Customer Reviews:
 Great product. here are some thoughts if you buy one March 19, 2006
7 out of 7 found this review helpful
By now, if you are contemplating the purchase of the iPod video, you have probably seen one and know you want it. So I will just confirm that the product works great and is a joy to use. The user interface is simply a breakthrough in human engineering and with 60GB you can afford to store songs in the highest quality and not worry about space.
If you are a PC user and this is your first iPod, this could also be your first exposure to iTunes. It was for me. And here, surprisingly, I am a little disappointed. I already had a sizable library of CDs that I had ripped using Windows Media Player in .WMA format. While iTunes can read .WMA, the iPod will not play these files. iTunes offers to translate all your .WMA files into iTunes format. Don't worry it will not destroy your existing files. However, don't make the same mistake I made: while Apple would like you to use its proprietary format, there is an option to use MP3 instead. I did not realize that until I had translated 10GB worth of songs. I believe using MP3 is a better choice because it is now a universal file format. Even my cell phone can play MP3 files.
It is fashionable to assume that any piece of software from Apple will be better than a corresponding product from Microsoft. Sadly, that is not the case with iTunes. While iTunes will translate your existing files, it will not copy album art. Silly, since the iPod does a great job of displaying album art. Fortunately, you can associate graphic files manually with your files. I also find that iTunes does not offer as many sorting options as Media Player and that it runs slower.
Despite my gripes with the software, I give the product 5 stars because once you have all your files in the iPod, you should not have to use iTunes very often. With so many accessories to use an iPod in you living room, kitchen or car it can easily become your only music playing device.
Great music player, Video an added bonus. December 11, 2005
15 out of 18 found this review helpful
Unfortunately my 4G iPod photo that I was very happy with was lost/stolen. This led me to buy the 5G video product soon after it was released. I bought it as a music player first and foremost, with the video as an after thought, assuming I would rarely if ever use it.
After 5 weeks of ownership, I am very pleased.
- Considering the 60GB size, I was happy that this was still smaller and lighter than the 30GB 4G.
- I have been nervous about the screen scratching and have been looking for a better case than what was in the package...but so far not even a minor scratch.
- Had no expectations for the video, but the quality is excellent considering the screen size. Watched an episode of Lost on a plane (irony) and found after taking a moment for my eyes to adjust to the size, that it was really easy to see and the size posed no problems. It's been fun to download some free trailers and so forth...but still overall, the video seems like something I will only use in the air.
- Sound seems slightly better than the 4G, but I do not have a great ear, so it's barely noticeable.
Battery life is definately a concern if you plan on using it for video, but the 40% more batter life for the 60GB versus the 30GB was worth the additional $ to me. The exclusion of the AC charger is dissapointing and would pose a problem for those who travel without a laptop. Thankfully, I didn't lose that on my old one, so I'm set, but others should take note.
Well, I wish I didn't lose my 4G and could have waited for a few more upgrades in the product, but considering my expectations I am a happy camper. As the title says, a great music player, with massive storage and good sound, with the added bonus of a quality video playback device with a vivid picture making up for the size of the screen.
A pretty good iPod coupled with amazing new iTunes 6 features November 6, 2005
12 out of 14 found this review helpful
Summary: This is a very good ipod - slick, awesome display (even if you don't do video) and pretty good battery life. Beyond the iPod box, the new iTunes 6 features make the whole concept a very compelling offering for your mobile entertainment.
Full review:
This is a very cool iPod. I have owned the last three generations of iPod prior to this and this is by far the best iPod to date (current is called video iPod or 5th Gen iPod).
The basics: if you look at the evolutionary changes, which seem to be pretty much Apple's approach to life, they are pretty good. Battery life has improved (20 hours now) and you don't have to worry on transatlantic trips unless you do tons of video in which case the battery life decreases dramatically from 20 hours to 2. However, even on those cases, once you go back to music playbak the battery is consumed pretty slowly. This iPod can play all your favorite music, Podcasts and videos.
Notable things: Even the 60GB model is very slick and much thinner and less heavier than a 4th gen iPod (a.k.a Photo iPod) even if you compare it to a 40GB model of the 4th gen.
The new stuff: Video playback is pretty awesome. Despite the battery consumption issue I mentioned before, video playback runs smoothly and I have never experienced delays, blimps or issues with color or resolution. It simply works beautifully. I love watching Rocketboom , which is available as a video Podcast in the iTunes directory.
New Features in iTunes 6: iTunes has continued to evolve nicely and is quickly becoming a very robust Digital Content Manager. Here is a summary of the new features in iTunes 6:
-Gifting. According to STeve Jobs, the number one requested feature on iTunes is the ability to give a gift of music through iTunes. With iTunes 6, you can simply look at the record of your choice and give it to your loved ones with a few clicks of a button. The recipient of the gift only needs to have an e-mail account to be able to accept it.
