Features

• Discontinued by manufacturer, replaced by model #M9245LL/A
• Mac and Windows compatible; FireWire and USB 2.0 interface for fastest digital transfer available
• Included 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; includes wired remote control, remodeled headphones, and carrying case with belt clip

Reviews (104)

I hate to say that an Apple was worth the price but....
Ok, so I was a bit slow come around to the most expensive toy I've owned for some time. Silly me. As a PC owner, I stood by the sidelines and watched the world bash Apple for the iPod being non PC and then not working well when it was finally allowed to touch the world of Mr. Gates! Well, all I can say is that MusicMatch installed to my IBM Thinkpad with Win2kPro along with a cheap-[ ] PCMCIA Firewire from Fry's and within about 10 minutes time I was in the process of loading 20mb of music on my 30mb iPod!!! My installation was painless!
MusicMatch is not bad music management software. It works for me probably because I READ the manual and the Review boards to learn about its quirks. (I am waiting to try ephpod and MusicX softwares to see if they are any faster)
Let's just say that inspite of not being perfect, the iPod is the most comfortable way to carry an incredible amount of music nearly anyplace! It was my link to sanity while traveling on English trains for the better part of a month!
The battery life is close enough to 8 hours to be ok and there are a couple of battery pack options should you need to fly for more than 8 hours. The worldwide poweradapter is so small that I just keep that handy along with the interchangeable plugs and a quick power-up is only an hour away. Earbuds and other accessories are better than average. Better earbuds and earphones only make the iPod sound better. What would make this better... uhhh a better display and the ability to support USB 2.0 out of the box. Speaking of which... the process of opening the box of the iPod is so well engineered and thought out that it is an experience that rivals Christmas morning. I am not ready to give up my Thinkpad but this little gem makes me think that Apple has plenty of life left to be a player in the digital arts for time to come! Spend the extra money... you will only regret settling for something that is not as good as the iPod.

iPod still leader of the pack
Many portable MP3 players have hit the market in recent years but few have been so well executed as the Apple iPod. With sleek looks and a huge storage capacity for music files (MP3, AAC), Audible audio books, and other files, this player still beats all the other ones out there.

What I really liked:
- huge storage capacity
- nice looks, feels great in my hand or pocket
- absolutely LOVE the scroll pad so I can go through thousands of songs in an instant
- above average battery life (approx. 8 hrs)
- Firewire (a/k/a IEEE 1394, iLink) connectivity is FAST (noticably faster than USB 2.0 when transferring large amounts of data)
- can be used as a removable disk for data backup purposes

What I didn't like as much:
- pricey
- no color display, although this would probably come at the expense of battery life
- case and screen scratch easily (make sure to use a case!)
- no USB cord included for those without a Firewire port

If you received the MusicMatch software with your iPod, make sure to check out Apple iTunes (both for Windows and Mac), as it integrates much better with the iPod (both made by the same company, makes sense right?). iTunes also includes the iTunes Music Store where you can download songs for less than a buck each.

In short, iPod and iTunes is a combination that is truly hard to beat!

Great interface, good sound
Have had my 30 GB iPod since November 2003, and am still loving it. Very few complaints - the sound quality is excellent, the user interface is easy to use, and the syncing with iTunes works flawlessly.

Probably the best feature of the iPod is the easy to use/navigate user interface - it's a snap to find the song you want quickly or build a playlist on the fly. It's also nice how the statistics from your iPod use such as number of times each song is played, date last played, and ratings (0 to 5 stars) carry over to iTunes and vice versa. The smart playlists from iTunes also work, so, for example, I have a playlist on my iPod of all songs rated between 3 and 5 stars which haven't been played in the last month. Pretty nifty.

Highly recommended - a little pricey, but you won't regret it - I get way more use out of my iPod than I did from my first MP3 player - a flash memory based one with a mediocre interface and small storage capacity.

PS: The iTunes Music Store is cool!

The BEST Thing Since Sliced Bread!!!!!!!
This IS the best thing since sliced bread! No wonder it was rated as last year's Best Invention. If you are like me and have a huge CD collection (literally 1,000's!) and your passengers in the car are sick and tired of carrying all your CD's on road trips, then wait no longer, the iPod is your lifetime solution. Not only is this thing made very durably (it's lasted me over a year now with no problems or repairs - even though it's taken a few drops and other minor beatings). The iPod is also great because it is light in weight, user friendly (so even you technology-illerate people will have an easy time getting started), aesthetically nice looking, and very easy to organize and store your music. I listen to a large variety of music (ex: bossa nova, jazz, classic rock, gospel, blues, classical, r&b, house/dance music, etc....just to name a few) so it was so nice to be able to create as many playlists as I wanted for each genre of music I listen to! Whenever you play your music, there will be a display showing how many minutes have passed in the song and how many remain. Lastly, for those of you who insist on staying in the stone age with your PC's (MAC's truly ARE the new wave of the future!), rest assured, the iPod is compatible with PC's. I can't say enough great things about this thing. Do yourself a favor and buy one for a friend or family member. They will love you eternally for it!

