Features

• 20 GB model holds up to 5,000 songs; supports AAC (16 to 320 Kbps), MP3 (32 to 320 Kbps), MP3 VBR, Audible, AIFF, Apple Lossless and WAV
• Up to 12 hours battery life when fully charged (typically 4 hours); fast-charge in as little as 2 hours
• Mac OS X or Windows 2000 and XP compatible; FireWire and USB 2.0 interface for fastest digital transfer available
• Feature upgrades from previous version include new Click Wheel, slimmer case, and easier navigation
• Comes with earbud headphones, AC adapter, FireWire cable, and USB 2.0 cable (dock not included)

Reviews (10)

This is a great iPod!!!
After buying my iPod at the Myrtle Beach, SC Target store, I am very, very impressed with this iPod. Downloading songs from both CD's and from itunes is a piece of cake. I have almost quit listening the radio in my car during my daily commutes. I've found it easier to use the itunes music cards than a regular credit card to download musicon Apple's website. I really like the FM adapter that I purchased at the store and the ipod player case is a perfect fit. I just wish that Target carried more accessories like the remote control and the cigarrette lighter adapter. I got to that my brother, Iman, that works at Target in Louisville, KY for talking me into buying the 20GB iPod instead of the mini!

Good mp3 player
If you are looking for a real good mp3 player, this is the one to get! It has everything i am looking for. First off it has a 20gb hard drive which can store 5,000 songs. my iTunes playlist has at least 600 hundred songs! second it has the new click-wheel which makes things much more easier to manuver around. the 3rd gen. iPod is real nice too but i don't like that the play, pause, stop buttons are at the top. finally the design is really high-tech looking. It has a nice white coating on the front and a metal finish at the back. it's thin as ever now also! i bought this for my wife for christmas but i also bought one for me too! these 20gb were sold out evrywhere!

Very useful item, but with a few setbacks...
I bought my 20GB iPod just under a year ago and I've used it a lot. It is so useful to just upload all your CDs to one central place. However, after the 1st week I bought it, I had a lot of problems. It tends to freeze-nothing too noticable but sometimes it will pause for 10 seconds, and it gets annoying. The casing tends to also pop out of place, which will cause the internal mechanisms to be out of line. For example my iPod wouldn't turn on because somehow the internal "hold" button had been triggered. Apple also only allows one support phone call, unless you pay $60 to buy another call and another year of warranty. Despite these few minor things, that don't always happen to everyone, I am very glad that I purchased this item.

Simply the best mp3 players to date . . .
I just recently turned fifteen and for my birthday my parents bought me a Sumsung Yepp 256mb mp3 player. it was good with its small design and ease of use, but when it started making noises, i immiediately returned it. I had been saving up money for a new digital camera ,but instead decided to use it on buying my first ever iPod. It's only been a month now and ive already got about 400 songs on it, and i can still fit 4600 more! i like the blazing fast data transfers and ease of use. the click wheel is by far the coolest thing on this 20gb mp3 player. i wasnt happy that the dock isnt included, but rest assured, its on my christmas list. i would highly recomend purchasing this if you are looking for an easy to use, all around good mp3 player.

Addictive Product
Buy this product if you love your music and you want to be able to take it with you anywhere. Once you've transferred all your favorite songs into this compact little player you might feel compelled to spend hours categorizing and organizing them into your own personal playlists on your PC. Or you may just want to set it to shuffle and enjoy the music. The headphones sound incredible and you probably won't remember your songs sounding so good. ... Read more

Features

• Holds up to 10,000 songs
• Up to 12 hours continuous backup with rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery
• Innovative Click Wheel makes navigation easier
• Synchs up with your PC efforllessly with the included USB 2.0 and Firewire cables
• 1 year limited hardware warranty with 1 year toll-free 24x7x365 phone support

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

• Holds up to 5,000 songs
• Up to 12 hours continuous backup with rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery
• Innovative Click Wheel makes navigation easier
• Synchs up with your PC efforllessly with the included USB 2.0 and Firewire cables
• 1 year limited hardware warranty with 1 year toll-free 24x7x365 phone support

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

• 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

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

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

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

• Comprehensive service and support
• Protection for the iPod and iTunes solution
• Quality and convenience backed by Apple
• Provides expert support for both Mac and Windows users
• Permits transfer of the plan between owners

Reviews (4)

??
Why on earth would anyone buy applecare from amazon.com? I mean, really, come on.

