Review of Ipod 5g
Score: 88
Sub-Section: Miscellaneous
Date: Aug 2, 2006
In the past, I've had some pretty poor experiences with the Apple iPod. Originally I had a 3G with the click wheel. Today I have the 5G with the ability to play videos. Quite and upgrade, though I honestly still only use it to play music in my car. Based on my last two iPods, I was kind of hesitant about buying another one, or atleast another one that used a harddrive.
I got my first iPod about 1.5 years ago and for the most part it worked great. Eventually, I noticed that it would lag really bad, sometimes skips songs randomly, sometimes just not play at all. I thought it was have been an overheating problem due to being in my car all the time. Eventually I got the dreaded folder with an exclamation point. I also noticed that it made a clicking noise if you put it up against your ear. I sounded as if the harddrive was starting to spin then fail. It did. Luckily, I was able to buy the extended warranty still (though it had been probably 4 months after the purchase) and get it fixed. If I recall correctly, the process of replacing it was easy and quick. It was probably only a week before I had a brand new iPod in my hand. They didn't fix it, but rather just gave me a new one.
Unfortunately, about 1.5 months after getting the replacement, I had the same thing happen. Exact same symptons. Of course, I mailed it back and got a new one again. After the second one, I told myself if it breaks again, I'm never going to by one with a harddrive again. That third one has been fine since. I used it the exact same way and never had a problem with it. Still, 1/3 isn't a very good record. Especially for a $300 product.
So now you are probably wondering why I bought a new 5th gen iPod. Sadly, mine was stolen from my car about 2 weeks ago. I don't know how it happened. Was there one day, didn't use the car the next, and the day after that it was gone. I guess I left my car unlocked. I usually take it out of plain site and stick it in the small stash box in the center console. For a few days before that I was just leaving it out, figuring nothing would probably happen. I live in a good neighborhood. Guess it was a bad decision.
Anyway, on to the new one. So far I am very satisfied with the 5G. I have the black 30 gig. I was hesitant about buying one with the HD. I really would have bought a Nano if they were cheaper or larger capacity, but they aren't. If they ever start making them with flash memory and higher capacity, I would definately buy one of those instead. Currently, the price gap between 4GB and 20GB wasn't enough to justify the Nano.
The 5G also has a nicer design and larger screen than the 4G. It has a flat face on one side and the normal rounded face on the back. The center button is no longer bubble shaped, but rather flat and level with the face. The screen is definately larger as well. IMO, it is simply a sleaker design.
Now, in terms of the features, it is pretty much what you'd expect. It plays music, videos, and holds pictures. I haven't watched any videos on it and honestly don't plan on it. In my opinion, it is more of a novelty. It's always nice to have more features (as long as they work), but the iPod is still a music player at heart and always will be. It functions just the same as all previous generations and I honestly don't see anything about it that would warrant and upgrade. If you already have an iPod and don't need more space, I would not recommend upgrading. Wait until you need one.
The one thing I did notice that was different was the packaging. It no longer comes with both firewire and USB. I also no longer comes with an AC charger. IMO, this is a HUGE downside. That means you need to either buy one or have a computer handy to charge it via USB or firewire. Luckily I had mine from my previous iPods, and I really only use it in my car and the car constantly charges it anyway, but I would be highly annoyed if I didn't. The only new thing it came with was a black slip case. It is a smooth material, not heavy, and not really that thick/protective, but it's better than nothing I suppose. The only problem with it is that it is a fairly tight fit and makes it difficult to get out. It also covers the face of the iPod competely, so you can't use the buttons while it is in the case or see the screen. Lame if you ask me.
I know that this isn't a very in-depth review, but the iPod is rather straight forward. What you know about it, is probably all you need to know. For what it is, it is the best product on the market. The ability to play videos, and pictures is nice, though not the major selling point. Maybe if it was able to play ANY video it would be cooler, but it requires the movie to be encoded specifically for the iPod. This really hinders it's useful ness.
To visit the official website at Apple.com.