iPod, audio books, and driving
I have used mp3 files and mp3 players years before Apple joined the game. (Despite their excellent marketing, they did not invent the genre - they certainly did, however, up the ante.) My primary use is listening to audio books during my 40 minute commute each way to work. I have used the fabulous audible.com service for years now ... and on 3 different players. The iPod is excellent for music, but surprisingly mediocre for audio books while driving. The reason is the very poor ergonomic design of employing "buttons" that cannot be identified by touch alone (while one's eyes are on the road). It is very easy while driving to hit the wrong button (since there is no way of feeling which is the pause or reverse button) and "rewind" the book to the beginning (or even to another book). Hitting the wrong button is a minor annoyance for a 3-minute song. But trying to relocate your place in a 12-hour audio book while dodging tanker trucks is another story. I strongly urge Apple to add back the tactile buttons that were available on the 1st generation models. Fellow commuters who love audio books should consider this when purchasing a player. (BTW, on a separate note, the box and packaging the iPod comes in is an example of design perfection. Congratulations to whoever conceived this!) ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

Made of durable, 1.5 mm injection-molded rubber, the Jam Jacket from DLO (Digital Lifestyle Outfitters) is designed to protect all first-generation Apple iPod music players (5, 10, and 20 GB) against scratches during active use. The snazzy, translucent case offers an easy-grip, jelly-like (hence "Jam") texture to help keep your precious music player safe in hand. The jacket's design carefully maintains access to all of your iPod's key features, from the scroll wheel to the FireWire port, headphone jack, and hold switch. ... Read more

Features

• Grippy feel to help prevent the iPod from slipping from your grip
• A top opening that provides complete access to the headphone/remote jack & Hold Button
• Color - Clear
• Made of durable, injection-molded rubber
• Color: clear

Features

• 40 GB model holds up to 10,000 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
• Included 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; includes dock, wired remote control, earbud headphones, carrying case, and AC adapter

Reviews (131)

Steve Jobs wants you to be cool!
Apple's always at the top of their game - whatever game that is - and this top of the line iPod is no exception. Let's pause a moment for the analysis:

40 GB. That's roughly 40,000 megabytes. Using today's AAC or mp3 music encoding technology, a 72 minute album rarely consumes more than 80 megabytes - even at near-CD quality. What does that mean to you? Yeah, you did the math right - 500 albums. You could sit there and play music 24/7 for nearly a month without repeating. Or head down to your local club and be DJ for the night - just slip the iPod out of your pocket and plug into the sound system!

OK, so it'll hold all your music. But what the numbers don't tell you is that it holds your music in STYLE. About the size of a stack of 8 credit cards, and only a trifle heavier, this'll fit on your belt, in your sleeve, in your backpack's cellphone pocket, in your purse, or wherever else you want to put it with no hassle. The controls lock so jostling around doesn't accidently push buttons. And what cool buttons they are - the 'scrollwheel pad' and no-click touchbuttons make for an easy, fun and durable interface.

Also, the thing just looks darn cool - with its white front, silver back, and little backlit screen, it's got instant 'bling bling' credibility, day or night.

It comes with everything you need - belt clip, earbuds, dock to recharge the battery and transfer music over from your Firewire- or USB 2.0-equipped computer. But I'd recommend two additions: first, the optional FireWire cable makes this into a portable 40G hard drive, highly useful in today's information age. (I carry a copy of the human genome around on mine.) Second, ditch the included headphones and grab a pair of the Sony neodymium-magnet earbuds, model #MDR-EX70LP. They transform your iPod from merely great to INSANELY great.

Cool tunes to ya, my friend!

There simply is no better
Most MP3 player's are the complete and utter waste of money, as they cannot store enough music to encompass a single CD, and transferring songs takes eons. The iPod is simply amazing as it can store 500+ CDs (8000+ songs) for the 40GB version, and transfer songs roughly 10 to 12 times faster through the zippy Firewire or USB2.0 connection.

I got the one for Windows, originally bundled with MusicMatch Jukebox. That program has one of the more horrific and cumbersome interfaces that I have ever used. Fortunately, with iTunes for Windows this is no longer an issue. The iTunes program is the ONLY commercial FREE software that allows one to rip CDs in using MP3 format. It works beautifully for archiving music and seemlessly sychronizing with the iPod, and of course being Apple, it has an wonderfully intuitive interface.

Besides the highlights mentioned, another nice tidbit is that there are PDA-like facilities to view notes, calendar info, and contact info. I export my contacts in Outlook to VCard format (.vcf) and copy them to the contact folder on the iPod, and voila, I got contact info.

One uncanny thing about the iPod is that is supports many languages including C-J-K (Chinese, Japanese, and Korean) for both displaying music files in those languages, but also contact information. This makes it the **ONLY** device that can display all those languages for PDA purposes and music playback purposes. The iTunes for Windows also supports C-J-K languages as well, making it the **ONLY** MP3 player (except the privacy invading WMP) that can work with those languages.

My only minor complaint is that I wish there was more developer information so that I could more easily develop programs for the iPod.