Question is, who serves who?
Be prepared to hear Apple's Service Representative tell you that, "Amazon is not an authorized reseller" and that you must fax them a copy of your sales/shipping document, and also fax them a copy of the enrollment number of the service plan along with its bar code (which is on one of the sheets of paper inside the "protection plan" package).

If you have a fax machine at your fingertips, I guess this isn't a really big deal, but if you don't, and if you are handicapped and can only walk with great difficulty, you might decide the whole thing really isn't worth the hassle.

Also be prepared to read your iPods serial number which is indistinctly, dimly, and microscopically etched into the backside of your machine. My tired, old eyes required my best magnifying glass with intense light to make it out, and even then I managed to mistake 2 Qs for Os on my first attempt.

On my first request for service I found the iPod representative to be pleasant enough, even affable; but, upon reflection I realized that other than to recite the things I must FAX to them, she hadn't so much as given me the time of day, let alone an answer to the question I had asked her.

Expensive, limited coverage
Considering that this policy only extends the warranty for one year, it is expensive. Coverage for the iPod's biggest problem, its battery, is vague. Apple simply defines as non-defects some apparent battery problems, such as the fact that the battery drains very rapidly when the unit is not in use and turned off. Plus, the battery can drop drastically in usage time, and Apple protects itself by saying this: "Service coverage is available ... for battery depletion of 50 percent or more from original specification." What other company clearly states that precipitous product failure is not covered by either the original or extended warranty?

For just Pennies a day....Peace of Mind!
The iPod and iTunes redefine what digital music should be: great audio on a superlight device with stunning design, fast download speeds, and ample storage for your music collection. Now, with the AppleCare Protection Plan for iPod, you can be sure that your music will play on.

One number to call for world-class support
Because Apple creates both the iPod and iTunes, they form a truly integrated digital music solution. If you ever have a question about their use, you'll have direct telephone access to Apple's own technical support group-the people who know iPod and iTunes best. AppleCare representatives can help troubleshoot your iPod and its connection with iTunes.

Apple offers the same complete service for both Mac and Windows users.

Investment protection
Every iPod comes standard with 90 days of phone support and one year of hardware service coverage.The AppleCare Protection Plan extends your service and support coverage for your iPod, its included accessories, and iTunes to up to two years from the original purchase date of your iPod.With this plan, you get direct access to Apple experts for answers by phone and anytime access to web-based resources. If your iPod or the included accessories should need service, Apple-certified technicians will repair it or provide a replacement using genuine Apple parts.

It's recommended that you purchase the AppleCare Protection Plan with your new iPod to take maximum advantage of the coverage the plan provides. This comprehensive plan is available for all iPod models, within their one-year limited warranty, that connect to either Macintosh computers or Windows PCs.

Peace of mind at home or on the road
With the iPod, you can take your entire music collection everywhere you go. But should your iPod need service, the AppleCare Protection Plan gives you the peace of mind of knowing that Apple provides global repair or replacement coverage.

