Features

• Supports the new iPod Photo (40 GB or 60 GB models)
• Connect to your home audio system
• Watch photo slideshows on your TV via S-Video connection
• Connects to a PC or Mac via FireWire or USB 2.0 (requires Mac v10.3.4 or later)

Features

• Form-fitted iPod case attaches to belts, purses, or backpacks
• Offers quick and easy access to Clickwheel and iPod display
• Durable steel spring clip fastens securely to accessory
• Protects iPod from dings and scratches
• For use with 20 GB iPod with Clickwheel

Features

• Includes iTunes, iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD, and GarageBand music application
• Use iLife to have more fun with digital media
• Easily create professional-quality slideshows, music, movies, and DVDs
• Seamless integration--iLife applications work together better than ever before
• Single installer that updates all existing iLife applications

Reviews (11)

Another Apple hit... well worth the price.
The iLife suite has been completely revised for the new iLife '04 release. In this review, I'll list some of the improved features.

iDVD received a nice update with some new themes and other small features. I wasn't incredibly impressed by this particular update, but that's because I rarely use the application. Not a major interface overhaul, but some nice updates.

iMovie has been significantly sped up along with an improved interface and new transitions, effects, and more. You'll quickly notice all the new features in this update if you use iMovie frequently.

iTunes has been updated, but you can simply download the update... you don't need to buy the suite to get the newest version of iTunes.

iPhoto previously suffered from extreme performance issues before this revision... if you had a large amount of images in the database there would be a large slowdown, but this revision fixes that issue. It allows you to rate photos 1-5 stars, which is handy but not a necessary feature. Another nice new feature is the ability to create "smart albums" like "smart playlists" on iTunes... you can make albums that only contain, say, five-star pictures containing the phrases "Katie" and "1st Birthday" with little effort.

And, finally, the application that almost everyone is buying this for... GarageBand. GarageBand is Apple's new music editing program. It's a music mixing application that allows you to record songs on your Mac.

GarageBand has a nice variety of realistic-sounding musical instruments which can be played using a MIDI keyboard or guitar plugged into your Macintosh. You can then add effects, use amplifiers, and so much more.

If you don't know how to play any instruments, GarageBand also includes a wide variety of amazing-sounding loops for use in your songs. Not only are they nice for people who can't play any instruments, but they're nice if you're in a band and you want to hear how a song sounds but your drummer isn't there to play a drum track.

GarageBand lacks a few features that would make it a professional music creation title... the ability to change the tempo throughout the song instead of using just one for the whole song would be nice; but one could even run a small professional band on this program if they had to.

I can count the number of times I've completely crashed my Mac on one hand, but it did crash (not a kernel panic, just a crash) during the install. After a restart, all worked well again.

Another thing to note with this software title is that while it does work on *most* Macs, GarageBand and iDVD require a G4 or better, at *least* 256MB of RAM, and a DVD player to use the install DVD. Actually, you can install GarageBand on a 600MHz (or higher) Mac with a DVD drive, but you can't use software instruments then.

All in all, a nice package, and worth the price.

I would have preferred an upgrade option, but...
The latest update to "your digital lifestyle" is a great one. iMovie includes more options for editing and adding titles. iDVD adds more great themes, easier interfacing with iMovie, and ups the final production minutes from 90 to 120. iTunes is a free download anyway (cause Apple makes money through the iTunes Music Store. iPhoto, to be honest, I don't play with a whole lot because I already use PhotoShop, ImageReady and Fireworks.

Then, there is GarageBand. It may not be the most necessary piece of software ever, but it certainly is the coolest. I managed to create a short song in less than an hour. Me! I can't make music with anything resembling an instrument. Apparently though, I can produce music. The ease with which the program works is astounding. Adding new loops is as easy as click and drag.

The minor complaint here, at full screen GarageBand eats memory. My iBook starts to scream in pain when I open the program. On a G5 or my G4 iMac it works great though. You can ease the memory requirements by using less screen space for the program, but it only eases the issues, doesn't resolve it.

Also, considering that Apple just made us buy the program to begin with last year, an upgrade option for those of us who did would be nice. At least they kept it at a fairly reasonable price though.

Make your personal computer be a personal compter!
Computers are wonderful tools that have greatly changed just how we do just about everything. Apple iLife software continues this tradition. I have used both Mac and PC computers. I have also used software written for both. There is nothing easier or more intuitive than Apple iLife. It is not the most powerful software. For $400-$600 you can by professional grade software that will blow the socks of iLife. However, for the average "Joe" there is nothing better. It doesn't take a lot of computer savvy. iLife does most of the work for you - and quickly. Other software we have used for loading pictures is slow, hard to manage and less desirable in many ways. I used this software at my sister-in-laws wedding. In no time at all I had a wonderful slide show set to music for everyone to watch. Doing all this work on a PowerBook G4 15" laptop allowed me to later show my father-in-law what he missed due to some health issues.

With iLife, you can edit your pictures. You can order copies with just a click of a button. With just another click, you can e-mail them to anyone in your e-mail address book. Another click you can post them on a web-sight for your friends to see. For example, we recently moved to a new state. I posted a slide show of our new home for all our old friends to see. We had over 60 different friends view the web sight. Can you image the cost of making prints for all those people? In addition, you can set your pictures, web sights to your favorite music in iTunes.

Speaking of iTunes, I love music - always have. If you like to listen to music, make your own recordings of your favorite tunes you will love iTunes. Plus, iTunes makes it easier and more affordable to buy music. I don't understand why the music industry continues to over-price their CD's but they do. And who can afford to buy an entire CD for just two or three songs. Now, with iTunes you can buy only the songs you want from a particular CD. Once down loaded, you can arrange them in any order you want, burn them on your own CD or hook your Mac to your home stereo and listen through you speakers. In addition, whatever music you have in iTunes is easily used in iPhoto, iDVD or the other applications iLife opens for you. You will not be disappointed with iLife unless you desire to spend tons of money for three or four different software programs that will not work together as seamlessly as iLife.

...what you've all been waiting for...
Face it. Most of those interested really want Garageband above all. That being the main program I use from iLife, I'll review it.

Garageband is the Final Cut Pro of Music. It's excellent for musically talented and musically challenged.

No need to worry about beats or anythin', because Garageband makes any and all set loops go together with ease.

Disregard the review by a fellow who claims it is a program for kids and idiots who want to show everyone else their noise. It IS a very sophisticated music editor while remaining simplistic and fun to use. I spent hours mixing and matching endlessly. The possibilities are infinite.

The "drag and drop" style of operating masks movie-editor Final Cut Pro, also available here at Amazon. It's an easy to learn, easy to use tool that most people will love.

I recommend, that, if you planned on buying iLife '04 solely for Garageband, then by all means, do so. I really think that if you love music and you love making it, regardless of playing an instrument, that you will adore this product.

