ipod mini vs ipod 20GB 4th generation.

[silhouett3]

hey guys! i'm new the the whole ipod thing so i'm just wandering if you guys would help me.

i am currently comtemplating purcahsing either an ipod mini or a new ipod 20gb. i have changed my mind so many times i've lost count.

today, i saw my friends new 20gb ipod at skool at it seems and feels much samller than the original. is the ipod mini much smaller?

also, i've read that their are static problems with the mini? has apple fixed this?

the dilemma i'm in is do i want to pay $100 extra for an extra 16gb or get the mini which looks cooler and is cheaper.

thanx in advance for your help.

[!Novak!]

The mini feels better, and it's much much lighter(100g while 4g is 150g). The mini is a fair bit smaller than 4g and it keeps itself clean-Iv'e had the mini for about 1 month now, my friends has had his 4g for about 4 days and his has scratches everywhere and it looks dirty, but if you take care of it unlike my friends you should be fine.

It also depends on your music collection, i have about 600 songs, so i got the mini-oh and also the mini is great for jogging.

Anyway, hope that helps,

Dev

[EvilDude]

Gotta remember 4G is the latest, so firmware is better, moer features, and longer battery life.

[yinyang]

welcome to the lounge : )

i would suggest you go somewhere to have a look at both, and get a feel for them (leave you wallet at home though). then think about your current music collection and how quickly it will expand. find out about availability - minis are not easy to get hold of.

personally the mini is too small for my music collection so i would never consider it - i know it's smaller and lighter, but i have few reasons for those requirements : )

[Galley]

Granted the mini looks cooler, but for only an extra $50, you get five times as much storage space. That would allow you to use higher bitrates, or even Apple Lossless, if you desired.

[iwouldect]

if you already have more than 4gb of music or if you buy a lot of cds, i would get the 20gb. if you don't have many songs and if you don't really buy many cds, go for the mini.

[jedk]

Originally posted by silhouett3
i am currently comtemplating purcahsing either an ipod mini or a new ipod 20gb. i have changed my mind so many times i've lost count.Make sure you take into account factors such as capacity, size, weight, and features when making your decision.
today, i saw my friends new 20gb ipod at skool at it seems and feels much samller than the original. is the ipod mini much smaller?The mini is definitely noticably smaller and lighter than the 4G 20GB. I think the dimensions of both can be found on the main iPodlounge site.
also, i've read that their are static problems with the mini? has apple fixed this?Yes, I believe so.
the dilemma i'm in is do i want to pay $100 extra for an extra 16gb or get the mini which looks cooler and is cheaper.Well decide if you need the extra capacity. If you think you will (either now or in the future), then go for the 20GB. Otherwise a mini would be the good choice.

[silhouett3]

hey guys.. u ppl have been great.

i think i'm going to go with the mini instad of the 4g.

i thought about it and i realised that i don't really have alot of music and if i wanted to use the 20gb as a portable hd i'd have to carry around the usb cable.

i've checked on the apple site and i can get the ipod mini for $350 (australian) with the student discount which gets me like $50 off the origianl price.

i've just gonna dbl check that apple has indeed fixed any problems associated with the mini. any recent buyers of the mini experienced any problems?

btw.. i think i'm gonna get the silver! looks kool!

anyways.. thanx for all your input.

[!Novak!]

I live in melbourne too mate, I got my mini about 1 month ago and static is not a problem, but i wouldn't go twisting the headphone jack.

Yeah I'm 15 and i could've got the student discount aswell but i didn't think about it and payed 50 bucks extra, stupid me hehe but yeah definately worth it, it's a helluva machine the mini and personally green is my favourite (iv'e seen them all in person) and that's why i went for that, but silver would easily be my second choice.

Have fun with your new toy when you get it!

Dev

[silhouett3]

yeah.. i only found out about the student discount becoz my mate got a 40gb and got a discount on his ipod.

i was deciding between the silver and blue but i guess i'll have to see them close up and then i'll decide.

good to hear theres no problems with the mini now.

[!Novak!]

Now you can hjave a mini for bucks less hehe.

I found the blue to be real wussy and like a baby blue as it's pretty light, that's what put me off it, but what i see as bad, others may see as good!

Oh and also I only mentioned there not being any static instead of any other problems-Well no, there are no problems at all, but when you get you mini you might think there are a few like these:
*the mini will make the clicking sound when you move your finger around the wheel (unless on hold or the clicker is off) after you turn it off-This isn't a problem, it will stop clicking after about 10 seconds, thats just meant to be.
*any button will turn the ipod mini on (i thought this was a problem until i was told it's meant to be like that).
*whenever you turn the hold button on/off it will make a slight popping noise, once again, not a problem.

