Grrrr, iPod mini!

[Powerbook G5]

So I ordered an iPod mini for my girlfriend's birthday this morning...7-8 week estimated ship date! I have been looking for it everywhere for a month now since her birthday is on July 4 and figured that'd give me plenty of time, but I finally gave up and ordered from Apple Online Store. How come this thing is so impossible to find? I still have yet to see one in person and not a single store I have been to has had one. Has anyone actually gotten one, and if you have, how the heck did you? I'm going to have to just send her a birthday card and give her a phone call on her birthday since it may be a week or two afterwards before she receives her iPod, which sucks, because I am going to fly up to see her a week before and was hoping to give it to her in person.

I swear, someday Apple is going to finally learn to gauge customer demand on one of their products...someday...

[yoda13]

yeah, I got mine yesterday, a silver one. It was ordered on April 16, so it took about 5+ weeks. It seems to be worth it, at least that is my initial impression. We'll see if it holds up. Some people have had problems start to show up about a month after they own it. Hopefully that won't happen. But I am pumped anyway. It really is a tiny little package, and I much prefer the controls over the current regular iPod. BTW, I ordered through the Apple Education store online.

[Koodauw]

Circuitcity.com has them from time to time it seems. If you check daily after a while you should be able to get your hands on one. If you are searching for a color specific one, you might have to wait longer. There is always ebay. The mark up isn't to bad right now I think anyways.

[theimacguy]

When they first released them on Feb. 20 I went to the Apple Store in Roosevelt Field and waited an hour for my beautiful blue iPod mini :)

[johnnyjibbs]

I saw plenty of demo ones in the Apple Store when I visited the US last month but there were signs in each saying they were sold out (not in Pasadena, CA, mind).

I believe the drives are the limiting factor - Hitachi or whoever makes them can't make enough. Surely, the only other alternative would have been for Apple to delay annoucement until a month or two ago but they needed interest to keep up didn't they?

Look on the bright side though, our original launch date on this side of the pond was pushed back from April to the end of July and, to be honest, I wouldn't be surprised if it was delayed again. I'm still semi-hopeful of iTunes Music Store launching next month though, as Napster 2.0 has just launched in the UK...

[jxyama]

I swear, someday Apple is going to finally learn to gauge customer demand on one of their products...someday...

i *do* recall most of us uttering how ridiculously expensive the Mini is and how it won't sell at all for the price back in Jan... ;)

good luck getting hold of one.

[Macmaniac]

HD's are the biggest problem, Hitatchi can't make em fast enough so we have a trickle supply. I have seen some distributors who have 10,000 backorders. You could actually make a profit off selling the HD's in the mini for $600, a 4gb Microdrive will fetch a lot on ebay. So all you have to do is buy a lot of mini's gut em and sell the HDs:)

[diehldun]

I just picked up my beautiful silver iPod mini! :)

They have a lot at the Apple Store Fashion Valley here in San Diego. All colors!

And I was soooo worried they wouldn't have them in stock! :D


Maybe there is no market for iPod minis in San Diego? I checked the other Apple Store in UTC, and they had quite a few of silver iPod minis.

[Powerbook G5]

Yeah, I was looking at Compusa, Circuit City, and just about any place that sells electronics. On the bright side, the Apple Store for Edu is $30 cheaper and I got it laser engraved, which I didn't even think of, so I guess even though the wait is long, it will be personalized for her to make it that much more special. I couldn't decide between silver or blue, I'll probably get a silver once they are easier to come by, but I figured I'd get her the blue since it looks kind of nice online. If anyone has a blue mini, how do you like the color? Is it rich or pale? I was worried about buying online simply because I'd like to see the color in person.

[QCassidy352]

I have a silver mini that I got around march 1. The apple store in KoP, PA had plenty of them. I guess supplies have really dried up since then...

[mpopkin]

Yep I got in on February 21st, i should say i was a lucky one because if you didnt buy it the first week, it will be a wait to get one
it is a great player, check ebay for them if you really want one fast, but prepare to pay for the product
good luck it is an amazing player though.


So I ordered an iPod mini for my girlfriend's birthday this morning...7-8 week estimated ship date! I have been looking for it everywhere for a month now since her birthday is on July 4 and figured that'd give me plenty of time, but I finally gave up and ordered from Apple Online Store. How come this thing is so impossible to find? I still have yet to see one in person and not a single store I have been to has had one. Has anyone actually gotten one, and if you have, how the heck did you? I'm going to have to just send her a birthday card and give her a phone call on her birthday since it may be a week or two afterwards before she receives her iPod, which sucks, because I am going to fly up to see her a week before and was hoping to give it to her in person.

I swear, someday Apple is going to finally learn to gauge customer demand on one of their products...someday...

[alywa]

I got a silver one for my wife on Thursday, the 20th at Circuit city (Arundle Mills, near Baltimore). Plus, our apple store (Towson Towne Center) had them Friday (silver and gold)... wish I had gotten it there, could have saved 20 bucks with student discount.

Anyway, I was surpirsed to see them, that's why I picked it up as soon as I did.

It is a really cool product, definately worth the $250. (most people can live with 4gb in my opinion... it's still like 75 cds)

That being said... I'm holding out for a G4 'big' ipod to hold all of my music.

-alywa

[yoda13]

This is a little off topic, but since we are talking about iPod minis here, I was wondering if it was necessary to calibrate the battery for best performance on these minis like it is on powerbooks and ibooks? Does anyone know? I am curious, as I have not read anything about it, but it would seem that what was good for one would be good for the other?

[Capt Underpants]

This is a little off topic, but since we are talking about iPod minis here, I was wondering if it was necessary to calibrate the battery for best performance on these minis like it is on powerbooks and ibooks? Does anyone know? I am curious, as I have not read anything about it, but it would seem that what was good for one would be good for the other?

I believe iPod lounge did an iPod mini battery test that showed the iPod mini got the best battery performance once the battery was drained and charged about 9 times. Look Here (http://www.ipodlounge.com/articles_more.php?id=3145_0_8_0_C)

[yoda13]

I believe iPod lounge did an iPod mini battery test that showed the iPod mini got the best battery performance once the battery was drained and charged about 9 times. Look Here (http://www.ipodlounge.com/articles_more.php?id=3145_0_8_0_C)

Thanks, I think that more or less answers my questions. I am going to use it and not worry about it. Looks like battery will improve for a little while and settle into normalcy. I must remember ipodlounge. Thanks again. :)

[diehldun]

about batteries, I would like to ask:

What exactly do you do when an iPod mini runs out on its battery (like 1-2 years from now)? Do you take it to an Apple Store? Is it relatively easy to replace?

Also, even though you didn't buy the iPod at an Apple Store, can you take it to an Apple Store to replace the batteries? :confused:

[yoda13]

about batteries, I would like to ask:

What exactly do you do when an iPod mini runs out on its battery (like 1-2 years from now)? Do you take it to an Apple Store? Is it relatively easy to replace?

Also, even though you didn't buy the iPod at an Apple Store, can you take it to an Apple Store to replace the batteries? :confused:

If you have applecare, you can have the battery replaced free up to two years out from purchase. If not, I believe it costs 99dollars otherwise, or if your applecare has expired. And yes, you can take it to the applestore, even if you didn't buy it there

[diehldun]

And that's only if you bought it right when your purcahsed it? :rolleyes:

[sethypoo]

Weird, eBay has then for $249 plus shipping, and they ship when the auction ends! I've had three of my friends at college bid and win them on eBay, pay when the auction ends (3-5 days), and then get them a week after that!

Could you cancel your Apple order and try eBay?

[csubear]

Last time i was at the apple store in Cleveland,OH i saw some guy buy a silver one.

[wide]

I have an iPod mini in blue, got it the day after its release, and I COMPLETELY REGRET GETTING IT. I definately should have gotten the 20 gigabyte iPod. It looks nicer, it's cooler, the buttons light up...and it just looks nicer! The iPod mini isn't ugly, but whenever my friends pull out their clean white iPods I get annoyed. I really wish I had known about http://www.colorwarepc.com/ because they have shiny black, red, blue, pink, any-color-you-can-name-and-even-some-you-can't colored iPod regulars, only 45 dollars more than the iPod when you buy it from Apple!

Don't get the mini. The only reason I did was because everyone else got a regular iPod for Christmas, and I didn't want to be just regular. If you buy from colorwarpc.com, you will have an original iPod too (no I do not work for them and I am not affiliated with them in any way)

[Powerbook G5]

So what are you saying? The mini isn't worth it because the buttons don't light up? You can give me your mini...

[wide]

So what are you saying? The mini isn't worth it because the buttons don't light up? You can give me your mini...

Sorry about my little rant there...I just really wish I didn't buy the mini. It doesn't look as nice as the other iPod...you can't beat the silver and white in my opinion.

[yoda13]

And that's only if you bought it right when your purcahsed it? :rolleyes:

you can purchase Applecare on it anytime during the first year of ownership.

[yoda13]

Sorry about my little rant there...I just really wish I didn't buy the mini. It doesn't look as nice as the other iPod...you can't beat the silver and white in my opinion.

This is why Apple makes various models of iPod. I am a fan of both of them, but I am really taken with my mini. But you can't go wrong with either as far as I am concerned.

[diehldun]

I assume that when you place the iPod mini in the dock, it automatically charges? I have heard reports that the more you charge it, the less battery time you get overall (life)... can anyone confirm this, or is it true ( my cousin has a 15 gig iPod and that's what she said...)

[yoda13]

I assume that when you place the iPod mini in the dock, it automatically charges? I have heard reports that the more you charge it, the less battery time you get overall (life)... can anyone confirm this, or is it true ( my cousin has a 15 gig iPod and that's what she said...)

Well it is true that the batteries only have a limited number of recharge cycles in them, but it should be good enough for a year and half, maybe two years or so. I don't see why leaving it on the dock would be a bad thing. these batteries don't develop a memory, or anything like that, as far as I know. So I think that you should be OK.

[diehldun]

Another question... :o heeheehee...

I just found out about this issue regarding the Ipod mini: static noises...

have not had the opportunity to test the baby out, as it is in my dads office. What are the chances of it being in mine? Is it easy to fix at the store?

[Westside guy]

PBG5: You're a college student, right? Does your campus bookstore do academic Mac sales?

I'd ordered an iPod mini for my daughter's birthday, and was quoted "will ship on or before 06/24". On a lark I called our campus bookstore this past Wednesday and found out they had a few in stock - any color I want, as long as it's blue. :D

The only thing I can figure is they had them because they'll only sell to people who are eligible for the academic sales program (and yeah, they make you show ID).

[Powerbook G5]

My bookstore only sells Dell equipment unfortunately.

[yoda13]

Another question... :o heeheehee...

I just found out about this issue regarding the Ipod mini: static noises...

have not had the opportunity to test the baby out, as it is in my dads office. What are the chances of it being in mine? Is it easy to fix at the store?

The static issue has been present in a small, but possibly growing number of iPod minis after they have been used for a month or so. I have only had mine for a couple of days, so its too soon to tell. I don't know how easy it is to fix. I think more than likely you will have to swap yours out for a new one if it were to show up.

[virividox]

saw a couple minis in person the only thing stoppingm efrom getting one for myself is all my music is like 10 times its capacity. but if i didnt have that much i would so go for it

[jemeinc]

The iPod mini's are in stock & ready to go at the Apple retail stores... I was talking to the guy at the store & he said all of the pre-orders have been filled & new ones are rolling in daily... The only pre-orders they haven't filled completely yet are the pink ones... Every other one is available for purchase NOW- TODAY...

