The iPod Thread v3.0 [Archive] - Hyper Magazine Forums

Shorty

05-07-2005, 01:59 AM

Yes, it's back. It's the iPod thread, where I or any of our able-minded readers will answer your questions about the iPod.

Looking for some tips and tricks? Maybe you just got your iPod and you want to know about good accessories or software? Are you a long-term iPod user scoping out the new range? Or maybe you're in the market for one and have some questions about it?

Whatever your iPod-related query, we're here to help. Ask us questions and we'll do our level best to answer them.

DISCLAIMER: This thread is for questions about the iPod. It is not an "iPod vs the rest" thread or an "iPods are overrated" thread. Please keep your questions relevent and reasonably polite and I hope we can help.

Anyway, on to some iPod news. The iPod range is getting quite a shakeup over the next week or two. Drop by your local Apple store sometime (don't be afraid, they're actually quite nice people, or at least they are where I shop) and you'll notice a few new things, such as:

All iPods except the mini and Shuffle (obviously :p) now have colour screens, including the U2 edition.
There is no iPod Photo, anymore. All of the Photo's features have now been incorporated into the regular iPod range.
The new sizes are now 20Gb and 60Gb and they retail for $449 and $598, respectively. The 20Gb U2 edition is now $499.
iTunes 4.9 now has native support for podcasts. You can add them to the "Podcast" section of iTunes, where they will be updated and uploaded to your iPod.
The dock, unfortunately, is still an accessory and does not come with the iPod (it's $59).
Battery life is more or less the same - 15 hours for the iPod, 18 for the mini and 12 for the Shuffle.

More information at the Apple Australia iPod site (http://www.apple.com/au/ipod/).

Personally, I'm quite happy with most of the changes. Colour screens across the range is nice, and the increase in capacity is a definite plus. I'm still a little disappointed that the dock remains an optional accessory (seeing as how I got mine with my 40Gb G3 unit), but the $50 saving somewhat makes up for it. I don't exactly come out ahead there, but it could be worse.

Now, ladies and gentlemen, are there any questions?

Loach

05-07-2005, 02:16 AM

Is there any software you know of that one can use in place of iTunes where the sync direction can be specified instead of automatically both?

oVerCaffeinated

05-07-2005, 02:22 AM

The Winamp iPod plugin has "Reverse & Forward Sync". Is that what you want?

Loach

05-07-2005, 02:25 AM

Sounds good, is it on the winamp site?

oVerCaffeinated

05-07-2005, 02:27 AM

Yes:
http://www.winamp.com/plugins/details.php?id=138888

Shorty

05-07-2005, 02:30 AM

Good call, OC. Some other ones are Anapod Explorer (http://www.redchairsoftware.com/anapod/getanapod.php), copyPod (http://www.copypod.net/download.php), EphPod (http://www.builderadius.com/ephpod/ephpod277.exe) and iPod Access for Windows (http://www.ipodlounge.com/index.php/ipod-software-windows/%3Cp%3Ehttp://tc.versiontracker.com/product/redir/lid/542554/IPODACCESS_SETUP.EXE%3C/p%3E). iPodLounge (http://www.ipodlounge.com) has a good list (http://www.ipodlounge.com/index.php/ipod-software-windows/).

Mr Incredible

05-07-2005, 02:41 AM

I spent a bit off time writing up some questions for you. Yet then realised I was breaking all the rules.

I then thought about how disrespectful I was being, and decided not to post my questions.

I wish this thread all the best, and hope many people will benefit from the vast amount of knowledge you have about Ipod's and their in's and out's.

Peace out! Mr Incredibly compassionate ;-)

Shorty

05-07-2005, 03:08 AM

:shock: That I wouldn't have predicted.

Mr Incredible

05-07-2005, 03:16 AM

Incredibly unpredictable I am! ;-)

kami

05-07-2005, 09:53 AM

The 18 hour battery life for the mini almost makes me wish I' gotten one later :|

Or that my current one would have an 'unfortunate accident' :evillaug:

Readman

05-07-2005, 10:12 AM

Interesting. I was thinking of upgrading my iPod mini.

Full colour display and photographic doesn't really mean much to me, and it doesn't seem that there is any aural benefit in the new ones, is that the case? If so, I might keep my eye out for a cheaper B&W model.

I take it that the U2 hasn't got any special features (except with 50% more sanctimonious smugness)?

[m]averick

05-07-2005, 10:23 AM

Shortman, I got a question. When you have your iPod set to manually update, how do you sync the Top 25 Most Played on your iPod with the one on your computer?

human~torch

05-07-2005, 10:29 AM

good thread

I just purchased mini iPod with a black iSkin too so it looks great

why cant they put color screens on the mini though?

And I was just wondering although they tell you not to is it impossible to install your ipod in more than one computer? If so Ive got a lot of talking to do cos I bought the ipod at my aunts house and installed it and put stuff on it (they have unlimited cable)
then I left. And I didnt unistall, what to do...

Sweating Bullets

05-07-2005, 11:10 AM

My iPod dies super quick.

My Shuffle is a hell of a lot better that my 40G

Ali G

05-07-2005, 11:36 AM

Heh, my G3 15Gb iPod is still working relatively well, although, as expected, the battery life sucks dick.

OldSkOoL

05-07-2005, 12:20 PM

My ipod Mini is kicking on quite well. Had it for about 2 months now. Only problem is it's filling up rather quickly. But it's battery life isn't all that flash either. Dies rather quickly.

Pai Mel

05-07-2005, 01:06 PM

Two teenagers have been arrested in New York on suspicion of killing another teen for his iPod portable music player, police said.

The boys are facing charges of murder, robbery and weapons possession over the death of 15-year-old Christopher Rose.

Rose and three friends were accosted by a group of young men in Brooklyn on Saturday evening, police said. Members of the group demanded his iPod and stabbed him twice in the chest when he resisted. The group fled, taking the iPod and a backpack, police said.

Police have also reported a wave of iPod robberies on city subways, saying in April that 50 iPods had been stolen this year, compared with none over the same period last year.

Authorities believe that most robbers keep the devices, which can retail for about $130 to $655, for personal use rather than selling them.

OldSkOoL

05-07-2005, 01:13 PM

All that for a portable music player. There are some really ******ed up people out there.

Pai Mel

05-07-2005, 01:20 PM

Heh, they used to do the same to people wearing Air Jordans.

Shorty

05-07-2005, 01:29 PM

Heh, my G3 15Gb iPod is still working relatively well, although, as expected, the battery life sucks dick.

I feel your pain, man. My 40Gb G3 doesn't have a whole lot of battery life, either.

Interesting. I was thinking of upgrading my iPod mini.

Full colour display and photographic doesn't really mean much to me, and it doesn't seem that there is any aural benefit in the new ones, is that the case? If so, I might keep my eye out for a cheaper B&W model.

The main benefit of upgrading to the iPod range from the mini is space. Tons of it. They're not that much bigger or more expensive and they give you between four and ten times more room. I always recommend those over the minis, unless you have really small pockets or not a lot of songs.

I take it that the U2 hasn't got any special features (except with 50% more sanctimonious smugness)?

Well, it's black and it has the band's autographs on the back. Bugger-all else, though. :p

averick']Shortman, I got a question. When you have your iPod set to manually update, how do you sync the Top 25 Most Played on your iPod with the one on your computer?

Doesn't look like you can, although I have mine set on automatic update. Try Google, but off the top of my head I don't know how.

good thread

I just purchased mini iPod with a black iSkin too so it looks great

why cant they put color screens on the mini though?

I don't know. My guess is that the screen isn't big enough to justify the extra cost and effort of putting the colour screen on there. With the regular iPod it makes sense because they basically had two production lines (iPod & iPod Photo) making very similar things except for the screen. Hence combining those two lines saves a bit of money. The mini's already on a seperate line, so the incentive to move to colour is already gone in that regard.

And I was just wondering although they tell you not to is it impossible to install your ipod in more than one computer? If so Ive got a lot of talking to do cos I bought the ipod at my aunts house and installed it and put stuff on it (they have unlimited cable)
then I left. And I didnt unistall, what to do...

The reason they tell you not to is basically because you can't and they don't want you complaining to them that it erased your iPod when you authorised it with the second computer.

Since you obviously don't want that to happen, my advice is to use one of the links in the earlier posts re: moving stuff from your iPod before authorising it with your new computer. Just plug in the iPod as a USB drive and use one of the suggested programs.

It's a bit of a pain, I know, but the next time you're at your aunts you could always just dump all the MP3s on there in a directory and move them to your own computer.

Clockw0rk

05-07-2005, 01:49 PM

So now that the iPod Photo has been discontinued, will there be no more 30 or 40gig models? That kinda sucks, I should grab the 30gig while I can. Any siginificant improvements in the new generation?

This may sound like an "iPod vs the rest" question, but I'd just like to know:
What is the sound quality like on an iPod, playing stock standard 128k mp3s? I realise it's not going to be CD quality (that goes without saying) but my misgivings about how nice it's going to sound is the only thing stopping me from getting one.

Also, a woman came into Dick Smiths with an iPod problem. The driver software refused to install on her 1-year old iBook, and as such she couldn't use it. The installation software simply crashed after clicking "next" on the very first screen. I'm not a mac technician, so I sent her somewhere else. I know that seems a bit of a vague question, but if anyone knows what was up I'd like to hear from them.

ChalkFacedGoon

05-07-2005, 04:07 PM

I opened up my friend's iPod in explorer as a removable disc, and it had a big collection of folders with around 5 songs apiece. If I just dunk mp3's in, without a folder, can the iPod still play them?

EDIT: Does this thread belong in Off Topic or Film, TV, Books and Music? I mean my mp3 thread seems to belong in there.

Newton

05-07-2005, 07:41 PM

Yesterday I discovered that if you disconnect the headphones, the iPod automatically pauses the track. What an age we live in.

Str8JaktJim

05-07-2005, 07:53 PM

Is there any news on the ipod music buying site store thingy for Australia?

Loaded_Toaster

05-07-2005, 08:10 PM

So now that the iPod Photo has been discontinued, will there be no more 30 or 40gig models? That kinda sucks, I should grab the 30gig while I can. Any siginificant improvements in the new generation?

That's the exact question I wanted to ask. If there aren't any significant improvements in the new generation I think I might grab a 30GB Photo, cos 20GB is slightly too small, and 60GB is overkill for me. Hopefully a few stores might sell them a bit cheaper since they will want to try to get rid of them for the new stock...

knifeandfork

05-07-2005, 08:51 PM

Is there any news on the ipod music buying site store thingy for Australia?

Nothing yet, although keep an eye/ear out for the announcements that Apple will be making on July 7th. In saying that, don't hold your breath for anything Australia related..

Citizen Erased

05-07-2005, 09:00 PM

I got a 512MB shuffle about two months ago, and im pleased with my purchase, i would of liked to bet a bigger one, but i does the job well. Plus i love the fact that i can fit more than 120 songs on the thing.

Clockw0rk

05-07-2005, 09:13 PM

When I broke up with my girlfriend, her Mum bought her a 512mb Shuffle to cheer her up.
We ended up getting back together a week later. She got to keep the iPod. Lucky girl.

/non sequitur

Shorty

05-07-2005, 10:09 PM

So now that the iPod Photo has been discontinued, will there be no more 30 or 40gig models? That kinda sucks, I should grab the 30gig while I can. Any siginificant improvements in the new generation?

