote more than a wired remote and Apple has addressed that very thing with the universal dock and remote (though it's a drag that these cost an additional $70 to add to the iPod system).

7) Larger capacity. Goes without saying that larger capacity drives are always a good thing. I'd buy a 200 gig iPod if I could. I was hoping for an 80 gig fifth gen (that'll show up in six months no doubt) but I'm ready for a larger drive and 60 gigs is good enough for now.

Cons:

1) Smaller click wheel. In practice this is not an issue. I've played with the Nano and the little click wheel works just fine. What I don't like about the smaller click wheel on the fifth gen is that it makes the face of the unit look less balanced. I liked the fact that the click wheel on the fourth gen models was exactly the same width as the screen. Of course, there's no way that Apple could have done this with the fifth gen since that would require making it bigger. By making it smaller they buy more space inside the iPod, which is a good thing. Clearly the wheel had to get smaller in order to accommodate the revised guts of the pod. So be it.

2) Loss of the port on the top. Yes, I listed this one in pros but it's also clearly a con in that it means replacing my iTrip. Probably not a big deal though since the iTrip is a dicy performer at best anyway.

3) The ever decreasing number of accessories that come with iPod. The original iPod came with a dock, a power brick, cables, a case, port covers, a remote, head phones and more. With each iteration Apple strips out more and more accessories. They claim that the iPod costs the same now but you get more. Not true. You get a better iPod but you don't get any of the cool extras that made the purchase such a good deal. Thankfully, having owned several iPods, I have most of the accessories I need.

Indifferent:

1) Colors. Well, colors if you consider black a color. Yes, I like the look of the black iPod but I'll probably get a white one. I think that white is emblematic of the iPod system. Adding a black pod means that everyone will have to start making black iTrips, black iMics etc. etc. etc. Also, the black seems to show scratches more - not a huge deal for me since I'm not nearly as scratch obsessed as some.

2) Video. I don't really see myself watching video on the iPod much. On the one hand it would be cool to be able to grab single TV episodes when I miss them and be able to watch them on my iPod after my lady has gone to sleep (we have very different schedules so I often come to bed much later than she does and I don't like to wake her up with the TV so this would be a nice way to be considerate of her sleep time while still being able to catch a show in bed). Other than that it doesn't hold much interest for me. I don't anticipate downloading music videos except in the rarest of occasions and I'm certainly not going to watch a movie on that micro screen.

So there you have it. The fifth generation iPod is a very nice update from an audiophile's perspective and a reasonable one from the viewpoint of a fan of industrial design. The other extras like video, world clocks etc. are nice but not especially compelling. I'll be getting one because I want better sounding audio, longer battery life, more drive space, a way to show off a handful of photos and an easier-to-browse screen, all of which are attractive reasons for me to upgrade. None of the other features are selling points for me.

[Asymptote]

I didn't like the new iPod at first. I thought the proportions were weird (Why the hell did they shrink the Click Wheel?), and that it was going to be all about the video, when all I wanted for a music player was, uh, one that played music. But the more I looked at it and read about it, the more I started to like the idea. I kinda want one now. But my now-almost-obsolete 4G B&W iPod is only about six months old. I'd feel weird just tossing it out for the latest technology. I'm considering selling it to my brother for $150, though. At least then I'd have some money toward a new one.

[saminegm]

Originally posted by Surf Monkey
The return of the lucite slab. Personally, I think that the sharp edged lucite slab front of the original iPod was its most attractive design element. It looked unique, elegant and solid. The rounded corners of the later iPods never appealed to me. It made the iPod look cheaper and lumpier.

I do not agree, the round corners were smooth. If you saw it, you wanted to touch it. It was round, alive and made music. I think the new (old) corners are back to cold technical design and the click wheel width balance was important... but ... i didn't hold a 5g in my hands until now, maybe i'll change my mind...

[nusilver]

A new video iPod, huh? It's funny that Stevo decided to include this in the iPod, after his "nobody wants portable video" statement. Considering the effort that no doubt wend into integrating video into the iPod hardware, it's funny to me that they're billing the video feature as purely a bonus feature; especially when you consider the buzz that a video iPod is going to generate this holiday season.

Now I love portable video- with a decided lack of compelling software, it's the main thing I use my PSP for (though if anyone's played the Beta, SOCOM will be awesome and I can't wait for GTA in ONE WEEK!!!). But I'd definitely rather watch a video encoded in a nice resolution and bitrate as opposed to the videos ITMS is offering. I downloaded the first episode of Lost (my first ITMS download) in hopes that I could play it on the PSP, but I forgot about Fairplay and haven't found a workaround yet. In any case, the video looks decent for a small screen, but blown up to anything other than twice its original size on my 1680x1050 monitor, it looks bad. Compare this to my
400x192 PSP DVDRips (and yes, I know this isn't 16:9, but I use it for 2.35:1 as well and stretch these to fit the PSP screen if the source is 16:9...anyway, I mostly watch movies, and the main tv show I watch, namely Deadwood, is widescreen), it's just pathetic. By the way, if you're looking for a tutorial for encoding QUALITY PSP movies, I'm planning to write one and upload it to the PSPvideo9.com forums...on top of this, three hours for video playback on the 60gb, and 2 on the 30? Huge mistake on apple's part. The standard PSP battery has enough juice for 4.5 to 5 hours of video playback, and sony's just released a larger capacity battery.