Battery Problem Solved!
Apple, like any company, has issues. Their products break and they fix them...most of the time. Bottom line is that my iPod had gone through hell about 5 times, and they've replaced it quickly every time.
Now, this battery thing seems to be the biggest issue people are having. However, there is an easy $40 dollar solution if you don't want to buy the extended warranty: www.ipodbattery.com They sell replacement batteries and teach you how to install them. Easy as pie.
I doubt you'll get as good performance or ease of repair with any of the other MP3 players out there. I've tried a friend's DellPod and it's clunky, and each song plays at a different frequency. Soundcheck cuts away that problem alltogether. YOu can access the entire thing single-handedly, and it takes seconds to update your collection. 3rd party software also lets you transfer songs from the iPod, keep a calendar with events and even add new games on! Check out www.macupdate.com for all of these programs and more. The world of iTunes and the iPod is pretty fantastic and makes music really fun. I have about 7 GB of movies and 18 GB of music on my iPod, not to mention that you can even read Word documents RIGHT ON THE iPOD ITSELF! Another program allows an unlimited word limit, so you could read a 180 pg. document right on your iPod. Insanely easy to read scripts or notes or go over a draft when you're not at your computer. There are so many features that a $300-$500 investment is well worth...especially considering I've had my Pod for almost 2 years now.

Best thing I ever bought
I Got an iPod last December and It's probably the best thing out there in size, music playing ability, style ext. It's just as good as a palm pilot. You can read, play games, anything. I love everything about it. Even if you hate music you can love iPod. It holds MONTHS of audio books. You can transfer files from one computer to another. It's the best thing I ever bought. If you try to find something better your wasting your time.

INCREDIBLE gadget!!!!
The Ipod 40gb is just awesome. It took me a few weeks to download EVERY CD in my collection, but it was worth it! Great sound, nice styling, easy to navigate. It doesn't get any better than this!! One of the coolest things I've ever bought! (Which means that next year, there will be a smaller IPOD, that holds twice as much, at half the cost!!!! LOL) ... Read more

Features

• Precise stitching and high-quality Schoeller woven nylon
• Durable steel belt spring clip
• Allows you to clip your old styleiPod to your belt, purse, or backpack
• Made with legendary Apple quality

Reviews (5)

If you want protection, then don't buy this case
Quite simply the case is so hard, I noticed a small scratch on my ipod screen after it had been in this so called protective case. Do yourself a favour and buy an iskin exo. a cover made of silicone that fits like a skin to your ipod and allows you to access the buttons, hold switch and attach your firewire and headphones without haveing to remove the Ipod from it.

Don't waste the money!
I've got the 20gb iPod and mine did come with this case. Like other reviewers said, it's a pain to pull the machine out when you want to change a setting. The clip is really poor quality as well - I only used it a few times and the thing just snapped off. Do yourself a favor and by a nice after-market case...you'll save yourself a lot of agravation and probably save some $$ too.

If you want to USE the ipod, look elsewhere.
This case came with the ipod I purchased; in fact, it's one of the reasons I didn't purchase the 10G model. However, as a previous reviewer stated, you simply cannot use the ipod while it's in this case - it's only good for transporting it. There are other case options available that allow you to leave the ipod in the case and access its controls. I'm personally waiting for the Xtreme Mac case to become available. All controls can be accessed inside the case. You can charge the ipod while it is in the case (you can't with this case). It costs less and is made of leather, not nylon.

The perfect case....if you want to lose or break your iPod
Ipod case...How do I hate thee, let me count the ways:

1- This case offers no access to the iPod screen or buttons so you have to pull the (slippery) iPod out any time you want to do anything. Considering it is likely attached to your belt while you're pulling it out and the iPod itself is practically frictionless it is only a matter of time before the iPod takes a four foot dive to the pavement.

2- The case itself is quite hard, offering very little shock protection if it were dropped.

3- The belt clip has a fairly week spring making it easy to pull off your belt without disengaging the clip...not very secure at all. My iPod came off my belt on it's own the first day I had it while I was in the car, simply because I was in a sitting position. That's all it took to push it off my belt. Luckily I was in the car so no damage was done.

4- The top is completely open which, on one hand, makes it easier to pull the iPod out of the case to access the buttons, which you have to do thanks to the poor design of this case, but it also gives the iPod an exit so it can escape on it's own, say, while you're at the gym doing squats.

5- Considering that this case is the most expensive one out there you'd think it could be made out of something other than industrial strength cardboard wrapped in nylon.

At the top of this case is a very tastefull little tag with the Apple logo embroidered into it. This is what you are paying for with this case. If that is enough to make you buy it, don't...it's not visible unless you take the iPod out and look inside the case, so people won't even know that you have a name-brand case. Look elsewhere; you will pay less for more.

Excellent qualify
I was a bit teeded off when my ipod didn't come with the carrying case as the 15 and 30 gig does. But YOU do need a carrying case for the ipod and this one, from Apple, is simply the best. It is expensive for a small case but it is made very well and solid and should lasts for years. It looks as good as it feels. Except for the $$ price tag, this thing is perfect!! ... Read more

Features

• iPod power charger for use during long airline flights
• 15-volt adapter plugs into armrest of many commercial planes
• Alternate 15-volt DC cigarette lighter adapter fits some planes and cars
• Duraflex jacket and strain relief collar offer flexibility and durability
• Corrosion-resistant 24k gold contacts; 3.3-foot cord

Features

• 20 GB model holds up to 5,000 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
• Included 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; includes dock, wired remote control, earbud headphones, carrying case, and AC adapter

Reviews (180)

Simply AWESOME!
This is great. Now I have two of them. I bought one of the original 5 GB models and thought at that time they were expensive, but soon found out that even the smaller model would keep as many songs as I would ever want for a business flight.

