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I hate the new iPods! and why, who agrees?

40gb does not yet exist

http://gear.ign.com/articles/382/382161p1.html?fromint=1&submit.x=78&submit.y=15

It a future model.


As far as the new iPod goes, I like the look. i wish they had done 40gb, but hopefully the AAC will reduce enough to fit all I want.
I have not used the buttons yet, but every portable I have ever used, I have had to use the HOLD button. So that won't be a worry.
As far as scratches go, any lcd screen needs soem sort of protection. I will just get a case from the start and not worry about it.

Sorry you did not have a good experience.
 
Re: Re: Re: whats more~

Originally posted by redAPPLE
i plan to buy an iPod, but u guys made me think. i guess, i should say thank you, for sharing your thoughts.
Click to expand...

Don't listen to the squeeky naysayers, but rather the silent (or not so silent) masses that like the new iPod as much as, or more than, the old one.

I felt the old one was badly designed: "form over function," so to speak. I was always asjustingthe volume as I went to advance tracks, etc. The buttons were just too clustered together. Not a problem on the new one. I also think the new design is sharper than the old, tired one.

In fact, my only problem with new one IS the new hold button. It's not as easy to switch as the old one. Unlike some, I always had to use the hold botton on the old model to make certain that it didn't come on in my pocket/bag and run out of battery - an occurance that plagued me since I got the little bugger.

I never thought the old models were too big, but the using the new one has made me rethink that position. Small is good, in this case.
 
I don't like the new ipods as much because
1. they don't look as nice
2. the buttons are more annoyingly placed
3. the battery life is reduced
4. I haven't even filled my 5 gig ipod so the extra space, while not a minus, is not a plus for me either

lighter weight is nice, but the old ones were already the size of a deck of cards for goodness' sake... that suits me fine.
 
I love the new iPods! and why, who agrees?

First, the title of this post is most definitely a shot at the grammer of the original poster. Buddy, I realize this is the Internet and standards are low, but give us some structure, eh? And a half-minute proof-reading session wouldn't hurt, either.

Second, I love the new iPod. Unlike previous posters, I find it functionally superior to its predecessor. The buttons don't bother me (not too sensitive for my fingers and their placement works for me) and I like the solid-state wheel (and the fact that when I press the middle button I don't need to worry about inadvertant scrolling). The screen quality is equivilent to iPod 1's. The form factor is better. The storage capacity is better. The new dock is great.

The one bit I will agree with you on is the new iPod's scratchability. Mine has a few minor scratches from only a few days of use and I've been extra careful about caring for it (I always use a case on-the-go). Minor annoyance and possibly just my own fault.

The other downside I see is the use of the non-standard port on the new iPod. Again, this is a minor inconvenience, but I can no longer use any of the many plain firewire cables I have around the house to charge my iPod. So I wait anxiously for my back-up special-iPod-port-enabled cable to arrive. Oh well.

Overall, the new iPod is definitely an improvement from my trusty 5gig.

Taft
 
Re: 40gb does not yet exist

Originally posted by jayb2000
http://gear.ign.com/articles/382/382161p1.html?fromint=1&submit.x=78&submit.y=15

It a future model.


As far as the new iPod goes, I like the look. i wish they had done 40gb, but hopefully the AAC will reduce enough to fit all I want.
I have not used the buttons yet, but every portable I have ever used, I have had to use the HOLD button. So that won't be a worry.
As far as scratches go, any lcd screen needs soem sort of protection. I will just get a case from the start and not worry about it.

Sorry you did not have a good experience.
Click to expand...

he he... off topic comment or observation.

is it just me, or are the aac files almost as large (file size) as the mp3 files?

i started re-ripping my cds (from 192/mbr = mp3) to 128/auto/auto = m4a.

i do not really get a dramatic size difference. it has been reported, that aac files should reduce file size.

another thing, i do not hear any dramatic "sound difference" either.

well back to the topic. unfortunately, no matter how much we love the old form factor and other "advantages". we are now stuck with this new form factor and new "advantages". i would be getting the new iPod. because it is the best thing i can get in the market (don't have to say that right?). i want to support this fruit company.

coz like that famous band sang... can't buy me love...
 