So I'm not impressed by the video capabilities of this new iPod. The reason I'd get one at this point is because my 20gb 4g has only 1gb free, and I know I'm not going to be able to stop getting new music. As a matter of fact, had it not been for the release of the nano (damn you Steve Jobs, you're an impeccable salesman!), I would have peed my pants over the 60gb black iPod. Unfortunately, since I got my nano, a music player any larger seems...well, too big. Inside my contour design case, my 4g is thicker than the PSP. Granted, the nano only has enough room for the cream of the crop as far as my music collection is concerned (and I don't even have any room for classical... :(...)
But...I don't know...my full size Pod just sits around right now in case I need to copy something off of it.

I know it seems like I'm just bashing the video iPod in favor of the PSP, and that's not my intention. It's just...I don't know...what's the point of having 75 hours worth of video on a device if it can only play for 3 hours?

[Surf Monkey]

Originally posted by saminegm
I do not agree, the round corners were smooth. If you saw it, you wanted to touch it. It was round, alive and made music. I think the new (old) corners are back to cold technical design and the click wheel width balance was important... but ... i didn't hold a 5g in my hands until now, maybe i'll change my mind...

I like how you look down through the lucite slab on the early and now the new iPods. It gives the iPod depth. The 3 &4g pods without the slab look flatter. It brings the white up to the surface visually and I don't like that as much.

[saminegm]

Originally posted by Surf Monkey
I like how you look down through the lucite slab on the early and now the new iPods. It gives the iPod depth. The 3 &4g pods without the slab look flatter. It brings the white up to the surface visually and I don't like that as much.

seems we really have different taste. The 4g is a monolith, something mythical, like the monolith in 2001 - A Space Odysee by Stanley Kubrick... the monolith there didn't make music though...:D

[Surf Monkey]

Originally posted by saminegm
seems we really have different taste. The 4g is a monolith, something mythical, like the monolith in 2001 - A Space Odysee by Stanley Kubrick... the monolith there didn't make music though...:D

Funny you say that since the monolith had sharp edges and since it was black. Seems to me that the 5g black pod looks a hell of a lot more like the monolith than the 4g ever did.

Also, did you ever own a 1st or 2nd gen?

[ThatsMyJazz]

the 5g is revolutionary though don't u think? the 1g is revolutionary the 2nd g is just an update, the 3g is revolutionary (i got this) the ipod mini is a revolution so is the nano. the 4g is just an update and the 6gb is just an update. (i'm not too sure if u wanna call the 4g revolutionary, its just a colour screen, and they did away with my glowing buttons!!!)

so far, the significantly revolutionary ones,

1g
3g
5g

mini
nano

i refuse to call the shuffle revolutionary.

[Adam]

The only 'revolutionary' one was the 1G. Everything after it just added a larger hard drive, or small featurer, or a different size.

The only thing revolutionary about the iPod's is Apple's marketing. They blew everybody away with that one.

[DevilMayCry]

I've been thinking of getting the 20g colour, glad I didn't or I'd miss the 10+g and black..looks like this will be my first upgrade..from my mini :D

[archurban]

I think ipod itself is just nothing. it is usual device. but why ipod? because it is working with itunes which has been evolved last 4 years. transition with ipod, itunes has been step by step, intution. it started with music, then brought itunes music store, and adding photo with new ipod, adding video capable feature on itunes as well, now we have new ipod video with buying music video, TV shows. IT IS digital evolution everyday life. nothing is big but gradually make our lives more surprise.

[Pikemann_Urge]

The PSP has longer playtime but the unit as a whole is larger than the iPod. Which is fair enough as it has to do many things.

But to compare Apple's playtime numbers with those of, say, the Cowon (sp?) iAudio X5 is a little misleading. The iPod's quoted performance is for 25/30fps video, i.e. full-motion. The X5 plays back video at up to 15fps (and at lower resolution I think) and even then it's recommended to use 12fps because at 15fps there's occassional stuttering.

So if you output your own video files at 15fps onto the iPod you'll no doubt almost double your playtime.

Would anyone here like to confirm that with an experiment?

BTW this has been said before but the iPod's explosive popularity began with the 3G. No video, no photo, not even colour screen. Could it be that it was the perfect product for its intended use? Shock, horror.

[Code Monkey]

Originally posted by Pikemann_Urge
BTW this has been said before but the iPod's explosive popularity began with the 3G. No video, no photo, not even colour screen. Could it be that it was the perfect product for its intended use? Shock, horror.
The shock and horror was that Apple released iTunes for Windows and *that* is why the iPod took off. Had Apple continued with their refusal to fully support the iPod on Windows with iTunes the majority of us would still be going "iWhat?"

Second, it was Q4 2003 that Apple began their catchy and iconic silhouette ads.

Last, it was the largely the mini and not the 3G that accounted for the skyrocketing sales which truly didn't begin accelerating until Q4 2004 - not coinciidentally right around the time of both the introduction of the 4G.

----

The 3G sold a rather small percentage of iPods sold to date. If it was really the perfect product it would be a hot collectors item instead of fetching less than a shuffle. It has its small but vocal zealot base and the rest of us go "eh".

[Elhabash]

Interesting thought, Pikeman.

In the last years, when there was a near perfect product, it became successful, and after a while, there had to be something new in the product line. If the manufacturer just made it a little more perfect and didn't change a lot (because perfection was already near), everybody complained that it's the same again and that the competition made bigger progress with their products (because they were farther away from perfection).

What the early users wanted was the same thing as they originally bought, but with state of the art display and memory. What the PR people wanted was something completely new and flashy.