Garageband should be called "i-casiotones"
This is a review of the garageband application in ilife. It is a big disappointment. Modern music is suffering from a surplus of hooks, loops, and grooves and a dearth of melodies. Here comes Apple with a software program that allows any tone deaf and musical illiterate to pile samples and loops one on top of another and put a beat to the mess. Change chords? Nope. Melody? Nope. Modulate? Nope. Hey! This is music that requires no instrumental playing ability. Think of it as an audio collage tool. The result is mind numbing. Now anyone can be Philip Glass and have endlessly repetitive cells of notes. There is an onscreen keyboard (laughingly called "grand piano") that will let you hunt and peck whole notes (if you can see the keyboard - the keys are so small you will need great fine motor control to hit the right key).
Remember those annoying keyboards that allow you to add endless rhythmn and background arpeggios to whatever you are playing? Here is one for your computer.

DO NOT buy this thinking you are getting a sophisticated mixer and tracker. You aren't. This is for kids only or idiots who want to inflict their noise on everyone around them. Next to this, cleaning spam our of your inbox seems like a worthy use of one's time. ... Read more

Product Description

The ultimate portable desktop.

Miraculously engineered, the ultralight 17-inch PowerBook G4 is a mere 1-inch thin and only 6.9 pounds, making it one of the planet’s thinnest, lightest, 17-inch notebooks.

Power on Display
The first thing you’ll notice is the megawide displaythe largest ever in a notebook. This PowerBook’s stunning display gives you the same viewing area as a 19-inch CRT monitor. And as for the amount of information you can see on the screen at one time, the 17-inch PowerBook supports a resolution of 1440 x 900 pixelsan eye-popping 1.3 million pixels appearing on the screen simultaneously, with room aplenty for your menus, toolbars and palettes. Thanks to its built-in, dual-link DVI support and 128MB of graphics memory, you even have the option of connecting your PowerBook to Apple’s breathtaking flat-panel displays, including the massive 30-inch Apple Cinema HD Display. Featuring a powerful 1.67GHz PowerPC G4 processor, a standard 5400-rpm 100GB hard drive, an 8x SuperDrive, up to 2GB of DDR RAM and AirPort Extreme and Bluetooth 2.0+EDR built right in, the top gun of notebook computers has it all.

As Smart as It Looks
You’ll love the high-resolution 17-inch active-matrix display with brilliant 1440 x 900 pixel resolution. And you’ll marvel at the way this supersharp display fits into such a remarkably small frame: just 15.4 inches wide, 10.2 inches deep, 1.0 inches thin and a mere 6.9 pounds. Housed in a lightweight and durable aluminum alloy enclosure, the 17-inch PowerBook G4 is resistant to stains and scratches. Flat-out, drop-dead gorgeous, this revolutionary notebook is perfectly smooth on all surfaces, with no doors, protruding latches, levers or external buttons to accidentally press or break, and no sharp edges to catch on your clothing.

Built for Speed
The 1.67GHz processor gives a tremendous performance boost with ... Read more

Reviews (5)

The best notebook out, period.
Unless you're a 100 pound weakling, stop complaining about the weight of this notebook and get it. This is the top of the line PowerBook. I was considering the 15inch since I heard the other complaints about the weight and portability of the 17" but went with my own judegement and got the 17". I'm very happy with my decision and purchase. The RAM was upgraded 2GB on my system (which is the maximum). This system outperforms my previous ThinkPad which had a similar specs. The OS is rock solid (Tiger 10.4). Essentials to have WHEN you get this are a great case (I'd recommend Timbuk2 Commute XL), Office 20004 for the Mac, Quicken 2004 for the Mac and if you're into games, Doom 3 for the Mac. My future purchases to complement this system will be the iSight and Airport Express.

If you've been considering this system for a while, take the plunge. You won't regret it.

The best value
There are, quite literally, thousands of notebooks in the market today, ranging from $500 to $3000+ in price. If you're looking through the reviews of the magnificent $2700 17-inch Powerbook, you might be wondering if the price, the upfront cost of a Macintosh, is justifiable given that one can easily purchase 5 of the $500 notebooks. I looked around myself, but it came down to these:

1. The big screen. Most 17-inch Windows notebooks try to be media centers, and they weigh a ton. This Powerbook is barely more than an inch thick.

2. Size. I don't have big hands, but I do like a comfortable writing space. The keyboard has a nice tactile feel, it's backlit in dim lighting conditions.

3. Quietness. There is hardly a sound from the computer, and unless I'm doing processor-intensive work (like watching Quicktime HD sample movies), the fan is never on. It lets me focus on my work, rather than get distracted and annoyed at the grinding noise from the fan and hard drive.

4. Ease of use. All the necessary plugs (USB, firewire, etc) are present. More importantly, OS X (I'm using 10.4) with the included iLife '05 productivity software is easy to learn, and based on my experience from Windows PCs, makes me more productive quickly.

5. Software. The OS and the bundled software (I mentioned them above) don't intrude, requiring constant attention and drivers to install when I plug in a camera for the first time. They get out of my way, and they let me produce results. It took me 30 mins to import photos, edit them, and make a DVD catalog (browseable in Safari) AND make a quicktime movie of a slideshow. I was never able to do this on my old Windows PC (3.4GHz P4).

6. Value. Macs have generally higher resale value than other PCs. It's one company, versus hundreds of companies making, generally, the same computer, and so they gravitate towards pricing as the differentiator. I sold my 6-month-old 14-inch iBook G4 at 80% of the original price I paid. That's hard to do with any other PC or notebook.

And we come to price. At $2700, it is expensive, there is no getting around it. But when I compared to a comparable Dell 17-inch notebook (very nice, I must add), and added hardware and software features, resale value, plus considering ease of use and increased productivity, the $2700 in price is a bargain. Consider with a grain of salt, make your own comparisons and judgements.

You Don't Need a Desktop Machine Anymore
I have a friend of a friend who works at an Apple store and just recenlty he let me play with all the new stuff, some old stuff too and here is my impression of the new, improved 17 inch PowerBook. First off, and I feel like shouting this, but I won't, "It's about time Apple put out a computer that had enough memory in it to actually run it!" I have an old G3, 14 inch iBook and right off the bat I had to buy more memory, bumping it up to 640 megs, so knowing this baby comes with 512 right out the door, will bring a sigh of relief to anybody thinking of buying one.

