Official iPod Discussion Thread

[Heelfan71]

Re: Official iPod Discussion Thread

I've had my iPod Touch all weekend and I'll be posting my thoughts on it later today.

Very, very nice little device. I've read others are having issues with the quality of their models but thankfully I don't have the issues... or at least, if I do, I can't tell so it doesn't bother me.

And I'm a pretty picky person... like you didn't know that already.

when are you going to post some sliders for it ? Waiting on a good set before I buy one.

[jmood88]

Re: Official iPod Discussion Thread

when are you going to post some sliders for it ? Waiting on a good set before I buy one.

I think he said to lower the coverflow speed a few clicks and it should be perfect.

[mgoblue]

Re: Official iPod Discussion Thread

when are you going to post some sliders for it ? Waiting on a good set before I buy one.

Song Shuffle Slider +9, at default it just doesn't pick the right song often enough

[Pared]

Re: Official iPod Discussion Thread

What's your problem.

It was HYPERBOLE.

You bring up some good points but making a comment like this portrays the 17 year old behind the computer. Or, at least the adult acting that way. C'mon, it's not really necessary.

iTouch: To do the same thing, you need to unlock the screen since it sleeps after a few seconds. Then you can click pause.

Incorrect. Like I mentioned you raise some good points overall but misinformation such as this isn't something you should continue to spread if you don't have first hand knowledge.

In the iPod Touch, you unlock the phone by clicking the same "sleep" button as found on the iPhone. When you see this screen (IMAGE IS FOR REFERENCE ONLY):

all you have to do is hit the home button twice and you will get access to the play/pause, forward and backward options, not to mention volume. AFAIK this is unique to the Touch, as the iPhone can't do this. What you just described is the method for the iPhone, not the Touch.

when are you going to post some sliders for it ? Waiting on a good set before I buy one.

lol

[RockyTop1]

Re: Official iPod Discussion Thread

Yeah, Pared is right. They call it the "double click" and apparently based on a few things I've read, some people are expecting people to add this to the iPhone whenever updated 1.1.whatever it is, because on a stock photo from Apple running the new software, there is a menu option labeled "home button." It would definitely be a nice touch, but after unlocking a few times, it doesn't bother me anymore. Or if you have your headphones in, all you have to do is click the clicker thingy on the cord to pause and/or go to the next song.

Hopefully we'll get some answers of some sort tomorrow morning at the European event.

[Pared]

Re: Official iPod Discussion Thread

I hope they bring it to iPhone users. Common sense would tell you they would but unfortunately Apple has a track record of not adding things like that to keep the differences between similar iPod's ever so slight.

I personally hate it. (The slight differences of similar hardware)

[The_Don]

Re: Official iPod Discussion Thread

From everything I've read with WiFi on you only get about one hour of battery life. Just what I've read... not sure how true that is.

The aesthetics of the thing turn me off as well. I typically prefer function over form but using an iPod for a few years now I have to say I really need a little of both...

I did some research and you are correct. The battery life of that machine is horrendous, definitely a deal breaker for me. Looks like I'm gonna stick with the iPod Touch for better or worse.

[Pared]

Re: Official iPod Discussion Thread

Evolution is defined as the process in which something passes by degrees to a different stage (especially a more advanced) stage. While one might say this about the iPod Touch, Apple’s newest member of the iPod family, I would agree with them… but hesitantly. The Touch is one step forward in the evolution of mobile media… and possibly a step or two back.<o></o>
<o></o>
Previously to announcing the Touch, Apple introduced the iPhone, a revolutionary device that was much more than an iPod. While not Apple’s first foray into the cellular market, the iPhone did so much right it quickly rose to one of the best devices for mobile communication and portable digital media.<o></o>
<o></o>
Enter the Touch. Often referred to as the “iPhone without the phone,” the Touch improves on Apple’s goal to make your music personal while falling short in other areas.<o>

</o> Strictly as a media player, the Touch is phenomenal. Utilizing the same OS as the iPhone, the Touch allows you to touch your music, pictures and video in such a simple way that you immediately feel at home using one. No instructions necessary; simply touch the screen and manage your way through your library. Cover Flow is beautiful, displaying all your Albums via their cover much like a virtual jukebox. Transitions are smooth and menus responsive to your commands. The absence of lyrics is noticeable as well. It makes me wonder if this will come back as more developed bullet point and featured inclusion of the next version.<o>