So proven concepts got changed and, as a whole, the product got worse in many aspects. Maybe there was an overall progress (colour instead of b/w, more memory, and so on), but many features which made the product outstanding were gone, and after a few years the product was like anybody else's.


The product I am talking about is the Palm handheld, btw. ;-)

[madmaxmedia]

Originally posted by Pikemann_Urge
BTW this has been said before but the iPod's explosive popularity began with the 3G. No video, no photo, not even colour screen. Could it be that it was the perfect product for its intended use? Shock, horror.

Others have pointed out why the actual sales data is a little more complicated than that. But a couple of interesting points-

1. Size went down significantly, but so did battery life. Obviously most people didn't really care about lower battery life.

2. I bought a 3G and didn't like the touch buttons. It was too easy for me to accidentally hit one, and they are not as immediately easy to get to as the clickwheel (and 1G and 2G.) But obviously that's just my personal opinion. It is one of the coolest looking iPods though.

3. Someone else already pointed out that the Mini is the best selling iPod (or was, until the Nano replaced it.) Somewhere under 10GB is enough for most people. That is why Apple has to keep growing the full-sized iPod line, to give people a reason to actually want 20+ GB of storage. This was not an issue at the time of the 3G, as the smaller HD's in the Mini didn't exist yet.

[ipods101]

My 60GB Black mamba shipped today.... Waiting anxiously

[trielly]

I'm dying here.

: )

tom

[AmazingDM]

I gotta wait til xmas :(

[fxgeek]

Originally posted by Elhabash
Interesting thought, Pikeman.

In the last years, when there was a near perfect product, it became successful, and after a while, there had to be something new in the product line. If the manufacturer just made it a little more perfect and didn't change a lot (because perfection was already near), everybody complained that it's the same again and that the competition made bigger progress with their products (because they were farther away from perfection).

What the early users wanted was the same thing as they originally bought, but with state of the art display and memory. What the PR people wanted was something completely new and flashy.

So proven concepts got changed and, as a whole, the product got worse in many aspects. Maybe there was an overall progress (colour instead of b/w, more memory, and so on), but many features which made the product outstanding were gone, and after a few years the product was like anybody else's.


The product I am talking about is the Palm handheld, btw. ;-)

I think the 4g (colour screen iPod) was the Perfect model. There really wasn't anywhere for them to go after that other than case re-design - maybe battery life. I think the need to stay ahead led to the decision to Add video, because as a music player it was perfect. But they compromised on some of the features, ie the remote and firewire. Sure you can argue that not that many people use the remote (even though it's the 4th top selling accessory in it's class on the apple store) or firewire was not necessary, but even if only say 10% of ipod users used these features it's what set the iPod apart - the options were there if you needed them. It was the perfect machine.

Now - not so much.

[Rusty Clown]

Good point fxgeek, but you're drifting from what's at the very core of the iPod idea.

Music.

The 4G's decoding capabilites were less than satisfactory at best, in comparison with alternative solutions from creative and iRiver.

If said 5G does have the improved bass response and clearer sound, then Apple R&D just lept in the right direction.

[pInK]

Originally posted by compuguy1088
Im fustrated and annoyed also about the release, I just got the 4g 20 gig color iPod last week, and I thought the rumors were false then.

Timing of this announcement was interesting - barely 30 days after the nano and ROKR, so people who figured that was it for new products in 2005 (no video iPod) went out and helped clean up Apple's remaining color/photo inventory. Many of them got 30-day return policies, which expired a few days before the video came out.

I figured this because I didn't jump in immediately after the nano announcement to get my color iPod, but waited a week or so. There was 1 day left on the 30 day return period when they introduced the video iPod, so I made a beeline for the post office.

The video iPod is perfect for me - I'd always wanted a thinner black glossy player with color screen and large capacity, and wasn't really excited about how big the 60 GB color had been. Video will be a neat thing but that's not really why I traded for it.

[Surf Monkey]

Originally posted by fxgeek I think the need to stay ahead led to the decision to Add video, because as a music player it was perfect.


I think that Apple has always intended to make iPod much more than an MP3 player. That's why they called it iPod and not iMP3 or iMusic or something. The iPod, once it gets wireless, is going to be the storage and control mechanism for an entire range of digital content. it'll be a key element in the Macintosh 'digital lifestyle' system. Think of the iPod more as an incredibly advanced media remote that can also play and store information. At least, that's how I've always seen it. IMO video capability is just the beginning of the transformation.

[geocamp]

As I stated before, one of the reasons I got an ipod to begin with was the large assortment of 3rd party accessories, relative to other players on the market.

I am disappointed to see that Apple deemed it necessary to eliminate the top extended port. This effectively narrows the field of new accessories and begins the process of phasing out of current ones. With the new video ipod apple is extremely close to what I think would have been a very cool accessory. Digital Camera attachement. But in a pinch of low power vs. accessory one item now has to be removed.

Apple has forced 3rd party vendors to choose where r&d money and engineering for molds/dies goes. Do they make stuff for old ipods or focus on the 5G. What I find surprising in all this, is that so many people are excited by a product that added essentially software support, while eliminating features unique to the ipod. Yes they added a bigger screen, but when I buy the larger screen notebook they don’t take out the cdrom. And when I buy the bigger hard drive they don’t take out the power adapter. So someone please tell me what the big deal is.