The screen on this baby is gorgeous and really, really huge, stunning, no reading glasses for me here. This machine is svelte and sleek, but a bit to big to be taken on the road in my opinion. It comes with Airport Extreme built in. Has all the usual ports, plus FireWire 800 and it's crowning jewel, in my humble opinion, is the backlit keyboard. Apple claims it's ten times brighter than the old model. I can attest to the fact that it's brighter, but ten times, I don't know, I didn't see it. However, it's plenty bright enough to work in the dark. This 1.67 GHz model comes with a Superdrive and a scrolling trackpad (which I didn't mention in my other reviews). I found the trackpad scrolling business to be a little annoying, but no matter you can turn it off in System Prefs if you want. However, I imagine once you get used to it, one might find it darned handy.

In a way this baby is like having two computers in one, because you won't need a desktop anymore, not with all this screen real estate. I've said it before and I'll say it again, Apple really got it right this time.

Jack Priest, Sailor home from the Sea

Portability not such an issue
First of all, let me state that while I have used this machine, I am the current owner of an older model - the first generation 17" with a 1GHz processor and a 60GB hard drive.

One of the biggest questions I always hear is "Isn't that too big to carry around?" My answer is no. I carry it for a 20 minute walk to my college campus daily and have no problems with it. I keep it in a Brenthaven bag specifically designed for it, and while it is a little unwieldy, it took me very little time to get used to it. The weight is definitely not an issue. For anyone thinking about getting this, I would weigh any bag that you carry with you on a day to day basis - seven pounds really isn't so much to deal with.

I use my Powerbook as my primary machine. At any given time, I am usually running Adobe Photoshop and/or Illustrator, Macromedia Flash, as well as a few native applications (Mail and iCal are always open, usually iTunes as well). The programs that come with the computer are well integrated into the operating system. I use mine for about 15 hours a day, and I put it to sleep rather than shutting it down. Even with all of the work that I do on it, a year and a half after purchasing my model it still stays on for two to three weeks with no need to shut it down.

The backlit keyboard is a feature that I never thought I would need, but now that I have it I'm not sure how I ever lived without it. Light sensors automatically adjust your screen brightness and keyboard lighting, although these can be adjusted manually. It makes working a breeze. Even though I don't look at the keyboard very much when I'm typing, it's nice to be able to see when I need to use keys I don't access very often (function keys, etc.). Since the keyboard lighting controls take up extra function keys, the "one-key" Expose features in OSX require one more step with pressing function before hitting F9-F11, but if it poses a real problem you can always set screen corners or change the hot key.

My biggest issue with this computer is the battery life. With the brightness turned all the way down (which can make the screen very difficult to see depending on your lighting conditions) and AirPort turned off, it can get around 3.5-4 hours of battery life. If you need full brightness and a wireless internet connection, you're realistically looking at about 2-2.5 hours of battery life.

Overall, I am a large supporter of this computer. I would recommend it to anyone that has a need for a Macintosh with maximum screen size and portability.

Best PowerBook Yet
Apple's latest update to their aluminum PowerBook series warrants a close look by current PowerBook users and anyone on the fence. The 17" screen is stunning, even keeping in mind that other makers have copied the idea (Apple's overall presentation simply outclasses the copycats' efforts), and the design and construction are first class.
I purchased the new 17" PowerBook to replace the previous 15" model. The increase in processor speed is noticeable, and I love the new trackpad which incorporates vertical and horizontal scrolling simply by touching the pad with two fingers instead of one. It is immediately easy to use--no extra buttons to manipulate or odd procedures to learn. The screen seems brighter than the previous one, and the new keyboard backlighting is beautiful.
I also like the fact that, besides increasing the base amount of memory, Apple now ships the machines with one memory slot open. That is, a standard 512MB machine has one 512MB strip on board, with one slot open. I simply took the "extra" 512MB strip out of my previous machine and put it in the new one, giving me a full 1GB of memory (upgradable to 2GB for those planning missions beyond the galaxy or whatever).
Buyers of the new 17" PowerBook should also check out the Apple/Brenthaven shoulder bag and backpack. I opted for the backpack this time. It is beautifully crafted; easily worth the slight additional cost over the standard fare, especially since the computer sleeve is made specifically for this computer.
In sum, this is not an "intermediate" tweak; it is a serious upgrade of an already-great product. ... Read more

Product Description

Speck Products (SK-CLEAR-SHUF) iPod Shuffle Skin - CLEAR ... Read more

Features

• Made with form-fitting and lightweight Kraton polymer
• Protects iPod from scratches and bumps
• Fits all iPod Shuffle
• Two-Part design covers Shuffle and included cap for easy synching
• Easy access to controls and earphone jack

Reviews (2)

Can't use Shuffle lanyard when using this skin.
What this product description doesn't mention is that you must use the included Speck USB cap when using the Skin Clear. The ball-bearing mechanism of the standard Shuffle USB caps do not engage when the Skin Clear is installed on the Shuffle. Since the Speck USB cap does not have a lanyard string, you're out of luck if you use the lanyard as I do.

Great Protection
This clear case gives you good protection without adding much weight or bulk.Its very hard to tell that the ipod is even in the case unless you are holding it your hand.One disadvantge is that the case makes it diffcult to turn the ipod on and off.Besides that all the other buttons are easy to use.I would recomend this case to anyone who wants to protect their ipod from scratches a dings. ... Read more

Features

• Fits third-generation 10GB, 15GB, 20GB, 30GB, and 40GB Apple iPods with 30-pin dock connector
• Custom play-through design allows access to the iPod's jog wheel, 4 function buttons, & digital display
• An independent velcro tab at the top provides access to the Hold Button
• The sides feature grippy, textured neoprene & ribbed piping for a better grip & support
• Color - Black

Reviews (1)

Excellent iPod doohickey...
I bought this for my 15GB iPod and it fit like a glove, the clear plastic covers the screen and protects it nicely (no scratches so far). 99.9% of the iPod is protected and the sides are a nice grippy rubber. The arm band that comes with works like a champ and I use it to run with my ipod. The only reason I gave it 4 out of 5 stars is because one of the velcro straps that secure it over the top of the iPod covers the "Hold" switch.
It does have a square hole in the bottom so I havent had to remove it from the jacket yet which is nice. It's not leather but it looks nice so spend the extra cash, you wont be sorry. ... Read more

Reviews (51)

The best OS out there. Period.
I used to hate Macs especially because of their OS. It was old, unstable and Mac users had to wait ages for updates which they had to pay to get.

Well, MacOS X, is by far the most complete and beautifully engineered OS out there (at least on a commercial basis). It is based on NeXT (using the Mach ker.nel) and BSD -- a feature which offers a lot to someone coming from a UNIX platform -- and clearly the best GUI out there.

Some may argue that it is not as polished as it could, but, hey, what is? Windows or Linux? Besides, Apple is releasing free *until now* revisions for download every couple of months and it has improved a lot since 10.0. (the current version at the time of writing is 10.1.2). Release 10.2 is rumoured to have great new features old Mac users requested as well as more language packs and a speedier Quartz. (the graphics engine)

I recommend this to anyone open-minded enough to leave windows behind him/her.