All this for just pennies a day! ... Read more

Features

• 40 GB model holds up to 10,000 songs; supports AAC (16 to 320 Kbps), MP3 (32 to 320 Kbps), MP3 VBR, Audible, AIFF, Apple Lossless and WAV
• Up to 12 hours battery life when fully charged (typically 4 hours); fast-charge in as little as 2 hours
• Mac OS X or Windows 2000 and XP compatible; FireWire and USB 2.0 interface for fastest digital transfer available
• Feature upgrades from previous version include new Click Wheel, slimmer case, and easier navigation
• Comes with earbud headphones, AC adapter, FireWire cable, USB 2.0 cable, and dock

Features

• Discontinued by manufacturer, replaced by model #M9244LL/A
• Mac and Windows compatible; FireWire and USB 2.0 interface for fastest digital transfer available
• Equipped with a range of built-in utilities and games
• 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, AC adapter, FireWire cable, 4-pin-to-6-pin FireWire adapter

Reviews (110)

new iPods are still hot.
I'm not sure what the previous poster was thinking... His review did not mention ever having ANY experience with the new iPod in any way... moreover, he is basing his judgment of Apple support. on the happenings in one Apple discussion forum...

That is in no way indicative of the support that Apple provides for the iPod. I've had my 1st generation iPod serviced and replaced, and I can say from first hand experience that the Apple support staff was helpful along the entire process, and actually LISTENED to my concerns. Moreover, when time came to send it back for service, Apple had record turn around time... 4 days and i had my iPod back. I've never had such fast and responsive support on any product like the iPod...

The new iPods represent an evolution of an excellent design... the new one is thinner (almost by half) than my original iPod, and lighter. In addition, the new iPod has great new features, and AAC audio playback for higher than MP3 or WMA quality audio files, plus support for the iTunes Music Store. On top of all that, the iPod now work completely cross platform... One device can hook into both Macs and PCs and sync with one or the other, or be a firewire hard drive for both. The iPod is better than ever.

Insanely great, and works with Window XP and MusicMatch
I got the Apple ipod a few weeks ago and my only regret is that the 15GB has been replaced by the 20GB model. Other than that though, it is an insanely cool device. It doesn't quite hold all of my music collection, but it does contain about 75%. I've been using it with a Dell PC running Windows XP and MusicMatch Plus and I have not had any real problems with the interface. However, I'm looking forward to a PC version of iTunes in the future (I had to cross over to the darkside and abandon the Mac platform several years ago; no flames for that please!). Using MusicMatch is not quite seemless, but it is not the headache that you might think reading the reviews here. I've managed to load, organize and use it without significant problems. I do notice that some punctuation devices are problematic for MusicMatch but not for the ipod. Also I think that a firewire interface is to be recommended. Overall, this is a fantastic device.

good, but there's better out there
I just recently got an ipod with my 2003 Beetle. I must agree with one of my fellow reviewers that it is a bit of a nightmare for windows users. I have to take my ipod to work with me just to put music on the thing. As far as playing music the ipod does an excellent job, everything that the ipod promises it performs. Not to mention how CUTE it is. An ipod is a great investment if you are a music lover.

Not Just a Music Player!!!!
This is my first iPod, even though i have been using mac's for about 4 years now! Now i am a proud owner of this product. I could not be happier. 1st things 1st, i am sure you can read all the other reviews and find out that this product is bar none the best out there. But most importantly this is a multiuse product. I now how a portable 15gb firewire harddrive! and this product is smart enough to know the diff b/w music and my other files. as a student i MUST be able to have my documents on hand at all times, and "my comp crashed" does not work now a days. Along my purchase of my pod i picked up a media card reader, so while i am on the go with my digital camera (d100 nikon) i do not have to worry about carrying so many cards for my camera! and i also picked up a voice recorder, this allows me to record audio, which really helps me with things like test reviews, and meetings. (also helps with soundtrack as well). I know that 15g is not much by todays standards, but you have the ability to add an remove these files with ease. as a side note, i honestly do not see how people could actually use a pod that is larger, i have a hard enough time keeping track of 1990 songs i have on it right not (almost 6days worth)

Don't Waste Your Money
For the cost it is horrible. If you want a good mp3 play that will hold 5000 mp3s then check out the Rio Karma. It is a much better mp3 company and is a lot more reliable with windows computers. If you own a Mac (i feel sorry for you) then it is a great mp3 player to own. Also I dont really see the point in owning a player that holds 5000 songs unless it is the Phat Noise/Kenwood Music Keg. ... Read more