People are actually trading, selling and buying up on a device while apple restricts use. And then re-introduces design flaws they had eliminated. Scratching. This is not a deal breaker for most, but they had moved away from this in their engineering and then brought it back??? And then for 300 dollars they give buyers a vinyl slip cover. Good god people, my dell axim came with a leather slip and is a far cry better contact manager than my ipod. VW didn’t forgo the rust-proofing when they reintroduced the beetle.

One of the problems not unique to me is deciding if video outweighs the cost of purchasing new hardware/accessories. As it stands if I want to upgrade, I need to think about replacing an itrip, and Bluetooth headset. Not an inexpensive proposition when you consider retail on these is at least 33% of the cost. I guess time will tell. My ipod and its accessories work great, so lets see what they come up with. Maybe some cool games, with a mini joy stick attachment, or the camera like I said.

[ReceptviCanatvr]

I have a story, which I think to be mildly funny, which none of you will think the least bit funny, and on account of my thinking it funny you will all think me a stupid jackass:

On the 11th I got a black iPod 2GB nano for my 20th birthday, but was dissatisfied with its size so I went to Circuit City and exchanged it for a 20GB 4G iPod Photo the next day, paying an extra $100. Well, the day after that I went to Apple's website and discovered much to my chagrin that a new iPod had been released whose storage capacity was larger, whose screen was larger, which had a video playback feature, and whose aesthetic was thinner and superior. I was worried that, because I had opened the box and had already scratched the screen quite significantly, Circuit City wouldn't give me a refund or at very least would charge a restocking fee. Well, to make a long, pointless, and rambling story mercifully short, I ended up getting a full refund of my money. (I checked with my brother, who works at Circuit City and discovered that on account of their policy they had to take my iPod back, even though I had used it and scratched the screen; but it ended up costing them, between the two iPods I used, about $200. lol. I basically was given $200 dollars by Circuit City for nothing. I screwed those #######s over real good-like!) Finally, just the night before last I went to apple's website and ordered a black 30GB 5G iPod Video for $270 (student discount). I ended up getting a better iPod for $30 less!

[TheFly]

Originally posted by ReceptviCanatvr
<snip story>

Yup. I think you're a jackass, all right. ;) j/k

[dkaff]

Cool. I just bought a 60 Gig color iPod a couple of weeks ago and although I love it, I'm going to swap it for a video iPod. Heck, the price is the same...

[pmp_shock]

Not bad looking!!

[maneufeld]

I have noticed that the 5g isnt as responsive when pausing and playing songs and video. I guess that this is caused by the new power management features. thoughts?

[pInK]

Originally posted by maneufeld
I have noticed that the 5g isnt as responsive when pausing and playing songs and video. I guess that this is caused by the new power management features. thoughts?

So you've got your hands on one... could you please tell if the click wheel is a bit resistant to pressing like the 4G, or does it yield immediately like the mini? That's one thing I like about the mini that I didn't like about the 4G, and hope my soon-to-arrive 5G will be as nice and smooth to press on as that mini... thanks.

[Hickey]

Wait a minute....You can't use any type of microphone of the 5g iPod?

[justinkoko]

i agree...this G5 is a bit unresponsive..

kinda disturbing...the new cpu should process things faster not slower..

this happens when i'm flipping songs too not just video..

i guess i can't expect this thing to be responsive as flash based nano..

[Broncos766]

i dont know if 2 hours of video playback is enough. Ive heard that theres a new battery almost fully developed and was wondering if i should get the 30 GB video now, or wait out to see if the rumors true.

Post any info u get

[d-bear]

i spent about 5mins examining the 5G today, at the Apple Store. all i can remember is that the clickwheel 'jiggled'. went to Best Buy and looked at their 5G, and that clickwheel 'jiggled' also.

[yurameku]

ok so there have been reports of synching problems, static noises, unresponsive clickwheels, etc. and apple have "generously" offered to replace any 5G ipods with little hassle. now has anyone received a 5G ipod from october 26 onward (not a replacement but a brand new ipod) that is free from these reported problems?

[Code Monkey]

Originally posted by yurameku
ok so there have been reports of synching problems, static noises, unresponsive clickwheels, etc. and apple have "generously" offered to replace any 5G ipods with little hassle. now has anyone received a 5G ipod from october 26 onward (not a replacement but a brand new ipod) that is free from these reported problems?
How exactly would they already be resolved? There's not even any established widespread problem at all.

The vast majority of people, myself included, are quite happy with the quality of their 5G - it's a very small subset the shipped units exhibiting problems and completely expected given the number of these things that have already been shipped. With a 99% perfect proportion of 5G iPods, there would still be a minimum of thousands of people with lemons and they're by far the most vocal.

[treoguy]

I received my first 5G on October 17th - DOA. I returned to Apple on the 18th. They still haven't sent a replacement. It's been processing since October 18th and says to be shipped on or before October 27th. We'll see.

[shepard]

Originally posted by yurameku
ok so there have been reports of synching problems, static noises, unresponsive clickwheels, etc. and apple have "generously" offered to replace any 5G ipods with little hassle. now has anyone received a 5G ipod from october 26 onward (not a replacement but a brand new ipod) that is free from these reported problems?

I got mine yesterday and so far so good. I have only put one song on it so far, though. Just to test it. Now that I am back home, I'll load more.

One strange thing is that the song I put on is listed and plays both in music as a song and in video as a movie???

[treoguy]

My ship to date just got pushed back to November 7th. Either this is an extremely hot product or they have quality control issues. My guess is that it's both. Apple offered me the opportunity to take a refund. I might just take them up on the offer and wait until the smoke clears.