I think thats about it, hope it helps (sorry if you already knew all that stuff but i thought i might just let you know)

Dev

[silhouett3]

nope.. it's kool... as i said.. i am a total noob to ipods. lol.

anything will help.

so if you press any button the ipod will turn on? :confused:

doesn't this waste battery? don't you put the ipod on hold or something so that it doesn't turn on?

[jedk]

Originally posted by silhouett3
so if you press any button the ipod will turn on? :confused:

doesn't this waste battery? don't you put the ipod on hold or something so that it doesn't turn on? Any button will wake (turn on) the iPod from sleep (turned off), but you can use the hold switch to stop this from happening.

[unknownsoldier]

Originally posted by !Novak!
I live in melbourne too mate, I got my mini about 1 month ago and static is not a problem, but i wouldn't go twisting the headphone jack.

Yeah I'm 15 and i could've got the student discount aswell but i didn't think about it and payed 50 bucks extra, stupid me hehe but yeah definately worth it, it's a helluva machine the mini and personally green is my favourite (iv'e seen them all in person) and that's why i went for that, but silver would easily be my second choice.

Have fun with your new toy when you get it!

Dev

highschool students don't qualify for apple discounts on ipods. hope that makes you feel like you didn't waste your money afterall!

[evilgoat23]

I say get the 4G as your music collection will only get bigger. The 4G isn't that much bigger. The thing I like about my mini is that it's easier to keep clean and new.

[manutd]

You should go for the green or silver mini. I have the green and it is my personal favourite. The silver is most masculine but not as 'fun' (doesn't standout as much) as the coloured ones.
The blue is nice for girls (my wife has the blue one on order from apple.ca) and pink is a total girly colour but nice.
The gold not so much my favourite but I guess some people would like its look to compliment their personal style.

Don't go for the 20gb 4g unless you really need it. I have about 12gb of music on my 20gb 3g so I need to have one as well as my mini iPod and it is great for road trips, dock connection to home stereo etc...but the mini is better for daily use, going to gym, running etc...
My 20gb is really starting to show wear from its daily use so I am very glad to have the mini iPod to make sure that it will last without becoming damaged. Plus the mini is fun!
:D

JL

[swy32x]

Originally posted by silhouett3

i thought about it and i realised that i don't really have alot of music and if i wanted to use the 20gb as a portable hd i'd have to carry around the usb cable.


You have to carry around the USB Cable if you have the mini as well!

Two of my friends have minis, one for two weeks, within the first week he dropped his, my other mate has had his since Friday and dropped it on Sunday!

My 3G which I have had for 4 months hasn't been dropped once, so its how you take care of it.

I'd get the 4G 20GB, because if you like your music, you'll probably regret getting the mini in a few months.

But, if you have your heart set on a mini (which is perfectly fine as they're also awesome) get the green or silver.

Hope I helped!

[silhouett3]

hey.. yeah.. u guys have helped alot.

what i was saying before was that the only reason that i was even considering the 4g was because i was going to use it as a portable HD but i realised that i would have to carry round the usb.

if i do get the mini i most probably wouldn't use it as a HD. maybe just for some skool work.

soory if i didn't make myself clear.. hehe.

and i heard that the ipod gets scratched really easily.

2 be honest.. i hardly have any music atm but i'm sure my collection will grow but i usually get over songs really quickly and get sick of hearing them. lol. so i'll probably just delete most of my songs if the mini ever gets full.

oh btw.. i know i can't get a student discount but my bro goes to uni and can. =D

i'll see.. i've got until the end of the year to make my decision but right now, i'm leaning towards the mini because it looks kooler and the fact that i don't think i would ever fill up 10gb let alone 20gb.

anyways.. i'll post back if i think of any questions.

thanx for your help!

it looks like u guys are into the green and silver? i might have to have a look at the green then? lol.

[silhouett3]

hehe.. ok.. got a few questions for you ppl.

1.) are the headphones cupplied with the ipod good or will i need to get better quility ear buds?

2.) can u stop the ipod form turning on whenever you press a button so you don't waste battery?

3.) how often will you need to replace batteries?

4.) how long does it take to transfer songs onto ipods?

thanx.

[!Novak!]

1.) I personally think they're great, unless you're a freak that wants 100% excelent sound quality that can't be beaten, then get some different ones, but if you just wanna listen to you music with a fair amount of quality (the buds aren't bad by any stretch), then there's really no need for new ones.