Re: Re: 40gb does not yet exist

Originally posted by redAPPLE
he he... off topic comment or observation.

is it just me, or are the aac files almost as large (file size) as the mp3 files?

i started re-ripping my cds (from 192/mbr = mp3) to 128/auto/auto = m4a.

i do not really get a dramatic size difference. it has been reported, that aac files should reduce file size.
Click to expand...


A music file that is compressed at 128kbps will be the same size no matter what codec is used to compress it. 128kbps MP3 = 128kbps AAC, for file size.

Clarification of MPEG 4, AAC and Apple:

Songs can be encoded at varying "bitrates". The most common bitrate for MP3 is probably "128kbps". This translates into 128 kilobits per second -- which means the format will use 128kilobits of data to encode one second of audio - no more, no less. Therefore, the final size of a file depends on both Bitrate and the Length of the Song.
Click to expand...

But the quality of a 128kbps AAC file supposedly matches the quality of a 256kbps MP3, so you can achieve the same sound quality in a smaller file.
 
A music file that is compressed at 128kbps will be the same size no matter what codec is used to compress it. 128kbps MP3 = 128kbps AAC, for file size.
Click to expand...

He said he wen't down from 192kbps MP3 to 128kbps AAC... so there would still be some size difference. Probably not a lot per song, but add it up over a couple thousand songs, and it should shave quite a bit off.
 
Re: 40 gb Sonicblue Rio Pearl - Where?

Originally posted by mowgli212
Where the heck do you find this thing? I went to SonicBlue's website - no mention at all. Then I did a Google search and nothing! Where did you get the ad with that picture and where do I find this thing?
Click to expand...

i wouldn't count on fiding it anywhere anytime soon, if ever. sonicblue went bankrupt and sold off it's rio division to another company (i can't remember off the top of my head). the company has yet to say whether it will continue to make Rio products or if it's just goign to incorporate te division into it's already existing structure.
 
Demo?

I know when I go out and buy something, espcially something like an iPod, I would take the time and concider all the features, "DEMO" it, and then decided if it was worth the investment, for those who don't like it, or find it impossible to use, why waste the money in the first place? I find the new iPod's design great, of course I tried before I buyed....
 
i too don't like the new one as much. well, i DO like the thinner size (though with the 30gig you don't really get that). And i DO like the rounded edges (it feels so much nicer in the hand). but i personally can see nothing positive from a user standpoint about touch sensative buttons and scrollwheel. i hate the touch sensative scroll on the new kensington mouse also. they are just in no way as responsive as a mechanical one. also, i do think the new ipods look "cheaper" than the old ones. because the buttons and wheel are now just molded indentations, they look VERY plastic-y. i'm thinking the only reason apple is using them is to make a thinnier model and to make the product cheaper to produce.

also, as i've stated in another thread, you new have to buy a special didicated whire for your ipod. no more just using whatever firewire cord is already plugged in and available.
 
My take

I didn't own one of the old iPods, but I have a friend who does and I've used his quite extensively. I bought a 30GB from Best Buy this weekend and have only the highest praises for it.
I love the touch-sensitive buttons and really think they're sturdier than the old ones. I've had no trouble with erratic button selection.
I think it looks better than the old one (I like the more rounded edges), I like the button layout better, and I like the updated interface. All in all it's easier to use than the old one, IMHO. About the only thing I have to complain about is the shiny aluminum fingerprint magnet - does anybody have a link to that article from way back about giving it a "brushed" look?
One word of warning though - the first one I bought (yes, I'm already on my second 30GB) had an issue where after fully charging and being left in its dock, it would not "wake up," and only a slight buzz was heard from the actual iPod when buttons were touched. It was obviously defective, I returned it to Best Buy, and my current one behaves perfectly.
 
i have a new 15Gb iPod, and it is amazing!
i don't know what you are on buddy, but it is the best ever. if the buttons are too sensitive for you, you have to b on something because my buttons only go when i want then to. as for the remote, i agree it could be better, but it's design is way better.

end of conversation.
 