Apple OS X
I've been using OSX for over a year and have gone through all the upgrades. I currently have it installed on an upgraded and accelerated iMac g3 running at 466 mhz, as well as a 500mhz iBook.

I find the system stable, workable, and user friendly, although quite a bit different in feel from OS9. You have a stricter file hierarchy, that rewards putting the right folder in the right place, and retrieving your folders and applications in the same manner.

I also find the system a bit slow. I have seen it at work on new Imacs and I don't find the right speed-to-system ratio until you get up to the 800 mhz, 100 mhz bus level (that means the newer G4 equipped Macs.) It is usable on G3 machines, but I have used a lot of options to turn off various graphic bells and whisltes that slow system X down.

That said, hardware will become faster and cheaper (it's Moore's law), and the underlying flexibility and stability of System X make it a good bet for the long haul. It's especially impressive when hooking up third party peripherals like digital cameras. iPhoto and iTunes live up to the hype. Overall, I will keep using it and look forward to future Macs.

Leave your OS 9 at the door
After using the Public beta and Mac OS X 10.0 (the first public release), with this release I made the "permanent" switch. It's not perfect, but it gets 5 stars because Apple has done more than anyone could hope for considering this is only the 2nd retail release of this OS. The wonders of Mac OS X have only just begun...

Eye-candy aside, this release is most importantly stable, much more feature complete (DVD Player and Disc Burner support), and it utilizes dual processors beautifully. I haven't locked up the machine once. Sure, you'll have to boot into Mac OS 9 once in a while and it won't be blazing fast on older systems.

Office v.X is due shortly, and popular apps from Adobe, Macromedia, and others have already gotten the X treatment or development is underway.

Third party hardware is still largely unsupported, but many inkjet printers connected via USB are supported in some capacity right ouf of the box. Drivers are trickling out from Epson, HP, and others. The good news is most OS 9 drivers work just fine in Classic and with Classic apps.

Developers and technogeeks will enjoy the Unix underpinnings, bundled copy of Apache, Terminal access, SMB support, and robust networking capabilities...

If you're still unsure, just do your homework. Mac news sites are chock full o' Mac OS X reader reports, troubleshooting tips, and capatability reports.

Watch out for USB driver problems and kernel panics
Six months into using OS -X started having Kernel panics (Apple's blue secreen of death). Not running non-Apple programs, multi-tasking, or running peculiar non-standard hardware (Logitech tracball, HP printer/scanner). 5 trips to the repair shop - new hard drive, new RAM, new system board, upgrade to 10.2.8; 4 phone calls to Apple "Support." Kernel panics returned. Lots of web searches - found lots of boards where people have the same experience, and found the only permanent solution was downgrading to OS9 or upgrading to OS 10.3. "Support" denies it's poor USB software.

I love OS X, but be wary of the server version
my advice is to make sure you need it before you buy it, but if you know you need it, then buy it. How will you know? If you need it, you would already know that you do. If you don't know that you need server version, then you probably don't need it. Most day to day tasks are done by the normal version of the os in ways that are much simpler than the server tools. Now you do get a variety of nice things with the unlimited client, such as server managment systems, monitoring systems, etc., but if you are just doing a basic install without a complex networking or users/groups system, then you probably should try to do what you need to do with a 10.1 or 10.2 and see if you actually have to own the server. I would say the ideal application of a server install is for a medium to large lab install using netboot, where the actual cost of doing it via server will lower the TCO significantly. ... Read more

Product Description

Mac mini, PowerPC G4 1.42GHz Processor, 256MB RAM, 80GB Hard Drive, 8X DVD / 24X16X24 CD-RW Combo Drive, Mac OS X Panther v10.3 ... Read more

Reviews (41)

The worst computer experience i have ever had.
I had decided to try switching from PCs to macs recently, and thought the mac mini would make a good first mac computer.

I ordered my first mini with all the extras and when i got it, i tried importing all my cds to itunes. The optical drive was malfunctioning whenever i put in a cd with the slightest scratch on it. It would freeze up, making an awful skipping sound, and i would have to force quit itunes and sometimes shut down the computer and turn it back on just to get the sound to stop and get my cd out.

I called tech support, and the first man said there was nothing wrong with the drive, it was my cds that were at fault. Their solution was to take my scratched cd to my PC, burn it and take it back to my mac mini and then try to import it.

I said, ok, so my cds should work on other computers, but not the mini? and he kept saying how it was my cds and not the mini. I asked him if i could return my mini and he said no because i had bought extras like more ram and bluetooth. so i got off the phone with him and called back again.

The next tech support "help" also told me there was nothing wrong with the computer but i could return it (but not exchange it because there was nothing wrong with it). He transferred me to someone who told me i could exchange it, which i did.

Now, my next mini comes in the mail, without my bluetooth and airport extreme options. "Oops, sorry", they say, "we can return it and we'll send you another mini." I took it to my local store and they very nicely installed them for free in 45 minutes. So, now with less enthusiasm for my new purchase, i took my mini home, and tried out the optical drive again, which again had troubles. Now i should mention I took the same cd's that wouldnt work on my mini, and they worked on my PC and on my friend's mac.

I called back the apple store and all they would give me for compensation was a return for my mini (not the $60 keyboard i can no longer return at the store) and $100 credit for my next apple purchase. I said sorry, that's not enough for the hassle that i will probably go through again.

Never, never again will I buy an apple product. This whole hassle lasted for most of a month, and it is still not over yet. Time for me to buy another reasonably priced PC. My mac friends are all about their mac's, but first impressions are lasting, aren't they?

No free anything
Clicking your way past this barrage of come-ons finally gets you to the meat of the matter. Incentive Reward Center says you have to sign up for at least two offers from participating firms to get your hands on that free iPod.

It looks like there might be some freebies here, but most of the offers are for DVD and music services, credit cards and other such strings-attached programs.

according to sfgate.com

Amazing little machine
i'm really impressed at how fast this thing goes. it was ready to go out of the box after a 3 minute setup, it's really fast for only having 256mb of ram, i love the combo drive, tiger is great. it's practically silent unless the combo drive is running. and it's super easy to use. it also has a lot of programs for 600 bucks, i think it's great and highly reccomend it.

Don't make my mistake!
I made a big mistake by trying those "get a Mac Mini free" offers. Only 1 day after signing up, I was bombarded with over 500 junk emails and 15 telemarketing calls. Ugh!

I hope everybody here can learn from my misfortune--I guess it really is true that it is impossible to get something for nothing!

The Mac Mini is a great computer. It's too bad sleazy "marketers" are using them as bait for their fraudulent schemes.