</o> Audio quality is right up there with the best of Apple’s top iPods (which, ironically enough, include the Shuffle). I have read reports of hissing while playing music but I have not experienced this myself. Bass is much emphasized and Treble sounds smooth. There is an included equalizer.<o>

</o> The 3.5” screen is amazing. With a high quality video file full of color you can really see just how beautiful this device is. Lower resolution videos however suffer from pixilation and the screen can't compensate for them, something I have seen others do (such as the PSP). Also, blacks seem to have a lack of detail depending on the angle of view. Apple did not use the same screen as the iPhone, so I would go as far as to say the iPhone screen is slightly better. The two are comparable, however. Viewing angles may bother some, but I have never had an issue with them as this device is pretty much for me to view, not a group. The device is also very thin, almost as thin as the newly released iPod Nano.<o>

</o> There are many small “Why did they do that” moments with this device. Truthfully, they might just add up for some. There is no case included; simply a wipe cloth for the screen. This decision infuriated me as it should not have been difficult to include a slip case for Apple’s most expensive iPod (but of course, the Apple stickers are there). Also, a universal dock attachment is included as opposed to a dock. In comparison, the iPhone gets its own dock AND AC adapter. You almost feel cheated in that sense.<o>
</o>
Battery life is pretty good but not as great as I would have liked. You can get about 20+ hours of music play and roughly 5 hours of video, depending on the brightness. Transfer rates are not as fast as I would have liked as well. I would attribute this to more videos being synced on this device than typical. I still wouldn’t say this is a “sync and go” device as my other iPods have been.<o>

</o> The Touch includes built-in Wi-fi as well as the Safari browser, You Tube, Calendar, Calculator and Contact apps. Also included for the first time is the iTunes store. These are a mixed bag and, again, make you question Apple’s decisions with this device. The Safari browser and YouTube app are fantastic. Items load quickly and seamlessly. The Calculator looks nice but is very simplistic; Mathematicians need look elsewhere! The Contacts app is great, as you can assign pictures and edit information. But then there is the Calendar app… Why does Apple include it if you can’t edit events? You can add a contact but you can’t add an event on your calendar… does that make sense to anyone else? If so, please help me out here. The iTunes store is very nice; however I don’t put too much emphasis on it as it’s just a simpler way for Apple to get my money! J It’s nice to have if you MUST purchase a song away from your computer, however. Songs sync back up to iTunes once you return to your main PC and are transferred to your HD.<o>

</o> One big omission is the lack of using the Touch as a portable hard drive. Known as disk mode, this feature of past iPods is no longer available. My only guess is to disallow people easily pulling the songs off of an iPod. This will be frustrating, however, for those that really utilize this feature.<o>

</o> My biggest issue with the Touch is notable lack of other apps. I understand this is not a PDA, yet Apple continues to include some PDA-like apps. Either include them or don’t. Missing is Google Maps, the weather and stocks widgets from the iPhone. Bluetooth is gone, so those wishing to use BT stereo headphones must look elsewhere. Aside from the extra space, there isn’t much you can say that would consider this device better than an iPhone. It’s a very stripped down, gutted version of the iPhone and makes you question why Apple would consider this it’s “top of the line” iPod now when you look at their respective price points. For the same price, you may get half the space but you still have so much more with the iPhone. There are other factors that may sway your decision as well. Personally, I like the extra size of the iPhone. The Touch feels so thin and delicate that it can break very easily. It also has an aluminum finish much like every other iPod out there that is prone to scratches. This is something I would like to see changed as the iPhone finish makes it much more durable.<o>

</o> I don’t regret my decision to purchase the Touch. I really do enjoy the device. The decisions made by Apple with it however, boggle my mind. There is so much evolution in this device and its feature that the omissions stand out even more. You can't help compare the Touch and the iPhone. The iPhone includes so much more that I would recommend getting the iPhone and just using it as an iPod if you can. It’s not exactly guaranteed to work that way as Apple continues to update the device however, so if you’re simply looking for the interface and features of the iPhone and won’t miss the little extras it includes then I wouldn’t hesitate to pick up a Touch.

As it stands now, I can’t say this device is the best one out there for everyone. If the iPhone didn’t exist and the Touch didn’t have a max of 16GB’s, then the Touch would truly be the evolution most were looking for. Unfortunately for the Touch however, that’s not the reality of it.<o>

SCORE: 3.5/5 Stars.
</o>

[fossen]

Re: Official iPod Discussion Thread

Thanks for the review, Pared.