Nothing superhuge massive fun awesome time platinum edition cool, apart from what I already mentioned.

This may sound like an "iPod vs the rest" question, but I'd just like to know:
What is the sound quality like on an iPod, playing stock standard 128k mp3s? I realise it's not going to be CD quality (that goes without saying) but my misgivings about how nice it's going to sound is the only thing stopping me from getting one.

I know I'm gonna sound like a broken record here, but the sound quality is great once you ditch the Apple earphones. Seriously people, go out and spend a few bucks on some quality headgear because it's well worth it. If you're going to be using it all the time like I have, it's worth spending a little extra dosh on some quality gear. Getting back to the point, my MP3s seem to play just fine, even the 128k ones.

Also, a woman came into Dick Smiths with an iPod problem. The driver software refused to install on her 1-year old iBook, and as such she couldn't use it. The installation software simply crashed after clicking "next" on the very first screen. I'm not a mac technician, so I sent her somewhere else. I know that seems a bit of a vague question, but if anyone knows what was up I'd like to hear from them.

Well, I'm not a Mac user so I can't really help you there. Seems like a rather odd problem to have, though.

I opened up my friend's iPod in explorer as a removable disc, and it had a big collection of folders with around 5 songs apiece. If I just dunk mp3's in, without a folder, can the iPod still play them?

No. It's a great way to move large files between computers, but the iPod won't play them. You need to load them into iTunes.

EDIT: Does this thread belong in Off Topic or Film, TV, Books and Music? I mean my mp3 thread seems to belong in there.

Well, this thread isn't really about music, so it doesn't really belong in the FTV forums. It's about the iPod as an MP3 player, so I reckon it's fine here.

Clockw0rk

05-07-2005, 10:32 PM

Loach

05-07-2005, 10:38 PM

Yeah I'm keen on a headphones recommendation. My Seinheimer (sp?) headphones broke recently so I went back to the Creative ones that came with my player and realised the difference wasn't that great between them. Is the only way to get decent sound to give up on buds? Are Sony buds any good?

Shorty

06-07-2005, 01:03 AM

Generally speaking, Loach, headphones are the way to go. Which isn't to say that you can't get some decent-quality earphones, it's just that IMO they're still inferior to a good set of headphones. My Sennheiser HD-497s are over two years old and apart from a headphone cable replacement (the cable is removeable for this purpose - go German engineering :thumbsup:) they're still going strong. They're well worth it.

Loach

06-07-2005, 01:31 AM

the cable is removeable for this purpose

That's an awesome idea. I'll check them out next time I take a lunch break (next week :( )

knifeandfork

06-07-2005, 05:52 AM

For my iPod and general computer use, i have a pair of these Street Style sony Headphones. Incredibly quality and incrdibly comfortable, i would highly reccommend.
http://www.sony.com.au/catalog/popups/prod_popup.jsp?productId=MDRG73SPS

Clockw0rk

06-07-2005, 08:38 AM

Those headphones suck if you wear glasses because of the way they go over your ears. However, if you don't wear glasses I highly recommend them also, I got a pair free with my discman last year.

StorminNorman

06-07-2005, 11:12 AM

And I was just wondering although they tell you not to is it impossible to install your ipod in more than one computer?

Only on newer (G4) iPods. Older iPods can be jumped from computer to computer just fine.

The problem isn't present on my Dad's G4 iPod either, though. I think it came in early this year.

So what earphones do you recommend?

I'm using a pair of foldable Sony MDR-G74s. They're actually quite hard to find, but worth tracking down. If you remember the G72, they're basically the update to that. The foldable ones are my favourite because they fit into a pocket when folded.

It's a shame Apple have cut the 40GB model, as it was the model I was looking at upgrading to. My 3G 20 is not quite big enough to hold all the music I want to put on it, and a 40 would have done fine (hell, a 30 would have done fine...). Going up to 60 is... non-optimal.

One thing to note with the iPod is that it (and iTunes) can have issues with some kinds of VBR MP3. They will play fine, but iTunes/iPod will get the time wrong, so you might wind up with a track that shows as being 30 minutes long instead of 3 and a half, or a track that's five minutes long being listed as 2 minutes long (and the iPod subsequently cutting off the last three minutes). This was something I encountered with an old version of LAME, but it may happen with other things too.

I strongly recommend using LAME for making MP3s in general. Its --preset standard option is pretty damn nice for general MP3 creation (and it has some other presets for specific things). iTunes' own encoder is alright, but LAME will give better quality with VBR for (potentially) smaller filesizes.

kami

06-07-2005, 01:57 PM

So what earphones do you recommend? I've got a $30 Sony pair which is very nice, was thinking of getting a Philips pair for $35 at some point. Is there some uber-sexy brand of earphones I could pick up from somewhere?
I'm not entirely sure how it ranks in terms of audio quality, but I use JVC HA-E300 Earphones (http://www.homecinemachoice.com/cgi-bin/outputpdf.php?file=EHC/041/056_EHC_041.pdf). The sound seems okay, though it does tend to get hard to hear when the background noise is a tad loud, but I got it mainly because they're retractable. It's retractable-ness is just damn cool (especially when imitating a persocon from chobits) ^_^

Readman

06-07-2005, 02:26 PM

The main benefit of upgrading to the iPod range from the mini is space. Tons of it. They're not that much bigger or more expensive and they give you between four and ten times more room. I always recommend those over the minis, unless you have really small pockets or not a lot of songs.

Yeah, the mini was a present. I would have splurged had I bought one myself. Ideally, I want to store my entire CD collection (not insubstantial) on there.

What is the battery-life for one of the new ones as opposed to a B&W?

Loaded_Toaster

06-07-2005, 05:36 PM

I think I'll be getting a 60GB iPod now, I was going to order the 30GB Photo the other day, and now that they've changed I'm a bit pissed off, but I'm working a bit next week, so I can use the money from that to make up the extra I need for the 60GB one....plenty of space on that thing!

IntErlOpr

06-07-2005, 08:48 PM

In answer to your question earlier Clockwork, 128k sound files are alright on an iPod, although if it's a particularly bassy/lyrically intense/poorly produced track I would recommend not using the Equalizer, it tends to sound pretty crappy. I definitely recommend that you get all your tracks at 192k, it does make a big difference. On the other hand I have also noticed that anything > 192 doesn't make much difference that I can tell. Far as I am concerned 192 is the way to go.

Shorty

06-07-2005, 11:04 PM

Yeah, the mini was a present. I would have splurged had I bought one myself. Ideally, I want to store my entire CD collection (not insubstantial) on there.

What is the battery-life for one of the new ones as opposed to a B&W?

About 15 hours (http://www.apple.com/au/ipod/color/specs.html). The minis are rated at 18, so it's not a huge drop. Which is pretty good, considering you have both a colour screen and a proper hard drive in the regular models.

In answer to your question earlier Clockwork, 128k sound files are alright on an iPod, although if it's a particularly bassy/lyrically intense/poorly produced track I would recommend not using the Equalizer, it tends to sound pretty crappy. I definitely recommend that you get all your tracks at 192k, it does make a big difference. On the other hand I have also noticed that anything > 192 doesn't make much difference that I can tell. Far as I am concerned 192 is the way to go.

AAC or MP3? I used 256k LAME encoding for my MP3s (it's the recommended "archive quality" bitrate for LAME), then switched to 192k AAC to save space. Don't know if it's a lot better than MP3 at the same bitrate (it's supposed to be), but it sounds CD-transparent to my ears, and I consider myself a pretty fussy listener.

Clockw0rk

06-07-2005, 11:36 PM

I'm a 192k MP3 man, myself. Makes Opeth sound *that* much better. Could never get LAME/CDeX to run on my laptop, so I rip with Windows MP10.

I've settled on getting a 6gig mini, rather than a large one. This is simply because I can store my other music on my laptop, and I've never needed a huge library of audio when I go places. Plus they're nicer in an aesthetic sense, too.

Bob the Destroyer

06-07-2005, 11:46 PM

Shorty

07-07-2005, 01:41 AM

I'm a 192k MP3 man, myself. Makes Opeth sound *that* much better. Could never get LAME/CDeX to run on my laptop, so I rip with Windows MP10.

To each his own. 8)

I've settled on getting a 6gig mini, rather than a large one. This is simply because I can store my other music on my laptop, and I've never needed a huge library of audio when I go places. Plus they're nicer in an aesthetic sense, too.

Well, I can't really argue on aesthetics, but I do think that the iPod represents better value in terms of space. They're not that much bigger and you get a lot more storage for your money, IMO. But either one's fine, really. I'd just be recommending the iPod over the iPod mini, unless you have a small music collection.

So i'm planning to get an iPod with my tax return (if it's big enough). I'll probably use it most riding my bike and whatnot. Whats the skipping like over rough terrain and is there an accessory that i can use to strap it somewhere convenient or will taping it to my arm work?

Not sure about skipping over rough terrain, as I haven't taken it bike-riding or anything like that. Seems to do just fine in cars, though. Those laptop hard drives are pretty sturdy.

And while I'm not sure about armbands (the regular iPod might be a little too heavy for that, although the mini would be fine), but you could get a case with a belt clip. Belkin make a nice one of those. Clip it to your waistband or belt and you're in business.

Klaus

07-07-2005, 10:32 AM

Wood-grain is the new Apple White.

http://www.bit-tech.net/modding/2005/07/05/wood_ipod_zapwizard/2.html

Shorty

07-07-2005, 12:51 PM

Yeah, I saw that one on Slashdot. That's some crazy case-modding there, man!

[m]averick

07-07-2005, 01:17 PM

Clockw0rk

07-07-2005, 05:04 PM

So i'm planning to get an iPod with my tax return (if it's big enough). I'll probably use it most riding my bike and whatnot. Whats the skipping like over rough terrain and is there an accessory that i can use to strap it somewhere convenient or will taping it to my arm work?
You can get an arm strap for the mini, not sure about the full size iPod though.

Well, I can't really argue on aesthetics, but I do think that the iPod represents better value in terms of space. They're not that much bigger and you get a lot more storage for your money, IMO. But either one's fine, really. I'd just be recommending the iPod over the iPod mini, unless you have a small music collection.
My music collection isn't huge, but the point is I'd keep most of it on the PC (which has a 60gig hdd, is in my room, 2 metres away from my bed, with a remote control for Winamp and a set of Logitech X-230 speakers), and only use the iPod while out and about. Naturally, a 2 hour walk doesn't require 20gigs of music.

Shorty

07-07-2005, 05:49 PM

My music collection isn't huge, but the point is I'd keep most of it on the PC (which has a 60gig hdd, is in my room, 2 metres away from my bed, with a remote control for Winamp and a set of Logitech X-230 speakers), and only use the iPod while out and about. Naturally, a 2 hour walk doesn't require 20gigs of music.

Yeah, that sounds reasonable. I just consider it easier to have the whole collection on the iPod. Easier for me to manage.

Clockw0rk

07-07-2005, 06:01 PM

Well, to each his own then :P

...Actually, can you play directly off the iPod? Through WinAmp (with the plugin)?
Cos that'd save me tons of space.

Bob the Destroyer

07-07-2005, 07:38 PM

averick']The iPod's have 20 minutes anti skip, which is fine as I've never had mine skip when I've taken it running.

But if you're looking at just using it for riding then the Shuffle is probably the way to go, as it's light, portable and you won't notice it while exercising.

I was thinking more of the line of riding to uni and then listening to it around campus. I guess riding is more smooth than jogging so if you aren't having problems that's good. A waist attachment seems like the way to go.