I don't know if that's national or just at my local store but that's what they told me...

[JFreak]

you can purchase Applecare on it anytime during the first year of ownership.

yes, but it is psychologically easiest to buy it as soon as possible, because the human mind begins to take value off from the product over time - and after almost a year of ownership it is almost impossible to justify spending extra money for the almost-a-year-old purchase.

so if you are going to want to buy applecare, buy it at the same time as the product you wish to cover. it's the easiest way. if you think it's economically better to buy it after 11 months of ownership, it will be psychologially far more difficult.

believe me, i know. my first powerbook is without applecare because i couldn't justify the extra cost for an older piece of beautiful hardware. i am eager to think many others think the same way...

[oingoboingo]

believe me, i know. my first powerbook is without applecare because i couldn't justify the extra cost for an older piece of beautiful hardware. i am eager to think many others think the same way...

One look at the prices Apple charges for replacement PowerBook parts will be enough to convince anyone.

[jemeinc]

yes, but it is psychologically easiest to buy it as soon as possible, because the human mind begins to take value off from the product over time - and after almost a year of ownership it is almost impossible to justify spending extra money for the almost-a-year-old purchase.

so if you are going to want to buy applecare, buy it at the same time as the product you wish to cover. it's the easiest way. if you think it's economically better to buy it after 11 months of ownership, it will be psychologially far more difficult.
..


WOW !!! That's a pretty physco-analytical way to look at the purchase of an extended warranty... You're too deep for me...;-)..

[diehldun]

I did not buy them at the Apple Store; I got my iPod mini at the local university (w/ edu discount). They have a 10-day return policy. What if I hear static noises after that? Will Apple let me return the iPod mini? Am I supposed to return it where I first purchased it?

[Powerbook G5]

The problem is that I am getting it laser engraved for my girlfriend, so if it develops static, I am most likely screwed since the Apple store said that personalized iPods are not replaceable.

[yoda13]

I did not buy them at the Apple Store; I got my iPod mini at the local university (w/ edu discount). They have a 10-day return policy. What if I hear static noises after that? Will Apple let me return the iPod mini? Am I supposed to return it where I first purchased it?

I don't believe that you can return it to the Apple Store. but you can take it in and they will likely give you another, or fix yours (unlikely). But I don't think that they will give you a refund if that is what you mean. I bought mine with an education discount as well, though I did buy it through Apple.

[diehldun]

So in the event I have static noises on my ipod, I can return to the Apple Store, even if I didn't buy it there, and they will replace it? That's sounds pretty good.

Does anyone here have any experiences using the iPod mini with those Altec-Lansing InMotion speakers for the iPod? I am thinking about getting one (my dad forgot to get the iPod mini dock :rolleyes: ) I have heard that it works as speakers/charger/dock all in one. It seems pretty attractive, and now says it is compatible with the iPod mini. I have to get an adapter in order to work w/ mini?

It seems a bit too big though, if I need to charge my mini at night (when away), and I have to carry that all around.

[Powerbook G5]

Do you really need a dock for the iPod mini? Also, what is the best way to use it with a car stereo? I was looking at the iTrip but I heard it is not fully compatible with the mini and there is FM distortion.

[yoda13]

Do you really need a dock for the iPod mini? Also, what is the best way to use it with a car stereo? I was looking at the iTrip but I heard it is not fully compatible with the mini and there is FM distortion.

I have an iTrip that I have been using with my Mini, and it fits very snugly to the top of it. However, it hangs over on one side, so it looks kind of funny. Having said that, it works great for me. I have to hunt around for a free station if I venture into the city, but otherwise it works great. Works great there too if you can find a free station

I use my dock to connect it to my home stereo and to charge it. I really like the dock feature, but it is not truly necessary.

[Powerbook G5]

So I am assuming that you can charge and sync just fine without a dock, then. I didn't order it since it seemed like it'd just be extra money without adding any additional functionality. I suppose I could always get her one later on if she needs it. The only two things I am looking at getting her in addition to the mini are the remote and possibly the iTrip or anything else that would work to allow her to listen to it while in the car so she doesn't have to always lug her three CD cases around with her whenever she goes somewhere. How is the case as far as resisting scratches and all? I was also debating whether or not to get some sort of sleeve or case for it so a month from now it doesn't look like it's been beaten by a branch or something, but the product page seems to say the case resists scratches pretty decently. I realize it's made of the same stuff as my PowerBook, but honestly, I don't go around abusing my PowerBook so I haven't really tested how strong it is.

Oh, and is it really as small as a business card like Steve said during the keynote introduction of the mini? That seems pretty awesome if it is really that small.

[yoda13]

So I am assuming that you can charge and sync just fine without a dock, then. I didn't order it since it seemed like it'd just be extra money without adding any additional functionality. I suppose I could always get her one later on if she needs it. The only two things I am looking at getting her in addition to the mini are the remote and possibly the iTrip or anything else that would work to allow her to listen to it while in the car so she doesn't have to always lug her three CD cases around with her whenever she goes somewhere. How is the case as far as resisting scratches and all? I was also debating whether or not to get some sort of sleeve or case for it so a month from now it doesn't look like it's been beaten by a branch or something, but the product page seems to say the case resists scratches pretty decently. I realize it's made of the same stuff as my PowerBook, but honestly, I don't go around abusing my PowerBook so I haven't really tested how strong it is.

Oh, and is it really as small as a business card like Steve said during the keynote introduction of the mini? That seems pretty awesome if it is really that small.

I have read that it scratches pretty easily. I don't think that it will scratch as easily as the while models, but that is just my initial impression. It seems pretty sturdy to me. It is really, really tiny. It makes the other iPod look big in comparison, at least IMO. I am going to get a remote as well. It really needs that when its hooked up to my stereo, on the dock :D

But then again, I am fairly lazy :cool:

[diehldun]

the next-generation iPod mini's appear? (out of curiosity) I wonder what new technology it will have.

What are the biggest complaints from most iPod Mini owners out there?

[yoda13]

the next-generation iPod mini's appear? (out of curiosity) I wonder what new technology it will have.

What are the biggest complaints from most iPod Mini owners out there?

I have no idea when we'll get the next revision. I would expect to possibly see bigger harddrives and longer lasting batteries and/or perhaps customer replaced batteries. But that is only my two cents. But I expect that it might be a while since these are still so hard to come by.

[Capt Underpants]

I realize it's made of the same stuff as my PowerBook, but honestly, I don't go around abusing my PowerBook so I haven't really tested how strong it is.

Oh, and is it really as small as a business card like Steve said during the keynote introduction of the mini? That seems pretty awesome if it is really that small.

So I'm guessing that you've never actually played with an iPod mini, right? Mine is very scratch resistant. I used to have a 3G 10 GB, and it was easily scratched. I bought the case for the mini, hoping to protect it from scratches, and the case has been used only once or twice. The durability of the mini is great.

As far as the size of the mini compared to a business card, it is almost as small. There is about 1 millimeter at the top of the iPod that the business card doesn't cover. I took some pics to show you.

[Powerbook G5]

That's awesome, thanks for the picture, it really goes a long way in illustrating the size of the mini.

[diehldun]

So I assume then that it is suggested that you go with AppleCare when you buy an iPod (or mini)? I might do that tomorow...

[yoda13]

So I'm guessing that you've never actually played with an iPod mini, right? Mine is very scratch resistant. I used to have a 3G 10 GB, and it was easily scratched. I bought the case for the mini, hoping to protect it from scratches, and the case has been used only once or twice. The durability of the mini is great.

As far as the size of the mini compared to a business card, it is almost as small. There is about 1 millimeter at the top of the iPod that the business card doesn't cover. I took some pics to show you.

that really is awesome. A picture is worth a thousand words. That is so much clearer than any words I could have written about mine :D

[yoda13]

So I assume then that it is suggested that you go with AppleCare when you buy an iPod (or mini)? I might do that tomorow...

I would, if for no other reason than it is cheaper than a battery replacement, and if you get stuck with a bum iPod, then you have no worries.

[diehldun]

speaking of that...

I remember that if you purchase any Mac at an Apple Store, they have all your info and serial ID no. in their computer data-base. (I had them check my PB once for the latch and they zapped all that into the computer).

However, I didn't get this iPod min at the store (university instead). Do they still have the information (about my iPod)?

[yoda13]

speaking of that...

I remember that if you purchase any Mac at an Apple Store, they have all your info and serial ID no. in their computer data-base. (I had them check my PB once for the latch and they zapped all that into the computer).

However, I didn't get this iPod min at the store (university instead). Do they still have the information (about my iPod)?

I believe that you'll need to register it either by calling Apple or by doing it over the internet. You'll also need to keep some form of proof of purchase.

[wide]

hi i have an iPod mini blue, and while i was driving home today i got static....if I bring it to the Apple store, will they replace my mini? and can i get a different color?

thanks

-wide

[yoda13]

hi i have an iPod mini blue, and while i was driving home today i got static....if I bring it to the Apple store, will they replace my mini? and can i get a different color?

thanks

-wide

Yes, they will replace it after they look at it and make sure they can't fix it. You will need your receit if you did not buy it there, or so I've been told. I would guess that they will want to replace it with the same color, but that is simply a guess. The trick will be taking to a store that has some in stock.

[Powerbook G5]

What if you got yours laser engraved? How would they go about replacing it if it develops this static issue?

[yoda13]

What if you got yours laser engraved? How would they go about replacing it if it develops this static issue?

that answer I am not so certain about. But my best guess is that they would treat it like they did when they do the battery upgrades on the old iPods. They redo the engraving if necessary. I guess its possible that you might have to pay to have that redone, but I don't think so. I beleive they would redo it if necessary. So, my guess is that they would redo if necessary.

[diehldun]

How much do they cost if you don't have AppleCare :confused:

[yoda13]

How much do they cost if you don't have AppleCare :confused:

I don't think that Apple has said for the mini. For the regular iPod, I believe they charge 99 bucks.

[Westside guy]

What if you got yours laser engraved? How would they go about replacing it if it develops this static issue?

I don't see this already posted, but if so I apologize in advance...

From what I've read the "static issue" seems to be due to the earphone jack being held in place just by two solder points. While annoying, I'd think it'd be simple to fix.

Apparently this is a common problem with very small portable devices like radios.

[yoda13]

I don't see this already posted, but if so I apologize in advance...

From what I've read the "static issue" seems to be due to the earphone jack being held in place just by two solder points. While annoying, I'd think it'd be simple to fix.

Apparently this is a common problem with very small portable devices like radios.

There are good articles about this over at ipodlounge and basically say the same thing. However, they say that Apple's primary response has been to simply replace the whole unit, rather than attempting to fix the problem. If they are that easy to fix, you'd think Apple would want to fix it rather than simply giving the user a new unit.

[diehldun]

are you given a required time to return it? Or can you return when you hear it :confused:

[yoda13]

are you given a required time to return it? Or can you return when you hear it :confused:

I am sure that if you hear it and it is within the warranty period, that you just take it in and they determine whether or not they want to fix it or replace it. If they want to replace it, then you walk out with a new one, if they have it in stock.