Best Thing I Ever Got
my dad bought me this computer for my 12th birthday and i love it i will admit this im a spoiled brat.and i have tooo much crap in my room. but when i saw it im thinking what the heck is that because its soooo small. and it fits perfectly in my room. and the little sucker has a CD burner on it i couldnt believe that and a DVD Player! but over all this is the coolest thing in the world apple has done a great job with this one. ... Read more

Product Description

This item is brand new and comes complete with all manufacturer supplied accessories.
It also comes with a USA warranty.

Nice electronics is your source for everyday low prices on theGriffin Tech 4037-IBEM - Laser Pointer and Flashlight and all other Griffin Tech iPOD Access

Features

• Compatible with any iPod with dock connector, including iPod mini
• Separate flashlight and laser pointer accessories for iPod use
• Handy flashlight attachment helps find items in poorly lit areas
• Class IIIa laser pointer assists in business presentations
• Includes pair of snap-on caps that attach to keychains

Reviews (2)

Close the patent office
Finally.

Next time I can't find my keys in the dark all I need to do is find this thingie and fumble it into my iPod's holes.What a lifesaver!

And in the same box is the laser pointer so I don't have to stop listening to 50cent just because I'm doing some silly corporate presentation!

While it is a little tough to dance and fry an airline pilot's eyes at the same time, it is the latest craze so I LOVE THIS PRODUCT!

;-)

iBeam Fo' Life
iBeam is a good product.. the laser goes a quarter of a mile. hasnt malfunctioned yet. flashlight is high quality. nothing bad to say about it. great price!! ... Read more

Features

• Discontinued by manufacturer, replaced by model #M9460LL/A
• Mac and Windows compatible; FireWire and USB 2.0 interface for fastest digital transfer available
• Optional docking station makes charging and synching easy
• More than 8 hour battery life on a 3 hour charge (1-hour fast charge to 80% capacity)
• Features redesigned and backlit navigation and remodeled headphones; headphones with wired remote are optional

Reviews (214)

In a league of its own
Apple 10 GB Ipod from a Windows User

Pros:

Lithium Ion Battery: Actually lasts as long as Apple says it does.
20 EQ Settings: You can really tell a difference!
Downloading and Syncing music is E-Z: It automatically updates when connected.
Backlight: Very bright and cool. White screen and red buttons.
Playlists: Pretty useful when you have a lot of songs and don't want to spend time looking for ones you want to hear.

Cons:

Firewire Charging: For Win users.... If you use 4 pin for firewire, your IPOD will NOT charge during syncing. Either purchase the docking station and/or the USB 2.0 + Firewire cable, allows you to plug the into USB and your AC adapter.

Deleting and Creating using IPOD alone: I don't think you can delete songs or make playlists without your computer.

Case/Sleeve Protector not included: The Ipod scratches pretty easily. I suggest buying a case very soon after buying one.

All in all a player above players. Reliable, easy, and extremely fashionable. The buttons are very sensitive, which is great sometimes and rather annoying others. Don't let the $299 sticker price stop you from buying one because you won't regret it!

Best performance for what you pay!
I recently purchased a PowerMac 12" computer and got a great deal on a 10GB iPod. I absolutely love it! I'm currently in the process of backing up my entire CD collection and putting my favorites on the iPod to use in the car; much easier to use the iPod on the road than shuffling through CDs. There are a few things that don't thrill me about its design: it is rather difficult to change settings on the fly (i.e. EQ). It'd be nice to have the EQ sync with the genre on the mp3 tags (if this is actually available I haven't figured it out). It takes a while to become comfortable with its navigation, however once you do there's really no problem getting around.

PROS:
firewire powers/charges/syncs device (no needless, excessive input ports)
sleek, slim design
backlight VERY handy
stores other data files than just mp3/AAC/wav/etc.
screamin' fast firewire connection (compare to USB)
durable; no problem jogging w/ it on a belt clip
solid state buttons/wheel
many features (calendar, games, clock, etc.)

CONS:
proprietary Firewire cable (which, in apple's defense, is included)
fairly expensive compared to other mp3 systems (high $/GB ratio)

It's No Mini-Disc Player!
My Sony mini-disc player died after a short life (moment of silence). So when I got a new job, the toy of choice was an iPod. What a difference!

The bad as compared to the mini-disc player is that the iPod doesn't have an LCD display remote control. So with so many songs, it's hard to blindly navigate if your iPod is stashed away. Hopefully Apple will create such a remote. Otherwise, it wins over the mini-disc player hands down!

The new mini-discs hold 5 hours of music. 2 years ago that was a big deal. My 20 Gig iPod has 17 hours of music already and I am using merely 390 MB. That's less than a fraction of its capacity. The iPod's looking at me like, "When are you gonna REALLY add some music?"

The 3 lines of music data display the song title, artist, and even album! And the sound...oh boy. I feel like I'm at a concert! Excellent sound! You can also tweak the sound with the equalizer.

Once they make that LCD remote to make navigating easier, it'll be perfect.

This is very expensive but worth it
this is so cool. i got one for crhistmas and loved it. i have about 529 songs on mine because i get all of my songs from my schools media room. the teacher is devoted to apple brand software, computers, acsseories, and speakers. this is very cool and the songs are cheap. theres just one problem, when listening to loud songs, you should turn it down because for a small item, this can be hered from a room away when left playing and at max voloume! and it moves alone when its loud! but it is good and it has a cool backlight so when your in the dark, the screen lights up and so do the buttons. it dsiplays the time, date, and it has a photo and video slot and you can keep your scedhual. it also has games like brick and solitare. it also has a special game where it takes all of your songs and makes a music quiz where it gives you 90 seconds of a song and a list of songs for you to pick and get right. this is the only game that you can't listen to a song while playing. the back has it's own licences number and the logo. it has an area for your settings and your ipod's identity(a.k.a your name, tis number, the amount of songs it currently contains,, and the amonut of space you have left and how much is used. pretty cool right! thanks!

Sweet!
When mp3 players came out I was fairly dissapointed until I discovered the iPods. Apple makes the absolutely top of the line mp3 player on the markey. Yeah, you can go buy a mp3 player for a fraction of the cost, but you'll also get a fraction of the quality.

The new iPod minis are great, but I'm still using my good old 10 gig iPod and it hasn't let me down yet. The batteries last practically 4ever, and it's durable and cool looking to.

A note to anyone trying to decide on size: don't automatically buy the biggest iPod just because it's the biggest. Chances are you're never going to use all of the space. One of the best ways to utilize the Pod is to put all your favorite music on it and then just set it to randomly shuffle between songs. You can't do this if you have a couple of gigs of the good stuff and 38 gigs of junk... ... Read more

Features

• 15 GB model holds up to 3,700 songs; supports MP3, AAC, WAV, MP3 VBR, Audible (6), and AIFF formats
• Mac and Windows compatible; FireWire and USB 2.0 interface for fastest digital transfer available
• More than 8 hour battery life on a 3 hour charge (1-hour fast charge to 80% capacity)
• Features redesigned and backlit navigation, includes earbud headphones, FireWire Cable, PC FireWire Adapter, and AC adapter
• Equipped with a range of built-in utilities and games

Reviews (154)

Things That Are Bad And How To Get Around Them
Don't get me wrong, I think that it is a cool device. There's just so many things that they could have done to make it better.