IntErlOpr

07-07-2005, 11:46 PM

I dont know if you can play directly off the iPod using the Winamp plugin, I haven't bothered to try it out. However, I know for a fact that you can do that using the iTunes software.

[m]averick

08-07-2005, 09:00 PM

I was thinking more of the line of riding to uni and then listening to it around campus. I guess riding is more smooth than jogging so if you aren't having problems that's good. A waist attachment seems like the way to go.

If you aren't using your iPod that much, then there is NO point shelling out all that cash for a 20, 40, 60 or whatever the hell they have out now gigabyte iPod. It simply ISN'T worth it.

Don't listen to what Shorty says, he is entitled to his (usually excellent) opinion, but he is one of very few people I have ever heard of who prefers to have his all his music with him. I have over 40gb's of music, yet not even 20gb's is on my iPod yet (I have a 20 by the way) simply because, I can't listen to that much music, nor do I have the inclination, nor the money, to shell out an extra 200-300 dollars for the "bonus" of having any song in your collection with you.

For me, the size (physical) and portability of the Shuffle far outweighs it's limitations, that being HDD size and lack of screen.

By the way, my apologies to Shorty for disregard of opinion :p

Shorty

08-07-2005, 09:10 PM

averick']If you aren't using your iPod that much, then there is NO point shelling out all that cash for a 20, 40, 60 or whatever the hell they have out now gigabyte iPod. It simply ISN'T worth it.

Don't listen to what Shorty says, he is entitled to his (usually excellent) opinion, but he is one of very few people I have ever heard of who prefers to have his all his music with him. I have over 40gb's of music, yet not even 20gb's is on my iPod yet (I have a 20 by the way) simply because, I can't listen to that much music, nor do I have the inclination, nor the money, to shell out an extra 200-300 dollars for the "bonus" of having any song in your collection with you.

It's actually only about $90 difference between the biggest iPod mini and the smallest iPod (for about three times the space). Not really that huge for me, but I can't deny that it could be a deal-breaker for some.

averick']For me, the size (physical) and portability of the Shuffle far outweighs it's limitations, that being HDD size and lack of screen.

Yeah, that's pretty hard to argue with.

averick']By the way, my apologies to Shorty for disregard of opinion :p

No problem! You did so with respect, so it's all good.

Dorepoll

08-07-2005, 10:43 PM

averick']
Don't listen to what Shorty says, he is entitled to his (usually excellent) opinion, but he is one of very few people I have ever heard of who prefers to have his all his music with him.

I have my entire collection with me. It is extremely handy when I want to listen to a particular album, and its there. There is nothing more annoying than when you are in the mood to listen to a particular album and you have to settle for something else. I rarely put my Zen Touch on Random All, and prefer to listen to albums in their entirety.

In fact, that is why I bothered shelling out for a large HDD MP3 Player, so I could have my entire CD collection on the fly.

Squato

09-07-2005, 01:49 AM

I don't have ipod, so I never looked here before, but if you go to the Blinkx website, you a shearch for any type of information from podcasters.

Shorty

12-07-2005, 04:07 AM

There are also plenty of radio stations that put out podcasts. Triple J (http://triplej.abc.net.au) has quite a few feeds, as do a lot of other ABC Radio (http://www.abc.net.au/radio/) shows.

[m]averick

12-07-2005, 11:32 AM

There are also plenty of radio stations that put out podcasts. Triple J (http://triplej.abc.net.au) has quite a few feeds, as do a lot of other ABC Radio (http://www.abc.net.au/radio/) shows.

iTunes just included a podcast section on their music store. I haven't checked it out, although I'm led to believe that it is a subscription service.

GT_Racer

12-07-2005, 05:47 PM

I was thinking more of the line of riding to uni and then listening to it around campus. I guess riding is more smooth than jogging so if you aren't having problems that's good. A waist attachment seems like the way to go.

I have never experienced skipping with my 6Gig Mini in the car. I got the belkin accessory pack which includes the FM transmitter and leather case with belt clip for $80 when I bought it.

Loaded_Toaster

12-07-2005, 07:38 PM

averick']iTunes just included a podcast section on their music store. I haven't checked it out, although I'm led to believe that it is a subscription service.

I think you can get some of them for free, but yeah, some charge too. Not entirely sure though, that's just what someone told me...

Bob the Destroyer

12-07-2005, 08:07 PM

averick']If you aren't using your iPod that much, then there is NO point shelling out all that cash for a 20, 40, 60 or whatever the hell they have out now gigabyte iPod. It simply ISN'T worth it.

Don't listen to what Shorty says, he is entitled to his (usually excellent) opinion, but he is one of very few people I have ever heard of who prefers to have his all his music with him. I have over 40gb's of music, yet not even 20gb's is on my iPod yet (I have a 20 by the way) simply because, I can't listen to that much music, nor do I have the inclination, nor the money, to shell out an extra 200-300 dollars for the "bonus" of having any song in your collection with you.

For me, the size (physical) and portability of the Shuffle far outweighs it's limitations, that being HDD size and lack of screen.

By the way, my apologies to Shorty for disregard of opinion :p

Well I'll take that into consideration for sure but if i'm spending 8 hours at uni a day with large gaps between lectures or tutes, that extra storage space will probably come in handy. I've only got 10 gigs of music on my hard drive so even if I only move on half of it to the iPod I'm not leaving much room for expansion.

Anyway I'll see what I get from Mr Howard. That could be a factor

kami

12-07-2005, 09:23 PM

I have never experienced skipping with my 6Gig Mini in the car. I got the belkin accessory pack which includes the FM transmitter and leather case with belt clip for $80 when I bought it.
What's the battery life like? I got the iTrip mini mainly on the basis that I didn't particularly want to have to keep on changing batteries.

But I belive Bob was referring to bicycle riding, and not driving in a car. Usually quite a big difference in terms of bumpiness :p

Italian Stallion

12-07-2005, 11:47 PM

Shorty

13-07-2005, 01:26 AM

kami

13-07-2005, 10:20 AM

Just wondering what everyone would suggest in terms of connecting my iPod up to my car's stereo system? The headunit has plugs for L&R audio, so I could get a phono to two-way-audio-cable-thing, but then I'd either have to leave the iPod in the clove-compartment (making it a pain in the ass to change songs) or have dangly cables all over the place, which I'd prefer not to have.. The other alternative, to my knowledge, is the.. uhh.. iTrip? FM radio broadcaster thing. Mate's brother has one, and we used it with my iPod on a trip upto Mildura once, but it really didn't seem very good quality. In fact, if anything, it was pretty poor...
Anyway, what other alternatives are about? Or has anyone else successfully thought of a decent place to put an iPod connected through a cable?
Cheers for the help.

My apologies if this has already been covered in the thread.. I had a quick look, couldn't find it.
Well there's a sort of all in one solution - it's like a charger, dock and FM transmitter in one, so you just plug it into the cigarette lighter, put your iPod in and turn on the radio, no messy wires everywhere.

I always assumed that it was because of the lack of antenna on my car, but iTrip tends to be somewhat temperamental as to where I have the unit placed. I got one of those things that hold your iPod and go into the cup holder - I prefer to call it the iCup ;) and it's usually pretty good. Otherwise I don't think the quality with the itunes is too bad. Otherwise I suppose your other option might be a car casette adaptor, though it'd mean wires.

Though when you say it was pretty poor, what do you mean? Like it was faint? There was static? IT didn't sound as good?

Italian Stallion

13-07-2005, 04:46 PM

If you have a Pioneer head unit, you can use of these handy little devices (http://www.pioneeraus.com.au/car_entertainment/accessories/cdib100/index.html) should do the trick. It'll work with any Pioneer head unit post-1994 (P-Bus) and gives you full control of the iPod through the stereo system. Cost you about $200 minus installation.

Monster also make an iCruze car adaptor (http://portableaudio.engadget.com/entry/0647766019932855/) that'll do the same thing to most stereos. Don't know how you can get one here, though.
$200?! :what?: That's a bit much I think.. Though if I'm understanding it correctly, then it does sound pretty good.. Does the song etc being played on the iPod show up on the headunit's display? Then allow for changing song through the 'forward' button on the headunit etc? It's handy, but I don't know whether that alone is worth the extra $190 it'd cost me above getting the wire and leaving it in the glove compartment.
Well, atleast if it comes down in price I have a Pioneer headunit that's compatable and ready to use with it, I guess.

Though when you say it was pretty poor, what do you mean? Like it was faint? There was static? IT didn't sound as good?
It was faint, and there was static. This was the same in two cars.. Mine & a mate's. Both have external antennas. It sounded okay when I put it right up against my headunit, but there's really no way of leaving it in that position while driving.
Putting it near stereos inside it seems fine.. presumably cause it's right near the antenna, but in a car, from my experience.. it's bad.

GT_Racer

13-07-2005, 08:12 PM

What's the battery life like? I got the iTrip mini mainly on the basis that I didn't particularly want to have to keep on changing batteries.

But I belive Bob was referring to bicycle riding, and not driving in a car. Usually quite a big difference in terms of bumpiness :p

The batteries seem to last about 20 hours. The audio quality is good but in my mums car which has a crappy antenna it wasn't too flash.

[m]averick

13-07-2005, 08:15 PM

From my experience, my iTrip works excellently in cars. Also works outside my car, with the doors shut, about 5 metres away (I was excited about the wireless possibilities when I got it for christmas :p )

Shorty

17-07-2005, 03:06 AM

$200?! :what?: That's a bit much I think.. Though if I'm understanding it correctly, then it does sound pretty good.. Does the song etc being played on the iPod show up on the headunit's display? Then allow for changing song through the 'forward' button on the headunit etc? It's handy, but I don't know whether that alone is worth the extra $190 it'd cost me above getting the wire and leaving it in the glove compartment.
Well, atleast if it comes down in price I have a Pioneer headunit that's compatable and ready to use with it, I guess.

It'll do everything you're asking it to. The device provides a wired digital hookup to the Pioneer head unit through the system. This allows you to control the iPod from the stereo unit and it also charges the iPod using the car's electrical system. You can check the link (http://www.pioneeraus.com.au/car_entertainment/accessories/cdib100/index.html) for more details but it's an ideal way to hook up your iPod to your stereo. I reckon it's worth the money, however I also realise that $200 isn't exactly a trivial sum. But if you're going to get your money's worth out of using it, I say go for it.

cube_punk

28-07-2005, 10:46 PM

bumpz0r!

So I decided that my iPod wasn't quite blasting out the volume that I wanted. Even on full volume, it was still not loud enough for me. So I boosted every song on the iPod to +100% volume, and the only difference I can tell is that on a lower volume setting it's pretty loud, but after the volume thingy goes over half-way, there's no significant change. Anyone know why this is?

gaselite

28-07-2005, 10:53 PM

Pai Mel

28-07-2005, 11:14 PM

Have you got any automatic volume limiting set on? Like my Sony Discman (yes I'm primitive :P) has a switch that turns that feature on/off. It's supposed to prevent hearing loss. Over extended music listening there's a tendency to keep pushing the volume higher as your ears adjust to the "noise", and an automatic volume limiting feature makes sure that you don't exceed recommended levels.

Woody

28-07-2005, 11:23 PM

I have an iTrip and its worked perfectly in every car I've tried it in.

I think the main thing is you have to set it to a frequency that isn't being used at all, otherwise you get that interference and it does become quite faint.
I use 91.5, around Melbourne suburbs and I haven't had any troubles, just have a play around.