[rueyeet]

If anyone has a blue mini, how do you like the color? Is it rich or pale? I was worried about buying online simply because I'd like to see the color in person.I've got a blue mini, and I'd describe the color as "powder blue"....not quite the right shade for a pastel, but about that light. I'd have preferred green, but they didn't have any left--I got my mini by lining up for the grand opening of the Bethesda, MD Apple Store in Montgomery Mall. The employees who came around shaking hands before opening assured us they had all the colors, but I didn't make it in soon enough.

As to the dock question, the only thing the dock gives you is an audio line-out, which does not go through the headphone jack circuitry and therefore is supposed to be purer. Otherwise, if you don't miss the cradle/stand aspect of the dock, the supplied cable will charge and sync just fine.

I am thinking that the mini might actually be too little capacity for as much of my music as I want to have with me....but it's definitely a lot smaller and easier to carry, especially compared to my 2nd gen iPod.

[Powerbook G5]

Powder blue? Well, fortunately this is for my girlfriend so that shouldn't be too bad. I'd probably go with silver if I got one for myself, which I am tempted to do. I only have about 2 gigs in my iTunes collection and I am pretty sure my girlfriend's library isn't that large, either, so it shouldn't be a problem. I just like the look of the mini better than the full sized iPod, plus it's more affordable and I am not a fan of white or of the rumors I hear of the touch buttons sometimes freezing up on the 3G models.

How long does it take to download to the iPod? Say if you were to fill the 4 gigs to capacity, how long would that take? Also, does anyone have the iPod remote and is it a good addition or unnecessary?

[yoda13]

Powder blue? Well, fortunately this is for my girlfriend so that shouldn't be too bad. I'd probably go with silver if I got one for myself, which I am tempted to do. I only have about 2 gigs in my iTunes collection and I am pretty sure my girlfriend's library isn't that large, either, so it shouldn't be a problem. I just like the look of the mini better than the full sized iPod, plus it's more affordable and I am not a fan of white or of the rumors I hear of the touch buttons sometimes freezing up on the 3G models.

How long does it take to download to the iPod? Say if you were to fill the 4 gigs to capacity, how long would that take? Also, does anyone have the iPod remote and is it a good addition or unnecessary?

It took me about 5-8 minutes to download three gigs of my collection to the Mini. Keep in mind that even if you have more songs than the mini can hold, you can always just put selected playlists, etc on there. The sound is much better from the dock than it is from the headphone jack when I hook it up to my home theater system, IMHO. I am ordering a remote today, so I'll let you know how useful it is. Silver is the way to go, of course I would say that since that is the way that I went.

[Capt Underpants]

It took me about 5-8 minutes to download three gigs of my collection to the Mini. Keep in mind that even if you have more songs than the mini can hold, you can always just put selected playlists, etc on there. The sound is much better from the dock than it is from the headphone jack when I hook it up to my home theater system, IMHO. I am ordering a remote today, so I'll let you know how useful it is. Silver is the way to go, of course I would say that since that is the way that I went.

In all honesty, I haven't found a use for the remote since I bought mine. It was pretty much a waste for me. It gets fingerprinted and dirty; it's hard to get it to clip onto clothing, and make it look decent. It elongates the regular iPod headphone cord too much. That's just my take on it, though. If you can find a use for it, then great. I just haven't. I don't mean to put a damper on ur purchase, or anything, though. If I have, I'm sorry. Just my views on the remote.

[yoda13]

In all honesty, I haven't found a use for the remote since I bought mine. It was pretty much a waste for me. It gets fingerprinted and dirty; it's hard to get it to clip onto clothing, and make it look decent. It elongates the regular iPod headphone cord too much. That's just my take on it, though. If you can find a use for it, then great. I just haven't. I don't mean to put a damper on ur purchase, or anything, though. If I have, I'm sorry. Just my views on the remote.

I actually appreciate your input. You didn't dampen me at all. If I wasn't so lazy, I wouldn't be buying one. I just want it so that I can change songs and lists without getting up while I have it connected to my stereo. My arm is just not quite long enough, and I find that I am getting up a lot to change the playlist :rolleyes: , which means I am lazy, that I don' t want to do this anymore :D

[diehldun]

Will the next-generation iPod (big one) encorporate many of the features of the iPod mini :confused:

[Powerbook G5]

I thought they both had the same features already.

[diehldun]

I meant like in terms of looks and the scroll-wheel :rolleyes:

[yoda13]

I wouldn't be surprised if the scroll wheels were similar when they release new iPods. However, I am not sure I would expect them to be too similar. I am also thinking that the new pods might have some new capability or something. However, I am not in the know on this issue, it is just a guess, or perhaps a wish :cool:

[diehldun]

does it sound as good as the description on Apple.com say it is? I am tempted to get that (instead of the iPod mini dock), because it can dock and also play music (don't like the PB speakers that much)

I also need to get the adapter for the InMotion, but they are out of stock on alteclansing.com, so I have to wait before I order...

[yoda13]

does it sound as good as the description on Apple.com say it is? I am tempted to get that (instead of the iPod mini dock), because it can dock and also play music (don't like the PB speakers that much)

I also need to get the adapter for the InMotion, but they are out of stock on alteclansing.com, so I have to wait before I order...

They look really cool, but I have not actually heard a set for myself.

[rueyeet]

How long does it take to download to the iPod? Say if you were to fill the 4 gigs to capacity, how long would that take? Also, does anyone have the iPod remote and is it a good addition or unnecessary?Foolish me thought it couldn't take that long to fill up my mini as I was leaving for work. It took about 15 minutes, then I changed my mind about the automated playlist iTunes will generate for the mini, so I reloaded it with my own selected playlists. So another 15 minutes, and now there's only 89 MB left on there. I think my collection may be too big for a mini, sadly...

I've never used the Apple remotes on either the old iPod or the mini. If you carry the iPod in a place where you can reach the buttons (even through fabric) you may never need it. The only thing the remote is more convenient for is volume control, which you should never really need using Sound Check, anyway.

[Capt Underpants]

The thing I like about the mini is the fact that it the play, pause, forward, and backward buttons arent touch sensitive. If it's in your pocket, you can click the buttons without a remote, or having to take it out. I know that's really not a "feature", but it is cool.

[Westside guy]

The thing I like about the mini is the fact that it the play, pause, forward, and backward buttons arent touch sensitive. If it's in your pocket, you can click the buttons without a remote, or having to take it out. I know that's really not a "feature", but it is cool.

I really, truly wish the 3G iPod were like this. You basically can't navigate the buttons by feel; and that's a pain.

[yoda13]

I never did like the button arrangement on the 3rd gen. iPod. That is why I never bought one and now I am glad because I have a mini instead.

[diehldun]

is that feature just for factory-delivered iPod mini's? So I cannot take it to Apple Store and have them engrave it :confused:

[yoda13]

is that feature just for factory-delivered iPod mini's? So I cannot take it to Apple Store and have them engrave it :confused:

I think so, but I am not sure :o

[akeel6]

How much do they cost if you don't have AppleCare :confused:

There are some third party sites like ipodresq.com that replace batteries for slightly less of course you dont get any apple warrentees. i got my 2nd gen battery replaced from them it was quick.

As soon as i replaced the battery i traded the 2nd gen 20 gig to my sister for her 3rd gen 10 gig. I had size envy. i had bought my wife a pink mini for xmas (delivered in feb) and its really really cool. I like the mini for the size but i get frustrated when the song i want to listen to is not on my 10 gig hard drive (how the hell does it always happen that i have 1000 songs but the ONE i want to hear is not on there).

[diehldun]

Thanks. I'll look into that if I need to replace it.

I am begining to get worried that the mini will not hold enough songs...

[Palador]

For everyone's information...

3 out of the 5 iPod mini's they had at the Apple store in Las Vegas had the static problem to some degree. Cutting out, static, popping, etc.

Granted they are floor demos and handled alot, but still... the floor demos of the ipod had nothing but a couple scratched and they've been out for alot long Im sure.

I was extremely surprised that they let those iPods stay on the floor. (especially the blue one, which cut out and staticed more than it played) They said they sell out within hours of getting new ones in... so I guess they just dont want to lose out on more sales. Also, the genius there said he 'hadn't really heard about the problem'.... YEAH.... SURE....

I have heard the problem is two fold, both the solder job on the headphone jack and the internal connecter from the mainboard to sound out is at fault.

[diehldun]

That's not good :eek:

[Powerbook G5]

I'm starting to worry about the iPod mini that I ordered. Hopefully by now they have fixed the static issue since it'll be a few months since the mini was released.

[yoda13]

I'm starting to worry about the iPod mini that I ordered. Hopefully by now they have fixed the static issue since it'll be a few months since the mini was released.

I am hoping that was one of the reasons for the enormous number of delays in shipping that I had to deal with in getting my mini. So far no problems. That could be chance though. But it was almost a month later than Apple quoted me when I orderd, so I am hoping that some of that delay was fixing the problem. Unfortunately, only time will tell.

[akeel6]

Thanks. I'll look into that if I need to replace it.

I am begining to get worried that the mini will not hold enough songs...

my wife has had her mini forever and we have had no problems at all. she loves the size of the HD and the device.

me being the tech junkie in the house i am waiting for the latest and greatest, as soon as the next gen ipod is out i'm buying. I would also suggest that no matter what size you get if you have a significant music collection you will exceed the size. i have about 400 CDs that i started ripping as soon as i got itunes 1.0 i didnt rip all cause i never listen to half of it but then i started downloading (from music store of course and not illegally, i would never do that, that would be wrong, that would make the little people suffer, have you seen the new ad in movie theathers with the painter..lol.. anyway i digress). I currently have about 20 gigs on my computer so i would have to get the 40 to hold it all, and i still have half my music on CD and not ripped. I would not say i'm an AVID music fan so i dont dl that much if you are you could end with 40 gigs easy.

My advice decide if you want small carring size or more song. I think 1000 songs with you is more than you will really need unless like me you always wnat to hear the song you dont have.

[diehldun]

Perhaps was it just the original batch of mini's that had the issue?

[yoda13]

Perhaps was it just the original batch of mini's that had the issue?

I sure hope that is the case :)

[hulugu]

So I ordered an iPod mini for my girlfriend's birthday this morning...7-8 week estimated ship date! I have been looking for it everywhere for a month now since her birthday is on July 4 and figured that'd give me plenty of time, but I finally gave up and ordered from Apple Online Store. How come this thing is so impossible to find? I still have yet to see one in person and not a single store I have been to has had one. Has anyone actually gotten one, and if you have, how the heck did you? I'm going to have to just send her a birthday card and give her a phone call on her birthday since it may be a week or two afterwards before she receives her iPod, which sucks, because I am going to fly up to see her a week before and was hoping to give it to her in person.

I swear, someday Apple is going to finally learn to gauge customer demand on one of their products...someday...

I got mine because I know some people at the Apple Store; I got hooked up.
You should get a copy of Shape, they have an advertisement that has little carboard cutouts of the iPods in all the colors, act as a kind of IOU.

[hulugu]

I'm starting to worry about the iPod mini that I ordered. Hopefully by now they have fixed the static issue since it'll be a few months since the mini was released.

I've got one and it works very well, no static and no problems whatsoever.

[jayscheuerle]

Sorry about my little rant there...I just really wish I didn't buy the mini. It doesn't look as nice as the other iPod...you can't beat the silver and white in my opinion.

