Apple iPod Video 5th Generation 30GB Media Player - White

Great new device from Apple

Posted Oct 21, 2005 - I've only had this a few days, but thought I should put an immediate two cents in for those thinking about purchasing it. The unit itself: USB only -- fine with me, I don't have firewire on any of my PCs (I'm not a mac user...yet...although I'm getting closer.) I will unfortunately need to buy an AC adapter and video cables (things that should be included) to use it to its fullest extent. For now, USB charging is fine (also works through a powered USB hub when PC is powered off.) Click wheel works as expected. Missing accessory jack next to headphone jack: I never had anything that used this. I always purchased universal accessories since I assumed Apple might remove this someday. Physical appearance: Thinner, lighter. Same height and width. Comes with cheap neoprene case, I'm using iPod socks until I can find a good case with a belt clip. No scratches yet, but I've been careful. iTunes integration/installation: I had a few difficulties with the iPod rebooting during iTunes transfer, but I restored/reflashed the firmware, and now working great. Works just like any other iPod (that means easy sync and transfer.) Transfer speeds are about 1 song/sec with USB 2.0 (about the same as my previous 3G). Standard music playback: Same as previous iPods, as far I can tell. I wouldn't call myself an audiophile, but I wouldn't call myself a casual user either. It sounds as great as my 3G 10GB iPod as well as my 512MB shuffle. But note I can't stand Apple's white earphones. I never use them -- I find the sound quality mediocre and they don't fit in my ears well (my suggestion: Sennheiser's MX500 earbuds). Photo capability: I haven't tried this yet, but expect that it is as good as the previous models that offered this feature, if not better. I hear the new video chip allows for smoother transitions between photos. Videos: I have not yet downloaded any videos from Apple's store (except for some free Gorillaz ones I got a few months ago, which work fine.) I have though found some converters on the web (such as the Videora converter) to convert some short films I have already. The quality through MPEG-4 is excellent. The playback is smooth with everything I've done before. I hope to try some DVD conversion shortly. Since I don't have the AV cable yet, I haven't tried TV output. Yes, the screen is not small, but not bad. Viewing angle excellent. After all, I'm young and have 20/20 vision... Extras: Nice that I can finally sync with Outlook easy (really an upgrade in iTunes 5, not the iPod itself), and that the contact info is displayed better than my old iPod. Games are the same as before (meaning my 3G iPod), just in color. There is a stopwatch, world clock (great), and screen lock as well -- all features noted with the iPod nano. Battery life: I played about 4 hours of music (and skipping a fair amount of songs while playing) and the indicator shows half. That's all I can say about it at the moment, since I've mostly been playing with it while plugged in. But with my old 3G (which still has its original battery which lasts 6 hours continuous play), the battery would be about dead at this point. Other note: The screen on mine has a dead pixel. Don't think Apple will do anything about it. It's white, so it doesn't show while playing music, and is hardly noticable during video playback (except during really dark scenes.) This isn't a complete review, but hope it does provide info for those looking for more info on this model. Is it for you? If you're into the Apple iTunes store and such, for sure. If not, feel free to look at other brands, but Apple still has the best thing going out there IMHO.

95% of readers found this review helpful. Did you find it helpful , unhelpful, or inappropriate?

Just RIGHT!

Posted Mar 7, 2006 - I have not purchased an iPod until this new model came out. I personally felt that it was always just a bit too expensive, but now, with all the additional features for the same price, I finally felt that the price was right. Video playback is very compelling on the small screen, and looks surprisingly good when connected to TV (cable NOT included, unfortunately). I use not JUST for listening and viewing media, but also for presentations in my classroom. I am very satisfied with the new 5g iPod.

89% of readers found this review helpful. Did you find it helpful , unhelpful, or inappropriate?

Comment about this review

Excellent

Posted Dec 10, 2005 - Very good device. Best of all iPods. I'd say that the power adapter is necessary and they ough to include it on the case. Video quality is nice, but if you want to squash the full video features of the device you need the TV wire and Quicktime PRO 7.0.3 (to export the videos to an iPod compatible .m4v format) At the end you pay 100$+ beacuse of that. I highly recommend this iPod.

88% of readers found this review helpful. Did you find it helpful , unhelpful, or inappropriate?

Comment about this review

Best iPod EVER !!!

Posted Nov 11, 2005 - This is my current iPod, and I just love it. It's the best iPod out there. Plays videos and displays color photos. Supports the new TV show/Music video features from iTunes music store. It's thin and light to carry. Love the large 30GB storage and it looks so cool.

85% of readers found this review helpful. Did you find it helpful , unhelpful, or inappropriate?

Comment about this review

I got this for Christmas, already had to return on ...

Posted Jan 4, 2006 - I got this for Christmas, already had to return one as it started to pause itself automatically. I took it back to the store and the clerk wanted to charge me a 10% restocking fee to exchange a defective item. He thought he was SO smart! After talking to the manager, I did get it exchanged without a restocking fee. The experience has completely soured me on Apple though.

85% of readers found this review helpful. Did you find it helpful , unhelpful, or inappropriate?

Comment about this review

Ipod Video 30GB

Posted Nov 29, 2005 - I would recommend this product. the price is competitive with others on the market and the design is great the size. the weaknesses are the propietary apple stuff and itunes has some weaknesses which is the website

84% of readers found this review helpful. Did you find it helpful , unhelpful, or inappropriate?