EDIT: I realise I'm way too late, just thought I should mention it. :P

gaselite

28-07-2005, 11:47 PM

I have an iTrip too but I find it a bit fidgety and the quality is sometimes a bit dodgy, so i tried a tape deck and it worked perfectly. It wasn't even an iPod tapedeck but from an oldschool sony walkman, good stuff, highly recommended.

Shorty

29-07-2005, 01:30 AM

my iPod, after one and a quarter years or so of dedicated service, has died in the arse. The battery is barely alive and I haven't got around to replacing it, I should soon. I'm just thinking once I get my Ps that I'ma get a car charger and leave it perpetually plugged in to that (with tape deck adapter of course :D)

Given that your iPod is probably out of service, you can always get the battery replaced. Apple will do it (http://www.apple.com/au/support/ipod/service/battery/) for a smidge under $200 but if you're willing to get your hands dirty you can get a http://www.ipodbattery.com/replacement battery[/url] from a third-party retailer. Instructions on how to fit the battery should come with your order.

sleepyboy..

29-07-2005, 06:21 PM

<3 my Ipod Mini.
God, its got some battle scars.. Cracked Screen, Chipped at the top, Scratches all over the Back.. And yet she still lives! After about 5 months, the Battery was ****ing up hard core and i could barely use it, now randomly it seems to be getting better and better? It's happening to all my friends one's too! They seem to repair or something over time.

Loaded_Toaster

29-07-2005, 08:18 PM

So anyone head anything more about the iPod Movie? All I've heard is that they might be unveiled in September or something...

Shorty

29-07-2005, 08:40 PM

It's been on the rumour mill for the past month or so, but nothing concrete yet. Apple's supposedly laying the groundwork for a video distribution service but not a whole lot's been made official yet.

I'd be interested in seeing an Apple PMP, though. It's a growing market.

Loaded_Toaster

29-07-2005, 09:03 PM

gaselite

29-07-2005, 09:26 PM

Given that your iPod is probably out of service, you can always get the battery replaced. Apple will do it (http://www.apple.com/au/support/ipod/service/battery/) for a smidge under $200 but if you're willing to get your hands dirty you can get a http://www.ipodbattery.com/replacement battery[/url] from a third-party retailer. Instructions on how to fit the battery should come with your order.

yeah no I realised the warranty has expired which is why I've avoided replacing it so far. Of course, getting apple to replace it would be a grand solution, but then there's the whole 'smidge under $200' thing :P
So really, with a car charger I shouldn't have much problems >.>

edit: although that ipodbattery.com thing doesn't look too bad at all

Shorty

29-07-2005, 11:08 PM

So there is no point waiting a few weeks, in the hope that this wil be revealed and the current iPod's price drop a bit? Cos I have the money for a 60GB one now, but was just going to wait and see if the prices dropped, but if it's unlikely they willl, I might as well get one now...

If you want one and you have the money, get one. Price drops aren't really a common Apple thing, and really only happen once every product cycle (ie. when a new iteration is released it might be $50 or $100 cheaper). So you're not really going to be missing out on anything by buying now. I'm planning to get one as soon as they come in anyway (I need the extra space :p).

I doubt any announcement of an Apple video player would cause a drop in iPod prices as they're not really the same market.

Italian Stallion

29-07-2005, 11:15 PM

It'll do everything you're asking it to. The device provides a wired digital hookup to the Pioneer head unit through the system. This allows you to control the iPod from the stereo unit and it also charges the iPod using the car's electrical system. You can check the link (http://www.pioneeraus.com.au/car_entertainment/accessories/cdib100/index.html) for more details but it's an ideal way to hook up your iPod to your stereo. I reckon it's worth the money, however I also realise that $200 isn't exactly a trivial sum. But if you're going to get your money's worth out of using it, I say go for it.
Yep. I think I'm going to go with that idea after all. Seems an easy & convenient way of doing it.. and when I eventually get a new car, I'll just chuck a new Pioneer headunit in that, and drag the thing over from my current car.. so I'll end up getting a good lot of use out of it anyway. Should be well worth the money.

I have an iTrip and its worked perfectly in every car I've tried it in.

I think the main thing is you have to set it to a frequency that isn't being used at all, otherwise you get that interference and it does become quite faint.
I use 91.5, around Melbourne suburbs and I haven't had any troubles, just have a play around.

EDIT: I realise I'm way too late, just thought I should mention it. :P
You can actually change the frequency that the iTrip broadcasts on? I didn't know that, I guess it could've been partially contributing to the crap sound.. However, in one of the cars it was a trip upto Mildura, so we were in the middle of no-where (ie. no radio signals coming from anywhere anyway), so maybe not!

Pauly

29-07-2005, 11:47 PM

Why won't itunes let me change the order of songs in an album to my liking. Very annoying flaw.

jawbreaker982

30-07-2005, 12:05 AM

Why won't itunes let me change the order of songs in an album to my liking. Very annoying flaw.

Can't you just go 'get info', 'info', mix and match at will? I think.

Shorty

30-07-2005, 03:48 AM

Why won't itunes let me change the order of songs in an album to my liking. Very annoying flaw.

I don't quite follow you. Are you talking about a playlist? Because you can just drag-and-drop songs in a playlist just fine. Or if you're talking about albums in your library, they're ordered by song number. If you wish to mix them up, put them in a playlist and do it there.

Sweating Bullets

04-08-2005, 01:17 PM

*bump*

I need help in getting something to record my lectures. Any advice, links, etc?

Loaded_Toaster

04-08-2005, 01:35 PM

If you want one and you have the money, get one. Price drops aren't really a common Apple thing, and really only happen once every product cycle (ie. when a new iteration is released it might be $50 or $100 cheaper). So you're not really going to be missing out on anything by buying now. I'm planning to get one as soon as they come in anyway (I need the extra space :p).

I doubt any announcement of an Apple video player would cause a drop in iPod prices as they're not really the same market.

Well, somehow a fair bit of my money went missing over the weekend (stupid ATM's allowing drunk people to get money :p) so I might just wait til I get paid this week.

The iPod might drop in price with a video player, because I read somewhere that it would be more likely for Apple to just include video playback as a standard in iPods, after the Photo's didnt go that well...

Shorty

04-08-2005, 05:36 PM

*bump*

I need help in getting something to record my lectures. Any advice, links, etc?

Well, Belkin has one (http://store.apple.com/133-622/WebObjects/australiastore.woa/80405/wo/eM3mfWqI41m129liI4F1nMKHXLs/7.0.11.1.0.6.25.7.11.0.3) and so does Griffin (http://store.apple.com/133-622/WebObjects/australiastore.woa/80405/wo/eM3mfWqI41m129liI4F1nMKHXLs/7.0.11.1.0.6.25.7.11.1.3). You can get them both from the Apple Store (http://www.apple.com/au/store/).

The iPod might drop in price with a video player, because I read somewhere that it would be more likely for Apple to just include video playback as a standard in iPods, after the Photo's didnt go that well...

I doubt it. You do know how big the iPod's screen is, right? You couldn't watch video on something that small. There's a reason PMPs have large screens.

Dorkify

04-08-2005, 05:44 PM

Man, I was in off topic, and I went to go to Films, Music etc. and there was an iPod thread in there. I was like "Wow, there are two iPod threads, someone has beaten the man". I then realised I was still in off topic.

Shorty

04-08-2005, 06:21 PM

Where was the other thread?

Dorkify

04-08-2005, 06:23 PM

There isn't another thread, I thought there was, then came to the realisation there wasn't.

Loaded_Toaster

04-08-2005, 09:12 PM

I doubt it. You do know how big the iPod's screen is, right? You couldn't watch video on something that small. There's a reason PMPs have large screens.

The screen is pretty small yeah, but wasn't the main idea behind putting video playback in the iPods to make people able to watch the music videos that you can download from the iTunes store? The screen would be alright for watching short clips like that reckon. They could then release something else that is more deisgned to actually be capable of watching movies etc.

But yeah, doesn't matter too much, I'll be ordering my iPod on Monday now!Yayness! :D

Shorty

04-08-2005, 11:17 PM

The screen is pretty small yeah, but wasn't the main idea behind putting video playback in the iPods to make people able to watch the music videos that you can download from the iTunes store? The screen would be alright for watching short clips like that reckon. They could then release something else that is more deisgned to actually be capable of watching movies etc.

Yeah, it's a great idea but the screen is still too small. The PSP's screen is good for watching clips or TV eps but it's about one and a half times the size of the iPod's screen. In terms of viewability, the iPod has nothing on the PSP or a Creative Zen media player.

But yeah, doesn't matter too much, I'll be ordering my iPod on Monday now!Yayness! :D

Enjoy, son. 8)

dj-tinklez

05-08-2005, 04:35 PM

Help! I cleared some of my MP3's and playlists the other day, then when my sister plugged her iPod Shuffle today to recharge it, I think the thing went looking for the songs on the playlists but since I cleared them, it didn't find anything so it deleted the songs off of my sisters iPod! I've got the files backed up onto a DVD, but I don't want to have upload them back onto my harddrive just so my sister can recharge the little bugger without having her songs deleted. I don't have the same problem when I plug in my regular 40GB iPod so I don't know what's going on. Is there anyway around this?

Thanks in advance.

Shorty

06-08-2005, 01:56 AM

Tricky one. Generally, I find that this sort of a thing is only a problem if you plug in an iPod product while iTunes is running. Only then will it attempt to reconcile what's in the iTunes library with what's on the device and that's usually when people end up erasing other peoples' iPods.

My advice, if all your sister wants to do is charge it, is to make sure iTunes isn't running before you plug in the Shuffle. It will mount in Windows as a USB device, but it won't attempt to update it and hence erase it.

AFAIK, iTunes is generally designed around a one-iPod-per-computer scenario. Multi-device functionality isn't built into iTunes, although if you have multiple users in Windows XP (and the same likely goes for MacOS X) then each instance of iTunes per user will have their own libraries and assigned iPods. Basically, each user has their own instance of iTunes to use and they can use their iPods with their user accounts just fine.

Hope that was helpful, tinklez.

Keep the questions and tips coming, people. It's what I like to see here. 8)

Oh, and while we're on the subject of iPods, I just got my new 60Gb Colour iPod today! Ah, it's so beautiful. Pity my desktop is currently out of action, otherwise I'd start loading my library this instant. Plus, it was $50 cheaper than the 60Gb iPod Photo it replaced. :thumbsup:

dj-tinklez

06-08-2005, 05:46 PM

My advice, if all your sister wants to do is charge it, is to make sure iTunes isn't running before you plug in the Shuffle. It will mount in Windows as a USB device, but it won't attempt to update it and hence erase it.

Yeah but I use my comp to add songs to her playlist as well.

I did a bit of a search on Google, and apparently it's a common problem because the Shuffle doesn't support manual updating, which really is a stupid thing for Apple to ommit. Hopefully they'll release an update soon to rectify this problem. I guess my only option right now is to upload all her songs back on the harddrive and onto iTunes and just leave it there.

But thanks for your help Shorty.

Shorty

06-08-2005, 11:52 PM

It's what I'm here for, man. :p

wolfgang

13-08-2005, 05:22 PM

Some questions:

Copyright issues and the Ipod... What sort of restrictions does the ipod impose on users via the FORCED use of a MAC based MP3 playing system (itunes). Can I play all of my dodgy MP3's as well as my legit ones?