Originally posted by beatle888
i got one thing to say to you people...TRY IT OUT AT THE APPLE STORE/RETAILER BEFORE YOU BUY. jeeze i cant believe how willing people are to part with their cash.
Click to expand...
DUDE I HAVE PROBABLY SPENT MORE TIME WITH THE NEW iPod THAN YOU HAVE SO DON'T GIVE ME THAT CRAP
jeeze i can't believe how ignorant people are...most people would not part with $400-$500 without thinking of it...
I bought my old iPod before i ever used one for more than two minutes. I bought the new iPod after playing with it for SEVERAL DAYS.
 
Re: Re: Re: whats more~

Originally posted by MorganX
If iTunes worked with the rio the way it does with the iPod I'd probably buy it. What I would really like is to buy a brand new 10g of the old iPod design, can't find one anywhere.

Edit: Maybe there will be an iPod classic. I think I'll try and hold out for an aluminum back also. I watched a demo video on ZDnet and the iPod the Apple rep was displaying for the camera was filthy with fingerprints. I thought that was pretty embarrassing.
Click to expand...

Try checking out Apple Stores in person. They probably have a few left overs at awsome prices.
 
Weiners, that think they speak english.

For those of you that are having trouble with my manner of dialogue or posting.

I don't care. I enjoy posting in the manner that I do.

To anyone that tells me to learn english and then misspells RECOMMEND.

****!

To anyone that thinks the HOLD button is merely FLICKED on and off.
I say you must be the HULK!

Me like posting in half wit talk.

I make no claims of genius or glibness.
Nor must I fullfill the needs of others to reap the rewards of elegant prose.
Go read Wordsworth for that.

Back to iPods...
what i liked was the size and the notes ability. but what i lost in pure functionality was not worth the small gains.

I have been using my old 5 giger for a few days now since the newer model was sold.

I feel far more comfortable with the useability of the older model.

Button placement ,, perfect!
Alpha dial,,, great! Better than solid state!
Battery life, great!

and when you look at it, its front design is so well thought out that its like the smiley face.
Its a classic!

I never have to take it out of my pocket to switch off the hold button or to turn it on. I dont have to use the hold at all.

I adjust the volume often as i move through various situations during walks or runs or driving. I couldnt do this if the hold was on!

To have to use the hold often, to be able to change volume and then hold the other buttons from being initiated, is far too disruptive to my listening and whatever I am doing when I am listening.

I think that functional design is key.
If your not thinking about making the design work, then thats great design!

The old iPod is a TRUE classic and will one day be worth FAR more than its initial cost!

Its a FREAKIN classic, no doubt!
I will look for a classic 10 giger and put it aside incase <GOD FORBID > anything should happen to my 5 giger.

Knock on wood! < Or my head >
 
Originally posted by übergeek
DUDE I HAVE PROBABLY SPENT MORE TIME WITH THE NEW iPod THAN YOU HAVE SO DON'T GIVE ME THAT CRAP
jeeze i can't believe how ignorant people are...most people would not part with $400-$500 without thinking of it...
I bought my old iPod before i ever used one for more than two minutes. I bought the new iPod after playing with it for SEVERAL DAYS.
Click to expand...

hmm..then your bad for buying it after all that testing. Strictly speaking, it is your own fault, so no use bitching about it after your "SEVERAL DAYS" of testing.
 
The original design is a classic. I've got a 10gig scroller - and as far as classic industrial design goes, this is one of the best (most classic) products ever made.

Now this doesn't mean the design can't be improved on. The new ipod's rounded corners make it more friendly - easier to hold. The touch scroll was a great move in terms of durability, and the new buttons are a logical extention to that. The new 'pod is improved in so many ways - but that doesn't mean it is more classic than the old one.

Classic is a pretty intangible thing to define, but you could say it represents a design that is relevent, ground-breaking, and just makes sense. Moving the buttons from the edge of the wheel and making them touch sensitive is a move away from 'classicness' in my opinion - having the buttons arranged around the wheel is one of those things that 'just made sense'.