2.) Yes. Just flick the hold switch off then no buttons can be pressed at all.

3.) It depends how often you use the ipod-incase you don't know the ipod has an in-built battery that charges up and eventually will need to be replaces by apple-The iPod can go through 500 cycles before the battery only will last for say 3 hours or so and apple will replace it for you but you have to pay unless it dies within the 1 year warrenty. If the iPod goes through say 1 cycle a week it will last for ages (about 10 years iv'e heard) but if it goes through one say every 1-2 days then about 2 years i think-check around the site for information on that.

4.) If you use the USB it tranfers (approx.) 1 song per second, i'm not sure about the firewire though, it will be faster but USB is fast enough for me.

hope that helps ya,

dev

[silhouett3]

mmmk thanx. just not sure about the batteries. what is meant by a cycle? u mean charges?

is it better to only charge when the battery is nearly flat instead of like every night?

[!Novak!]

when i say cycles i mean the amount of times the iPod is fully charged...no, it doesnt really matter becuase say it's half full, then you charge it fully, then you run it down half-way and charge it up again, then that is one cycle, so it won't make a difference,

dev

[silhouett3]

oh ok...thanx!

[!Novak!]

No problems mate, any time:)

[rewind]

I think the size of the mini is a big plus. If you have more than 4GB of music, there are ways to create smart playlists to maintain a mix of favorites and music you haven't heard in a while that will automatically update and rotate the music on your mini. It works great.

[albitalia04]

i would go with the ipod mini.. *read my signature* its cheaper, stylish, and sheik.

hOWEVEr

the ipod is the current model, has a 4 hour longer battery life, more space and the "original look"


your choice. chooose carefully,
becasue my mini is always there for me.

[hotphil]

For me personally I've chosen mini over 4G after making scale models (sad I know) of each. I walk to work an hour each way each day, making sure I got something a good size for my pocket was a big factor. They may only be a few centimetres different in size, but put each one in your pocket and there's a big difference. Add on to that the extra width of a case and my choice was clear.

Also, with smart playlists set up there's no point in me carrying more than 4 gig. Your circumstances may be different however. I guess that's why they made the mini - a huge market out there for a slightly smaller form factor for people who don't need to carry a large chunk of their music with them. As the man says, why carry music you both love AND hate?

[bench]

Originally posted by hotphil
For me personally I've chosen mini over 4G after making scale models (sad I know) of each. I walk to work an hour each way each day, making sure I got something a good size for my pocket was a big factor. They may only be a few centimetres different in size, but put each one in your pocket and there's a big difference. Add on to that the extra width of a case and my choice was clear.

Also, with smart playlists set up there's no point in me carrying more than 4 gig. Your circumstances may be different however. I guess that's why they made the mini - a huge market out there for a slightly smaller form factor for people who don't need to carry a large chunk of their music with them. As the man says, why carry music you both love AND hate?

very true, also my reasons for a getting a mini

i dont think people actually understand how much they differ in size and feel. i mean on paper it seems like it's a negligible size difference but when you actually physically see and feel both in your hands in comparison, there is a substantial difference

[silhouett3]

hmm.. ok.. so basically if i think 4gb is enough the mini is a clear choice over the 4g?

the only argument i've heard for the 4g is that u get 16gb extra for only $100..

but too be honest.. i don't see the point when i won't use that extra space. :confused:

so you all assure me that the mini feels smaller and looks much koooler than the orginal?

[crazyonskis]

Yes, the iPod mini feels way smaller and looks way cooler! I've had mine for 2 months, and it kicks @$$! Keep in mind that you will have have a case for the mini, so it will still be smaller than the 4G iPod, but if you get a 4G iPod and have a case for it, it will be huge! Seriously if your not going to use the extra space that the 4G iPod provides, go with the cool and slick mini. What colour(s) are you looking at?

[bench]

Originally posted by crazyonskis
Yes, the iPod mini feels way smaller and looks way cooler! I've had mine for 2 months, and it kicks @$$! Keep in mind that you will have have a case for the mini, so it will still be smaller than the 4G iPod, but if you get a 4G iPod and have a case for it, it will be huge! Seriously if your not going to use the extra space that the 4G iPod provides, go with the cool and slick mini. What colour(s) are you looking at?

actually, i got my mini around may and its been in its birthday suit ever since - no case at all. the main reason is because the mini is just that durable. it feels very durable and doesnt seem like it'll get dirty very easily. i've even dropped it a few times (once on the edge of a plastic bowl!) and it looks as good as new.

i know that if i got a regular ipod, there'd be smudges and scratches all over it unless i got a case. so the way i see it, think of the size difference between a regular ipod w/ case and a mini ipod w/o case. its an even greater difference :)

[silhouett3]

yeah.. my friend's 4g ipod has like smudges and scratches on the back from the slightest touch.

well.. at first i had my mind set on the silver.. but it seems that alot of people are recommending the green aswell.