Is it true that itunes corrupts musicmatch files on PC's?

I have heard some horror stories of people having their entire MP3 collections wiped (on their PC's - not the ipod itself!!!) by the itunes software because it was not recongised as having been purchased.

Does itunes play MP3 or does it encode the files into its own unique format?

Ipods cannot rip cd's can they?

I would also like to hear from some Ipod haters! It can't all be good. Whats a good reason to AVOID the ipod?

Any other file restriction issues I should know about? I'm just a bit anxious about this being like the incredibly crap Sony NetMD that came out a few years ago and basically wouldn't let you listen to any music due to all the copyright restrictions..

Araenel

13-08-2005, 05:42 PM

Some questions:

Copyright issues and the Ipod... What sort of restrictions does the ipod impose on users via the FORCED use of a MAC based MP3 playing system (itunes). Can I play all of my dodgy MP3's as well as my legit ones?

Yes. I do :p

Is it true that itunes corrupts musicmatch files on PC's?p

Not that I know of.

I have heard some horror stories of people having their entire MP3 collections wiped (on their PC's - not the ipod itself!!!) by the itunes software because it was not recongised as having been purchased.

Mine's still there.

Does itunes play MP3 or does it encode the files into its own unique format?

itunes itself uses AAC format (or ACC, or something like that) which according to many a superior format to traditional mp3.

Ipods cannot rip cd's can they?

Sure can.

I would also like to hear from some Ipod haters! It can't all be good. Whats a good reason to AVOID the ipod?

Any other file restriction issues I should know about? I'm just a bit anxious about this being like the incredibly crap Sony NetMD that came out a few years ago and basically wouldn't let you listen to any music due to all the copyright restrictions..

Not sure about the last two parts, I'll let someone else fill them in :p

kami

13-08-2005, 07:34 PM

I would also like to hear from some Ipod haters! It can't all be good. Whats a good reason to AVOID the ipod?
Well, there's the relatively low battery life, and uh, the argument that it sucks because everyone else has one :p

I think it depends on which model you're looking at getting.

Any other file restriction issues I should know about? I'm just a bit anxious about this being like the incredibly crap Sony NetMD that came out a few years ago and basically wouldn't let you listen to any music due to all the copyright restrictions..
Don't think there are any, aside from not being able to copy songs on your iPod onto another computer, and any MP3s that you put on the iPod when using it like a portable hard drive cannot be played.

Bob the Destroyer

13-08-2005, 10:19 PM

Well according to the Government (herein referred to as The Man) I apparently have too much money for a uni student. So I'll be getting an Ipod in the very near future.

One question though, whats the deal with Ipod photo, and an ipod with a colour screen? Nothing? Little?

kami

13-08-2005, 10:54 PM

You might be better off getting an iRiver. From what I understand, an iPod Photo will only let you play pictures, and not video.

Bob the Destroyer

13-08-2005, 11:39 PM

I dont really care about the picture capability. If the ipod photo and an ipod standard are the same price then whoopee, i'll get the one with the colour screen. If not, I'll cheap out and get the normal type

Shorty

13-08-2005, 11:45 PM

Some questions:

Fire away, that's what this thread's for. :)

Copyright issues and the Ipod... What sort of restrictions does the ipod impose on users via the FORCED use of a MAC based MP3 playing system (itunes). Can I play all of my dodgy MP3's as well as my legit ones?

Since MP3s have no inbuilt DRM anyway, the answer to that would be no. As long as they're MP3s, iTunes will play them.

Is it true that itunes corrupts musicmatch files on PC's?

I don't know. Sounds very vague. Can you explain it further?

I have heard some horror stories of people having their entire MP3 collections wiped (on their PC's - not the ipod itself!!!) by the itunes software because it was not recongised as having been purchased.

I've never heard of that happening. Certainly my existing collection of downloaded MP3s remained completely untouched when I bought my first iPod. Or my new one, for that matter.

Does itunes play MP3 or does it encode the files into its own unique format?

iTunes plays both MP3 and (IMO) superior-quality AAC files, which play just fine in Winamp and any other media player that supports MPEG-4 - portable players are starting to support it, though currently it's a little thin on the ground. No real proprietary formats to speak of. If you have MP3s, you can use them. iTunes can convert WMAs or OGGs into MP3s or AAC format files if you wish with relatively little quality loss (you'll still lose some quality due to second-generation lossy compression).

Ipods cannot rip cd's can they?

You mean can the iPod itself rip a cd? No, but then again I generally thought that's what computers were for. :p

I would also like to hear from some Ipod haters! It can't all be good. Whats a good reason to AVOID the ipod?

Because it's popular? :p

I dunno. A lot of criticism has been directed at its comparative lack of additional features such as MP3 encoding, FM radio and video playback. Which has some validity if that's what you want from an MP3 player. I, on the other hand, find that it does what it does well and leave it at that.

Battery life is another criticism that's been levelled at the iPod, although the new units have improved on the battery life significantly. The new time is 15 hours, up from 8 of the old "3G" units. The "dead battery" issue is gone, though.

Any other file restriction issues I should know about? I'm just a bit anxious about this being like the incredibly crap Sony NetMD that came out a few years ago and basically wouldn't let you listen to any music due to all the copyright restrictions..

No, there's no compulsory conversion to ATRAC3 format like with the NetMD units (I used to own one, so I speak from experience here). Loading MP3s isn't a drag-and-drop process, although you can get a program that can do that for you (http://www.ephpod.com/).

One question though, whats the deal with Ipod photo, and an ipod with a colour screen? Nothing? Little?

You might have missed my revival post a couple of pages back, which said that there is no iPod Photo anymore. The standard iPod and the Photo have been integrated into the new generation iPod. The Apple site will explain things. (http://www.apple.com.au/ipod)

You might be better off getting an iRiver. From what I understand, an iPod Photo will only let you play pictures, and not video.

Entirely true, but in that case I would probably direct him towards a proper Portable Media Player (PMP) like an iRiver PMP-120, an Archos Gmini or a Creative Zen Portable Media Center. Something with a proper-sized screen to play his videos on. Dedicated portable music players generally aren't the domain of video playback.

Bob the Destroyer

14-08-2005, 12:28 AM

Aha. Thanks S-Man

wolfgang

14-08-2005, 12:43 PM

Cheers everyone. I can really see no reason to delay my purchase any further now. With the exception of waiting for a 100gb unit to be released. 60gb is nowhere near enough for me...

Shorty

14-08-2005, 01:05 PM

Cheers everyone. I can really see no reason to delay my purchase any further now. With the exception of waiting for a 100gb unit to be released. 60gb is nowhere near enough for me...

More like "it depends on when Apple can get a bigger 1.8" drive from Toshiba". I know they announced an 80Gb version of the iPod's drive (http://www.theregister.co.uk/2004/12/14/toshiba_80gb_1-8in_hdd/) (which Toshiba claims will be the first-ever use of perpendicular recording (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perpendicular_recording) technology) late last year for release in the third quarter of this year, but it'll be a good while after that before Apple will even think about coming out with an 80Gb iPod. Certainly even I don't have the need to buy one as I've yet to max out my new 60-gigger. :p

kami

14-08-2005, 05:13 PM

Cheers everyone. I can really see no reason to delay my purchase any further now. With the exception of waiting for a 100gb unit to be released. 60gb is nowhere near enough for me...
er... how much music were you intending on storing in it exactly?

Or were you also going to use it as a portable hard drive?

wolfgang

14-08-2005, 05:29 PM

Portable hardrive, but I have over 60gb of MP3's!

Shorty

14-08-2005, 10:33 PM

Well then you're pretty much SOL (http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=SOL), because AFAIK there aren't any portable music players over 60Gb in size.

Edit: Hey Mr Anonymous - why the downvote? :(

Bob the Destroyer

28-08-2005, 08:54 PM

So whats the best kind of case/protection for an Ipod? I've been looking at these sukas here

http://www.tunewear.com:16080/english/product/icewear_4G/

but no screen cover is both a good and bad thing. Any recommendations?

Oh yeah whats a good line to get engraved on your ipod? I'll jam my name there for sure but there's a second line up for grabs. Maybe I could sell someone the rights...

cube_punk

28-08-2005, 08:58 PM

So whats the best kind of case/protection for an Ipod?

I got a 5-pack of screen protectors. It's basically a transparent film that you stick on the screen. Protects it from damage, scratches and dust. I've had one on since Christmas and it's only in need of a change now.

I don't have a cover for my iPod though, I just keep it in an empty pocket. NEVER would I keep it alongside keys or a wallet. It's still in perfect nick, only a few little marks and scratches, but not noticable to the naked eye.

InfernalEternal

29-08-2005, 04:49 PM

Thinking of purchasing a 60GB Model and have some questions..

The Apple site says something like that CD Cover Art is added when you purchase the CD through ITunes. If I own an album (The actual album, ie, not from ITunes) is there anyway to add Cover Art? (Sorry if thats hard to understand, too much of a Apple Noob)

Sweating Bullets

29-08-2005, 04:57 PM

InfernalEternal

29-08-2005, 04:59 PM

Yes you can add the album art.

Easiest way to goto Amazon and find the CD cover art and then drag it into iTunes.

Excellent.

Thanks Very-Muchie!

gaselite

29-08-2005, 05:18 PM

ahhh I had to turn over my iPod last thursday to get a enw battery, it's killing me, major withdrawl. Takes like, 3 days right? Do they call you? If not I'll pick it up on Wednesday

Sweating Bullets

29-08-2005, 05:25 PM

They are quite slack gassy. Best to give them a call.

Clockw0rk

29-08-2005, 08:12 PM

I would also like to hear from some Ipod haters! It can't all be good. Whats a good reason to AVOID the ipod?

I have an MP3 CD player. It cost me $160. It came with rechargeable batteries that don't stop working after 18 months, and if they do stop working then the discman takes AA batteries. The AA batteries last for 18 hours, which is just as long as an iPod mini. I listen to it walking to and from class, and in the car. It's slightly bigger than an iPod but it fits into my bag when I'm walking to class, and my bag has a spot for headphones to poke out of. It also has an in-line remote so I can change songs without having to take it out of my bag. It recharges from a wall charger, not my computer's USB. A single MP3CD holds 9 hours of music. That's more than I would listen to in one day. I can change CDs during lectures if I really want to. I can order my music into folders based simply on my personal preferences, not just title, artist, album or file name. It never skips. Ever. Miniscule scratches aren't blindingly obvious. It can play my regular CDs so I don't have to rip them to my computer. I don't have to install additional software on my computer to make it work. It doesn't require drivers. If I'm in my room then I listen to my stereo. My screen and media studies tutor owns 3 iPods. I resisted the urge to slap him and call him a consumer whore.

That's my reasons for not owning one, basically. Though that said, I definitely see the advantages of an iPod, mainly the small size and the absolutely superb ClickWheel. If I had the money to burn I'd go for one. I just don't need it.

Flaps

29-08-2005, 08:39 PM

Also, three of my friends have had to either get their iPod either repaired or replaced more than twice - my Ex got hers fixed thrice, then got a new one. She's just given up now.
Hows that for some iPod bitching?
Plus the fact that some people think its fashionable and unique to own an iPod when all you have to do is look at the advertisments for the real answer...
http://img365.imageshack.us/img365/1695/icrap7lw.th.gif
I mean c'mon. When they've got an iPod with a silhouette of anyone, it doesn't exactly mean 'personality'. I think the iPod is a great product but when people buy it purely for the fashion statement...