I realized the iPod was so much more when I had disk problems on my Macintosh. Luckily I had a backup copy of my OS on it and used it to boot my machine. I was back in the saddle in a minute, and in fact, I accidentally continued to use the iPod as the startup disk for that whole session while working on huge graphics files!

The iPod can be used to transfer files from work to home and vice versa. Contacts and calenders make it easy to keep track of things without a PDA (even though you can't add anything without using a PC/Mac). I have used both iPods with an old Pentium III PC and the music transfer is smooth as silk. I did a lot of shopping this time around and the other players out there just don't have what it takes. Either the controls are in goofy places or the software isn't intuitive. While you CAN learn to use anything, why should it be a pain?

I now have one of the 20 GB models and can store large presentations on it when I travel, and since they usually have a PC at the other end, I can leave my laptop at home and am much happier not having to lug that around.

PC and Mac users will benefit from this device, especially if you are innovative, or you happen to find innovative software which is widely available and cheap or free. One example is: Before my flight, I can download newsbites and sports scores and quickly transfer it to the iPod for a diversion at the airport or on the flight. For the person visiting family, you can bring along the latest digital pics, long lost recipes, etc. and transfer/print them when you get there. (My parents don't do email that well)

While the iPod isn't a PDA, it has many of those functions and is a lot more fun. Most importantly, the iPod is an AWESOME and versatile music player.

Just what I needed
I went to a store that had about 10 portable audio players on display. I was immediately sold on the iPod for it's ease of use and functionality.

Pros
The dial is awesome - easy to select items.
Selecting music is easy - Accelerated jog is nice.
Sound is very decent - Earbuds are more than adequate with clean sound.
Compact size - Great portability. I even stick it in my short pocket.
Customizable Main Menu - I don't buy individual songs so I have only Albums and playlists displayed.

Contacts and Calendar - I use this daily. Alarm and clock are handy for me.
Wired Remote Control - I leave this hooked up to my car stereo.
Games - Solitare is nice when I'm waiting around and there's nothing to look at.
Case with clip - very sturdy

Cons
Battery - Drains quickly when downloading songs since the Firewire connnection does not recharge on a PC. Battery life is about 8 hours.
Doesn't play wma files.
iTunes -
1. Auto mode requires you to keep songs on computer, so I use manual mode.
2. Most new music is not worth listening to anyway.
3. Also it would be handy to view what's on my ipod and what I want to add in same window.
4. Can't upload from ipod to compter. You need anapod for that.

Overall I find this to be a great solid device with the limited PDA being a good feature. If battery life was around 12 hours it would get 5 stars.

After the Honeymoon, I want a Divorce
I've had this for 2 weeks. Now that the honeymoon is over, let me tell ya....

While Apple's iPod is in a class of its own, I think the hype surpasses the quality of the product.

1. Songs skip.

2. Without a remote with an LCD display, you have to grab the unit itself. With sweaty hands at the gym, that's nerve wrecking!

3. With the remote, since there's NO DISPLAY, you can easily return to the main menu.

4. When you are playing a song and choose to navigate through the menu to select the next song, sometime the song that's playing stops - sometimes not.

5. Is it my imagination or do some songs cut off early?

6. Many songs/artists/albums appear twice! Or there's a case where I look up artist and find Janet, but I don't see one of her songs. I have to go to Genre and there that song is. Why wasn't it under her name? Confusing!

7. The RCA video/music player is already stepping into the next level. I almost regret not getting that instead, but I'll buy it later.

My suggested solution(s) to Apple:

Create a darn remote control with an LCD display. Sony's top minidisc players have them. Other MP3 players have them. It CAN be done. Offer it as an "extra" accessory. People will PAY to be able to stash that iPod in a safe place and navigate through music safely with a remote control.

Buyer Beware
The I Pod is by far the best of all MP 3 players. However, it has its problems mainly with freezing. My kept freezing and none of Apple suggestions seem to work. So if you want a player that doesn't freeze and just as easy to use go with the new mini disc player. You'll be less frustated and happier you did.

New IPOD released today. Don't Waste your cash on this one.
There is a new IPOD being released soon. They are at least a hundred dollars cheaper and with more battery life. Don't waste your money on this item. ... 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 theSpeck SK-BLUE-SHUF - iPod Shuffle Skin - Blue and all other Speck iPOD Access

Features

• 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
• Made with form-fitting and lightweight Kraton polymer

Features

• Designed for the new 10GB, 15GB, & 30GB iPods
• Two credit card sleeves & one picture ID holder built-in
• Secure Snap Closure
• Pouch for earbud headphone storage on the exterior of the leather flap
• Smooth velveteen lining won't scratch your iPod during insertion or extraction

Reviews (2)

Nice Flip Case, problems though
I just got it and wasted no time slipping my 40gb ipod in for a try. It fits quite snugly and looks as you'd expect, there's a little opening near the bottom on either side so you can slip your fingers underneath and press the ipod back up and out. The flap has sleeves on the inside and a little pocket on the outside for earbuds. Overall, I like it. However, as I'm partial to the ipod dock and never having to touch cables, I find myself unsure whether I picked the right case. There's a hole to allow the dock connector cables to reach the port, but the case is too fat to slide into the dock, naking you choose between discarding the dock or using a different case. I'll try it out, but I think this configuration will eventually lead me to purchasing a belkin or speck case...