You can see why Apple did it. The new 'pods will stay cleaner and probably last longer because of it. It's a 'better' design. Just not a classic :cool:
 
MP3 vs AAC etc

This has been touched on a bit, but I have a question about MP3 vs the new AAC format. I have a new 15 gig ipod, it's the first ipod I've had, and I've never really had any need before to convert my CDs to MP3 format. I'm pretty much an MP3 novice. So my question is, as I go through my CD collection and convert them, should I convert them to MP3 or AAC? If AAC is the new technology and the file size is smaller, should I just go ahead and do that? Or is there some reason to stick with the MP3 format? I guess what I'm asking is, if this new AAC technology is out there, what reasons are there for using MP3 instead?

Also, if I do decide to go with the MP3 format, what encoding rate should I use (I'm not sure if that is the right term)? The default setting in my itunes is 150 or something like that, but I see there is also a 192 option. Is there any reason to use the 192 format if I'll just be listening to songs in my ipod, or do I not really need that high a quality sound file?

Thanks!
 
sound quality

I just want an iPod (or Rio Pearl) that has the same sound quality as I get with headphones plugged into the TiBook headphone socket. The same headphones and AACs on iPods sound much worse! The wiring inside cripples the sound quality. I wonder if the new iPods are better in this respect.
 
Re: MP3 vs AAC etc

Originally posted by somecows
This has been touched on a bit, but I have a question about MP3 vs the new AAC format. I have a new 15 gig ipod, it's the first ipod I've had, and I've never really had any need before to convert my CDs to MP3 format. I'm pretty much an MP3 novice. So my question is, as I go through my CD collection and convert them, should I convert them to MP3 or AAC? If AAC is the new technology and the file size is smaller, should I just go ahead and do that? Or is there some reason to stick with the MP3 format? I guess what I'm asking is, if this new AAC technology is out there, what reasons are there for using MP3 instead?

Also, if I do decide to go with the MP3 format, what encoding rate should I use (I'm not sure if that is the right term)? The default setting in my itunes is 150 or something like that, but I see there is also a 192 option. Is there any reason to use the 192 format if I'll just be listening to songs in my ipod, or do I not really need that high a quality sound file?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

Check out http://www.apple.com/mpeg4/aac/

This should explain the differences between the two formats. Personally, I'm ripping AACs at 192kbps, which seems to be a little higher quality than average, but still around half the size of my original MP3 library (which was done at 320kbps).

As a side note, a file encoded at 192kbps will be the same size regardless of format. i.e. a 192kbps AAC will be the same size as a 192kbps MP3; The AAC will sound a lot better however.
 
I'm wondering what people would have said if the design of the current ipod was on the first one and the old style was put on the new one?

I'm betting most people would have been so use to the touch buttons that the new buttons around the scroll wheel would seem really wierd. I think most people will get use to the new design. Kind of like when a car comes out and you think its terriblely ugly then for some reason, it all of a sudden looks good.

And as for the people that don't like the new design, they have legit complaints. There is no way one company can make something that fits everyone. Not a bad thing, its just the way things are. I believe Apple had a lot of feedback from people and tested the new design out in focus groups or what ever and this is what a "majority" of people liked.

I personally like the looks of the old scroll wheel/buttons but I'm not going buy an old one simply because of the new features and such.

One more note: the new ipod definitely looks more like a pod than the v1.
 
Ahem

I bought my 15GB iPod on saturday...my first iPod. At first I was absolutely amazed by it. The fact that it is so small, and beautiful, while still being functional just blew me away. However, I do agree that there are some minor design flaws. Nothing major though.

- The buttons are too sensitive, I am able to change the volume with my finger through the outside my pocket even. and when i reach into my poket to make a change, i often press the wrong button by accident. The hold button is essential here.

- As for scratching/fingerprints, iPod is very prone to both, kind of a bummer but i am usually very careful with everything i own so its not a big issue with me.

- I find the text very easy to read, but i wish i could more effectively search for a song...like display all songs in the format of "artist - album - title" in one long list (no folders). I know you can do this by songs only but i prefer by artist....(can you do this?)

- The remote is useless to me, too many wires, and it doesnt clip well to anything.

That's about all, although it seems like im ripping the iPod bad, they are just minor faults, I'm still happy with my purchase.



;)
 
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