Bob the Destroyer

29-08-2005, 08:43 PM

Whats the student discount for err students? I've been looking up a 20giger and it's gone from 450 to 403 to 367. I dont want to be ripping off apple but hell, that's a pretty good discount from 450 to 367

Edit: 367 is before GST. Damn you The Man!

cube_punk

29-08-2005, 08:46 PM

Eggman

29-08-2005, 08:48 PM

Dude, it's not like Apple will really miss that 90 bucks. :p

5 Years ago they would have.

kami

29-08-2005, 10:14 PM

My iTunes (edit: Hmm, wait... that doesn't sound right. What's the name of that FM transmitter?) seems to have died on me. I was using it and then there was suddenly ll this static, and then it just stopped working. The odd thing was that the light still went on. I wonder if it has something to do with me keeping it in the car all the time...

So now I'm wondering whether I should replace it and get a new one, or jsut get a casette adaptor instead, which would be much cheaper, but also rather messy. Or maybe I'll wait a bit and see if it'll randomly start workign again.

So whats the best kind of case/protection for an Ipod? I've been looking at these sukas here
I'd recommend you get a silicone case. They fit on snuggly, protect it from light shocks, and should also cover the skin.

The only thing is that they can be slightly difficult to take off some times, though not too difficult, and they do seem rather expensive at $50.

Whats the student discount for err students? I've been looking up a 20giger and it's gone from 450 to 403 to 367. I dont want to be ripping off apple but hell, that's a pretty good discount from 450 to 367

Edit: 367 is before GST. Damn you The Man!
It's 10%, so I guess around that price you were looking at. You'd probably be better off getting that one, since you won't have to wait for apple to deliver it to you.

Clockw0rk

30-08-2005, 01:30 PM

My iTunes (edit: Hmm, wait... that doesn't sound right. What's the name of that FM transmitter?)
iTrip?

Also, get a cassette adaptor. They cost $6. I only see the point in iTrips if you have a CD head unit.

kami

30-08-2005, 03:40 PM

Yes, the name only came to me after I'd turned off the computer ^_^;;

I suppose the iTrip is maybe excessive, but it's also rather cool to play through the radio. Still, I probably can't really justify getting a second one if I really do need to replace it.

sleepyboy..

30-08-2005, 06:34 PM

I remember someone posting some info on buying Ipod batteries and installing them in yourself? Can someone re post info on that? Thanks.

Shorty

30-08-2005, 10:02 PM

I remember someone posting some info on buying Ipod batteries and installing them in yourself? Can someone re post info on that? Thanks.

Streetwise Australia (http://www.streetwise.com.au/), to name one store, has replacement batteries for pretty much any generation iPod. Remember kids, Google is your friend. (http://www.google.com.au) 8)

Also, three of my friends have had to either get their iPod either repaired or replaced more than twice - my Ex got hers fixed thrice, then got a new one. She's just given up now.
Hows that for some iPod bitching?

Well, that would depend on how your friends are treating their iPods. They're not exactly indestructible and even the relatively sturdy laptop hard drives that the full-size iPods use will only take so much abuse. I treated my first iPod with the same respect I afford all my expensive electronics and it's still going strong 2+ years later. I intend to treat my new 60Gb colour model the same way.

Plus the fact that some people think its fashionable and unique to own an iPod when all you have to do is look at the advertisments for the real answer...
http://img365.imageshack.us/img365/1695/icrap7lw.th.gif
I mean c'mon. When they've got an iPod with a silhouette of anyone, it doesn't exactly mean 'personality'. I think the iPod is a great product but when people buy it purely for the fashion statement...

I really don't know where people got this idea, but the iPod wasn't always a "fashion statement". It may just be a really good portable music player. It's really annoying when people (not specifically you, but other people) ping iPod users as being trendy and fashionable pricks with "too much money" because I happen to own the same music player as millions of other people. Whoop-de-doo. Because God knows I only buy a portable music player if the trendy people say it's okay... :p

In any case, I think this discussion (which I've hopefully closed rather soundly) is getting a little off the original topic - that is, the topic of helping other iPod users, current or potential. Elitist reverse-fanboys need not apply here. :p

Theiffy

30-08-2005, 10:59 PM

Shorty

30-08-2005, 11:14 PM

AFAIK, the plastic screen (at least, I think it's plastic) isn't replaceable. You'd probably have to completely dissemble your mini and I'm not even sure if that's possible. Talk to the Apple dealer, but short of sending it in for repair you may just have to live with it. At least the LCD still works.

Sweating Bullets

30-08-2005, 11:16 PM

Hello! I have a iPod related problemo...

I was cleaning recently and i accidentally fell against the door knob and cracked the glass on the cover on my iPod mini -_-

The iPod still works, the LCD screen is still in perfect condition, just there's a big fat crack in the glass cover.. So no biggie

I was just wondering if i could just get a new cover/ or piece of glass put in on my old ipod, i dont want to get it replaced entirely because it still works, but i hear that Apple don't do that =/ That they'll just make me replace the whole thing...

Is its a scratch or a crack?

There is an iPod cleaner that gets rid of scratches. Seems to work wonders for the people promoting it, I didn't have the same luck as them tho.

This site will repair it, but its in the states! http://www.ipodmods.com/

Here's another: http://www.pdasmart.com/ipodpartscenter.htm

Apple might repair but they will gouch you on the price.

InfernalEternal

31-08-2005, 09:58 AM

TRON

31-08-2005, 10:06 AM

Honestly who needs to hold 80 gig of songs? I can get along just fine with a 128mb mp3 player on me.

InfernalEternal

31-08-2005, 10:27 AM

Honestly who needs to hold 80 gig of songs? I can get along just fine with a 128mb mp3 player on me.

Oh, forgot to add that its been rumoured to be a complete re-design with Movie playback.

TRON

31-08-2005, 10:43 AM

Watch movies on an mp3 player? Do you mean you can watch movies on it I'm not up with the latest hip slang.
I don't like watching movies on a computer because the screen is too small.

kami

31-08-2005, 01:13 PM

Honestly who needs to hold 80 gig of songs? I can get along just fine with a 128mb mp3 player on me.
And who needs a Gamecube when you can get an arcade action console for a fraction of the price :p

TRON

31-08-2005, 02:18 PM

I honestly don't know?
Seriously though comparing a GC to an "arcade action console" is differnet from comparing a 128 mb mp3 player to a 80gig mb player that plays movies.
Can someone tell me what drives them to watch movies on an mp3 player?

gaselite

31-08-2005, 10:58 PM

gah **** DAMMIT my iPod won't be ready until next week (maybe friday if I'm lucky)... IT'S NOT LIKE IT TAKES A LONG TIME OR A LOT OF EXPERTISE TO CHANGE A DAMN BATTERY.

Shorty

01-09-2005, 03:53 PM

I've decided to wait a month as I believe Apple is holding a special event soon in which they'll unviel a Motorola ITunes Phone and its rumoured they'll showcase the G5 80GB Ipod.

Im thinking that'll cut the price of the 60GB G4.

I know the Motorola iTunes phone is for real, but I'm naturally skeptical of the 80Gb G5 iPod rumour. Would be pretty impressive, though, as it would officially make it the largest MP3 player on the market today.

Still, it's not like I'm screaming out "D'OH!" for getting my 60Gb colour G4 so soon, as I haven't come close to filling it yet. :p

kami

01-09-2005, 05:05 PM

I honestly don't know?
Seriously though comparing a GC to an "arcade action console" is differnet from comparing a 128 mb mp3 player to a 80gig mb player that plays movies.
Perhaps not directly, but I still think a comparison can be made. It's arguable that having the latest graphics isn't that important and a video game is just a video game. Maybe I should have used say an N64 instead, but the arcade action is a funnier example to use ^_^

Can someone tell me what drives them to watch movies on an mp3 player?
The same people that buy a PSP to play PS2 games on the go :p

Shorty

01-09-2005, 05:17 PM

The same people that buy a PSP to play PS2 games on the go :p

I don't think that analogy really works because playing games on a PSP is using it for its intended purpose, whereas watching video on an MP3 player is not. It's more of a nifty bonus. For portable video players it's the point, but not with music players.

In any case, I still maintain that Apple would need to bring out something with a much larger screen in order for it to be useable as a proper media player. The Zen Vision's screen is as big as it is for a reason.

Almighty Beanchild

01-09-2005, 05:47 PM

I am now rocking out on my brand new silver iPod mini which I received for my birthday yesterday. He's 4GB and I named him Shagrath. <3

kami

01-09-2005, 07:59 PM

I don't think that analogy really works because playing games on a PSP is using it for its intended purpose, whereas watching video on an MP3 player is not. It's more of a nifty bonus. For portable video players it's the point, but not with music players.
Well, I was more referring to if you're just playing PSP games because they're (nearly) on the same level as a PS2 when you can play said games (or at least rough equivalents) on a TV with a much larger viewing area, and possibly more comfortably.

That and I just lumped MP3 and media players together in the same rough group :p

Shorty

02-09-2005, 01:22 AM

Well, I was more referring to if you're just playing PSP games because they're (nearly) on the same level as a PS2 when you can play said games (or at least rough equivalents) on a TV with a much larger viewing area, and possibly more comfortably.

That and I just lumped MP3 and media players together in the same rough group :p

Well, in that case the analogy is even more incorrect because you're now comparing home gaming against portable gaming. Apples and oranges, mate. :p

TRON

02-09-2005, 09:21 AM

Yeah I was waiting for a lecture to start today when I thought to my myself, "I could really go for watching a movie right now on an mp3 player."

kami

02-09-2005, 10:30 AM

Well, in that case the analogy is even more incorrect because you're now comparing home gaming against portable gaming. Apples and oranges, mate. :p
Not really. We only make the concession that handhelds won't be as powerful as consoles because of certain limitations. We largely forgive this on the basis that it's much easier to carry around a DS or PSP than a console and TV. Despite what might be said, I don't think handhelds really offer too much of a different playing experience most of the time.

gaselite

02-09-2005, 05:16 PM

what the ****?!?!?!?!?! A COUPLE OF ****ING WEEKS FROM NOW?! TO REPLACE A ****ING BATTERY?!?!

Useless ****s

Shorty

02-09-2005, 11:57 PM

Not really. We only make the concession that handhelds won't be as powerful as consoles because of certain limitations. We largely forgive this on the basis that it's much easier to carry around a DS or PSP than a console and TV. Despite what might be said, I don't think handhelds really offer too much of a different playing experience most of the time.

It's not too different if you only think of the control surfaces and the output mechanism (ie. joypad, buttons and a screen). But the circumstances, the physical nature and the environment in which home gaming and console gaming occur, I would argue, are not really the same. They have similarities, to be sure, but they're not the same. To each his own, I guess. 8)

gase, I understand you're rather anxious to get your iPod back but a couple of weeks wait on a repair job isn't all that long. Especially when there are probably a couple thousand other people wanting repairs on stuff at the same time. Guess you'll just have to wait it out. :shrug:

gaselite

03-09-2005, 01:34 AM

yeah but the thing is, it's a battery replacement? Like, you showed me that link where you can order your own batteries, and there really isn't much to it. Had I known it would take this long I would have done it myself, but I fail to see why they have to send it away in the first place? Why not just do it here? Bah.

Sweating Bullets

08-09-2005, 09:23 AM

New iPods announced!!

http://www.apple.com/ipodnano/

http://images.apple.com/ipodnano/images/indextop20050907.jpg

http://images.apple.com/ipodnano/images/indexcompare20050907.jpg

Looks damned purty. I'm thinking I might want one.
Its essentially the new mini.