Great case
I'm 100% satisfied with this case. I wanted something that would really protect my ipod yet at the same time be very accessible. This works perfectly. It's not too big and the front pouch is roomy enough for the earphones. ... Read more

Features

• Transmits music from your portable audio player to your stereo system via a radio signal
• Lightweight and portable
• Compatible with most music players, including Apple iPod
• 3 band selection, no wiring necessary
• Battery operated or external power via DC adapter (sold separately)

Features

• Earbud-style headphones with neodymium transducers
• Wired remote with fast-forward, rewind, play/pause, and volume control
• Hold switch locks iPod remote so buttons can't be pressed accidentally
• Works with original 5 GB, 10 GB, or 20 GB iPod
• Clip the remote to your lapel, shirt, or collar for easy access

Reviews (6)

iPod Remote sucks
I have owned my Ipod for 18 months. It is the fantastic, but I am now on my 3rd remote which is not so fantastic. No matter how careful I am about twisting the wires,it seems that after a period of time they loose connection with the Ipod. I also do not like the fact that Apple bundles the earphones with the remote. I am forced to buy new earphones just to get the remote.

Best Investment For iPod
I bought this about 2 months after I bought my 10GB iPod. I thought it would be nice, but nothing big. I was wrong. It totaly changed my iPod experience. You don't know how much the ability to play/pause, skip/repeat songs, and adjust the volume without having to touch your iPod is really like until you try it. Of the three main accesories, the dock, wired remote, and carryeng case, this is the best one by far. If you own an iPod that doesn't already come with this than add this to your cart right away. You wont regret it!

Could Be Better
A decent pair of headphones that at least matches (in Apple white) the iPod's color(less) scheme. However if looks are not your primary consideration in choosing headphones for your iPod, you should probably look elsewhere. The cord is way too long and the remote (though nifty) adds even more length, sound quality is only average for the price.

World's longest cord
I love my iPod, and I love the remote: it makes it very handy to adjust the volume or change the song without having to remove the iPod from my backpack. However, as others have mentioned, the clip can be difficult to attach onto anything bulky. And just try and clip it onto something without locking the buttons first--you never know what you'll be listening to afterwards!

What I dislike the most, however, is the length of the cord. It is nearly seven feet long, from the earphones to the iPod connector. What's up with that? Generally when you're wearing earphones, isn't the item attached to you, or in incredibly close proximity? Or is this just designed for really tall people? Regardless, the cord could definitely be shorter.

Remote Good; Earphones OK
Great remote, with easy to use controls. Clips fine to my sweats that I wear while running in cold weather. Earphones are OK ... about as good as earbud-style headphones get ... I just don't like earbuds at all. So my rating is based primarily on the remote. ... Read more

Features

• For 3rd Generation iPods
• Swiveling belt clip with quick release button
• Glove-soft, full grain leather
• Color - Black

Features

• Allows 360-degree motion for maximum comfort and convenience of clip wear
• Carries your iPod, easily, anywhere-at your side or in the car-with swivel clip/dash mount feature
• Gives you a simple, easy-access connect-point to your iPod's bottom port
• Comes with Belkin Lifetime Warranty
• Complements your 10GB or 15GB iPod with dock connector with fine handcrafting, form-fit design

Reviews (1)

Great Holster, ABsolutely lousy clip
I recently upgraded to a 3G iPod. When I saw this, I thought it would be the perfect solution for those people who actually USE their iPod, not bury it in a case. If you're worried about scratches all the time, I doubt you are enjoying the music much. This would allow for easy access and quick connection connections. It would also double as a quick and easy car holder.

I received the holster and slid the iPod in. Perfect fit to my slim 3G. Excellent so far. Nice fit and quality, great grip. Then I clipped the holder on the clip. A little loose on the fit I thought. Then I squeezed the clip. It shattered. No, it wasn't cold. Room temp. The sides just cracked and the clip broke into 4 pieces. First squeeze. Upon close examination, it is made from the ultra brittle plastic you see on the cheap import cell phone cases. The ones in Wal-Mart for pennies on the dollar?

Hard to believe Belkin would make such a nice holster and then supply the cheapest clip they could find. A total failure. By the way, I dug out an old Nokia clip I had that had been in use for 2+ years every day until I retired the phone. The clip is very loose with this Belkin as the knob on the case is smaller than that on most cell phone case.

Big drag. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

The iPod is not just for Macs anymore. Windows users can now join the iPod revolution, and enjoy several exceptional new iPod features as well. The 5 GB Windows model packs 1,000 songs and a 10-hour battery life into a stunning 6.5-ounce package, and Apple ups the ante with new MusicMatch software; aredesigned, touch-sensitive scroll wheel; red-hot FireWire digital file transfers; and an overhauled calendar/scheduler.

The iPod’s setup and interface are simple: just plug it into your PC and all your songs and playlists are automatically downloaded into iPod at blazing FireWire speed--typically 15 seconds or less. (FireWire is also known to PC users as i.Link and IEEE 1394.) Don’t forget that the player also doubles as a FireWire drive for applications and other files.