Features

• Discontinued by manufacturer, replaced by model #M8948LL/A
• FireWire interface for fastest digital transfer available; covered FireWire port
• 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

Amazon.com Product Description

Apple has revamped the now-classic iPod with several exceptional new features. The new 20 GB model packs 4,000 songs and a 10-hour battery life into a stunning 6.5-ounce package, and Apple ups the ante with new iTunes 3 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 still the same: just plug it into your Mac and all your iTunes songs and playlists are automatically downloaded into iPod at blazing FireWire speed--typically 15 seconds or less. 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 20 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 Apple's new iTunes 3 software, the iPod can synchronize with newly added music files and playlists. Simply plug the iPod back into your Mac and the changes are automatically updated in seconds. And with iTunes 3, 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 Entourage, Palm Desktop, and Mac OS X Address Book. 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 Mac. 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 upgradable. To use the iPod with your Mac, you'll need a FireWire port and you must be running either Mac OS 9.2.1 (or later) or Mac OS X 10.1 (or later).

The unit comes with a wired remote control, revamped earbud-style headphones, a FireWire cable, power adapter, CD-ROM with iTunes 3, and a carrying case with belt clip. It's backed by a 90-day limited warranty. ... Read more

Features

• Discontinued by manufacturer, replaced by model #M8948LL/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
• Compatible with Mac OS 9.2.1 (or later) or Mac OS X v10.1 (or later)
• Includes wired remote control, remodeled headphones, and carrying case with belt clip

Reviews (30)

The Best MP3 Device
Ok at first glance you say apple and think SUXOR. Then you see the price and you thing why the heck would I pay [product price] for this thing? Well ill tell you one thing, this little mp3 player is worth every cent. It transfers a whole cd in 10 seconds, works flawlessly with macs, and is easy to use. With iTunes the ipod syncs itself automatically each time you plug it in. It took me about 4 minutes to transfer 1500 of my songs to it. though the iPod is pricey ive used other mp3 players and they come no where near the quality of the iPod. I also reccomend the 10 gig ipod because most people will most likely wont need 20 gigs. The iPod is also great for doubling as my hard drive. I am able to drag and drop files easily and then bring them up at a later date, or take them on the road. Also rumored are new games that will be made for the ipod. So if you are looking for the best the iPod is definately the right choice.

Apple does it again!
When the iPod first came out, I wanted one, but hesitated. The hard drive on my old iMac didn't have much free space for mp3 files. Then I decided to get the latest iMac (17" monitor), and it had a nice 80 GB hard drive. That meant plenty of space to store my mp3s, so I bought the 20GB iPod as well. Within two days, I was hooked on this perfect little device, and it IS perfect.

FEATURES:

The touch wheel is so smooth and intuitive that I got used to it in about 20 seconds.

The menus are clear, straightforward and, again, intuitive. You can browse by artist, genre, composer, song title, album. You can have playlists of songs. You can repeat one song, or a group of songs. You can shuffle. And you don't need a reference book for how to do any of it. It's all right there, at the touch of your finger.

The sound is absolutely amazing--Equalizer settings are extensive. If you know how to play with iTunes, you can create your own settings, too, and they'll load into your iPod.

The download speed is fricking unbelievable--When I finally had a "few" songs loaded into my new iMac (about 140), it took less than 2 minutes to download all of them, including the playlists I'd set up. iTunes made the download process itself so easy--all I did was plug in the iPod and iTunes took care of the rest for me. Thank goodness for iTunes. I can't imagine handling mp3s without this nifty (and FREE) program! Oh--and while I was downloading my mp3s that first time, the iPod used my network clock to set the date and time on the player.

I haven't used the iPod as an alternate hard drive yet, but I definitely plan to. My husband has a PowerBook, and there are some files from my iMac that I'll want to bring with me when we travel. The iPod will be the perfect device for that.

I've looked at the calendar/contact features, but I don't really need them. My husband definitely plans to use both, though, in his work as a consultant.