I'm buying either a Classic or a Touch in the next week.

Here's what I'd love some input on:

Right now I am leaning to the Classic. More storage as a lower price is the main factor - I'm hovering around 30G of music, plus podcasts and vidcasts.

It's hard though - the Touch is definitely the pretty girl at the dance.
I'm just thinking that the best features of the Touch are not really something I need. I work at home, and most use my iPod when driving or exercising.

Outside of WiFi, is it that exceptional a device? If the Wi-Fi features were missing, would it still rate above the Classic?

[mgoblue]

Re: Official iPod Discussion Thread

Thanks for the review, Pared.

I'm buying either a Classic or a Touch in the next week.

Here's what I'd love some input on:

Right now I am leaning to the Classic. More storage as a lower price is the main factor - I'm hovering around 30G of music, plus podcasts and vidcasts.

It's hard though - the Touch is definitely the pretty girl at the dance.
I'm just thinking that the best features of the Touch are not really something I need. I work at home, and most use my iPod when driving or exercising.

Outside of WiFi, is it that exceptional a device? If the Wi-Fi features were missing, would it still rate above the Classic?

I'm personally holding off on any purchase, but if I were you I'd get a Classic. I don't think you'd use much of the touch stuff aside from the original "oooh, that's cool" aspect that makes me want it too. Luckily it's expensive enough where I thought twice.

[JRod]

Re: Official iPod Discussion Thread

You bring up some good points but making a comment like this portrays the 17 year old behind the computer. Or, at least the adult acting that way. C'mon, it's not really necessary.



Incorrect. Like I mentioned you raise some good points overall but misinformation such as this isn't something you should continue to spread if you don't have first hand knowledge.

In the iPod Touch, you unlock the phone by clicking the same "sleep" button as found on the iPhone. When you see this screen (IMAGE IS FOR REFERENCE ONLY):

all you have to do is hit the home button twice and you will get access to the play/pause, forward and backward options, not to mention volume. AFAIK this is unique to the Touch, as the iPhone can't do this. What you just described is the method for the iPhone, not the Touch.



lol

You've got left over issues from the iphone thread. I would suggest next time taking a few minute before you respond to my posts. You got some beef and won't let it go.

Second I'm not trying to post "misinformation" you make it sound like I'm here trying to slag off all Apple products.

Next time either take the personal issues our of it, or don't respond to my posts.

[RockyTop1]

Re: Official iPod Discussion Thread

Ok, start talking about actual iPods now please. No more arguing over semantics.

[Pared]

Re: Official iPod Discussion Thread

Thanks for the review, Pared.

I'm buying either a Classic or a Touch in the next week.

Here's what I'd love some input on:

Right now I am leaning to the Classic. More storage as a lower price is the main factor - I'm hovering around 30G of music, plus podcasts and vidcasts.

It's hard though - the Touch is definitely the pretty girl at the dance.
I'm just thinking that the best features of the Touch are not really something I need. I work at home, and most use my iPod when driving or exercising.

Outside of WiFi, is it that exceptional a device? If the Wi-Fi features were missing, would it still rate above the Classic?

It's hard to say. Outside of WiFi, the interface is still one of the most attractive things about it... it's not as minimalist as say the Classic, but the device still maintains that design schema while innovating at the same time.

I think it really comes down to what you're going to use the device for... the Touch really advances Apple's push towards mobile video. If you're strictly a music listener, I can't recommend the Touch at all.

I will say this: I have never used an iPod for video as I have always felt the screen is too small. However, with the Touch, I'm now enjoying portable media without the need to take my PDA everywhere with me.

I'm personally holding off on any purchase, but if I were you I'd get a Classic. I don't think you'd use much of the touch stuff aside from the original "oooh, that's cool" aspect that makes me want it too. Luckily it's expensive enough where I thought twice.

I completely agree.

[ifiok25]

Re: Official iPod Discussion Thread

I've had my 4G iPod for almost a year now and I think I need to get up to a 30G because I need more space. Do y'all know the price range of one?

[RockyTop1]

Re: Official iPod Discussion Thread

I've had my 4G iPod for almost a year now and I think I need to get up to a 30G because I need more space. Do y'all know the price range of one?

You would have to do some searching because the Classics (80 and 160 GB) are replacing the old 5G 30 and 60 GB. I'd check ebay.