In addition to its 5 GB hard drive, iPod has a 32 MB memory cache. The cache is made of solid-state memory, meaning that it has no moving parts, so it's not affected by movement of the device. Skip protection on the iPod works by continually preloading up to 20 minutes of music into the cache.

The iPod has a large, high-quality LCD (liquid crystal display) for viewing up to six lines of text. And the LCD features an LED (light-emitting diode) backlight for clear visibility in low-light situations--indoors or outdoors. Pocket-size and just 6.5 ounces, it weighs appreciably less than the stack of CDs it can store music from.

Featuring MusicMatch software, the iPod can synchronize with newly added music files and playlists. Simply plug the iPod back into your PC and the changes are automatically updated in seconds. With MusicMatch, you can rip MP3s, create playlists, and burn custom CDs all from one simple interface. And thanks to a cool new partnership with audible.com, you can now download audiobooks to the iPod.

You can also download your calendar and schedule to the iPod from applications like Outlook and Palm Desktop. Plus, the iPod now has a built-in digital clock.

The iPod's rechargeable lithium-polymer battery is charged using the FireWire cable when connected to your PC. You can also recharge the iPod using the included FireWire cable and AC adapter when you're on the go.

The iPod supports MP3 (up to 320 Kbps), MP3 VBR (variable bit rate), WAV, and AIFF files, and is firmware upgradeable. To use the iPod with your PC, you'll need a FireWire port and you must be running either Windows Me, Windows 2000, or Windows XP Home or Professional.

The unit comes with revamped earbud-style headphones, a FireWire cable, power adapter, and CD-ROM with MusicMatch. It's backed by a 90-day limited warranty. ... Read more

Features

• Discontinued by manufacturer, replaced by model #M8976LL/A
• FireWire interface for fastest digital transfer available
• Download audiobooks from Audible.com; keep up to date with new calendar/scheduler and built-in clock
• System requirements: PC with built-in FireWire or Windows-certified FireWire card; Windows Me, Windows 2000, or Windows XP Home or Professional
• Includes remodeled headphones, Musicmatch Jukebox Plus software and support for optional remote control

Reviews (23)

Firewire makes all the difference.
This review is mostly in response to a review a few down, in regards to the Firewire ports for PCs. The last two PCs I have purchased have included Firewire ports, as did my last laptop. These were not super high-end machines, either, so it isn't like I had to buy a special machine just to get a firewire card already installed. The firewire connection allows you to make song transfers at a much higher speed than USB - I would *never* want to deal with USB transfer for the volume of songs one would typically keep on an iPod.

As for the iPod itself, I've wanted one for years and was waiting for Apple to offer a Windows version. Therefore, I was already aware of its superior performance compared to other mp3 players I have tried or purchased. It is very intuitive, and you don't need to read anything in order to use it (in fact, the manual that comes with it is quite short, and doesn't cover every topic). Its compact size is very convenient, and the headphones, while small, are of excellent quality.

I use MusicMatch Jukebox with the iPod, though I do not use the install that came with the device as I already had MusicMatch Jukebox Plus on my computer. I have not encountered some of the issues raised by previous reviewers; I do not know if this is the result of a different version provided by Apple or if I've simply been lucky.

My only complaint thus far is the polished steel surface of the back casing. I need to get a case so it doesn't end up scratched.

Sure beats a clunky portable CD Player
I knew my boyfriend loved me when he got me one of these for my birthday... it sure beats using a mini radio or CD player when I go to the gym because even though it is only 5 gigs, i have over 1200 songs to choose from to help get me pumped up and stay energized during my workout. Of course, the newest models are even flossier, but 40 gigs... that blows my mind! It's like over kill! This model suits me quite well. As my boyfriend, an Apple user for years describes the iPod in one word: "FLOSS."

If your a yuppie with a wallet deeper than the oceanitsgreat
Apple iPod is a total waist of money. No way is it worth more than 200 dollars. If you want a good mp3 player you can get one for less than 200. The Arthos 10gb studio jukebox holds 2x the standard capacity of the ipod 5 and costs 1/2 as much. Also the firewire is a pain in the behind its just more money you have to throw away. Get another brand that is designed for windows. The only thing i liked about it before i replaced it was the LCD with 6 lines that was hot. But that doesnt add up. Dont buy it save your money for something better.

think twice
I bought my ipod new 1 year and 1 month ago and it has simply stopped working. After days of trying everything in the knowledge base and being blown off by the 'applecare' staff I went to an authorized apple repair service who told me to just forget about it and buy a new one and save the repair expense. He also said to be sure to get a case for it and handle it very carefully because if you happen to drop it or even lay it down on a hard surface with too much gusto, kiss it goodbye. It was swell while it lasted but I can spend a lot less on a disposable product.

i love apple but not this apple
the apple ipod 10 gb is alot better it is more classier for people that want one but want to save the 5 gb is right for them ... Read more

Features

• Grippy feel to help prevent the iPod from slipping from your grip
• A top opening that provides complete access to the headphone/remote jack & Hold Button
• Color - Aqua

Reviews (1)

If only it had a Belt Clip
Having just gotten an Ipod, I was looking for a better case than the one that comes with it from apple. The jam jacket is definetly cool, and allows for one to use the Ipod buttons, which the standard one does not. In addition, it also provides your Ipod with an almost scratch proof design. However the only problem is that it doesn't come with a belt clip that would make it easier to travel with. ... 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 theSpeck SK-GREEN-SHUF - iPod Shuffle Skin - Green and all other Speck iPOD Access