(1)It is a very fragile product. Two of my friends have broken there iPods by dropping them no more than 2 feet. After that the hardisk gets ruined and 300 dollars have gone down the drain.

(2)Warrenty is not all it's cracked up to be. I bet a lot of you that just read #1 said "Well just go to a Apple Strore with your warrenty and they'll fix it right up."....WRONG. The Warrenty is pretty much just for a mistake made in the factory. If you take in your broken iPod with as so much as a tiny tiny dent the employees will call it a customer abuse code and they will definently not repair your iPod.

(3)To put it simple, iTunes could be a lot better in the way you upload your songs to your iPod. A lot of you will argue with that but it is, and admit it, frustrating.

(4)The battery time. I'm not just talking in life span but I'm talking in just plane daily use. The daily use is just about 4 hours long. That is pretty bad if you ask me. Maby I just got a defective battery, but I don't dare go down to the Apple Store to honor my useless warenty.

(5)The iPod DID NOT revolutiuonalize music. There were MP3 players long before the iPod. Not to mention they played cds and were pretty indestructible if you ask me.

Well that's all I have to say about the iPod. Don't just take my word for it, there are a great number of Apple Lovers on this topic to prove me wrong.

-HELPFUL PIECES OF ADVICE-

(1)Battery Time: My only suggestion to you is to not charge your iPod more than 4 hours. If you do the battery life will ware down a lot, and I mean A LOT, quiker. Also, don't charge your iPod untill it has completely lost charge, this will also increase battery life span. If your battery does stop working there is a store online that I came across one day that does actually teach you how to take apart your ipod and install a new battery, the cost is around $150. To find the web site click in "New iPod batteries" in your key word search.

(2)Warrenty: If you feel that you aren't careful enough and that you need a little insurance, you can buy an extended warrenty that will cover SOME damages you might put on to your iPod, the price is about $50. Another good way to keep your iPod safe is to buy a jacket/cover for it.

(3)Easy Scratches and Marks: If your that obsessed to keep it good looking than buy a cover for it, the average cost for a cover is about $20.

(4)No Fire-Wire Port: You can't get around this problem if you have a computer like, for example, a Dell that requires a USB port connecter. There are only two solutions to this problem. {a}Buy a fire-wire card: this solution will cost you about $40 dollars and it takes a little time to install. I wouldn't suggest this solution unless you have other products that require a fire-wire port as well. Or you can {b} buy a 20 dollar chord that connects to your iPod and then splits into a USB chord and a fire-wire chord.

(5)iTunes Frustration: OK I have been determined to find way to get around the frustrating style of iTunes and find a way to be able to load new songs into my iPod without keeping the enormous amount of songs on there as well. I saw on an earlier review that you can use "deauthorizing" to fix this problem, however he/she didn't explain what that means, so untill someone clarifies on that method here's mine. There is another program for iPod handling that is pretty much for Windows users called Ephod. It is free and easy to download from the internet. This system allows you to take songs from the iTunes library and synchronize them with your iPod. So it basically loads one song at a time and doesn't require you to have every song on your hardrive as you do on your iPod. WARNING: Make sure that you make the iTunes-iPod options to manuel or when you plug in your iPod your memory will be erased.

Well that's about all I have to say. I hope it was helpful.

Why you shouldn't worry and just enjoy the iPod
I bought an iPod because -- well, I love mp3s, and I'm a sucker for marketing ploys, I confess. The huge capacity, even in a small model, the nice huge LCD screen (compared to most players), the fun of iTunes (and it is fun) -- I took the plunge, bought, and I'm completely satisfied.

In my humble opinion, there are only two issues to be had with the iPod, and neither worries me:

1) Battery life. Yes, apparently, the battery will run out eventually, at some point in the future, and I will have to shell out $99 for a new battery (I could do it myself for $49 but ARE YOU CRAZY? There's no way I'm risking the life of my prrecioussss...). Huh. Yeah, that's upsetting. Some unknown date in the future, several years from now, I may have to replace a battery for $99. That's horrible. Shocking. Honestly? It's not that big a deal. In three years, you'll probably go through two sets, at least, of rechargeable batteries -- that could run you $30 or so. Plus the charger, another $20, maybe. So that's $50 right there I'd have spent otherwise. Most importantly, the Lithium battery in the iPod could last you for anywhere from 2 to 10 years, depending on how you use it (...).I think that's long enough that everyone should stop worrying about the battery issue.

2) The case. Yes, to be fair, the darn thing scratches if you even look at it funny. I suspect that's the price we pay for it being so pearly-white and purty. Well, there are two solutions. One, buy a case. Simple. Two, buy iCleaner, which works like a charm. Seriously, for all I know, other products (such as Ice Creme) work too, but iCleaner's what I bought and it's flawless. Nor was it that expensive, really, considering how much you get.

Personally,I think it's a great little machine and I've been in love with mine for months now. Enjoy yours!

The Best mp3 Jukebox Out There
Apple has really done it this time, with their iPods that are getting more and more popular every day, especially with the iPod minis, available in 5 different colors. This 15 GB iPod is so user-friendly, any non-computer genius can use it. The fact that iTunes automatically updates your iPod when you plug it in is even cooler. The only reason I give the iPod four stars, is because the iPod itself, especially the metal back, scratches very easily. This can be easily solved with the use of a case that can be purchased at any Best Buy or other electronics store in your area.

I have purchased a few mp3 players and jukeboxes before, but none of them come close to the user friendliness and quality that the iPod brings. I purchased a RCA Lyra Jukebox and a Rio 20GB Jukebox, and returned both within 2 weeks. Why? The two were jsut not quality products. The fact that this iPod is such a good quality buy is making me consider purchasing a Mac computer!

Another note: if your computer does not have a firewire port, then you need to purchase an iPod USB Dock Connector, which can be purchased at Target, Circuit City, or any other electronics store.

Great for Motorcycles
I bought the iPod for use on my motorcycle. My touring bike has a small "glove" box in the fairing and a power (cigarette lighter) source can be installed. There's also a jack for headphones that plugs into the iPod.

I downloaded about 1,000 songs so far, and the downloads have been very simple. The sound quality is outstanding, and the ability to create playlists and organize music is also quite easy.

I looked at Minidiscs, and I'm glad that I spent the extra $100 and bought the iPod. So, if there are any fellow bikers out there, I would recommend this product.

