Apple iPod Video 5G

Reviews: Multimedia

Apple iPod Video 5G

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Bradford Day
Kurtis
TheTechLounge
Apr. 17, 2007

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Conclusion

As much as I hate to admit it, I actually like using the iPod Video. As a diehard small market MP3 player user, it's hard for me to admit that. It's also difficult to nit pick a player that has been out for so long, has been redesigned and upgraded multiple times and is the most successful MP3 gadget in history.

When it comes to design, content and community the iPod is a tough competitor. The iPod's sleek styling and clever interface are both simple and brilliant. In fact most Apple devices are so simple to operate they almost always beg the question "Why didn't someone do this before?" I personally didn't like the touch sensitive scroll wheel as I found it to be less accurate than the mechanical-type clicking systems found on other MP3 players. But in nearly every other respect the iPod lives up to its reputation. Musical quality is as good as I've heard in any other player and, even though I don't agree with their pricing structure, the iTunes store is bountiful and easy to use.

So how does the iPod stack up against the Zune? You'll just have to wait for our head to head comparison article for the final answer (coming soon). But as an MP3 player the iPod is multifaceted and user friendly. I'd like to see a voice recorder and FM radio option included but if those haven't been added by the 5th generation, I doubt they'll be incorporated anytime soon (Ed: Plus, you can buy third party accessories for those things, which Apple makes money from as well). Chances are if you are reading this review, you've already decided that you want an iPod and you're looking for confirmation. And my recommendation to you depends on what type of buyer you are.

My take on the iPod prior to this review was that it performed well as a music and video player but that the iTunes network created a rift between mass consumers and the niche buyers. After having played with the iPod for several weeks my general assumptions haven't changed. Users with a greater technical knowledge and patience for searching out different content, management and retailer options will probably be happier with a small market MP3 player boasting more features at a lower cost. Less tech-savvy consumers looking for an easy to find all-in-one solution for portable music and movies can't go wrong with the phenomenon that is the iPod.

Pros

It shur is purty, maw
Solid player that is available everywhere
Excellent musical quality
Bright, high quality screen

Cons

Screwy scroll wheel
Pricey iTunes store
Eye strain while watching movies
It's not an iPhone

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Page 1: Introduction & First Impressions
Page 2: Testing: Software
Page 3: Testing: Hardware
Page 4: Testing: Daily Usage
Page 5: Conclusion

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7 User Comments

1 - Posted by socokid on April 18, 2007 - 6:15 pm

There is, however, one big difference between the 30 and the 80 GB iPods. The 80 gets 6 more hours of music playback (20 hours as opposed to 14 on the 30 GB). Just had to point that out...

2 - Posted by Kurtis on April 18, 2007 - 6:36 pm

Good point on the battery life of the iPod variants, socokid.

3 - Posted by handrail on April 19, 2007 - 7:52 am

indeed. obviously the 80GB is the sensible way to go if you can afford the extra dough. but since we wanted to compare apples to apples, zunes to ipods, as best we could...we got a 30gigger.

good to know that 80GB has better battery life too. thanks for the info!

brad.

4 - Posted by some guy on April 19, 2007 - 8:06 am

The often cited lack of FM support in iPods is not entirely true.

A prospective buyer (just) needs to shell out additional $49 for the Apple branded "iPod Radio Remote" which acts as iPod FM antenna and cable remote control.

5 - Posted by Kurtis on April 19, 2007 - 9:43 am

lol, i don't think anyone would argue you can't buy an accessory for that functionality. heck, you can buy an accessory for the iPod for anything. you can probably get a toothbrush attachment for the thing.

the problem people have is that as expensive as the iPod already is it is not as feature-rich as some other players out there which tout those features from the box.

6 - Posted by handrail on April 19, 2007 - 3:35 pm

i guess then one could also say that the iPod comes with a car as long as you shell out $20k for it, right? :)

kurtis has already pointed out...well, my point. doesn't come with it out of the box like the zune and so many other players. not that it appears to matter. i'm probably the last person on earth who gives a crap about the iPod not having native FM functionality.

7 - Posted by Rich on April 20, 2007 - 9:55 pm

I guess hell really did freeze over! Brad with an iPod. hah!

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