[Inferno69]

Im getting the blue.

[bench]

i got a blue, its great :)

[Inferno69]

yeh but i saw a purple one, that looks pretty cool, im still gettin a blue :p

[JazzyMac]

The purple is just the pink (remixed). The pink on the box looks nothing like the actual pink (at least mine didn't). Mine is more "lavender" (ish)...still cool though!

[wantminichick]

The Ipod-Mini is just so cool compared the 20Gb 4G.

Size is more important to me than capacity.

I mainly use my Mini in the gym where size and weight matters a lot.

I have more songs on my mini than I actually listen to, so I don't see any point in in getting anything bigger if you are not going to listen to all the music.

A case is essential for any Ipod if you are out and about, and I have a silicon clear case which adds a little extra size, but if you add a case to the 4G it will be huge in comparison.

I have a blue Ipod-Mini, and am so glad I did not buy silver, as it it looks so boring, especially when you add a silicon case. :D

[silhouett3]

hmm... i guess i'll have to have a look at them all before i buy it. check out all the colours. :rolleyes:

[zentro]

I'm in the middle of that very same process now - I can't decide whether to get the 4G or the Mini. It's absolutely killing me! I typically prefer the Mini for a week, then switch to liking the 4G - back and forth :/ Skizo or what?

Right now I like the mini ;)

[wantminichick]

Originally posted by zentro
I'm in the middle of that very same process now - I can't decide whether to get the 4G or the Mini. It's absolutely killing me! I typically prefer the Mini for a week, then switch to liking the 4G - back and forth :/ Skizo or what?

Right now I like the mini ;)


Oh boy....I would hate to go shopping with you :D :D

[klectong]

Does anyone mention mini has better sound quality than 4G? It's quite noticeable. Mini has better clarity in treble and mid-range.

[silhouett3]

is this true? just another pro for the mini.

[AndyH]

I've never heard of any better sound quality on one current-generation iPod to another (i.e., 3rd or 4th Gen iPod compared to an iPod Mini, all running the latest firmware).

[klectong]

I was surprised too! I compared my 3rd Gen with a 4th Gen and 4th Gen versus mini. There is no noticeable differences between 3rd and 4th Gen. But mini does sound noticeably better than 3rd Gen or 4th Gen, same song, same ear buds.

[zentro]

I think it'll be fate that decides which iPod I eventually get. My local shop seems to get dripfed with iPods and Minis in random order but they never seem to have any when I pop in.

One day they will, and then I'll buy whatever is there ;)

[musicfanatic89]

well i have a pink mini ipod and its gorgeous i love it. i would DEFIENETLY not get a normal ipod 20GB because they are sooo boring looking i mean c'mon white its sorta...old ha. well yea and its bigger and the sound isnt even as good as teh ipod mini which IS SMALLER AND CUTER heheh .... i dont care that it doesnt hold as many songs as the bigger ipod...

Good things about ipod mini=
*Smaller
*Comes in different colours
*Better Sound Quality
*Looks cute even when in a case
*Has 8 hours of battery life even though its soooo small!!

Bad stuff bout the ipod mini+
*It doesnt hold as many songs..but i mean ... who needs 10,000 songs anyways...not me im fine with my cool 1,000 plus anyways it is cheaper than the ipod 20GB so its all cool...

decide for yourself which ipod you want and what you really need but personally...the ipod mini is for me!

[musicfanatic89]

well i have a pink mini ipod and its gorgeous i love it. i would DEFIENETLY not get a normal ipod 20GB because they are sooo boring looking i mean c'mon white its sorta...old ha. well yea and its bigger and the sound isnt even as good as teh ipod mini which IS SMALLER AND CUTER heheh .... i dont care that it doesnt hold as many songs as the bigger ipod...

Good things about ipod mini=
*Smaller
*Comes in different colours
*Better Sound Quality
*Looks cute even when in a case
*Has 8 hours of battery life even though its soooo small!!

Bad stuff bout the ipod mini+
*It doesnt hold as many songs..but i mean ... who needs 10,000 songs anyways...not me im fine with my cool 1,000 plus anyways it is cheaper than the ipod 20GB so its all cool...

decide for yourself which ipod you want and what you really need but personally...the ipod mini is for me!