Am I the man or am I *THE* man?

Tukenstein

08-09-2005, 09:34 AM

Speaking of which: Do the iRivers have anything to do with the iPods?

kami

08-09-2005, 09:55 AM

Nope. Not one bit.

I'm just wondering how difficult it might be to navigate with the iPod nano. The wheel just looks a little on the small side to be able to navigate without too much difficulty.

Loaded_Toaster

08-09-2005, 10:16 AM

Until they release a 20+GB iPod Nano, I'm not interested :p

Sweating Bullets

08-09-2005, 10:21 AM

Until they release a 20+GB iPod Nano, I'm not interested :p

I dont see that is going to happen as the Nano line essentially replaces the Mini line.

One thing to note is that the mini used to be a full metal case, the nano is part plastic. Also the battery life is a fair bit less .. probably due to the color screen.

I was a little miffed cause I have the shuffle but now upon reflection (the nano is there to replace the mini) I have decided that I would still get the shuffle instead of the nano.

The shuffle is used just incase I get too drunk and lose it. Losing the shuffle is no big deal. I would be super cut if I lost my iPod.

Loaded_Toaster

08-09-2005, 10:29 AM

I don't see why there couldn't be a 20GB (or more) version of this Nano after I read this news the other day:

Hitachi today introduced a new generation of its smallest form factor harddrives. Mikey, the firm's 1-inch microdrive is now available in capacities of up to 8 GByte and claims to be the first harddrive to offer a CE-ATA interface, which is widely promoted to spread among consumer electronics devices. There are also new 30 and 60 GByte slim versions of Hitachi's 1.8-inch Travelstar series.

...

hey are however only shipping in small amounts now, but soon we will be able to carry everything around on a 1" disk -- so long iPod! Time for a 1" drive, that would reduce the iPod Mini in size a lot

cube_punk

08-09-2005, 02:07 PM

Nothing's as good as the iPod Flea. I want one of those.

kami

08-09-2005, 03:06 PM

One thing to note is that the mini used to be a full metal case, the nano is part plastic. Also the battery life is a fair bit less .. probably due to the color screen.
I'd probably prefer to get the mini though. i much prefer the anodised body than the plastic one. Well I though it would have fewer scratches that way, but it doesn't help when you accidentally drop it on concrete ^_^;;

Still, good thing it was only scratches.

Shorty

08-09-2005, 03:14 PM

Excellent work, guys. Love to see the discussion still going here. :)

The nano looks pretty spiffy, I have to say. It's basically a shrunken mini with a colour screen on it, something the mini range essentially missed out on when the iPods went to colour all round.

One thing that puzzles me about the nano is the placement of the headphone jack, which is on the bottom of the unit next to the dock connector. This would mean that if the nano is placed in your pocket like most other MP3 players (headphone socket up) then you'd be putting it in upside down. Which is odd, to me. :shrug:

There's also a new version of iTunes out.

kami

08-09-2005, 03:23 PM

Maybe you connect it to a lanyard at the bottom so when you want to see the display you just flip it up?

Sweating Bullets

08-09-2005, 03:35 PM

That's what I was thinking kami.

I seriuosly can't get over how tiny the nano is.

gaselite

08-09-2005, 05:35 PM

zomg got my iPod back. Also the nano looks pretty hawt. Also hawt was that it was playing The Journey from Palookaville... gg Apple! :D (awesome song)

rampaging_geek

08-09-2005, 05:59 PM

Ah, good to see Apple have replaced the Mini. I have always thought the Mini looked really ugly. And considering the size, the storage aint bad.

Shorty

08-09-2005, 07:34 PM

Maybe you connect it to a lanyard at the bottom so when you want to see the display you just flip it up?

Sounds reasonable. The nano's small enough to be able to do that, so it makes sense.

Natrak

08-09-2005, 08:16 PM

I'm digging iTunes' new look and the new smart shuffle feature, I like being able to set it so it's more inclined to play a few songs straight from the same artist. :D

Cos

08-09-2005, 08:27 PM

Yeah iTunes 5 is rocking my socks atm, with it's sleeker design and the option to create folders in your playlist!

Bob the Destroyer

08-09-2005, 08:47 PM

cube_punk

08-09-2005, 08:55 PM

Bannings to everyone that forgot to tell me i needed a USB 2.0 port to transfer songs to my new iPod. Bannings.

New usb 2.0 card on the way (i've got a slim line case and couldn't find a low profile card anyway here) so I'm sad that I can't listen to any music off my new pod.

Dude, I didn't have a USB 2.0 port on the PC I used to use my iPod on, and it worked fine. Sure, it was pretty slow but at least it still worked.

gaselite

08-09-2005, 09:14 PM

Pfffff, the new look sucks, it's too... square.

However this smart shuffle feature intrigues me, where is it? I can't find it >.>

Natrak

08-09-2005, 09:21 PM

Go to edit: preferences: playback (more like play black OLOL)

Bob the Destroyer

08-09-2005, 10:44 PM

Dude, I didn't have a USB 2.0 port on the PC I used to use my iPod on, and it worked fine. Sure, it was pretty slow but at least it still worked.

Oh yeah. I didn't install the software (i thought it would just be itunes or something) and it made a fool out of me. Transferring now. 128 of 2283. Gonna be awhile.

NO BANNINGS NOW

Sweating Bullets

08-09-2005, 10:52 PM

Pfffff, the new look sucks, it's too... square.

However this smart shuffle feature intrigues me, where is it? I can't find it >.>

Probably in preference somewhere?

I still need to download the new iTunes.

I watched that hour long press conference thingy. They announced the new Motorola ROKR, which has iTunes in it. About 500 Meg roughly modelled after the Shuffle. Looks kinda neat imo.

Also the iPod mini is Apple's biggest money maker.

Loaded_Toaster

09-09-2005, 01:29 AM

NOt sure about the new look of iTunes. I like the little display at the top, with the timer bar filling up, rather than just moving along :D The smart shuffle is better, but it is a bit squarish.....which I'm not sure if I like better yet...still, it's iTunes, and it's the best Music Player IMO :thumbsup:

cube_punk

09-09-2005, 11:33 AM

Yeah square is a bnit of a backwards step, but so far I'm yet to notice the difference with the smart shuffle. Although I'm testing it out now.

Loaded_Toaster

09-09-2005, 06:46 PM

I noticed the difference. Basically (with the song option selected in your preferences) it is more likely to select a few songs from a single artist to play in a row. Or if you select album, it is more likely to play a few songs from a single album in a row. It's just rather than having a completely random selection. It's kinda good I think, cos sometimes when I'm using shuffle, and I hear an artist I think 'I wanna listen to more of that now' so now that sometimes happens :D

Shorty

09-09-2005, 10:15 PM

While I don't deny that someone will find it useful, I can't see myself utilising it much in everyday life. :shrug:

Loaded_Toaster

10-09-2005, 12:58 PM

Well the fact that when you shuffle through the songs just in the main music area, it does the smart shuffle as well, is quite cool I thought. Just means I have to actually go into iTunes less to select songs, I've found...

kami

10-09-2005, 07:01 PM

Ah, good to see Apple have replaced the Mini. I have always thought the Mini looked really ugly. And considering the size, the storage aint bad.
Really? I much preferred the look of the mini. I thought the plastic on the iPod looked rather cheap in comparison.

rampaging_geek

10-09-2005, 07:50 PM

I've always thought of it the other way around. Colours seem tacky to me. And the shade of silver they used wasn't that attractive, either. I like the iPod's looks, nice, clean and simple.

kami

10-09-2005, 09:57 PM

Well, the only colour that did really appeal to me was the blue, but the plastic white just didn't seem like it'd retain the clean look for too long.

gaselite

10-09-2005, 11:42 PM

I installed linux for iPod, got bored after a bit and uninstalled it :p

Also, I reckon a good size for the nano would have been 10GB, seeing as they've made their old 10GB obsolete (which is what I have) but 10GB for mini price would be vgg.

Shorty

10-09-2005, 11:43 PM

The white plastic's fine. It's the metal back that has the real trouble maintaining its original luster. It's a bloody magnet for fingerprints and scratches. :p

Sweating Bullets

13-09-2005, 10:05 AM

Stress testing the iPod Nano:

http://arstechnica.com/reviews/hardware/nano.ars/3

kami

13-09-2005, 10:15 AM

Reminds me of Top gear when they couldn't break that Toyota Hilux no matter what they tried

Shorty

13-09-2005, 05:49 PM

Except they managed to break the nano in the end. They did have to drive over it, though. :p

Still, that's probably more abuse than an iPod ever would (or should) be exposed to under most circumstances.

Etak

13-09-2005, 09:24 PM

I want to wipe the entire memory of my iPod.

I used to be able to do it untill I updated the software, now the resore factory settings or whatever it was is gone. :/

And ideas?

clarky

13-09-2005, 09:46 PM

They didn't water test it. Like drop in a toilet or something...

kami

13-09-2005, 09:46 PM

I want to wipe the entire memory of my iPod.

I used to be able to do it untill I updated the software, now the resore factory settings or whatever it was is gone. :/

And ideas?
Hmm, the software shouldn't do that should it?

Was there any particular reason you wanted to format it? Otherwise deleting the songs wouldn't take too long would it?

Etak

13-09-2005, 10:10 PM

I accidently put all this crap on it that is just taking up space and messes up my shufflr.

Before when I wiped it, it jsut all went poof! and I had to reinstal the software too. :/

Shorty

13-09-2005, 10:11 PM

They didn't water test it. Like drop in a toilet or something...

Because God only knows how often I've been using my iPod in the toilet... :p

clarky

13-09-2005, 10:34 PM

Because God only knows how often I've been using my iPod in the toilet... :p

Hey I've used mine taking a shit numerous times. I balance it on my knee well I'm well...you know. Anway I honestly thought to myself "the ipod could very well fall off my knee and go between my legs into the fecal ridden water."

Would it survive?

I think not...

obsolete

13-09-2005, 11:02 PM

I was wondering i just got a ipod mini and i didnt get software the cable or anythink just the ipod what software do i need?And can i buy it?

thanks

kami

13-09-2005, 11:07 PM

Well... you'll probably need to buy the cable, but you should hopefully be able to download iTunes (http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/) and the iPod updater (http://www.apple.com/ipod/download/)

obsolete

13-09-2005, 11:27 PM

Is that all need to put songs and stuff on the ipod

Etak

14-09-2005, 12:26 PM

Depends on the computer on waht cable.

But that should do it.

EDIT: 666 posts! :D

*BM party time*

Pai Mel

14-09-2005, 12:34 PM

Try and get the Firewire cable if your 'puter supports it so transferring songs is MUCH faster. Transferring a few gigs of music can still take a while.

Sweating Bullets

14-09-2005, 02:18 PM

How could you have *not* gotten the cable or anything else with it?

USB2 cable isn't that bad for transferring.

kami

14-09-2005, 02:27 PM

Sweating Bullets

14-09-2005, 02:32 PM

I'm assuming it was second hand?