Ouch... I'd take my sleek green baby anyday.. Its' better for running. It's much smaller (so much so that the regular iPod looks like a bus in comparision). It has personality and the aluminum just feels like a brick.

One solid little monster that I see nothing but envy pouring from the eyes of the whitePod owners.

[diehldun]

I got mine because I know some people at the Apple Store; I got hooked up.
You should get a copy of Shape, they have an advertisement that has little carboard cutouts of the iPods in all the colors, act as a kind of IOU.

Hey! I just got Money Magazine and they had that advertisement! I have them all on my desk right now!

[yoda13]

Hey! I just got Money Magazine and they had that advertisement! I have them all on my desk right now!

Anybody know of any other mags that advertisement might be in?

[diehldun]

Anybody know of any other mags that advertisement might be in?

So you want one too!

[diehldun]

:( unfortunately, my mum will not let me have my iPod mini until I finish school this year (and if I get straight-A's; except for math). I am trying to convince her as I already have the straight-A's, expcept for the B- in math. I will have the opportunity to open it in about two-weeks :mad:

While I am dreaming about opening it (she hid it somewhere around the house; can't find it!).

When you take the iPod mini out of the box, can you just connect it via FireWire to the Mac (for me, PowerBook 17") directly, without installing any software? I see there is a CD that comes in the box???? Because the thing is, she will find out the grades on Friday afternoon, and on by Sunday morning (REALLLY REALLY early morning), we are flying out to JFK and then to LHR. So I don't have much time (have to pack...)

I already have over 1,000 songs on the PB. What's the quickest way to transport them?

[yoda13]

:( unfortunately, my mum will not let me have my iPod mini until I finish school this year (and if I get straight-A's; except for math). I am trying to convince her as I already have the straight-A's, expcept for the B- in math. I will have the opportunity to open it in about two-weeks :mad:

While I am dreaming about opening it (she hid it somewhere around the house; can't find it!).

When you take the iPod mini out of the box, can you just connect it via FireWire to the Mac (for me, PowerBook 17") directly, without installing any software? I see there is a CD that comes in the box???? Because the thing is, she will find out the grades on Friday afternoon, and on by Sunday morning (REALLLY REALLY early morning), we are flying out to JFK and then to LHR. So I don't have much time (have to pack...)


I already have over 1,000 songs on the PB. What's the quickest way to transport them?

Well, I installed the software that came on the disk. Didn't try it without doing that, so I am not sure. But I think if you have downloaded the latest iPod updates from software update, it should work fine. But to be on the safe side, it just took a couple of minutes to install it. No big deal. However, if you have more than a thousand songs on your PB then you will have to choose some way to reduce that number for transfer. You can either let it choose a playlist for you comprised of the songs it chooses, or you can make playlists for it (or use ones you already have) and choose which lists you want to copy over (which is what I did) If you already knew this, sorry for telling you again. I just wanted to be helpful :cool:

[diehldun]

What's this "smart playlist" that I hear about on the iPod's? I heard something about it choses/clasifies them so it can fit in the mini? What is going on :confused:

[yoda13]

What's this "smart playlist" that I hear about on the iPod's? I heard something about it choses/clasifies them so it can fit in the mini? What is going on :confused:

Well there are smart playlists that you can create within iTunes and transfer to the mini. However, I am not sure about how/if you can do that within the mini. The software will automatically create a playlist for your mini if all your music won't fit, but I don't know if it is a smart playlist. I hadn't heard that before. I just chose which of my tunes I wanted on the mini.

[Rezet]

So what are you saying? The mini isn't worth it because the buttons don't light up? You can give me your mini...

Why not get regular ipod? Still seems like a better deal.

I've seen a green one in person. It looks nice and small but I wouldnt spend 250 on it. With ed. disc. regular 15gbs ipod ends up being 40 bucks more and you also can laser sign it. Plus it's available right now. But if you are keen on mini, check out those sites like macconnection.com or macmall.com etc...

[Powerbook G5]

I don't want a regular iPod since there is no use for 15 gigs and neither of us are a fan of white. And I'd love to get a mini now, but you can't get them laser engraved from a third party so I am stuck waiting it seems.

[diehldun]

But I'm still sort of confused about this "automatic playlist" regarding the iPod and software :confused:

I will pay a visit to my local Apple Store tomorow and ask the Genius.

Also, on an interesting note... someone in my class traded his BRAND NEW silver iPod Mini (w/ approx 300 songs) with another kid's GEN 1 iPod w/ 5gig(looks REALLY REALLY old and battered). Traded just like that? I personally thought that was a good deal for the guy getting the iPod mini. The guy trading his iPod mini said that he needed "more space" to fit "more songs". It doesn't fit that much more songs, does it?

[JJC80]

i think im going to buy my ipod mini next week. several of the Apple stores in the so Cal area have them in!

[cedricb]

I've been to my local Apple Store (The Grove in Los Angeles) four or five times, and have yet to get an iPod mini to work. The Apple associate said they get really trashed. I should be noted the full sized iPod seems to hold up the the trashing just fine.

[yoda13]

But I'm still sort of confused about this "automatic playlist" regarding the iPod and software :confused:

I will pay a visit to my local Apple Store tomorow and ask the Genius.

Also, on an interesting note... someone in my class traded his BRAND NEW silver iPod Mini (w/ approx 300 songs) with another kid's GEN 1 iPod w/ 5gig(looks REALLY REALLY old and battered). Traded just like that? I personally thought that was a good deal for the guy getting the iPod mini. The guy trading his iPod mini said that he needed "more space" to fit "more songs". It doesn't fit that much more songs, does it?

not THAT many more. sounds like he may have been ripping that kid off.

[diehldun]

I've been to my local Apple Store (The Grove in Los Angeles) four or five times, and have yet to get an iPod mini to work. The Apple associate said they get really trashed. I should be noted the full sized iPod seems to hold up the the trashing just fine.

Trashed :confused:

[yoda13]

Trashed :confused:

Don't freak out about this. The mini just doesn't seem to be as robust as the bigger standard iPods. That doesn't mean that if you take care of it reasonably well that it won't hold up well reasonably well. Display models always take plenty of abuse.

[diehldun]

At least they (mini's) don't scratch nearly as much, right?

[yoda13]

At least they (mini's) don't scratch nearly as much, right?

From my limited experience to this point, I would say that this is the case. But they will scratch, so you still have to watch it. I would just look forward to my new mini if I were you and enjoy it....it is really great, IMO. :cool:

[diehldun]

On Apple.com, the avaliability for a silver iPod mini is now 4 weeks, as opposed to 6 weeks...

[Powerbook G5]

I wish you could check the estimate on orders you placed, as well. Whenever I check it just says "open" which doesn't help me determine when it will come. I just hope it comes before July so I can get it in time for my girlfriend's birthday.

[mkrishnan]

Sorry about my little rant there...I just really wish I didn't buy the mini. It doesn't look as nice as the other iPod...you can't beat the silver and white in my opinion.

Did you get it engraved? You should totally sell it on eBay and get a full size if you feel so strongly. I can't see you taking more than a $10-20 hit, if that. :(

Regarding mini availability, the last couple of times I was at the Apple Store in Michigan (oh, yeah, I have to update my profile for my new location! :D) there were people picking theirs up whose orders had been mysteriously pulled ahead by several weeks. They were all pleasantly surprised to get them so soon.

[yoda13]

I wish you could check the estimate on orders you placed, as well. Whenever I check it just says "open" which doesn't help me determine when it will come. I just hope it comes before July so I can get it in time for my girlfriend's birthday.

I am surprised to hear this. Whenever I checked my order status it always gave me an estimated ship date. And I ordered it through the education store. I was able to follow it pretty well by clicking on the details button at the bottome of the entry. When I did this, I always got an estimated ship date.

[wide]

Did you get it engraved? You should totally sell it on eBay and get a full size if you feel so strongly. I can't see you taking more than a $10-20 hit, if that. :(

Regarding mini availability, the last couple of times I was at the Apple Store in Michigan (oh, yeah, I have to update my profile for my new location! :D) there were people picking theirs up whose orders had been mysteriously pulled ahead by several weeks. They were all pleasantly surprised to get them so soon.

I just got a new one from the Apple Store (I had static). I think I'll keep it for now though, because eBay can be a real hassle...especially if you don't have any sales yet.

[diehldun]

What does it sound like when your iPod mini has static? Just static noises? Are there any other problems that go along with it :confused:

[yoda13]

What does it sound like when your iPod mini has static? Just static noises? Are there any other problems that go along with it :confused:

Check out http://www.ipodlounge.com They have a good article and description on the problem

[diehldun]

I just came back from the Apple Store and they had a Silver iPod mini on the desk... it was frozen! I quickly asked the guy there what happened, quickly pressed the center + menu for about 5-10 seconds, and the mini was back in service again. Is that the freeze/lock-up issues i've been hearing?

I also asked about the AppleCare, and the static problems. he denied it, saying "he'd never heard of such a thing", but said that if that happened, I could return it for a new one.

of interest, I asked if they had any mini's in stock. all out, and there is a waiting list. apparently, the silver and pink models are the most popular. I sort of like the green color, though.

[yoda13]

I just came back from the Apple Store and they had a Silver iPod mini on the desk... it was frozen! I quickly asked the guy there what happened, quickly pressed the center + menu for about 5-10 seconds, and the mini was back in service again. Is that the freeze/lock-up issues i've been hearing?

I also asked about the AppleCare, and the static problems. he denied it, saying "he'd never heard of such a thing", but said that if that happened, I could return it for a new one.

of interest, I asked if they had any mini's in stock. all out, and there is a waiting list. apparently, the silver and pink models are the most popular. I sort of like the green color, though.

It is not in his best interest to admit that there are problems with some of the minis. After all he is trying to sell you one :D

[diehldun]

So I ordered an iPod mini for my girlfriend's birthday this morning...7-8 week estimated ship date! I have been looking for it everywhere for a month now since her birthday is on July 4 and figured that'd give me plenty of time, but I finally gave up and ordered from Apple Online Store. How come this thing is so impossible to find? I still have yet to see one in person and not a single store I have been to has had one. Has anyone actually gotten one, and if you have, how the heck did you? I'm going to have to just send her a birthday card and give her a phone call on her birthday since it may be a week or two afterwards before she receives her iPod, which sucks, because I am going to fly up to see her a week before and was hoping to give it to her in person.

I swear, someday Apple is going to finally learn to gauge customer demand on one of their products...someday...

So you are saying that there isn't even ONE in an Apple Store :confused:

[Powerbook G5]

I don't have an Apple store near me...they are kind of rare, you know.

[mkrishnan]

I don't have an Apple store near me...they are kind of rare, you know.

I know...I just moved to Jacksonville (hi, neighbor :)) and I'm missing the one in Troy, MI already. :(

So is there any consensus on whether apple has fixed the static issue yet? Its a little unfortunate and kinda surprising -- the iPod mini was always suggested as being up too *more* abuse than the full size -- they touted it for running (armband) which they had not done with full sizers. And the informal reports out there seem to indicate that the same design feature tha leads to the static issue is present in the 3G iPod, but the case apparently protects much better because this is a non-issue for the big white bad-boys....