Great Product for anyone who has a LOT of music!
I really enjoy my iPod. I got it about two months ago and already it is about 1/3 filled. The design is great and it allows me to listen to all my show tunes anywhere. However, there are a few details that can be annoying. First of all, the apple website states that with a fully charged battery (three hours of charging) one can play music for 8 hours straight. That is incorrect. After I charged my iPod overnight (eight hours) it allowed me about 3 hours of playing time, less that half of what was advertised. Another annoyance is that it gets scratched really easily. The coverplate on my already has some permanent scratches. Also, if you aren't planning on carrying more than 1000 songs, just get the iPod mini for $50 less. It's a great product. ... Read more

Features

• 4 GB model holds up to 1,000 songs; supports MP3, AAC, WAV, MP3 VBR, Audible (6), and AIFF formats
• Mac and Windows compatible; FireWire and USB 2.0 interface for fastest digital transfer available
• 1.67 inch (diagonal) backlit screen displays full song names and more
• More than 8 hour battery life on a 3 hour charge (1-hour fast charge to 80% capacity)
• Comes with earbud headphones, belt clip, AC adapter, FireWire cable, and USB 2.0 cable

Reviews (196)

Small But Powerful
The iPod mini is built from the ground up as a portable device for people with fast-paced lives. It's small and lightweight physical dimensions are perfectly suited to be being placed in a pants or shirt pocket without being a burden.

But don't let its light weight fool you into thinking the iPod mini is a pushover. The 4GB hard drive (3.7 GB actual) can hold about 1,000 songs - enough to last almost three full days. The installed software includes four games; a calendar; a notepad; a contact database; a clock; backlight with timer; an alarm clock; and the abilities to customize the main menu; create playlists; and rate songs. All this is in addition to being able to be used as an external hard drive!

However, the most revolutionary aspect of the iPod mini (aside from it's size and weight) is its control interface. Incorporating the 'Menu', 'Pause/Play', 'Forward' and 'Back' buttons directly to the touch sensitive scroll wheel not only creates simplicity from a design standpoint, but form a user one as well. Accessing these controls is a breeze. Thankfully the touch wheel is designed well enough that accidental pressing of a control is unlikely to occur since you have to press down a bit to activate the button. I'd actually like to see the entire iPod line adopt this interface.

Some people complain that the iPod mini is only slightly cheaper than the 20 GB iPod and offers a lot less storage space. But what you loose in storage space you gain in portability. It is also important to consider that compared to other players of its size and weight, the iPod mini offers much more storage space, many more features, and a better music jukebox in iTunes 4.0.

I want to carry the most music I can in the smallest possible device that offers the best interface and features. For me, that device is unquestionably the iPod mini. If you have similar demands of a portable music device, the iPod mini is sure to become a permanent accessory to your lifestyle.

Small in Size not in Functionality
The iPod mini is built from the ground up as a portable device for people with fast-paced lives. It's small and lightweight physical dimensions are perfectly suited to be being placed in a pants or shirt pocket without being a burden.

But don't let its light weight fool you into thinking the iPod mini is a pushover. The 4GB hard drive (3.7 GB actual) can hold about 1,000 songs - enough to last almost three full days. The installed software includes four games; calendar; notepad; contact database; clock; backlight with timer; alarm clock; and the abilities to customize the main menu; create playlists; and rate songs. All this is in addition to being able to be used as an external hard drive.

However, the most revolutionary aspect of the iPod mini (aside from it's size and weight) is its control interface. Incorporating the 'Menu', 'Pause/Play', 'Forward' and 'Back' buttons directly to the touch sensitive scroll wheel not only creates simplicity from a design standpoint, but form a user one as well. Accessing these controls is a breeze. Thankfully the touch wheel is designed well enough that accidental pressing of a control is unlikely to occur since you have to press down a bit to activate the button. I'd actually like to see the entire iPod line adopt this interface.

Some people complain that the iPod mini is only slightly cheaper than the 20 GB iPod and offers a lot less storage space. But what you loose in storage space you gain in portability. It is also important to consider that compared to other players of its size and weight, the iPod mini offers much more storage space, many more features, and a better music jukebox in iTunes 4.0.

I want to carry the most music I can in the smallest possible device that offers the best interface and features. For me, that device is unquestionably the iPod mini. If you have similar demands of a portable music device, the iPod mini is sure to become a permanent accessory to your lifestyle.

SO CuTE
The funny thing is some people waited for over 3 months to get their mini ipod's, 5 days before christmas my mom went to target to get started on her christmas shopping, and she got the last blue one! The mini ipod is the cuttest thing i have ever gotten in my life, and one of the best gifts! my sister who has a dell music player and for the same price got 9,000 songs laughed at me! grated dell has a better deal, but who really needs 9,000 songs? the mini ipod is light weight so when i go running or i am working out i can't even feel it. although the battery life isn't what it says to be the ipod is still wonderful!

Amazing!
I got my pink ipod mini about a week ago as sort of a pre-Christmas present. Anyway I love it. With the itunes cards which target also sells it is really easy to download music. I would like to suggest that anyone who does get a ipod mini should get an ipod dock, not a mini ipod dock. The mini ipod's are not plastic on the outside like the regular ipods. The ipod mini's have a brushed metal outer case and if you use the ipod mini with the ipod mini dock, your beautiful new ipod will get all scratched up on the front. I hope this helps anyone thinking of buying one of the ipods or mini ipods.

Mini Ipod..definately worth it.
When I first saw the mini Ipods i feel in love with the different colors. I decided to ask for one for my birthday, I got it. I have fallen in love with it. At first I wanted a regular Ipod, but the regular ones hold a TON of music, and since I get bored with songs easily, having a smaller one would make more sense considering my CD collection is quite small since I usually just listen to music on the computer. And when you think about, 1,000 songs.. that is A LOT of songs. You can also just delete the songs you don't want anymore and put new ones on it.