-Chris

[jenufa]

Received 60gb black today 28th Oct ordered on the 13th in the UK . I have loaded just over 4,000 tunes , several video's and just over a thousand pics. I have not had one single problem so far and Im really pleased with it. I guess some people have just been unlucky with duds.

[Kristof]

I ordered a black 60 gb on october 26th, and today it was shipped from Shanghai ....

I live in Belgium. I thought that it would ship from a central point in Belgium, or Europe.

Does Apple send all the iPods in the world individual from Shanghai ??

The delivery should be this wednesday, the second of november...

so that's exactly ONE week!!

[austinipod]

ive just order a 30gb iPod Video from the apple online store in Australia. Ordered it at 11am today 31/10 and by 6pm it was shipped. ETA is 3/11 and its coming from sydney to melbourne. The guy said 1-2 weeks. Cant wait to get it

[joits]

Originally posted by Kristof
I ordered a black 60 gb on october 26th, and today it was shipped from Shanghai ....

I live in Belgium. I thought that it would ship from a central point in Belgium, or Europe.

Does Apple send all the iPods in the world individual from Shanghai ??

The delivery should be this wednesday, the second of november...

so that's exactly ONE week!!

looks like all the deliveries are coming from shanghai.

[groenhou]

I just received my new iPod video! It looks even better then i expected.

I want to download some music clips but in The Netherlands it seems we haven't got any yet. Is there a way to buy them from another store? If not, are there other ways for me to get some clips?

Thanks in advance,

Jesse

[MidnightGTS]

hey guys, i just went out and bought the black Ipod 30 gb, ( i returned 3 in 2 days before i bought this one) and anyways, i was talking to the best buy guy and he told me you need a special format to add videos. and i think that officially stinks, cuz it costs 30 bux for it, i already spent 369 on it man> 318-Ipod 20.00-Cassette adapter cuz the Griffit I trip SUCKED and 50- for 3 year warranty in which they will replace the batter as many times as you want.
and they made this ipod wider too! over all i like this ipod.

[Code Monkey]

Originally posted by MidnightGTS
hey guys, i just went out and bought the black iPod 30 gb, ( i returned 3 in 2 days before i bought this one) and anyways, i was talking to the best buy guy and he told me you need a special format to add videos. and i think that officially stinks, cuz it costs 30 bux for it, i already spent 369 on it man> 318-iPod 20.00-Cassette adapter cuz the Griffit I trip SUCKED and 50- for 3 year warranty in which they will replace the batter as many times as you want.
and they made this ipod wider too! over all i like this ipod.
Um, let's get a grip and try reality....

ALL portable players require special formats, the 5G iPod is no different. There are free converters out there aplenty (Videora for mpeg-4 conversion works well enough). You don't need to spend any extra.

The width is exactly the same as the 4G.

[rawkartist86]

Well, I've had my new 30GB Black ipod for about 2 weeks now, and I can say that I do love it. I think I have noticed just about everything on it, and found most of its secrets. So here's my thoughts.

*Using videora I have converted about 15 music videos successfully (all on first try) to play on my pod. Using videora is a painless process, and a 4 minute music video only took about 3 minutes to convert to the ipod ready format.
Sweet thing is, videora can convert just about any video format into an ipod friendly format without a hassle.

*Still no ability to delete photos individually on the ipod. Bummer.

*Yes, the new ipods scratch more easily, but I'm not goin to obsess if it gets a couple scratches on it. I just keep mine in a simple cloth fujifilm camera case. It works fine and keeps it protected.

*Strange, but sometimes yes I will hold down the play button and the ipod WILL NOT turn off. Some sorta glitch? It seems to just happen at random times.

*Video looks much better than I thought it would on the ipod. Clean and bright, pretty impressive.

*The click wheel on the new ipod is different. I had a 4G b+w ipod, and this new wheel is not only a little smaller, but feels very different. I honestly don't think it is as smooth or easy to use as the 4G ipods. It feels maybe a little bit too sensitive.
(Let me know if others agree with me on this?)

*Lastly, what the heck is with the ipod totally freezing up the first time you plug it into your computer? I've heard from a bunch of people its happened to them too.
I mean it scared the heck out of me, I thought it had broke or something. But alas I just resetted it, and it was fine, so.....whats with that apple?


OVERALL: Awesome new Ipod, I love it, and its a great value at 300 compared to the older pods. Go out and enjoy one right away.

[MidnightGTS]

Originally posted by Code Monkey
Um, let's get a grip and try reality....

ALL portable players require special formats, the 5G iPod is no different. There are free converters out there aplenty (Videora for mpeg-4 conversion works well enough). You don't need to spend any extra.

The width is exactly the same as the 4G.

Realy its the same? maybe it feels diff cuz its thinner, i wouldnt know its my first Ipod or even my first MP3 player, and il be honest, i DONT KNOW why i went out and bought this. but i like the ipod cuz i had a 6 cd changer, but it was a hassle to change while driving. so i like me ipod.

[EvilDude]

Mine didn't freeze when I plugged it in!