Maybe someone can convince NHTSA that people drive with iPods so much that this is a road safety issue and they can make Apple issue a recall. :)

[yoda13]

I know...I just moved to Jacksonville (hi, neighbor :)) and I'm missing the one in Troy, MI already. :(

So is there any consensus on whether apple has fixed the static issue yet? Its a little unfortunate and kinda surprising -- the iPod mini was always suggested as being up too *more* abuse than the full size -- they touted it for running (armband) which they had not done with full sizers. And the informal reports out there seem to indicate that the same design feature tha leads to the static issue is present in the 3G iPod, but the case apparently protects much better because this is a non-issue for the big white bad-boys....

Maybe someone can convince NHTSA that people drive with iPods so much that this is a road safety issue and they can make Apple issue a recall. :)

As far as I can tell, there is no consensus on whether or not they have fixed the problem. Some people have suggested that this may be the reason that they are taking soooooo long to fufill orders. Others say that this is still due to the hard drive supply shortage. So no one really knows for sure.

[Powerbook G5]

Well if there is an issue, you can always get it replaced if needed. Apple seems pretty good with that, I remember back in 99 when my first Mac ever developed an issue, Apple replaced it on their own accord and had a new PowerBook at my door within a week and just asked that I put my other PowerBook in the box they sent to replace it with. That PowerBook is still working, too, I just sold it to my roommate for $600 a couple of weeks ago. Not bad for a 5 year old G3 when you can get a brand new Dell for the same price...but don't tell him that. :)

[yoda13]

Well if there is an issue, you can always get it replaced if needed. Apple seems pretty good with that, I remember back in 99 when my first Mac ever developed an issue, Apple replaced it on their own accord and had a new PowerBook at my door within a week and just asked that I put my other PowerBook in the box they sent to replace it with. That PowerBook is still working, too, I just sold it to my roommate for $600 a couple of weeks ago. Not bad for a 5 year old G3 when you can get a brand new Dell for the same price...but don't tell him that. :)

That is quite a deal you've made there, I wish I had made that good of a deal on my old TiBook that I got rid of a few months ago :D

[diehldun]

...worry me! After reading the article, it seems as though the problem only surfaces after about 3-4 weeks later. The problem for me is- I get to open it after school's out, and right after that, we go to Europe. So, if the static problems occurs while I'm in Europe, I'm pretty screwed. Also, after the Europe trip, I'm going to be back in Miami. Even if they replace it there, my PowerBook (w/ all the songs on iTunes) is here in SD, so I won't even be able to listen to music! AUGHHHHH!!!!!!!

What are the odds of a iPod Mini developing static? 1/4? It sounds like it's 2/5 of something :(

[Jo-Kun]

Also, on an interesting note... someone in my class traded his BRAND NEW silver iPod Mini (w/ approx 300 songs) with another kid's GEN 1 iPod w/ 5gig(looks REALLY REALLY old and battered). Traded just like that? I personally thought that was a good deal for the guy getting the iPod mini. The guy trading his iPod mini said that he needed "more space" to fit "more songs". It doesn't fit that much more songs, does it?

you think this might be a rip off... ok he won't be able to store that much more songs, but since I've read all the nice stories (being sarcastic that is ;-) ) about the new iPod MINI I think the one who gets the 1st gen has the better deal, the Mini looks nicer maybe, but the other one is reliable :p ok mybe he'll need to switch battery soon... but still he gains 1GB storage and a lot of stability :-)

BTW I want the 60GB coming out soon... (since those disks are released :-d) my 30GB gets to small... I have 38GB of tunes (real GB, not the GB mentioned on boxes of harddisks :p)

[yoda13]

...worry me! After reading the article, it seems as though the problem only surfaces after about 3-4 weeks later. The problem for me is- I get to open it after school's out, and right after that, we go to Europe. So, if the static problems occurs while I'm in Europe, I'm pretty screwed. Also, after the Europe trip, I'm going to be back in Miami. Even if they replace it there, my PowerBook (w/ all the songs on iTunes) is here in SD, so I won't even be able to listen to music! AUGHHHHH!!!!!!!

What are the odds of a iPod Mini developing static? 1/4? It sounds like it's 2/5 of something :(

I am not sure how easy it would be to put numbers on the amount of people who are having problems. There are definately a number of them to be sure, but there are also at least as many, if not more who aren't having any problems. I can certainly understand your frustration should your mini malfunction while you are vacationing. Having said that, if I were you, I would not bar trouble before it happens and just enjoy my mini, perhpas being a little more careful with it than you normally would, until you can get back home and replace it and reload it easily if it were to malfunciton. I have only had mine a couple of weeks now, but I have used it pretty heavily and have no issues as of yet. Enjoy it, it is a cool little toy ;)

[diehldun]

I just got a call from my cousin who just bought a Blue iPod Mini. His has "sound distortion issues." He is waiting to take it back to his Apple Store (they do not have blue in stock).

[yoda13]

I just got a call from my cousin who just bought a Blue iPod Mini. His has "sound distortion issues." He is waiting to take it back to his Apple Store (they do not have blue in stock).

What do you mean "sound distortion issues?" Is he having the static problem? Or is it something else? When does it do it?

[diehldun]

Apparently relate to the Static problem and skipping

[yoda13]

Apparently relate to the Static problem and skipping

I am curious, when did he get this iPod? Was he a really early adopter, or did he only recently obtain his?

[diehldun]

What's interesting is the fact that he just got his. Oh no!

[yoda13]

What's interesting is the fact that he just got his. Oh no!

This is not good news. I had fervently hoped that the reason that they were taking so long to ship wasn't soley related to the scarcity of hard drives and was also do to the fact that Apple might be fixing this problem. Oh well, I am keeping my fingers crossed. I haven't had any problems with mine as of yet, and I have had it for several weeks and used it a bunch.

[Powerbook G5]

I'm not too worried. If it develops an issue, I'll have Apple replace it. Hell, by then I bet my girlfriend will have put a few scratches on it, so why not get a fresh unscratched one after a month. Considering that her cellphone is held together by tape, I am sure that it'll be in need of a new case by then.

[yoda13]

I'm not too worried. If it develops an issue, I'll have Apple replace it. Hell, by then I bet my girlfriend will have put a few scratches on it, so why not get a fresh unscratched one after a month. Considering that her cellphone is held together by tape, I am sure that it'll be in need of a new case by then.

I am going to do my very best to adopt your attitude. I just have low tolerance for things that don't work. But you are right and there is no point in worrying about something that hasn't happened yet :) I have enjoyed it very much to this point and I am going to continue to do so.

[diehldun]

I'm not too worried. If it develops an issue, I'll have Apple replace it. Hell, by then I bet my girlfriend will have put a few scratches on it, so why not get a fresh unscratched one after a month. Considering that her cellphone is held together by tape, I am sure that it'll be in need of a new case by then.

So even if there are scratches to it (cosmetically), Apple will replace it? Wow...

[mkrishnan]

Foolish me thought it couldn't take that long to fill up my mini as I was leaving for work. It took about 15 minutes, then I changed my mind about the automated playlist iTunes will generate for the mini, so I reloaded it with my own selected playlists. So another 15 minutes, and now there's only 89 MB left on there. I think my collection may be too big for a mini, sadly...

Wow...that's a long time! It only took that long to load 10+ gigs on my iPod 3G. :( But I totally got it while i was home from work for lunch (I was home from work for lunch cuz I knew it was coming, but that's a side story :)) and I was filling it, and sitting there going, "fill! fill! fill! I gotta go back to work!" :D

When iTunes automatically picks songs to fit on it, does it pretty much auto-fill the Mini? I gotta do housekeeping on my recorded radio shows cuz otherwise I'm going to need this feature on my 15GB soon. :(

[diehldun]

Wow...that's a long time! It only took that long to load 10+ gigs on my iPod 3G. :( But I totally got it while i was home from work for lunch (I was home from work for lunch cuz I knew it was coming, but that's a side story :)) and I was filling it, and sitting there going, "fill! fill! fill! I gotta go back to work!" :D

When iTunes automatically picks songs to fit on it, does it pretty much auto-fill the Mini? I gotta do housekeeping on my recorded radio shows cuz otherwise I'm going to need this feature on my 15GB soon. :(


So in that way, iTunes automatically picks what songs? What if I want to choose what songs I want in the iPod?

[yoda13]

So in that way, iTunes automatically picks what songs? What if I want to choose what songs I want in the iPod?

It is no problem, all you have to do is click on the iPod button at the bottom of the iTunes window to bring up the iPod options and you can choose which songs and playlists you copy over, or at least that is what I did.

[diehldun]

Then, what's the purpose of the iPod doing that automatically? Does it organize it so that it's most efficient (space?) :confused:

[yoda13]

Then, what's the purpose of the iPod doing that automatically? Does it organize it so that it's most efficient (space?) :confused:

Well, I think one of the main purposes of it is that a lot of people have way more music than the mini can hold, so by having this function, it allows people to quickly sync their minis without having to go through all of their music. So it is kind of a time saving feature, at least to my way of thinking. As far as it being more efficient in using space, I wouldn't think that it is, but I am not for sure. You still have the same amount of space. I am not sure how it goes about selecting what songs it puts on there. At any rate, I like to know exactly what is on my mini, so I set it up manually :)

[mkrishnan]

Well, I think one of the main purposes of it is that a lot of people have way more music than the mini can hold, so by having this function, it allows people to quickly sync their minis without having to go through all of their music.

Yeah, I think the basic idea is that before the Mini, a lot of iTunes users had 10-20 gigs of music (I think when they did a MacPolls, the avg. amount came out to around 2500 songs, which would be slightly over 10?). So most full-size iPod users sync their whole library (I've still got about 600 MB left :(). But most mini users have more than 4 GB of music. So I guess it just omits things with zero playcount for the whole album, etc....

There are prolly a good number of users who wouldn't want to wade through 4000 songs to decide which ones to include. I probably would, but that's another matter. :)

[sketchy]

Yeah, I think the basic idea is that before the Mini, a lot of iTunes users had 10-20 gigs of music (I think when they did a MacPolls, the avg. amount came out to around 2500 songs, which would be slightly over 10?). So most full-size iPod users sync their whole library (I've still got about 600 MB left :(). But most mini users have more than 4 GB of music. So I guess it just omits things with zero playcount for the whole album, etc....

There are prolly a good number of users who wouldn't want to wade through 4000 songs to decide which ones to include. I probably would, but that's another matter. :)

I walked in to the Short Pump apple store and picked one up two weeks ago -- no waiting or lists. -- they have some blue and silvers ones in stock. no waiting. I also have a 20 GB model and find little use of it now. I used to DJ and have over 40 GB of music.. you have to ask yourself -- do I really need all that stuff with me? I find that 4 GB of music is more them I need. If I was driving cross country I might want more stuff, but for the gym and driving around 4 is enough for me.

Dave

[diehldun]

Yeah, I think the basic idea is that before the Mini, a lot of iTunes users had 10-20 gigs of music (I think when they did a MacPolls, the avg. amount came out to around 2500 songs, which would be slightly over 10?). So most full-size iPod users sync their whole library (I've still got about 600 MB left :(). But most mini users have more than 4 GB of music. So I guess it just omits things with zero playcount for the whole album, etc....

There are prolly a good number of users who wouldn't want to wade through 4000 songs to decide which ones to include. I probably would, but that's another matter. :)

How long does it take then for each song on the iPod mini? 1 minute?

[yoda13]

How long does it take then for each song on the iPod mini? 1 minute?