-Customer Music Reviews. You can now review your favorite CDs, PodCasts or Videos, a l Amazon. This is a great feature since Customer reviews normally give you a good idea of what a CD is all about.
-Recommendations. A feature in beta test, provides recommendations based on past purchases, similar to what Amazon does today.
-Video Capabilities. iTunes 6 supports now video within the content manager interface. In another words, you can now have your music, photos and videos in your personal iTunes library. The video store launches with sales of Music Videos ($1.99), TV shows from ABC and Disney such as Desperate Housewives and Lost ($1.99) and short films such as the Pixar studios shorts ($1.99 too). You can also download your favorite vlogs, such as Rocketboom (see above).
Not-so-nice surprises:
This iPod doesn't have a charger, the only way to charge it included in the box is through the USB cable provided, which is probably not as convenient everywhere. This iPod doesn't include a cradle either, so you should buy the new universal cradle to have line and s-video out. It doesn't include a case either, just a leather skin, which is not very convenient at all. Also, the new iPod has a different jack than the third gen iPod, so some accesories, such as the old iTrip do not work with this new iPod.
The Greatest Media Player Ever!!! March 18, 2006
9 out of 10 found this review helpful
The iPod first appeared four years ago, and the features continue to grow, with each update.
The iPod with video playback was introduced on October 13, 2005. However, one should not necessarily consider this player a video player, but a great iPod music player, with video capabilities as a fantastic bonus. Nevertheless, the iPod with video playback is the most capable and feature-rich iPod ever produced by Apple.
I have owned the 60 gig iPod with video playback, for several days now, and I continue to be impressed. Its physical appearance, quality, craftsmanship, and the wide array of features are keeping me entertained!
Video Playback - The iPod plays back H264 and MPEG4 encoded video. The iPod's new display is larger than ever at 2.5 inches, giving it a resolution of 320x240. What video content can you play on your iPod? This area is limited, at least currently. You can buy music videos on iTunes at $1.99 per song, which will play beautifully on the iPod. Furthermore, Apple has made available select television shows, for download on iTunes. They cost $1.99 per episode, for titles including ABC's hits Lost and Desperate Housewives. You can also watch the episodes you purchase on your computer. If you want to put some of your own video, onto your iPod, you will need to use an application such as QuickTime Pro to convert the video to the specific requirements to play on the iPod. You can also find video podcasts, which will play on the new iPod. Even if you do not plan to view video on the new iPod, its primary purpose is to be used as the world's best music player. You can still benefit from the beautiful new display, for it will help you find your favorite music faster, and you can view the album art that accompanies your music.
Size of new iPod - Does the picture of the new iPod make it appear larger to you? Well, it did to me. The iPod looked wider, in the photos I saw. However, it is not. The height and width of the iPod are identical to the previous generation iPod with click wheel. The only change in dimensions is the depth. The new iPod is actually thinner than what came before it! Yes, even this 60 gig is thinner than the previous 20 gig photo model. What does all this mean? The iPod continues get smaller, making it even easier to carry.
Capacity - This 60 gig iPod has room, for a lot of entertainment. With storage, for up to 15,000 songs, 25,000 photos, or 150 hours of video. The great thing I love about my 60 gig iPod is that my music, photos, and video only take up about 15 gigabytes. However, I use the additional space to backup data, from my computer. This is incredibly helpful, and could be a real saver, if something happened to your computer. See, the iPod functions as an external hard drive, so you can backup all sorts of data. Furthermore, with the video capabilities on the new iPod, you may find yourself needing the extra space that this 60 gig iPod provides.
New Software Features - Apple has added features, to the new iPod besides video support. First, they have a clock feature, which quickly allows you to view the time, in up to four different time zones simultaneously. Furthermore, there is a stop watch, and a screen lock, which you can enable to keep people from snooping on your calendar and/or contacts.
Battery - The battery life is one of the most important specifications that you, as an iPod user, are going to care about. This 60 gigabyte iPod sports a battery that will last up to 20 hours, when playing only music. Also note that repeatedly changing songs manually, and turning on the backlight will use up your battery considerably faster. Furthermore, the iPod's battery lasts a maximum of three hours, when playing back video. This version of the iPod no longer includes an adapter to charge the iPod, at an electrical outlet. You will have to buy that adapter separately, or always charge the iPod via USB 2.0. The charging works fine, from your computer's USB 2.0, but if you're traveling you might want the ability to charge, with the adapter. Also note that the iPod no longer supports syncing via firewire cable. You will have to use USB 2.0.