[ruel]

i got my 5G on the 23rd of october. i have been using the little grey case it comes with as protection until tunewear releases its tunefilm or i can get an x2 coating and a silicone case. it has gone through all the daily rigors in my pocket and backpack with keys and pencils, ive dropped it twice once on hard wood and once on carpet more than enough people have gawked at it and touched it. through all that no scratches, only smdges and those are easily removed with a tissue, t-shirt, or something of the sort.

the screen is big and bright, the clickwheel is jsut the right size, its super thin, the audio sounds great, the video looks and sounds great, my pictures look wonderful.

its the best. now i just need some UE super.fi pros

BTW mine is white

[hughjc]

Originally posted by rawkartist86

*The click wheel on the new ipod is different. I had a 4G b+w ipod, and this new wheel is not only a little smaller, but feels very different. I honestly don't think it is as smooth or easy to use as the 4G ipods. It feels maybe a little bit too sensitive.
(Let me know if others agree with me on this?)

*Lastly, what the heck is with the ipod totally freezing up the first time you plug it into your computer? I've heard from a bunch of people its happened to them too.
I mean it scared the heck out of me, I thought it had broke or something. But alas I just resetted it, and it was fine, so.....whats with that apple?


OVERALL: Awesome new iPod, I love it, and its a great value at 300 compared to the older pods. Go out and enjoy one right away.

I agree with all your points but particularly your last two. I too find the new wheel too sensitive. I find I am often pushing the wheel to select something only to have it jump up to the previous item. This is my fourth ipod so I can tell it is definitely different. It just takes some getting used to.

Your last point also freaked me out. I had to reset the ipod to get it moving again. Since that first time though, no problems (2 weeks now). I am very happy with it.

[rhinosaur]

Video iPod nickname

I thought that this would have been suggested by now. Actually I even thought back in the summer that apple would release a 5th gen video ipod with this name to market using the coincidence. Either way and wether or not it catches on, how about

IPod V

as in: video, and the roman numeral for five

[Adrasteia]

I can't believe some of the new ipods have frozen already. But I suppose that's why Apple has allowed those experiencing hardware problems the choice to have it refunded.

Although my problem is not with the hardware, but rather with the fact that my ipod came scratched already!Did anyone receive a scratched ipod? Or rather it was the click wheel that was scratched, which shows up pretty noticeably on black. Considering I'm pretty anal about keeping my ipod free from as many scratches as possible, I'm kind of unhappy with this, and I don't think they're willing to replace it, plus I have already ul'd my music. What a hassle.

I seriously can't wait for the new specifically designed skins to come out!

Btw, why does the new ipod lag? wheneve I want to go back song-wise it has to think about it...I hoped that the new ipod would have had fewer problems than my old 3g ipod, but I'm thinking that's not the case now... we shall see

[Csala7]

Can anyone tell me what to do with my Ipod? I just baught the ipd and have put videos on it but no sound plays with the video. What can i do?

[luxlamf]

Only USB works now witch makes all my other chargers absolite. Besides that love it, fits perfectly in my Ishield case (Windows a bit smaller but Hell at least I didnt have to wait siz months for a new one to come out)

[Black Beauty]

I have had my black 5G 30GB Ipod for about 3 weeks, and so far I love it! Never having a hard drive Ipod, I'm not sure what to expect. I do know that my is wheel is senative. Some of the Podcasts that I subcribe to won't let me transfer the video to my Ipod. That's about all for now.

[Teechur]

Just got my new one yesterday to replay my 4th Gen that died after a rainstorm. It's still under warranty and I hope I can find the box and receipt! I moved this summer...if I can't, bummer but I guess I can use it as an external hard drive.

So far I've enjoyed the HECK out of it! I didn't think I'd need video, but just lusted after the space (got the 60GB). Well the video is amazing! I was bummed that the U2 video wouldn't play, but then downloaded Videora and wala! I'm currently pulling a few things off Tivo to toss into my iPod.

Now if only I could just find that darn proof of purchase for my OLD iPod!

[kajGuy]

I orderd the 5thgen 30gig when it was first realeased. got it about three weeks ago, and is still in the box i had ordered the ididdy, at the same time, still havent gotten it. Been reading the threads on the ididdy. and appearntly it sucks. so i ordered the "IS" two weeks ago, still havent gotten it. needles to say my new black ipod is STILL sitting in its box, sitting on the desk. will i ever be able to use it!!!!

[Ratinho]

You could...............wait for it.............take it out and use it now.

Radical thought, I know.

[Bags]

if you can believe this, I'm just now ready to replace my 2nd Gen 20GB iPod. Bak 3.5 years ago when I got it, just a couple months after I got what was a pretty brand new version iPod, Apple came out with the 3rd Gen with all different connections, etc.

So, one benefit is I won't be stuck with all these accessories that won't fit a 5G -- all i've got is the firewire charger. But is the 5G going to be compatible with my 3.5 year old iMac 2.1 version 800 Mhz PowerPC G4?

Also, is there going to be another iPod come out in the next couple of months?

What I'm most looking forward to is more space for music. I don't think I care about photos or video, but would like to fit most if not all of my 46GB music collection.

[mcorson]

Can anyone assist. Buying my son a new Ipod; he had a 30G and I want to replace. Any suggestions???

[jgarra]

I ordered a black ipod 60gb on amazon.com (got a gift cert). This is my first ipod (not my first mp3 player) on Nov 15th & my order keeps getting delayed. Anyone know how long the wait is on amazon? Says on their site they're going through some company called J& R Electronics...

[Rileyboy]

Help Help Help
I have had the new I-pod for about a month now. On several occassions, upon connecting the I-pod, my computer will not read it, it says that there is someone already logged on, which is not the case. Other than removing I-tunes and re-installing it, how can I fix this problem????