I have one complaint about the headphones that come with the iPod: The earbuds are too big for my ears, and hurt after prolonged listening. This is most annoying, because the headphones are very, very good. The audio quality is wonderful--my husband considers the trade of his Sony earbuds for the iPod buds a great trade in HIS favor.

The remote control is great--I use it all the time, and it keeps me from having to pull the iPod out of my pocket or case to adjust the volume, pause, or skip a song (or part of a song--hold down the forward/backward button to fast-forward/rewind the current song).

The battery really does last 8 -10 hours, depending on how you use the iPod. Some battery drainers are excessive scrolling and backlighting, but, even then, the iPod lasts a LONG time without a recharge. This makes the iPod perfect for me, since I work in a factory and have my headphones on most of the time. Apple doesn't tell you that, yes, you can charge the iPod through your computer, BUT it doesn't charge as quickly as with the provided AC adapter. You also don't get as much info about the charging process when the iPod is plugged into the computer. A third party manufacturer makes a car charger for iPod. I bought one and it works great.

INTANGIBLES:

As always, Apple makes you feel good about spending so much money for one of their products, with the little things that make your ownership a delight. Providing nice headphones, a belt clip case, a remote control, a FireWire cable and an AC adapter are great touches [...] . The belt clip is well-made and the iPod won't fall out of it under most circumstances, but the clip isn't 100% safe. I was lucky to catch my iPod before it hit the floor when the cord caught on something once, and I don't know that I would feel safe doing strenuous exercise with it; I eventually bought a more secure case from a third party.

The convenience factor alone makes iPod worth every penny. Through audible.com, I can download books, and, thanks to my old portable CD car adapter, I'm able to listen to the iPod in my car. This means no more lugging around pre-recorded audio books and huge CD wallets of music. No more switching CDs while I'm driving. No more agonizing over which CDs to keep in my 6 + 1 player. I can record the songs I like off a CD (or the entire CD), and put the disc away, which means less wear and tear on the disk itself. I can put the iPod in my purse, rather than leaving all those listening goodies in my car, where they can get stolen or exposed to intense heat that destroys them (a serious problem here in Texas).

The mirror finish on the case and remote is beautiful, but it shows fingerprints very badly. I keep a polishing cloth handy and use it at least once a day. I don't remember if Apple mentioned it in their documentation, but the cover needs special cleaners. Alcohol and acetone-based cleaners will ruin the lucite layer on the front of the iPod. I've found that the iKlear polish kits work best for cleaning the iPod.

I didn't quite understand an earlier complaint about the lack of options for naming the iPod. Maybe on the Windows version this is a problem, but, on the Mac version, renaming the iPod is as easy as clicking on the name field when you first plug the iPod into your computer, and typing a new name for your new baby.

To be honest, the iPod has so many wonderful features that it's just about impossible to list them all here, and the potential uses for it are mindboggling. This is THE Mp3 player to have; no other comes close. BUY IT.

Service. What service?
I bought the iPod from Amazon and it was delivered about a week ago. I also bought the Apple Care Protection plan. The product seems to work fine except I am having minor but irksom problems 'navigating' using the buttons and wheel thing. I am using it for an Audible book which is supposed to start where you left off. Well, after 7 hours it decided to start at beginning again. I try fast forward and the thing goes to the next book. I want to just finish the last hour of the one that is being played.

So, I call what they call Customer Service and find that they won't give me any advice whatever until I FAX in a copy of my shipping document from Amazon and another sheet with a magic number on it from within the extended service package. They say that Amazon is not an authorized reseller and that they cannot check my order and date of sale from Amazon.

I explain that I do not have a FAX machine, and that I will go send the stuff in a few days when I feel like walking that far using my crutches.

I think that it is probably a good product, but if you are in any way handicapped and it is not convenient for you to run around to get their service, I recommend not buying it.

THE gadget of the year! Maybe Decade!!!
This is amazing. A must have for any traveler. The easy firewire p