Mac or PC? This iPod works beautifully with either a Mac or PC. The iPod syncs your contacts, video, and music via the iTunes software.
Podcasting - The iPod continues to support podcasting. Podcasts are internet radio broadcasts, and there are thousands covering nearly every subject imaginable, and more are coming out every day. Podcasts are quickly becoming popular content on iPods around the world. Check them out, for this iPod supports Podcasts out of the box. There are also video podcasts, so with the new iPod, you will be able to watch video podcasts, on the iPod's display.
Appearance - The iPod is beautiful, but the back's chrome finish is prone to scratches, and the screen can become scratched as well. It is a very good idea to protect the back of the iPod and the screen in some way. There are many cases and protectors out there, and you will surely find something you like. The new iPod is available in a black or white finish. The black color is quickly becoming the most popular, but the white iPod is still the signature color. Do note that the black may show fingerprints and scratches more than the white iPod, much as a black car shows these blemishes more than a lighter colored car. Apple is including a small sleeve-type case, with this iPod, to help you keep it in good condition.
Audiobooks - I'm always using my iPod, to listen to audiobooks. You can store literally hundreds of audiobooks on here that you buy from iTunes, or Audible. The iPod even has a feature that can slow down or speed up the reading of the audiobook, so that you hear it at just the right pace.
Output - The iPod connects to your PC or Mac via the dock connector at the bottom of the unit. You will connect the included cable, to the computer via a USB 2.0 port. Furthermore, accessories are being made that will also connect to the bottom dock port, and you may purchase Apple's Universal iPod dock, for easy syncing to your computer. The dock (available separately) also includes s-video output, so you can show off slideshows and video, on a television. There are also iPod A/V cables available that allow composite video and audio output, for connecting your iPod to your television. This might interest you, not only to display slideshows on a television, but also to display TV shows or music videos on a television, which you purchased from iTunes.
Value - This 60 gigabyte iPod is priced at $399, which is a great value. It provides a huge amount of storage space, and more features than ever.
Overall, this is another excellent product from Apple Computer. The design is elegant, simple, and intuitive. It will provide hours of entertainment and convenience. Enjoy your iPod experience.
I bought one as a gift , then caved and got one for me! December 30, 2005
6 out of 6 found this review helpful
I must say -- I was a holdover and didn't own an iPod. I wasn't big on the security rights limitations on iPod music -- which is kindof freaky. Recently though, I bought one as a christmas gift and of course part of the gift was organizing her music...Wow...it was easy to upload music but loading 120CDs took a while but iTunes recognized most of the CDs and labeled them for me. All in all, the CDs used up 10 gig or about 1/3 of her 30gig iPod.
In the process of doing this, I came to realize what I'd been missing ... organization. iPod makes it tremendously simple to organize, sort, find All your music...so I got one too! only I got myself the 60gig option as mine had to be bigger (I am an avid photographer and plan to move pictures from my camera, and I'll also use it as a portable hard drive).
Two things I noticed after I held both units, the 60 gig iPod is twice as thick as the 30gig -- something that the sites don't really tell. So if you want shiek thin, get the 30gig and if you want cavernous storage get the 60gig...hehe I've always wanted to use the word cavernous in a sentence :-). Two, the battery lasts 16 hours on the 30gig and 20hours on the 60gig.
I also downloaded a Podcast just to see how it would work...wow, the screen has some very high resolution and everything looks really sharp with very smooth playback. David Hasselhoff of Knight Rider looks a bit anachronistic against the shiek white of the iPod. Hats off to you Dave, was a big fan of the show as a kid and now its the first video on my iPod. I should've downloaded Galactica -- not a ton of choices out there for TV but I'm sure that will change soon. I also played the Podcast on the computer and its not as sharp although pretty good quality -- I definitely think they're made to be viewed in the iPod. Download from the site for a 45minute episode over broadband was slow about 2mins but download to the iPod from my computer was pretty fast 10-20 seconds -- not as speedy as music but then again its video.
Ok but then I discovered Podcasts...basically you go into iTunes and you can subscribe to news shows, comedy shows, sports shows all for free! There's a gazillion free newsvideos etc out there. Example, I love Meet the Press -- I can watch it whenever I want. If you love sports, there are tons of sports related podcasts etc. Its great!
I think this 5th generation is amazing. If you own an older model...I think they're awesome and I'd upgrade. I have the white iPod and I'm enjoying the music that was buried in CDs at the back of my TV armoir for years. I hear black looks cooler...but that it shows scratches easier (don't know). So there you have it, hope it helps guys.
Of note, I own a pair of Shure headphones and I must say...whencombined with iPod, I can hear nuances to music that I didn't know where there! Amazing sound.
Got both (and the Shure) from Amazon -- shipping was fast and everything looked great.
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