Maybe he broke someone's hand for it? ;)

:drevil:

Shorty

14-09-2005, 03:08 PM

I'm assuming it was second hand?

btw, re: firewire cable, you might want to make sure your firewire is supported before getting a firewire cable. Which is kind of why I prefer the USB 2.0. Well, that and no firewire >_>

AFAIK, FireWire is FireWire and if you have the ports in your computer it should transfer just fine. One of the beauties of FireWire is that it's a hardware specification and hence isn't driver-dependent like USB is. That and its ability to power larger drain devices through the 6-pin port (eg. you can run a portable hard drive totally off FireWire but not so fast off USB).

kami

14-09-2005, 08:10 PM

Eh? I thought there were certain firewire cards tht weren't compatible with the iPod, or is this a past problem now? Well, Apple has a list (http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=93405) of firewire cards that do work with the iPod. And it seems that not all firewire cards can charge the iPod.

*shrugs*

Bob the Destroyer

14-09-2005, 09:27 PM

So I need a name for my iPod. Robert's iPod doesn't have the snap that I would like. Any suggestions? Maybe, Cool Mo Dee. I dont know. Rep to the best one.

Stevorooni

14-09-2005, 09:34 PM

So I need a name for my iPod. Robert's iPod doesn't have the snap that I would like. Any suggestions? Maybe, Cool Mo Dee. I dont know. Rep to the best one.

iBob

I WIN 8)

Bob the Destroyer

14-09-2005, 09:45 PM

iBob

I WIN 8)

You win indeed. Everyone else, I'm very dissapointed. Stevo gets the rep (next time i can give it to him)

Shorty

15-09-2005, 01:46 AM

I thought "Spongepod" had a nice ring to it.

clarky

15-09-2005, 10:19 AM

iBob

I WIN 8)

That was the promotion for that gay comedian guy...whats his name? I dunno bob something.

But the promotion had him as one of those colour pictures and a big iBob under it...

Sweating Bullets

15-09-2005, 10:40 AM

About to go and order an nano at lunch.

Shorty

15-09-2005, 01:15 PM

Spiffy. They're lovely-looking things, I have to admit.

Clift

15-09-2005, 10:01 PM

That was the promotion for that gay comedian guy...whats his name? I dunno bob something.

But the promotion had him as one of those colour pictures and a big iBob under it...

was it bob sagget? :razz: that names been in my head all day for some reason

Loaded_Toaster

15-09-2005, 11:56 PM

Shorty

16-09-2005, 03:38 AM

I was just wandering past, and some girl was all like "ooooohhhh, it's so pwitty".

Well, it's cheaper than getting a dog... :p

kami

16-09-2005, 09:05 AM

And you don't need to feed it ^_^

Sweating Bullets

16-09-2005, 10:06 AM

Actually saw one of the Nano's today, very smallness. I was just wandering past, and some girl was all like "ooooohhhh, it's so pwitty". So yeah, I'm not getting me one of them...I need something more MANLY :p

Anyone seen those stupid iDog things?

Use a brick as the MP3 player!! How more manly can you get??

I have seen the iDogs. Looks like a waste of cash.

Bob the Destroyer

16-09-2005, 10:36 AM

Cool I get to write about the new Video Podcast.

Apple supports video podcasting
http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20050915-5313.html.

Only works on computers at the moment but if this doesn't say Video iPod to you, you need to read between the lines more

Shorty

16-09-2005, 05:11 PM

And you don't need to feed it ^_^

Who, the girlfriend? :p

Loaded_Toaster

16-09-2005, 05:14 PM

One thing I'd like to be able to do in iTunes, is make a smart playlist that I can list by average plays per day. Like if I have a song I added 15 days ago with 45 plays, it would be higher than one I added 2 days ago, with 5 plays.

Do that in the next version of iTunes Apple.

kami

16-09-2005, 07:45 PM

Who, the girlfriend? :p
If you're into beastiality...

...not that there's anything wrong with it

:p

On slightly related iPod news, I've had to fill up the rest of my mini, since I can't store the music on my computer on the off chance the university scans my computer and finds them. Quite annyoing really.

Shorty

16-09-2005, 08:36 PM

If you're into beastiality...

...not that there's anything wrong with it

:p

Yeah, that's real classy, kami. :roll: :p

Bob the Destroyer

16-09-2005, 08:42 PM

Quick article from articles on the mathematics of iTunes. Interesting read and there's graphs and everything.

markmcb writes "OmniNerd has posted an interesting article about the statistical math behind iTunes. The author makes some interesting observations concerning the same song playing twice in a row during party shuffle play, the impact that star ratings have on playback, and comparisons with plain old random play (star ratings not considered)." From the article: "To test the option's preference for 5-stars, I created a short playlist of six songs: one from each different star rating and a song left un-rated. The songs were from the same genre and artist and were changed to be only one second in duration. After resetting the play count to zero, I hit play and left my desk for the weekend. To satisfy a little more curiosity, I ran the same songs once more on a different weekend without selecting the option to play higher rated songs more often. Monday morning the play counts were as shown in Table 1." http://rss.slashdot.org/Slashdot/slashdot?m=213

Loaded_Toaster

17-09-2005, 01:23 PM

That person has too much time on their hands :p Although it was interesting to see that with the 'bias' shuffle, that 1 star songs got played more often than non-rated ones. Seems a bit stupid to me....I have so much music that I haven't got around to even rating 1/5 of it, but I still like alot of the unrated stuff a lot more than stuff I've given 1 star.

TRON

17-09-2005, 03:56 PM

I'm here to ask why anyone would wanna carry around 40 gig of songs with them?

InfernalEternal

17-09-2005, 03:59 PM

I'm here to ask why anyone would wanna carry around 40 gig of songs with them?

Im carrying 36GB of Music with me. (Only 24BG LEFT!) :smile:

TRON

17-09-2005, 04:02 PM

Why, what need is there for so much music?
I don't understand the logic behind it and it's driving me crazy!!! Is it so peopel think your cool?

kami

17-09-2005, 04:09 PM

I'm here to ask why anyone would wanna carry around 40 gig of songs with them?
Well it beats carrying around 10 000 CDs with you :p

InfernalEternal

17-09-2005, 04:28 PM

Why, what need is there for so much music?
I don't understand the logic behind it and it's driving me crazy!!! Is it so peopel think your cool?

Its handy having access to every CD in your collection on the go.

(All my music is encoded to the max too, good quality shit)

TRON

17-09-2005, 04:34 PM

I still think it's unneccesary, having 100 songs with you wherever you go is more than enough

Loaded_Toaster

17-09-2005, 05:03 PM

Having your whole music collection on you is handy cos sometimes you'll be in the mood for one thing, and other times you'll want to listen to something else, and changing the songs on there that much would be a pain in the ass.

And if you went away somewhere for say a week, 100 songs are going to get pretty boring ;)

TRON

17-09-2005, 05:45 PM

lame reason, if your changing moods so much why do you just wash out your vagina and start writing peotry

Johnny360

17-09-2005, 05:49 PM

lame reason, if your changing moods so much why do you just wash out your vagina and start writing peotry

LMAO!! QOTM!!!

Loaded_Toaster

17-09-2005, 06:09 PM

lame reason, if your changing moods so much why do you just wash out your vagina and start writing peotry

I'm guessing it's that time of month for you? ;)

TRON

17-09-2005, 06:54 PM

you wish, youll have to get your red wings some other time

Blob

17-09-2005, 09:00 PM

I need something more MANLY :p

Try turning off the OC :p

Shorty

17-09-2005, 11:31 PM

Cute. :p

super8, if you're asking why you need to carry around "so much" music with you, you're obviously in the wrong thread. Try finding the MP3 player thread and posting there, because this isn't the place for it.

Blob

18-09-2005, 08:56 AM

I still think it's unneccesary, having 100 songs with you wherever you go is more than enough

Because I want to have all my music in one place.

And it frees up my computer hard drive.

Get Lost

18-09-2005, 09:43 AM

I've decided to get an iPod, and have a few queries (this post is going to be very n00b, so sorry :-P ).

1. I don't really understand how you get the songs from a CD onto the iPod.

2. What's the "life" of an iPod? Six months? A year? Is there a warranty?

3. What is this "dead battery" problem that people are talking about? Also, do you have to keep on buying batteries, or is it just a plug in rechargable?

4. What happened to the iPod mini?

5. Is there going to be a drop in price for the 20GB anytime soon?

6. Any talk of a new iPod being released in the coming months? Should I hold off my purchase for another couple of months?

Thanks in advance.

TRON

18-09-2005, 09:51 AM

Hello, please tell me what you are looking for in an mp3 player and what its uses will be to you.

Get Lost

18-09-2005, 10:01 AM

Hello, please tell me what you are looking for in an mp3 player and what its uses will be to you.
I currently have a portable CD player, and am getting tired of carrying around 17 different CDs, so that's my main reason for getting one. I buy a CD a week, sometime up to 3, therefore I am looking for a player that will hold a decent amount of songs. It will be getting heaps of use, as well, because I listen to music everywhere, so I'm also looking for a player with long battery life. Lastly, I am a uni student, so I want something that is well priced and which I won't have to replace in 6 months time because the product's crap quality.

TRON

18-09-2005, 10:07 AM

IMHO, I don't recommend an iPod. Just go get some $100 mp3 player, there is some stuff on ebay thats good.

kami

18-09-2005, 10:21 AM

I've decided to get an iPod, and have a few queries (this post is going to be very n00b, so sorry :-P ).

1. You just throw in the CD into your computer, and press the top right button that says import. There are also other programs you can use to rip usic from a CD.

2. I think the warranty's something like a year? I've had my mini for nearly a year and haven't really had too many problems with it, aside from iTunes initially. *hears kamiPod blow up behind him*

3. The battery is internal. It's recommended that you charge it up as much as you can. It will however inevitably lose some of its life so you'll eventually find that it doesn't have as much charge any more.

4. It's sort of been replaced by the micro, but if you're planning on getting an iPod soon, you can still get them.

5. :shrug:

6. I think it was just the micro that's comming.

I currently have a portable CD player, and am getting tired of carrying around 17 different CDs, so that's my main reason for getting one. I buy a CD a week, sometime up to 3, therefore I am looking for a player that will hold a decent amount of songs. It will be getting heaps of use, as well, because I listen to music everywhere, so I'm also looking for a player with long battery life. Lastly, I am a uni student, so I want something that is well priced and which I won't have to replace in 6 months time because the product's crap quality.
A 4 gig mini holds about roughly 1000 songs if I can remember. Though generally if you want a longer battery life, you might perhaps want to have a look at some of the other players like Creative's range. The zen touch (http://www.creative.com/products/product.asp?category=213&subcategory=214&product=10274) has something like a 24 hour battery life. PErsonally I've found that my mini often doesn't last through the day, though the newer models do have about 12 hours now if I recall correctly.

Shorty

18-09-2005, 02:29 PM

super8, I'd like to direct you to the first page of the thread, which outlines the topic of discussion. This is an iPod thread, not an iPods are overrated thread. Please try to keep on topic. We don't need any trolling here.

kami, those were good answers. Nice to see people helping out around here.

Re: the battery, the "dead battery" problem AFAIK was a problem with a certain run of iPods where the batteries would prematurely lose their charge. As kami rightly pointed out, all Li-Ion batteries will lose their charge over time (couple of years, maybe), so it's not just an iPod thing.

For the regular iPod, the battery is replaceable, it just takes a bit of elbow grease and some smarts. If your battery goes under during the warranty period, send it in to Apple and they sling you a replacement. If it goes under out of the warranty period, there are places that you can order a replacement battery from. They come with the necessary instructions for opening the iPod and replacing the battery. Do it at your own risk, though.

The mini, I believe it's a similar process.