Features

• 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
• Made with form-fitting and lightweight Kraton polymer

Features

• Features a play-through design that is audio transparent, and provides total access to all the iPod's control buttons and scroll wheel
• Approximately 1.5mm thick
• Features a nice grippy feel
• Top opening provides complete access to the FireWire port, headphone jack and hold button
• Finish -Clear

Features

• Sleek silicone case hugs the iPod to provide stylish protection
• Convenient openings provide easy access to controls and ports
• Clear window protects the LCD screen
• Stretchy construction ensures a tight fit without adding bulk
• For 3rd Generation (non-click wheel) 40GB iPods; five year warranty

Amazon.com Product Description

The iPod is not just for Macs anymore. Windows users can now join the iPod revolution, and enjoy several exceptional new iPod features as well. The 10 GB Windows model packs 2,000 songs and a 10-hour battery life into a stunning 6.5-ounce package, and Apple ups the ante with new MusicMatch software; a redesigned, touch-sensitive scroll wheel; red-hot FireWire digital file transfers; a wired remote control; and an overhauled calendar/scheduler.

The iPod’s setup and interface are simple: just plug it into your PC and all your songs and playlists are automatically downloaded into iPod at blazing FireWire speed--typically 15 seconds or less. (FireWire is also known to PC users as i.Link and IEEE 1394.) Don’t forget that the player also doubles as a FireWire drive for applications and other files. This new model also comes with a FireWire port cover to protect the player from dirt and other gunk.

In addition to its 10 GB hard drive, iPod has a 32 MB memory cache. The cache is made of solid-state memory, meaning that it has no moving parts, so it's not affected by movement of the device. Skip protection on the iPod works by continually preloading up to 20 minutes of music into the cache.

The iPod has a large, high-quality LCD (liquid crystal display) for viewing up to six lines of text. And the LCD features an LED (light-emitting diode) backlight for clear visibility in low-light situations--indoors or outdoors. Pocket-size and just 6.5 ounces, it weighs appreciably less than the stack of CDs it can store music from.

Featuring MusicMatch software, the iPod can synchronize with newly added music files and playlists. Simply plug the iPod back into your PC and the changes are automatically updated in seconds. With MusicMatch, you can rip MP3s, create playlists, and burn custom CDs all from one simple interface. And thanks to a cool new partnership with audible.com, you can now download audiobooks to the iPod.

You can also download your calendar and schedule to the iPod from applications like Outlook and Palm Desktop. Plus, the iPod now has a built-in digital clock.

The iPod's rechargeable lithium-polymer battery is charged using the FireWire cable when connected to your PC. You can also recharge the iPod using the included FireWire cable and AC adapter when you're on the go.

The iPod supports MP3 (up to 320 Kbps), MP3 VBR (variable bit rate), WAV, and AIFF files, and is firmware upgradeable. To use the iPod with your PC, you'll need a FireWire port and you must be running either Windows Me, Windows 2000, or Windows XP Home or Professional.

The unit comes with a wired remote control, revamped earbud-style headphones, a FireWire cable, power adapter, and CD-ROM with MusicMatch. It's backed by a 90-day limited warranty. ... Read more

Features

• Discontinued by manufacturer, replaced by model #M8946LL/A
• FireWire interface for fastest digital transfer available; covered FireWire port
• Download audiobooks from Audible.com; keep up to date with new calendar/scheduler and built-in clock
• System requirements: PC with built-in FireWire or Windows-certified FireWire card; Windows Me, Windows 2000, or Windows XP Home or Professional
• Includes wired remote control, remodeled headphones, Musicmatch Jukebox Plus software and carrying case with belt clip

Reviews (75)

Good Hardware...Bad software
First of all, let me say that I'm returning my ipod. Why? First the good things.

1. Extremely compact.
2. Extremely easy to use. Really don't need to read the manual. The touch sensitive scroll wheel works like a charm although it's a bit too sensitive.
3. Sound Quality is very good. Volume is more than adequate for most users. Maybe an equalizer would be good (Take a hint from Creative)
4. Fast startup time.
5. Good LCD display although when the contrast is increased,black vertical bars seem to appear and when the song title scrolls, the text is not very clear.

Now the bad part.

1. [Pricey]... is a lot of money for a portable MP3 Player, but the price/storage is very attractive. Compare this to spending [less] for a top Sony MP3 player with 128MB Memory stick. Buy another memory stick and you've just spent about the price of a 10GB ipod which has 40 times the storage capacity.

2. Non removable battery. This may be a compromise done to acheive the incredible size of the ipod, but this has serious implications. In most electronics devices, the life of a battery is much shorter than most other components, so it's a fair assumption that your battery will be dead sooner than the other components in your ipod. Toshiba rates the life of the hard disk in the ipod as 5 years, but the battery will lose much of it's capacity in a period of 3 years.

3. The battery discharges on it's own after a few days even if the ipod hasn't been used. This might be a design flaw or a bug in the software.

4. The case of the ipod is very easily scratched and very fingerprint prone. You have to be very careful in handling the ipod if you want to preserve it's beauty. The mirrored back looks great but it's beauty is short lived.