[lachyb09]

***ATTENTION ANYONE WHO OWNS ONE OF THESE!***

Does anyone know if the plug on the bottom of this ipod is the same as the 4th Generation ipod? Can i use my 4th Gen ipod charger on this?

[strikepod]

cant wait to get mine :)

[CaptinAus]

I just got my new 5g.
Has anyone else noticed a bug with songs that have lyrics.
If I select a song with lyrics to play on my ipod it wont play it and skips to the next song. so on so on until it finds a song without lyrics which it plays.
If I pause it, then press play it works as normal.
I'm just wondering if it is just mine or a common bug.

[AHHHHHHH]

Originally posted by lachyb09
***ATTENTION ANYONE WHO OWNS ONE OF THESE!***

Does anyone know if the plug on the bottom of this ipod is the same as the 4th Generation ipod? Can i use my 4th Gen ipod charger on this? If your reffering to this charger:

http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/7200702/wo/4X4ftn8rg8iV23yWkhL1XxMoIVn/2.SLID?mco=63413C01&nplm=M9837LL%2FA

Then yes, you can =)

[PimpyMicPimp]

OMG YES!!! Months of waiting and I have it! I'm so happy! Woooooot! Sync is taking a long time but I don't care! I'm so happy! YAYAYAYAYAYA!!!!

[PimpyMicPimp]

Originally posted by Rileyboy
Help Help Help
I have had the new iPod for about a month now. On several occassions, upon connecting the iPod, my computer will not read it, it says that there is someone already logged on, which is not the case. Other than removing I-tunes and re-installing it, how can I fix this problem????

I have the same problem, the problem is that another account is logged onto the computer and is either using iTunes or the computer thinks that account is using iTunes, for my case it is always the latter. Just make sure no one else is signed onto your computer before you sync, that should fix it.

[elvistheking]

Hi,

Does anyone know if the Alpine CDA-9853R car stereo (using the Alpine KCA-420i iPod Interface) will work with the new 5G iPod Video?

Many thanks

[boosh]

Just got my 5G ipod out of its box, looks nice. First impression though: when I first plugged it in, it asked me to choose a language- and froze. It wouldn't respond to anything, it wouldn't even turn off. I had to reset it by holding center and menu. Not a good first impression I must say, especially after using other MP3 players for years without a single freeze.

Edit: Now Itunes has frozen. This thing is fantastic.

[eight_heads]

Originally posted by rawkartist86
*Lastly, what the heck is with the ipod totally freezing up the first time you plug it into your computer? I've heard from a bunch of people its happened to them too.
I mean it scared the heck out of me, I thought it had broke or something. But alas I just resetted it, and it was fine, so.....whats with that apple?


yeah, i had the same problem with my 30gig, but no problems since then, well, actually i was having a problem running a movie i converted to h.264, i couldn't get it to play on the ipod, but it was fine in itunes.... but i just did it over again as an mpeg-4 and it works fine.

[oiler]

i pod transmitter i've just bought the new 30GB. VIDEO I POD however ilso got thegiffin i trip for the car it dose not work very good very very bad can someone tell me what to buy? one i have is the dock connetor?

[oiler]

i pod transmitter i've just bought the new 30GB. VIDEO I POD however ilso got thegiffin i trip for the car it dose not work very good very very bad can someone tell me what to buy? one i have is the dock connetor?

[VIproject]

i wa just wonderin can u put your own videos on the new ipod or do u have to use the ones u buy from itunes?

[PimpyMicPimp]

^ You can use your own videos, but they must be in the right format. Just go to www.videora.com and download the Videora video converter.

[goheels681]

I still have a Firewire charger left over from an older iPod Mini. When I first get my 5G, can I just charge it with the adapter like I did my Mini, instead of hooking it up to the computer?

[SeanH]

4th generation 40 gig iPod system specs (my old one):

Display: 2-inch (diagonal) grayscale LCD with LED back light, 160 x 128 pixel resolution, 0.24-mm dot pitch
Audio support: AAC (16 to 320 Kbps), MP3 (32 to 320 Kbps), MP3 VBR, Audible, AIFF, Apple Lossless and WAV
Up to 25 minutes of skip protection
Frequency response: 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz
Size and Weight: 4.1 by 2.4 by 0.69 inches, 6.2 ounces (176 g)

5th generation 60 gig iPod (the one I just got):

Specifications
2.5-inch color display
5.5 ounces
2.4 x 4.1 x .55 inches

A whopping .14 inches of thickness, and .7 ounces of weight. What a great tradeoff to get rid of Firewire support! :rolleyes:

Of course, that is my only complaint. Other than that, I love it. :)

[arabgoat]

25000 photos, holy crrap how many pictures could somebody have. same thing with the songs, jjesuss

[jpws6]

Should I upgrade? A couple weeks ago I purchased a 4g because I got a 60gb for $300. I have not opened it yet and am thinking about going for a 5g instead. Those who have upgraded, is it worth it? The video is neat, but I can't see myself using it all that much?

[xztiger]

I think its awesome, and just amazing :-)

[sorsha6]

i agree with bibby...
be happy with whatever ipod you have... many people can't afford one, and certainly aren't able to upgrade at a moment's notice.
i'd still be sticking with my 20 gig 3g if the hard drive didn't go corrupt a few weeks ago...
on one hand i was heartbroken... i was really (ok it's creepy but true) attached to that thing...
but on the other hand, hello 60 gig video ipod! now all my music will fit. how exciting... and the battery will last more than two hours! fantastic!
wow, i'm really excited. and i got a white one, although my friends were trying to convince me black's sexier... i suppose it is but i this case white just goes with my ibook and seems more traditional and ipod-ish. plus, the black ones remind me of a psp and i hate all things sony.

wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
my ipod should be arriving monday or tuesday!

sorry, but i'm a bit excited.

