slc7's Full Review: Apple iPod 5th Generation Black (60 GB) MP3 Player
Gasp--this is my fourth ipod; my 'old' 4th generation was, and still is, running just fine, but who could resist the call of this beauty. When this product was first introduced, I thought, "Now that's a silly idea--who would want to watch video on a 2.5 inch screen--that would make me go blind!” And you, no doubt, have thought the same thing....or some variation, such as "Can you really see anything" My answer is a resounding 'yes'.
The Pros:
The video quality is simply amazing and the petite size of the screen does nothing to diminish the viewing pleasure. In fact, as portable video equipment goes, this fits the bill! Instead of lugging around a laptop or portable DVD player, this slimmer ipod is no more burdensome than a cell phone. (but ipodophiles already know this). Its huge 60 gig hard drive allows for plenty of video storage, as well as music, files,pictures, contacts and a calendar, and unless you save videos to watch repeatedly (which I akin to reading the same book over and over--something I never understood), you will be hard put to run out of room. Though I have not yet explored it, this ipod does have video out capabilities, which is a nice feature if you want to watch it on your TV.
Cons:
Perhaps the biggest issue I had with this ipod was the actual pain in my neck I developed from watching it on an airplane. With no way to keep it at eye level, I was forced to watch it either as I held it in my lap or on the tray table. The prolonged downward angle really got me in the neck--of course, you youngsters might not develop this problem, but it grew painful for me. Next time I travel, I plan to rig up some Velcro device so I can mount it to the seatback in front of me. Also, my teenage son got carsick from watching it in the car--I think the small screen and the downward viewing angle him in. I would venture to say that if you get motion sickness when reading in a moving vehicle, you will probably get the same with this ipod.
Another nag is the inability to use the faster USB 2 connection with the pc--this ipod requires a USB 1.1, which is slower. I use my dock for both my ipods, so this means both of them have compromised transfer speeds, unless I wish to get down on the floor and switch the cables back and forth between the two ports.
And speaking of syncing, I never could get Outlook to sync properly with the ipod. (To give the ipod its due, it could be something I am doing) As if that isn't bad enough, an error message pops up and informs the user of this, stopping the transfer until that message is acknowledged. So if you are like me, who starts the update then leaves the room to do something else, check on it once in awhile to make sure the transfer is taking place. (and/or instruct the ipod not to sync with Outlook).
A big negative is the lack of video controls--I would have expected at least a contrast control, but it is sadly lacking. My ipod video playback appears too dark for my taste, and I would really like to lighten it. No can do-- big oversight, imo!!
The top inputs have been reconfigured, so none of the accessories you bought for your previous ipods that use these inputs, (like remotes and FM radios) will work. Just another thing that made me scratch my head and ask 'why'.
And finally, the usual complaints--it scratches easily, is prone to fingerprint smudges--especially the black (now you get them on the front and back. If your OCD, this might drive you nuts), and the battery life while watching video is about 4 hours. If you're on a long flight, you will need to bring some sort of battery backup. And lest we forget--there is good old process hogging Itunes, the only way I have found to transfer video.
General:
I am not sure of the extensions, but Ipod video requires certain formats--of course, you can buy limited videos from the Itunes store, but there are also programs that will allow you to convert other video into a usable format. Naturally, QuickTime is one of them, but there are also third party programs available--some free. Just do a Google search and they pop right up. I have not tried these yet, but intend to. Tivo can network with your pc, giving the ability to download television programs from Tivo to your pc and convert them into an ipod friendly format. As I said, I have not tried this yet--only read about it--so you more adventurous folk who have, please be sure to comment on this more thoroughly in the comment section.
I paid $369 for my 60gig. I purchased it through the education division of the apple.com site. Navigate your way there, (they don't make it easy) and save yourself some money on the ipod and the service agreement. I hghly recommend that you can also go through the MrRebates.com site,
http://www.mrrebates.com?refid=120219 to earn money back on your purchase, as well as pick up web coupons for further discounts. Apple.com and Buy.com are two of many available vendor sites. Apple offers a 1% rebate if you go through the MrRebates site, and buy.com offers 3%, as well as web-only coupons.
In closing, this is a great gadget--just be aware that people will be craning their necks to get a glimpse of it as you sit back and enjoy your shows. The brave will ask you about it; the bashful will just pretend they weren't looking.
All preowned iPods are quality tested and receive a cosmetic check and cleaning an inventory of all components download and play tests product repacka...More at Target
All preowned iPods are quality tested and receive a cosmetic check and cleaning an inventory of all components download and play tests product repacka...More at Target
Stores up to 15,000 songs, 20,000 photos, or 150 hours of video playback 2.5-inch (diagonal) color LCD with LED backlight Up to 14 hours of music play...More at Amazon Marketplace
Stores up to 15,000 songs, 20,000 photos, or 150 hours of video playback 2.5-inch (diagonal) color LCD with LED backlight Up to 14 hours of music play...More at Amazon Marketplace
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