5. The software included (Musicmatch Jukebox) is terrible. It's sad that Apple decided to include third party software instead of porting iTunes to Windows, because the hardware and software are light years apart. Too many problems with Jukebox to mention it here....Avoid it and use Ephpod...It's much better although you can't save your playlists in your PC with Ephpod.

All in all, when I really think about it, I feel that I should wait till a better version comes out before I fork my hard earned money. Apple has done a great job but there is a lot of room for improvements and a step in the right direction would be to avoid Musicmatch Jukebox (Junkbox???).

simply put, the best designed MP3 player on the market
I've had my Ipod for about 2 months, and it's working great, not a single glitch, nor a compatibility issue to complain about. However, there are some things to know.

First, let me warn you, Musicmatch is not Itunes. If you know anything about the wonderful play list program that allows Imacs to hook up with Ipods, then prepare to be disappointed. Musicmatch will sync up your PC with the Ipod, but you can't do major syncs without first erasing everything on your Ipod and re-uploading all your songs in one swoop. That makes swapping the Ipod to and from different computers very difficult because if you want to add songs from more than one computer to the Ipod you have to do it manually.

However, Musicmatch does allow you to set up playlists, a major function of the Ipod. Once your music is loaded, you can browse through your songs via playlists, song list, artist, genre, etc. And it's all done with the wonderful and effortless touch wheel in the center and the simple five-button interface. Simplicity is the key here, and boy does it work. Even Helen Keller could have figure out how to use this thing.

Play time for the ipod is about 10 hours plus on a rechargeable battery that can be charged via the computer (depending on your firewire card) or external AC. The audio quality is some of the best I've heard on an MP3 player, especially when the MP3 quality is 128 or higher.

As mentioned above, the Ipod DOES require a firewire port in order to sync with a computer. They're cheap, about $$$$ (Belkin makes a great 3 port IEEE 1394 Firewire card) but it is an added expense. If you have a laptop, the Ipod comes with a firewire to mini-firewire converter, which is usually the standard on laptops.

Also, unfortunately, the Windows Ipod cannot play WMA files (direct CD rips or high quality Windows Media sound files). MP3 files only. There are features like Date/time/calendar/and contact list but to synchronize them with your computer is more painful than pleasant or worthwhile. And while Musicmatch isn't perfect, I've had no trouble with it. Although If you have Musicmatch 7.2 or higher, you might be slightly annoyed with having to go "backwards" to a lower version of Musicmatch, which as of yet has no updates.

Also, it has the distinct feature of being one of the most expensive players on the market, beaten only by it's sister model, the 20 gig, at $$$ dollars. However, if it's the difference between buying the Delorian and the Diablo (and you can afford it), I'll take the Diablo any day.

The Final Word: If you want the best, this is it, however the best comes at a price!

Apple's Seeds of Joy
I take my iPod everywhere, I have had it since Christmas, it is the single most useful invention I have ever owned, I have my whole Hip-Hop collection on it. But a few weeks ago it said I only had .5 gb left and I only 800 songs on it, but after a quick reset and reload of songs (it took 5 minutes honest!) it was back to new. You should definately get a case for these, I have kept mine in a case for its whole life and it looks as good as new.

Pros: Holds all but the biggest music collections, great quality in sound and product, long battery life, great software

Cons: Occasionally crashes

For all those people that say by a cheaper mp3 player I used to have the iRiver, and I through it out of my window 1 day because it was so terrible, trust me the ipod is the best designed and for the price you are paying you get more songs.

Best There Is!!!
Just got the 10-gig I-pod Friday (picked up on sale as Apple is dropping 10-gig in favor of "mini" and "15-gig"). All I can say is awesome. I never had Apple before and was skeptical. But all my fears were erased. I have a 6 month-old Compaq at home and had no problems getting the two to sync up. Literally "plug and play". Bonus is, if your Windows PC has a newer fire-wire port, it will even charge the I-pod while downloading music. I have about 250 songs (20 albums) on it right now, and using just over 2-gig. I read a lot about people having problems sync-ing their window-based PCs to I-pod. Based on my experience, I can only guess they are using older PCs (I have a pentium-4, 2.2, 256). One tip, if you're "ripping" CDs to put on your I-pod, be logged into the web. I-tunes will literally fill out all the song/track information for you (a little tid-bit I found by accident).

Nomad beats the Ipod by a Mile
I have recently got an Ipod and I thought is was the best Mp3 player until I did a lot of looking around. The Nomad Jukebox Zen Xtra kicks the Ipod so much.

Pros:
1. Eax sound feature which is creatives sound card technoligy so it sounds a lot better
2. The 30gb Nomad cost $300 while the 10gb Ipod cost $400
3. built for windows. No firewire stuff.
4. better features and custmizing
5. no need to use musicmatch or anything just install software and you can put any song on it no matter where the location.
6. big screen with blue backlight.
7. Can replace rechargeable battery
8. Up to 60gb hard drive

Cons:
1. A little bigger than the Ipod ... Read more

Features

• Grippy feel to help prevent the iPod from slipping from your grip
• A top opening that provides complete access to the headphone/remote jack & Hold Button
• Color - Graphite

Features

• Uses infra-red remote technology
• Receiver is powered by iPod connection
• Remote is powered by button-cell battery (included)Simple, elegant, and a must-have for all who use the iPod with speakers