I must say me being a 14-year old girl and being absolutely obsessed with the color pink also persuaded me in asking for a pink mini Ipod. White is just boring.. to me that is. This review probably isn't very helpful, but mini Ipod all the way. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

Speck Products' 3G SkinTight iPod skin protects a user's 3G iPod against dust, knocks, and scratches, letting users enjoy their favorite music while on the move. iPod skins are made of shock-absorbing, tear-resistant Kraton plastic, which is easy to apply and lasts for years. In addition, the bottom flap pivots open, so you can dock your iPod without removing it from the case. To apply, simply stretch the elastomer skin over your iPod from the skin's bottom opening or the scroll wheel cutout. The skin comes in a translucent cobalt blue color, though Speck Products also sells clear and lime-colored skins, each of which fits the 10, 15, 20, 30, and 40 third-generation (3G) iPod models. ... Read more

Features

• Flexible blue iPod skin cover designed for 3G iPods
• Protects iPod from dust, knocks, and scratches
• Made of shock-absorbing, tear-resistant Kraton plastic
• Bottom flap pivots open for iPod docking
• Applies easily by stretching elastomer material from bottom opening

Product Description

The simplest and easiest way to carry the fashionably, compact iPod mini. Show your true colors as you walk down the street and around town.Turn your iPod mini into a hands-free fashion accessory with this neck lanyard. Attach the lanyard to the Dock connector on your iPod mini, adjust the length to fit and put on some music ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Stylish
I like the lanyard, it holds the iPod Mini even when I yank at it and jump around. Good for Mini owners with Shuffle envy. A lot better to carry around your iPod than the belt clip. I don't want to see it when it gets dirty though, no cleaning instructions included. Overall, I'm satisfied, but it could've been alot cheaper. Remember Apple, he Mini is supposed to be the LOW cost alternative. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

Most iPod jackets offer either a hard exterior or a skin-tight fit, which protects a music player from scratches and blemishes but provides minimal protection when dropped on the ground. The iPod action jacket, on the other hand, is soft and safe, with a thick 2.5 mm neoprene exterior that cushions your iPod from knocks and blows. Ideal as a workout partner, the action jacket can clip to your pants via the swivel belt clip or wrap around your wrist or arm for hands-free use. It also features a pair of textured rubber grips on the side, so you can hold the jacket securely even when your hands are wet. As with the best iPod cases, listeners can still operate the iPod while it's in the jacket thanks to the click wheel opening (with access to the four function buttons) and display window. In addition, the case features a Velcro tab at the top for reaching the Hold button. The action jacket is compatible with both the Apple iPod and iPod by HP.

What's in the Box
Action jacket, swivel belt clip, armband. ... Read more

Features

• Soft iPod storage case designed for active use
• Thick 2.5 mm neoprene exterior cushions iPod from rough handling
• Comes with swivel belt clip and armband for secure attachment
• Play-through click wheel and button openings; clear vinyl display window
• Textured rubber side grips hold securely in the hand

Features

• 4 GB model holds up to 1,000 songs; supports MP3, AAC, WAV, MP3 VBR, Audible (6), and AIFF formats
• Mac and Windows compatible; FireWire and USB 2.0 interface for fastest digital transfer available
• 1.67 inch (diagonal) backlit screen displays full song names and more
• More than 8 hour battery life on a 3 hour charge (1-hour fast charge to 80% capacity)
• Comes with earbud headphones, belt clip, AC adapter, FireWire cable, and USB 2.0 cable

Reviews (196)

Small But Powerful
The iPod mini is built from the ground up as a portable device for people with fast-paced lives. It's small and lightweight physical dimensions are perfectly suited to be being placed in a pants or shirt pocket without being a burden.

But don't let its light weight fool you into thinking the iPod mini is a pushover. The 4GB hard drive (3.7 GB actual) can hold about 1,000 songs - enough to last almost three full days. The installed software includes four games; a calendar; a notepad; a contact database; a clock; backlight with timer; an alarm clock; and the abilities to customize the main menu; create playlists; and rate songs. All this is in addition to being able to be used as an external hard drive!

However, the most revolutionary aspect of the iPod mini (aside from it's size and weight) is its control interface. Incorporating the 'Menu', 'Pause/Play', 'Forward' and 'Back' buttons directly to the touch sensitive scroll wheel not only creates simplicity from a design standpoint, but form a user one as well. Accessing these controls is a breeze. Thankfully the touch wheel is designed well enough that accidental pressing of a control is unlikely to occur since you have to press down a bit to activate the button. I'd actually like to see the entire iPod line adopt this interface.

Some people complain that the iPod mini is only slightly cheaper than the 20 GB iPod and offers a lot less storage space. But what you loose in storage space you gain in portability. It is also important to consider that compared to other players of its size and weight, the iPod mini offers much more storage space, many more features, and a better music jukebox in iTunes 4.0.

I want to carry the most music I can in the smallest possible device that offers the best interface and features. For me, that device is unquestionably the iPod mini. If you have similar demands of a portable music device, the iPod mini is sure to become a permanent accessory to your lifestyle.

Small in Size not in Functionality
The iPod mini is built from the ground up as a portable device for people with fast-paced lives. It's small and lightweight physical dimensions are perfectly suited to be being placed in a pants or shirt pocket without being a burden.

But don't let its light weight fool you into thinking the iPod mini is a pushover. The 4GB hard drive (3.7 GB actual) can hold about 1,000 songs - enough to last almost three full days. The installed software includes four games; calendar; notepad; contact database; clock; backlight with timer; alarm clock; and the abilities to customize the main menu; create playlists; and rate songs. All this is in addition to being able to be used as an external hard drive.

However, the most revolutionary aspect of the iPod mini (aside from it's size and weight) is its control interface. Incorporating the 'Menu', 'Pause/Play', 'Forward' and 'Back' buttons directly to the touch sensitive scroll wheel not only creates simplicity from a design standpoint, but form a user one as well. Accessing these controls is a breeze. Thankfully the touch wheel is designed well enough that accidental pressing of a control is unlikely to occur since you have to press down a bit to activate the button. I'd actually like to see the entire iPod line adopt this interface.

Some people complain that the iPod mini is only slightly cheaper than the 20 GB iPod and offers a lot less storage space. But what you loose in storage space you gain in portability. It is also important to consider that compared to other players of its size and weight, the iPod mini offers much more storage space, many more features, and a better music jukebox in iTunes 4.0.

I want to carry the most music I can in the smallest possible device that offers the best interface and features. For me, that device is unquestionably the iPod mini. If you have similar demands of a portable music device, the iPod mini is sure to become a permanent accessory to your lifestyle.

SO CuTE
The funny thing is some people waited for over 3 months to get their mini ipod's, 5 days before christmas my mom went to target to get started on her christmas shopping, and she got the last blue one! The mini ipod is the cuttest thing i have ever gotten in my life, and one of the best gifts! my sister who has a dell music player and for the same price got 9,000 songs laughed at me! grated dell has a better deal, but who really needs 9,000 songs? the mini ipod is light weight so when i go running or i am working out i can't even feel it. although the battery life isn't what it says to be the ipod is still wonderful!

Amazing!
I got my pink ipod mini about a week ago as sort of a pre-Christmas present. Anyway I love it. With the itunes cards which target also sells it is really easy to download music. I would like to suggest that anyone who does get a ipod mini should get an ipod dock, not a mini ipod dock. The mini ipod's are not plastic on the outside like the regular ipods. The ipod mini's have a brushed metal outer case and if you use the ipod mini with the ipod mini dock, your beautiful new ipod will get all scratched up on the front. I hope this helps anyone thinking of buying one of the ipods or mini ipods.

Mini Ipod..definately w