Comment about this review

It's like throwing money away

Posted Jan 27, 2006 - I had the ipod for less than a month, when the screeen cracked. It wasn't dropped, sat on, or squished. I called Apple and they were rude and unhelpful. Basically, I am out $299 with a worthless piece of garbage. They need to improve the quality of their product

84% of readers found this review helpful. Did you find it helpful , unhelpful, or inappropriate?

Comment about this review

Great MP3 player

Posted Nov 1, 2005 - I was one of those who got this 30GB Video iPod right after it was released. I was impressed by how fast Apple.com got it shipped. ( I received it less than 36 hours after it was shipped from Shanghai, China) It's so cute and slim that my friend's 4G looks bulk seating beside it. The screen is larger, and I am really happy with the resolution. I purchased some video from Itune store. It works like a charm! There are some downsides of this product. The battery is not changable, and won't last for long on itself when you play videos. For most of the time, I use and charge it at the same time. But there's one time I noticed the battery went down to 3/4 from full after I showed two MTV videos to my friends. Because of the battery life, an AC power adapter is a must. The AC was not included in the standard package and I had to pay $30 extra to get one immediately after I received the iPod. Also, you would have to either buy videos from itune store or purchase Quicktime Pro from apple to play videos on the iPod.

83% of readers found this review helpful. Did you find it helpful , unhelpful, or inappropriate?

Comment about this review

Small tool for big sound

Posted Jan 28, 2006 - Great gaget, especally with upgraded headphones. You don't need the T.O. Bose Headphones to enjoy but the ear buds, though adaquit, are the weakest part of this device. Even Phillips ear phones are all it takes (for about $20) to get better range. Afterall the entire range of a tune is captured so get the output devices to do it justice/

83% of readers found this review helpful. Did you find it helpful , unhelpful, or inappropriate?

Comment about this review

To Pod or not to Pod!

Posted Dec 29, 2005 - Easy to see why Apple has dominated the MP3 player market, the 5G is one of the lightest while providing some of the largest storage capacities available. Battery life could be better, but spinning a 30GB HD is power consuming. Can't wait until the larger capacity (30/60GB) flash memory drives become available! Had some problems (rebooting/not completing sync) when installing iTunes and doing the initial transfer but after a firmware update all works fine. Purchased from Apple, was given a three week delivery window, received an email two days later stating that unit had shipped from Shanghai, China and unit arrived via FedEx the next day! Way to go Apple! Ordered the AC charger with unit, got that two days later.

83% of readers found this review helpful. Did you find it helpful , unhelpful, or inappropriate?

Comment about this review

Ipod with Video

Posted Jan 9, 2006 - I think the Ipod line is great and the 5th gen with video is no exception. It is very similar to the click wheel version but has a larger, very nice color screen. As claimed by Apple, it seems to have longer battery life when listening to music, but watching video drains it quickly in about 2.5 hours. The battery life limits its usefulness as a video player and I would suggest an external battery pack if you want to use this feature extensively. The video is small, but good enough for captive audiences stuck on cars, planes, etc. I use Nero Recode to convert the video to the right codec and format. Nero will convert DVDs if you use a ripper first. I use the PSP compatible format default setting in Nero and it compresses a two hour movie to about 1GB. I have also converted TV shows from my DVR computer without any problems. Occaisionally I notice blockiness, but overall the video quality is good enough. The kids love it. We travel frequently on long airline flights and this is a good way to entertain them. If you are looking for an mp3 player I can certainly recommend the Ipod. The video is not essential but it is a nice plus. You will probably want to get this version just for the improved battery life.

83% of readers found this review helpful. Did you find it helpful , unhelpful, or inappropriate?

Comment about this review

I like it

Posted Dec 9, 2005 - I would recommend the Apple IPOD 30GB Video to anyone. It is worth the little extra cost. Search around out there and you might be able to find a great mail in rebate like I did.

82% of readers found this review helpful. Did you find it helpful , unhelpful, or inappropriate?

One of the best ipods

Posted Jan 6, 2006 - It is fun to have a ipod video. 30gb ipod is larger than ipod photo 20gb at the same price. It plays video also, so it is a better ipod. It is traditional ipod white color, but still as cool as black color. 2.5" lcd is bigger than previous version. the whole size is thinner and have a lighter weight. Easier to bring everywhere and fun to watch the video, Clickwheel is very easy to use. The optional charger is overpriced and should be included.

82% of readers found this review helpful. Did you find it helpful , unhelpful, or inappropriate?

Comment about this review

they took the best and made it better

Posted May 17, 2006 - Somehow Apple managed to take what was already the best portable music player on the market and make it even better. The new, larger screen is great, and the device itself is thinner and lighter than previous models. My only complaints, and they are minor ones, is that you no longer have a choice of USB or FireWire, and it scratches very easily. Nevertheless, I am thoroughly happy with this iPod.

80% of readers found this review helpful. Did you find it helpful , unhelpful, or inappropriate?

Comment about this review

THE IPOD 5G IS THE BEST THING IN THE WORLD!

Posted Nov 18, 2005 - MY IPOD ROCKS! It's the best thing in the entire world! All my friends say its the most coolest thing they ever saw!!! The screen is so clear! The pictures are so bright and colorful! I've had my 30GB Ipod for 3-4 Weeks and it hasn't done anything wrong at all! If ya want tha ladies get this Ipod! The Only bad thing about it is that it scatches easy but thats nothing Icleaner can't fix! I recommend that you get a good case for this beauty! ITS SO AWESOME I LOVE IT !!!!!!!

79% of readers found this review helpful. Did you find it helpful , unhelpful, or inappropriate?

Comment about this review