I assume that you are talking about how long it takes to sync each song to the mini. If I am wrong about what you mean, I am sorry, but it took me something less than ten minutes to sync my mini, and I put about three or so gigs worth of my music on it. I was really surprised at how quick it synced for me, I was expecting a longer time.

[diehldun]

but if they say that the battery on the iPod mini has X many hours (recharching cycles), then how do you sync the iPod? (In other words, what if you just want to leave the iPod on the dock because it looks nicer than on the desk, and you can sync with the PowerBook, does that mean it automatically charges? (even if I don't want to))

Because when I get home, I don't want to leave it on the desk (knowing me, it will somehow fall off) or on a clip; I'd prefer if it was resting on the dock. then, I can easily transfer stuff from the PowerBook to the iPod. But then, if I do that everyday when I get home, it'll charge and the battery will not last as long...

What to do :confused: :confused: :confused:

[yoda13]

but if they say that the battery on the iPod mini has X many hours (recharching cycles), then how do you sync the iPod? (In other words, what if you just want to leave the iPod on the dock because it looks nicer than on the desk, and you can sync with the PowerBook, does that mean it automatically charges? (even if I don't want to))

Because when I get home, I don't want to leave it on the desk (knowing me, it will somehow fall off) or on a clip; I'd prefer if it was resting on the dock. then, I can easily transfer stuff from the PowerBook to the iPod. But then, if I do that everyday when I get home, it'll charge and the battery will not last as long...

What to do :confused: :confused: :confused:

I believe that the iPod only charges on the dock when it needs to, once it is at capacity, it quits charging. There is a meter that displays on the screen of the iPod that blinks if it is charging and is solid when its full and done charging.

[diehldun]

I believe that the iPod only charges on the dock when it needs to, once it is at capacity, it quits charging. There is a meter that displays on the screen of the iPod that blinks if it is charging and is solid when its full and done charging.

That's good. I thought it would still be charging, even if it didn't need to, and would thus waste battery recharge cycles. :rolleyes:

[yoda13]

That's good. I thought it would still be charging, even if it didn't need to, and would thus waste battery recharge cycles. :rolleyes:

Yeah, I wouldn't worry about that. I leave mine on the dock all the time. When I got home today, it had been drained nearly all the way down and it charged it back up and now it is just sitting there on the dock. The battery meter is no longer indicating that it is charging. It is just sitting there. So I wouldn't worry about it at all. Enjoy the little beast :D

[mkrishnan]

How long does it take then for each song on the iPod mini? 1 minute?

There's kinda an overhead issue with syncing. Meaning in my experience, syncing any less than ~5 new songs on a full player takes almost same time regardless of the number of songs. But a sync with just a few new songs takes a minute or less, depending on whether you have an AV program that tries to scan your iPod for virii on sync :) or you have iSync set to try to tooth your cell phone and update the iPod's calendar.

If you don't do either of those, def. <1 min. :D

[diehldun]

Does it make any difference if you use the dock or just the cable (faster... better/clearer...)?

Are there any advantages to getting a dock? Look nicer?

[Powerbook G5]

Does it make any difference if you use the dock or just the cable (faster... better/clearer...)?

Are there any advantages to getting a dock? Look nicer?

It's all about pimping it. ;)

[yoda13]

Does it make any difference if you use the dock or just the cable (faster... better/clearer...)?

Are there any advantages to getting a dock? Look nicer?

I think that the iPod sound output sounds better connected to my home stereo through the dock than it does with the RCA cable from the headphone jack. The sound just seems clearer and cleaner. But that is the only reason to get a dock. You can certainly get by well without one.

[yoda13]

It's all about pimping it. ;)

Enough said :D

[diehldun]

Just to keep you posted ;) , I brought in my PowerBook to the genius at the Apple Store regarding the static shocks on the 17-incher. They apparently have never heard of such a case. Nevertheless, they reported it, and as of five minutes ago, that thing has continued to give me the hourly-wake up call :rolleyes:

The best thing is... the PowerBook matches the iPod mini color! Heeheehee

[yoda13]

I'll be really peeved if my mini starts shocking me like that :eek:

[Powerbook G5]

My PowerBook will zap me when I am at my parent's house and if they have the heat on. Metal+artificial heat=static discharge.

[yoda13]

Man, I hope I don't start having this problem with my powerbook. I made it through last winter without that happening. I hope that it doesn't start. That would drive me nuts more than likely.

[diehldun]

My PowerBook will zap me when I am at my parent's house and if they have the heat on. Metal+artificial heat=static discharge.

The problem is though, I live in San Diego, where it's like almost 80 outside (w/ AC on inside!). Very strange behavior. What type of PowerBook is yours?

[diehldun]

Target does not seem to be supplying the iPod mini's right now- they only have the "normal" iPods in stock.

Another thing, Target has a pretty sweet deal out there now @target.com; "iDeal" where you get free shipping and 15 free iTunes songs when purchased. Apparetnly, it did not include the mini.

[jaw04005]

I have both a blue mini and a 15GB iPod. The thing I hate about my iPod is the fact that chrome on the back scratches no matter how gentle you are with it. Also, I'm not wild about the "light-up touch buttons".. I always hit the wrong button or change my song on accident. The mini's scroll wheel is SO nice, and is more in line with the 1st G iPod offered. Also, I enjoy the scratch resistance of the AL case and the protective coating over the mini's screen.

I would think the iPod's will be updated at the "Music Event" for Europe and Steve will announce the availabilty of the Mini to the rest of the world. I don't know why people assume WWDC will be the venue for iPod updates. Its a software developer's event, and since those software developers don't develop software for the iPod... I would assume they could careless. I guess we will find out.

[mkrishnan]

I think that the iPod sound output sounds better connected to my home stereo through the dock than it does with the RCA cable from the headphone jack. The sound just seems clearer and cleaner. But that is the only reason to get a dock. You can certainly get by well without one.

The dock has a line-level out (preamped vs. the headphone jack), which will give you better quality and you won't have to compensate by turning your rcvr up higher than normal. So ditto to what yoda said. Help you he did. When 4000 songs you have, look this good you will not. :)

[yoda13]

The dock has a line-level out (preamped vs. the headphone jack), which will give you better quality and you won't have to compensate by turning your rcvr up higher than normal. So ditto to what yoda said. Help you he did. When 4000 songs you have, look this good you will not. :)

Made my day, you did :D

[yoda13]

The problem is though, I live in San Diego, where it's like almost 80 outside (w/ AC on inside!). Very strange behavior. What type of PowerBook is yours?

His scenario is very likely to cause a shock. However, there have been other instances of electrical shocks from the the aluminum powerbooks. I know there have been several threads on this, and the artificial heat scenario does not work in all of them as a possible cause. So if you do a search, you might come up with some feedback on this topic.

[diehldun]

Does anyone here have those plastic-like/or leather-like protectors that go around the iPod mini? I have seen several on the iPod's (because they scratch like crazy), but not on a mini yet. I have heard that the Mini's don't scratch nearly as much. Does it really protect it? I was thinking that the included belt-clip was good enough. I think that the outside thing sort of takes away the beauty of the iPod mini silver color, no?

I have several relatives who have the iPod and am scared after seeing soooooo many scratch marks on theirs (not mini's, though)

[yoda13]

Does anyone here have those plastic-like/or leather-like protectors that go around the iPod mini? I have seen several on the iPod's (because they scratch like crazy), but not on a mini yet. I have heard that the Mini's don't scratch nearly as much. Does it really protect it? I was thinking that the included belt-clip was good enough. I think that the outside thing sort of takes away the beauty of the iPod mini silver color, no?

I have several relatives who have the iPod and am scared after seeing soooooo many scratch marks on theirs (not mini's, though)

The mini is much harder to scratch than the regular iPods. I wouldn't put a case on mine, as I think it takes away from the beauty of it.

[Powerbook G5]

His scenario is very likely to cause a shock. However, there have been other instances of electrical shocks from the the aluminum powerbooks. I know there have been several threads on this, and the artificial heat scenario does not work in all of them as a possible cause. So if you do a search, you might come up with some feedback on this topic.

Yeah, my PowerBook never shocks me normally since I live in Florida where it is always in the 80+ degree weather. I have a 1.25 GHz Aluminum 15" PowerBook from the September revision. I normally operate it from my bed with it sitting on top of a Coolpad Traveler laptop stand to keep it elevated enough to vent. My apartment is always air conditioned, never heated. As I said before, that situation where I visited my parents in Iowa was the only time I have been zapped by my PowerBook, but I expected that would happen since it was snowing outside and we had the heater on pretty high.

[yoda13]

Yeah, my PowerBook never shocks me normally since I live in Florida where it is always in the 80+ degree weather. I have a 1.25 GHz Aluminum 15" PowerBook from the September revision. I normally operate it from my bed with it sitting on top of a Coolpad Traveler laptop stand to keep it elevated enough to vent. My apartment is always air conditioned, never heated. As I said before, that situation where I visited my parents in Iowa was the only time I have been zapped by my PowerBook, but I expected that would happen since it was snowing outside and we had the heater on pretty high.

This is completely off topic, but I am jealous of your residence location. It gets plenty warm here in Texas in the summer, but where I live you still have to have some heat every once in a while in the winter. I want perpetual summer :D

[mkrishnan]

Does anyone here have those plastic-like/or leather-like protectors that go around the iPod mini?

I have a 3G and not a Mini, but I was really surprised when iPodLounge said they like the Mini version of the Lajo Exo3 better than the full size iPod version. I have the latter and really like it. At first when you put it on, it fits kinda funny, but if you massage it on a little it improves dramatically. I think the picture of the dark black one on here that coveres the wheel is pretty cool looking:

http://www.ipodlounge.com/reviews_more.php?id=3642_0_6_0_M

[diehldun]

Hurrah! I just opened by beautiful ipod mini silver! It's charging right now.

One problem- how do you put on those black covers for the earbuds? I've spent over 15 min and can't get any of them on! How did any of you did it :D

[diehldun]

Just got them on heeheehee.

I do have a question, though. On the manual, it says:

"By default, iPod mini imports songs automatically when you connect it to your computer. When this automatic transfer is done, it's OK to disconnect iPod mini"

What if I have specific songs that I want on the mini. Do I have to create a new playlist before I connect powerbook to mini? I just don't want the powerbook to load all the songs at once when I connect the two together...

[diehldun]

I'm getting tooo excited about the mini. I just realized thats on page 26. sorry for all the questions. i am just too excited about this iPod mini.

At first glances-

this thing is SMALL. I love the feel of the aluminum much more than the regular iPod. This thing is really really REALLY sexy looking. Great job apple.
Just crossing my fingers that this baby ain't got static issues :)

Now all I have to get is the dock. I think getting that will be a great idea.

[yoda13]

I'm getting tooo excited about the mini. I just realized thats on page 26. sorry for all the questions. i am just too excited about this iPod mini.

At first glances-

this thing is SMALL. I love the feel of the aluminum much more than the regular iPod. This thing is really really REALLY sexy looking. Great job apple.
Just crossing my fingers that this baby ain't got static issues :)

Now all I have to get is the dock. I think getting that will be a great idea.

I highly reccomend the dock. It just rocks. All you have to do to put specific songs on the iPod mini (or any iPod) is to hit its icon in the bottom of the screen to bring up th options for loading music. It is really quite easy. Congrats on finally getting your iPod mini. It is worth getting excited over. I hope that you enjoy it as much as I am enjoying mine :)

Umm, forgot to mention that I believe the only way that you can change the options is with the mini connected to your computer.