[sorsha6]

i agree with bibby...
be happy with whatever ipod you have... many people can't afford one, and certainly aren't able to upgrade at a moment's notice.
i'd still be sticking with my 20 gig 3g if the hard drive didn't go corrupt a few weeks ago...
on one hand i was heartbroken... i was really (ok it's creepy but true) attached to that thing...
but on the other hand, hello 60 gig video ipod! now all my music will fit. how exciting... and the battery will last more than two hours! fantastic!
wow, i'm really excited. and i got a white one, although my friends were trying to convince me black's sexier... i suppose it is but i this case white just goes with my ibook and seems more traditional and ipod-ish. plus, the black ones remind me of a psp and i hate all things sony.

wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
my ipod should be arriving monday or tuesday!

sorry, but i'm a bit excited.

[sorsha6]

i agree with bibby...
be happy with whatever ipod you have... many people can't afford one, and certainly aren't able to upgrade at a moment's notice.
i'd still be sticking with my 20 gig 3g if the hard drive didn't go corrupt a few weeks ago...
on one hand i was heartbroken... i was really (ok it's creepy but true) attached to that thing...
but on the other hand, hello 60 gig video ipod! now all my music will fit. how exciting... and the battery will last more than two hours! fantastic!
wow, i'm really excited. and i got a white one, although my friends were trying to convince me black's sexier... i suppose it is but i this case white just goes with my ibook and seems more traditional and ipod-ish. plus, the black ones remind me of a psp and i hate all things sony.

wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
my ipod should be arriving monday or tuesday!

sorry, but i'm a bit excited.

[philester]

does anyone if you can create different folders on ipod?
searching through 25000 photos isnt my choice

[sutboy83]

Is there a skin out for the 60 gig ipod video? If so where can i get it?

Also how do i change the category of a video on my ipod within itunes , like from movies to Tv shows?

iPod Rocks!!

[gravis86]

Originally posted by philester
does anyone if you can create different folders on ipod?
searching through 25000 photos isnt my choice

The photos will be organized in the same way that they are on your computer. Organize the folder that syncs with the ipod in any way you want, and they will organize themselves just like that on your iPod.

[Mikeyj110]

Hey is anyone else having problems with their ipod playing videos? When I play videos on my ipod the sound and video always get out of sync which is really noticable by the end of the movie... does anyone know if apple plans on fixing this in their next firmware upgrade?

[gravis86]

The audio sync is there because of the converter you used to make the file. I was having the same problem when I used Videora, so I switched to Nero and reconverted all my movies, and now they all work fine.

[Visionaire]

I cant record voice memo's when is the adapter coming out to record on the Ipod?

Visionaire

[Commodus]

Originally posted by Visionaire
I cant record voice memo's when is the adapter coming out to record on the iPod?

Visionaire

Apple hasn't made iPod microphones, and probaby won't in the future. You'd have to have an inside connection with a 3rd-party manufacturer like Belkin or Griffin to know.

[Visionaire]

Originally posted by Commodus
Apple hasn't made iPod microphones, and probaby won't in the future. You'd have to have an inside connection with a 3rd-party manufacturer like Belkin or Griffin to know.

I have plenty of Microphones i'm saying that there are no adapters for the New Ipod Video out there that the mic can go in. I bought one from Griffin but when I got it in the mail it had that little chip on it that goes in the old Ipod so it would not work with the new one.

thanks for the Reply

[beccamorgan]

I'm a new iPod user, just got my iPod video 30GB and noticed a few things. The click wheel and the face plate dont quite meet on the left hand side, and when I skip a few tracks, there is a noise and 'clicking' at the bottom on the back of the iPod. Is this all perfectly normal? Thanks

[Visionaire]

Originally posted by beccamorgan
I'm a new iPod user, just got my iPod video 30GB and noticed a few things. The click wheel and the face plate dont quite meet on the left hand side, and when I skip a few tracks, there is a noise and 'clicking' at the bottom on the back of the iPod. Is this all perfectly normal? Thanks

you might want to call or take your Ipod to apple. I had a clicking noise in my first ipod 40GB and they said that the Hard Drive was going bad and gave me another one. If it's the same clicking sound. Did the noise continue when you turn off the clicker?

Visionaire and oh yeah I God that Movie to load up on my Ipod. Thanks Everyone!!!

[beccamorgan]

The clicker is turned off, and when I skip a few tracks, you can hear a few clicks and feel movement at the bottom on the back of the iPod. I live nowhere near an apple store, and if there is a problem I want to know about it in the first 90 days so I can email Apple and have it replaced. What do you think?

[Visionaire]

Originally posted by beccamorgan
I'm a new iPod user, just got my iPod video 30GB and noticed a few things. The click wheel and the face plate dont quite meet on the left hand side, and when I skip a few tracks, there is a noise and 'clicking' at the bottom on the back of the iPod. Is this all perfectly normal? Thanks

you might want to call or take your Ipod to apple. I had a clicking noise in my first ipod 40GB and they said that the Hard Drive was going bad and gave me another one. If it's the same clicking sound. Did the noise continue when you turn off the clicker?

Visionaire and oh yeah I God that Movie to load up on my Ipod. Thanks Everyone!!!