[Powerbook G5]

Man, and I still have another month before my mini comes. Well, when I say "my" mini, I mean my girlfriend's mini...but until I actually give it to her, I guess she won't know she has one...

[yoda13]

Man, and I still have another month before my mini comes. Well, when I say "my" mini, I mean my girlfriend's mini...but until I actually give it to her, I guess she won't know she has one...

Nothing wrong with a slightly used gift. :D

[diehldun]

This MIni rocks!

How do you clean the scroll-wheel? I just read the newspaper and got it dirty (it's white...) Can't seem to get it out that well :(

But, I can't stop using/looking at this thing! Just imported 1.3 Gig of songs last night from the powerbook to the mini. had to change the setting so i imported songs manually.

Does the backlight use up a lot of battery? It looks really really cool (so blue/white!), but I'm afaid it will use up all the battery.

[LaMerVipere]

Yeah, it would be fab if I could actually get my hands on a ****ing mini.

By the time they are shipping in full volume Apple will have released the 4th-gen iPod! And then another delay shall ensue for that I am shure :rolleyes:

[diehldun]

I must say, everything has been extremely well-designed, except for the clip. It is very tight. What is the best way to insert/remove mini? Thank you.

[yoda13]

I must say, everything has been extremely well-designed, except for the clip. It is very tight. What is the best way to insert/remove mini? Thank you.

The backlight does chew up the battery, so i don't use it. But it is cool. :D
As far as cleaning the scroll wheel goes, I have yet to have a need to do that, so I have no answers for you on that. Also, I don't use the beltclip, so I have little experience with that, but I do recall reading, either in my owner's manuel or on ipodlounge (or both) that there is only one proper way in which to remove the mini from the click without damaging the mini. So do be careful.

[Capt Underpants]

In the iPod mini manual, it tells you the proper way to insert the mini into the clip. If I recall correctly, you DO NOT slide it in. You pop it in and out. I am not suer, though, as I have only used the clip once... and that was a few months ago.

[diehldun]

is that it seems as if it's really "squeezing" the mini when you clip it in, it's also very hard to take it out (scratching????) And no, I do not take it out up/down, instead in/out.

Maybe bad design? Or because it's so new that it needs to be streetched :confused:

[yoda13]

is that it seems as if it's really "squeezing" the mini when you clip it in, it's also very hard to take it out (scratching????) And no, I do not take it out up/down, instead in/out.

Maybe bad design? Or because it's so new that it needs to be streetched :confused:

The belt clip is kind of a catch-22. It has to be tight so that the mini doesn't fall out during intensive use. Having said that, some people have suggested that the belt clip might scratch the min and that too much squeezing or intensive abuse of the mini leads to the static issue. So I just said...to heck with it, and I don't use the belt clip. But it is supposed to work with it just fine, so....I say it will probably loosen up some over time.

[diehldun]

From the clip? I'm not going to use that anymore! :eek:

[yoda13]

From the clip? I'm not going to use that anymore! :eek:

No, no, no. I didn't mean that the clip itself would cause the static :D

What I meant was that you have to kind of man handle the mini to get it in and out of the clip. This manhandling has been suggested to cause the static issue. Not with the belt clip per se, but man handling the mini too much in general.

[diehldun]

As in taking one side out, and then the other? I hope I am doing it properly

[yoda13]

As in taking one side out, and then the other? I hope I am doing it properly

If you are following the instructions in the manual then I am sure everything will be fine. I hope that you are enjoying yours as much as I am mine. Are you pleased with your battery life? Mine is as advertised, but I am heard reports of better and worse and I was curious as to what you seem to be getting with yours.

[Capt Underpants]

If you are following the instructions in the manual then I am sure everything will be fine. I hope that you are enjoying yours as much as I am mine. Are you pleased with your battery life? Mine is as advertised, but I am heard reports of better and worse and I was curious as to what you seem to be getting with yours.

As for my battery life, I have never really listened to my iPod mini for eight straight hours. that being said, I have never found myself wanting any more battery life.

[diehldun]

If you are following the instructions in the manual then I am sure everything will be fine. I hope that you are enjoying yours as much as I am mine. Are you pleased with your battery life? Mine is as advertised, but I am heard reports of better and worse and I was curious as to what you seem to be getting with yours.

I think I made a major mistake in the begining. When I opened it, I only charged it for about 1.5 hours. Yesterday, the mini gave me about 3-5 hours (w/ backlight on though). i will be curious to see how long the mini will last tomorow (flying to NY tomorow).

FYI, just got the dock. Really useless, in my opinion. Just keeps the mini standing upright.

[diehldun]

Yesterday, my mini froze up on me! (just once). So I took it to the Apple Store and everyone there was shocked that i had a mini! they said that there were like 200 people on the wait-list for the pink iPod mini, and 100+ for the silver (wait list would be about 6 weeks at the actual Apple Store) wow! I'm so glad I was able to get mine!

[yoda13]

I think I made a major mistake in the begining. When I opened it, I only charged it for about 1.5 hours. Yesterday, the mini gave me about 3-5 hours (w/ backlight on though). i will be curious to see how long the mini will last tomorow (flying to NY tomorow).

FYI, just got the dock. Really useless, in my opinion. Just keeps the mini standing upright.

Use the dock to connect it to your stereo. It sounds so much better than when its connected through the earphones jack. But if you aren't going to connect to your stereo this way, then I agree that it is not necessary.

[diehldun]

Use the dock to connect it to your stereo. It sounds so much better than when its connected through the earphones jack. But if you aren't going to connect to your stereo this way, then I agree that it is not necessary.

How do you connect to the stereo? Do you have to buy an accessory-wire? I have Altec Lansing's (old old ones from my Dell), and they constantly give me static! :confused: Don't know why- even when I play music or games, they give me static, and sometimes, intercept radio frequencies (you can literally hear music and commercials!). Maybe I should get new speakers...

[yoda13]

How do you connect to the stereo? Do you have to buy an accessory-wire? I have Altec Lansing's (old old ones from my Dell), and they constantly give me static! :confused: Don't know why- even when I play music or games, they give me static, and sometimes, intercept radio frequencies (you can literally hear music and commercials!). Maybe I should get new speakers...

I used the ipod stereo connection kit, but you can use any wire that connects the line out to a set of spare RCA ports on your stereo. It sounds really good.

[diehldun]

I will check that out tomorow (maybe the day after) @ SoHo Apple Store in NYC (then going to Europe!). Funny I never noticed that...

I was also tempted to buy the Apple arm-band for the mini. I plan on going to the gym a lot this summer, and am afraid the shocks (from treadmill...) would cause it to skip and make permanent damage. Would the really happen on the mini (have heard reports of that on the larger iPod)

I didn't get it, though. Just got the dock. Maybe I will check them out again at SoHo.

[Powerbook G5]

Man, I still have another three weeks before I get my hands on my girlfriend's iPod mini. I really really really hope it comes early. So far it says "On or before 7/6/04" which is 2 days after her birthday. If it comes a week early I could next day air it to her and get it to her within a day or two of her birthday, which would be great. Of course, I'd like it to come that much earlier so I'd have time to play with it for a day before sending it to her...

[diehldun]

Good luck! I hope it gets in on time :)

[yoda13]

I think that the mini is designed more for physical activity than the big iPod. However, my nephew has a 15 gig full size iPod and he takes his to the gym all the time and has had no problems so far. Some argue that the activity causes the mini to have to work harder to not skip, etc and thusly not last as long. This may be the case, but I would just take it to the gym and use it. It is so perfect for this type of thing. There is a girl that jogs down my street every day and she has her full size ipod attached to her waste with a pack every day. So I say get the arm band and enjoy it ;)

[yoda13]

Man, I still have another three weeks before I get my hands on my girlfriend's iPod mini. I really really really hope it comes early. So far it says "On or before 7/6/04" which is 2 days after her birthday. If it comes a week early I could next day air it to her and get it to her within a day or two of her birthday, which would be great. Of course, I'd like it to come that much earlier so I'd have time to play with it for a day before sending it to her...

I'll keep my fingers crossed for you.... :D

[diehldun]

I think that the mini is designed more for physical activity than the big iPod. However, my nephew has a 15 gig full size iPod and he takes his to the gym all the time and has had no problems so far. Some argue that the activity causes the mini to have to work harder to not skip, etc and thusly not last as long. This may be the case, but I would just take it to the gym and use it. It is so perfect for this type of thing. There is a girl that jogs down my street every day and she has her full size ipod attached to her waste with a pack every day. So I say get the arm band and enjoy it ;)

Whew! THe way the lady said it at the Apple Store, I was afraid to even put the mini on the belt clip and use the treadmill!

I still think, though, that the clip is too tight, and could cause some cosmetic (maybe even internal) damage to the mini. It should have been designed "holster-like", eg. Motorola cell-phones.

[PowerMacMan]

Man, I still have another three weeks before I get my hands on my girlfriend's iPod mini. I really really really hope it comes early. So far it says "On or before 7/6/04" which is 2 days after her birthday. If it comes a week early I could next day air it to her and get it to her within a day or two of her birthday, which would be great. Of course, I'd like it to come that much earlier so I'd have time to play with it for a day before sending it to her...

Mine and my father's iPod mini came 4 days early ;)

Good luck!

[diehldun]

couldn't you just call another Apple Store that has 'em and have the ship it over to you (or maybe to your local Apple Store)? If a recall correctly, they do that at some electronic stores (and cars; dealer-trade)? Does Apple do that?

[diehldun]

I was puzzled at first because I heard reports on the internet about how they're so rare at Apple Stores, and at one here (not UTC), they had quite a bit of them (not pink, though)

Are Mini's rare in Europe? I will be taking mine there!

Once again, good luck! :)

[yoda13]

I was puzzled at first because I heard reports on the internet about how they're so rare at Apple Stores, and at one here (not UTC), they had quite a bit of them (not pink, though)

Are Mini's rare in Europe? I will be taking mine there!

Once again, good luck! :)

I believe that minis are only available in the US at this point. Be careful, someone might want to take that from you ;)

[diehldun]

I believe that minis are only available in the US at this point. Be careful, someone might want to take that from you ;)

I know. That's why I'm going to clip it to my waist, and cover with a shirt. The earbuds might give them away though (but who knows) :rolleyes:
Thanks for the warning. I almost got pickpocketed last time I went to Europe. (it's a long story, you don't want to know :D )

[yoda13]

I know. That's why I'm going to clip it to my waist, and cover with a shirt. The earbuds might give them away though (but who knows) :rolleyes:
Thanks for the warning. I almost got pickpocketed last time I went to Europe. (it's a long story, you don't want to know :D )

Actually know how you feel. Nearly had that happen to me walking up to the Vatican in Rome, which I thought was a strange place for that to happen :)

[diehldun]

Well I'll be... look at the second article on Front page of Macrumors- maybe new iPod minis? Upto 5 Gig?

Will they just drop the 4 gig model and do the 2.5 and 5? I hope not- just got mine! And to top that off, it's not even on Page Two! Oh no! :eek:

[yoda13]

Well I'll be... look at the second article on Front page of Macrumors- maybe new iPod minis? Upto 5 Gig?

Will they just drop the 4 gig model and do the 2.5 and 5? I hope not- just got mine! And to top that off, it's not even on Page Two! Oh no! :eek:

We'll have to see. I believe that the article suggests that they are in talks with Apple to supply these drives but that nothing is certain as of yet. Will be interesting. I have learned that one can't stop the advance of technology, so in that vein, I would like to see the five gig at the same price that I paid for my four gig. Regardless, to this point, I am still extremely satisfied with my mini :)

[diehldun]

the big iPod seems so much bigger than the mini I am at my cousin's house in NY and she has a 10 gig iPod; it's sooo much bigger than my mini! I was so surpirsed. Because before, I had thought the regular iPod was incredibly small, but after using the mini, the iPod looks so much unecessarilly biger. I have a feeling that the mini will steal sales from the iPod.

I absolutely LOVE that scroll-wheel with button in one on the mini!

[LaMerVipere]

the big iPod seems so much bigger than the mini I am at my cousin's house in NY and she has a 10 gig iPod; it's sooo much bigger than my mini! I was so surpirsed. Because before, I had thought the regular iPod was incredibly small, but after using the mini, the iPod looks so much unecessarilly biger. I have a feeling that the mini will steal sales from the iPod.

I absolutely LOVE that scroll-wheel with button in one on the mini!

Hmm, I'm not saying you're wrong, but I was at the Apple Store on Michigan Avenue here in Chicago today and when I picked up a mini I was amazed at how not small it felt. Honestly, I can't see the craze over the size, it doesn't feel or look significantly smaller than my 15GB iPod, but maybe it's just me :cool:

[yoda13]

the big iPod seems so much bigger than the mini I am at my cousin's house in NY and she has a 10 gig iPod; it's sooo much bigger than my mini! I was so surpirsed. Because before, I had thought the regular iPod was incredibly small, but after using the mini, the iPod looks so much unecessarilly biger. I have a feeling that the mini will steal sales from the iPod.

I absolutely LOVE that scroll-wheel with button in one on the mini!

As an owner of both the regular and mini, I will agree with you on this. However, I have the first gen iPod which was bigger than the third gen. And I have not seen a third gen. in person, so I cannot fairly comment in relation to that.

[diehldun]

Hmm, I'm not saying you're wrong, but I was at the Apple Store on Michigan Avenue here in Chicago today and when I picked up a mini I was amazed at how not small it felt. Honestly, I can't see the craze over the size, it doesn't feel or look significantly smaller than my 15GB iPod, but maybe it's just me :cool:

I think it's a matter of ownership- after a couple of hours with it, you really become amazed with it. granted, I'm not impressed at all regarding how much songs it can hold, but it looks good, and I like the scroll-wheel system; the touch-sensitive buttons are SO sensitive on the iPod!

This is my question: can you switch between a Mac and a PC for iTunes w/ my iPod mini? I have transferred all my songs to the mini from my Powerbook, and now I'm at my relatives house in NY and she has iTunes on a Sony Vaio w/ iTunes with some songs I like. Can I connect via USB to my iPod mini? I heard from a lady in SoHo Apple Store that you can't (ruins software or something...) Is this true? :confused:

[yoda13]

I think it's a matter of ownership- after a couple of hours with it, you really become amazed with it. granted, I'm not impressed at all regarding how much songs it can hold, but it looks good, and I like the scroll-wheel system; the touch-sensitive buttons are SO sensitive on the iPod!

This is my question: can you switch between a Mac and a PC for iTunes w/ my iPod mini? I have transferred all my songs to the mini from my Powerbook, and now I'm at my relatives house in NY and she has iTunes on a Sony Vaio w/ iTunes with some songs I like. Can I connect via USB to my iPod mini? I heard from a lady in SoHo Apple Store that you can't (ruins software or something...) Is this true? :confused:

I am not 100% certain, as I have had no need to try this, but I believe that you cannot do that. There was a thread about this not too long ago, but I can't remember for sure what it said, but I believe the lady at the Apple Store was correct. You might just want her to export the tunes and copy them over to your Powerbook and load them up that way, if you really want them.

[diehldun]

I did that last christmas (before I had my iPOd mini) and her iPod is usually connected to her Vaio I used her USB cable to connect hers to mine; but aren't you NOT supposed to connect the iPOd to a Mac via USB? What are the consequences? I hope I did not damage hers (this one is already her second one...)
:o

[yoda13]

I did that last christmas (before I had my iPOd mini) and her iPod is usually connected to her Vaio I used her USB cable to connect hers to mine; but aren't you NOT supposed to connect the iPOd to a Mac via USB? What are the consequences? I hope I did not damage hers (this one is already her second one...)
:o

Yeah, I beleive that the USB cable is for Windows only, but if you did it last Christmas and she still is using it without any trouble then the damage must have been very minimal, if any. I wouldn't worry about it if there were no apparent problems. Of course, I wouldn't try it again ;)

[diehldun]

Yeah, I beleive that the USB cable is for Windows only, but if you did it last Christmas and she still is using it without any trouble then the damage must have been very minimal, if any. I wouldn't worry about it if there were no apparent problems. Of course, I wouldn't try it again ;)

What's wrong with using USB w/ a Mac? It works with PC's, but in the manual, they emphasize the non-usage of a USB connection with an iPod. Will that damage the iPOd or the PowerBook (not that's got me worrying!)

[yoda13]

What's wrong with using USB w/ a Mac? It works with PC's, but in the manual, they emphasize the non-usage of a USB connection with an iPod. Will that damage the iPOd or the PowerBook (not that's got me worrying!)

I am not sure, it could have something to do with the firmware or the software. I am just not completely sure why you aren't supposed to do it, I just know that you aren't. I doubt it would hurt the Powerbook, but the iPod might be another story, or at least, what's on it.

[yoda13]

Powerbook G5, I was wondering if your girlfriend's mini came early and if you had a chance to play with it yet. I was also wondering if supply was getting any better in general?

[Powerbook G5]

It still hasn't come yet, the order status on the Apple store website still reads as "On or before 7/6/04" so I'll just have to wait until next week before seeing it.

[diehldun]

I am not sure, it could have something to do with the firmware or the software. I am just not completely sure why you aren't supposed to do it, I just know that you aren't. I doubt it would hurt the Powerbook, but the iPod might be another story, or at least, what's on it.

I hope it won't... I need some songs from her Vaio!

BTW: So far, no static issues! The mini has been great, just froze up once. The size of it is NO comparison to the normal iPod; I got SOOOOOO many envious looks at Heathrow and throughout Europe!

I took the Mini constantly to the gym, stuffed it in my pocket, and so far, no scratches! I'm quite impressed with my Mini.

The only complaint- I HATE the standard earbuds. They constantly fall out when working out in the gym, and become a tangled mess when you put them away.

[diehldun]

On an interesting note, my family (and I) think that my new iPod mini gave us a complimentary upgrade on our flight from Heathrow to JFK!

At check-in, the guy noticed me pulling out my silver mini, and was so surprised to see it, that he actually wanted to touch it. he was amazed at the size, and then pulled out his own, first-generation iPod! He said that the mini would be avalible in a fortnight (in England), and that he was hoping to get one when the frenzy with the mini dies down.

anyways, originally , we were booked in Premium Economy, but after that experience, my entire family got upgraded to Upper Class! (on the flight, I noticed numerous iPod's in the sky, including a mini). I guess Virgin is a very hip airline.

And yes, the Mini did make the flight seem a bit shorter ;)

--------------------------

Ah yes- another design feature I don't like about the Mini is that when you have the off/hold feature on, and then you take out/put in the earbuds, it over rides that, but then to turn it off, you have to manually deselect the hold feature, then turn it off, then turn the hold back on again. and thankfully, no static yet.

[Powerbook G5]

My iPod mini for my girlfriend came last week, a full 4 days early. I spent two days playing with it before finally parting with it and taking it to the UPS store to ship it to my girlfriend. It is insane how small the thing is, I didn't believe it would be that tiny and thin until I finally saw it. Everything is designed so well and beautifully that you really cannot buy another mp3 player that comes close to the overall aesthetic value of the full iPod package. When I plugged it into my computer, I accidentally copied everything from iTunes on it before realizing what happened since the iPod and iTunes are so well integrated and automated. I finally erased it all and then I recorded myself singing happy birthday to her using Audio Hijack Pro and the built in mic on my PowerBook. I uploaded that and her favorite love song, U2's "With or Without You" to her iPod, charged the battery, then packed it all up perfectly so it didn't look like it had been open so it would surprise her. I sent it UPS next day shipping, but despite me telling them she wouldn't be home until 4:00 in the afternoon, they still kept trying to deliver it at 9:30 am every morning for three days until she finally just drove down to UPS and picked it up herself. I was about ready to go there myself and demand a refund on the extra money I spent to get it to her the next day, but at least she got it. I haven't been able to hear what she thinks of it since she just text messaged my cell phone last night around 1:00 am to tell me she got it and loves it, but after she gets back from work tonight I am going to give her a call and see what she thinks.

[diehldun]

You finally got it! And are you planning on getting a mini? Believe me, once you touch it and use it, you won't even want to consider getting a normal iPod. (I don't regret getting it at all; in the begining, I was tempted to buy the 15-gig model because it held more at around the same price)

Anyways, enjoy (your gf) :D

[Powerbook G5]

I'd get one right now, except two things, it took two months to get the first one and I rather not wait until September or October to finally get it and have a bigger and better one come out in the meantime and plus I am planning on buying a massive Samsung digital widescreen HDTV with built in HD tuner, 480p, 720p, and 1080i resolution, a DVI input, and a set of Infinity speakers to replace the tiny Pioneer ones I have for the left and right so I can give my 600 watt Pioneer system some justice.

[Sabbath]

Glad to see you got the mini, I'm currently having my own "mini adventure" :rolleyes: I somehow managed to get myself into the position of having 3 on order at 3 different places, after changing my mind on the colour I wanted. :rolleyes: I only want one so I'm going to have to return/cancel the other two or sell them on eBay if they are still scarce by then. It's just a matter of which gets here first.

[yoda13]

On an interesting note, my family (and I) think that my new iPod mini gave us a complimentary upgrade on our flight from Heathrow to JFK!

At check-in, the guy noticed me pulling out my silver mini, and was so surprised to see it, that he actually wanted to touch it. he was amazed at the size, and then pulled out his own, first-generation iPod! He said that the mini would be avalible in a fortnight (in England), and that he was hoping to get one when the frenzy with the mini dies down.

anyways, originally , we were booked in Premium Economy, but after that experience, my entire family got upgraded to Upper Class! (on the flight, I noticed numerous iPod's in the sky, including a mini). I guess Virgin is a very hip airline.

And yes, the Mini did make the flight seem a bit shorter ;)

--------------------------

Ah yes- another design feature I don't like about the Mini is that when you have the off/hold feature on, and then you take out/put in the earbuds, it over rides that, but then to turn it off, you have to manually deselect the hold feature, then turn it off, then turn the hold back on again. and thankfully, no static yet.

Sorry that I haven't been keeping up lately, as I have been camping in the mountains of New Mexico and Colorado for the last several weeks. Anyway, that is a cool story about your mini and the flight upgrade. I am glad that your mini has presented you with no problems. I have now been using mine for around two months now, including my just concluded vacation, and I have had no problems at all. Just wanted to let everyone know that. Hope that you enjoyed your trip as well.