iPod buying help...!

[mastabri]

Hi, my birthday's coming up and my dad said he's willing to buy me either an iPod, iPaq or Handspring Treo.

Basically... what I wanna ask you guys is, what advantages and disadvantages does the cheapest iPod have over similarly priced PDA's

Here's some stuff to consider:

• I only have about 1 GB of songs on my comp...
• My computers:

1GHz / 1 GB RAM / 120 GB HD Quicksilver G4 w/ Jaguar.
1.2 GHz / 256 MB RAM / 40 GB HD HP w/ Windows XP Home edition.

 

[bidge]

Well, what do you want to use it for, Music?

 

[Chaszmyr]

iPod is a frickin amazing device... but depending on what you want to do you may want a PDA instead

 

[edesignuk]

Well, the iPaq and Handspring are PDA's...the iPod ISN'T, sure it has a few PDA style functions but it is in no way a PDA, you can't even enter data/delete data on it for one thing, it simply displays info sync'd from your calender/address book; nothing more.
So....if you want a PDA, get the iPaq or Handspring, if you want the best MP3 player on the face of the planet get the iPod.

 

[clubsport]

If you buy an iPaq, you will be disappointed. Basically, they try to replicate Windows XP in a way that causes the device to become very frustrating and unusable. (I have one, if you are wondering)

A Handspring Treo is a great little device. If you want a PDA, I would buy it instead of the iPaq. It offers an elegant interface and is far easier to use than the iPaq.

But, for the most enjoyment, buy an iPod. I bought one a few weeks ago, and it is the most beautiful, easy-to-use, fun device I have ever used. If you like music on the go, or are just a gadget-man, I would go for the iPod.

If you want to use your device for work or school, however, buy a Treo.

 

[mastabri]

That's why I can't decide! Do I really need something to store all that music? My portable CD player has been suiting me fine... but just like Chaszmyr said, it's amazing for what it is... so I might end up even loving the iPod. You can use the iPod as an external hd, right? I use iCal pretty much everyday... so that could come as use, even though the iPod isn't a real PDA.

I was leaning towards the iPaq because I could use it for email, Word as well as a mp3 player. During class (college student) I find myself writing tons and tons of personal notes on paper... and I bet I would save lots of trees by using a pda.

Any other opinions would be GREATLY appreciated =)

 

[mastabri]

thanks SO much clubsport. i think i'm 70% towards the iPod. you just gotta love the design.. plus the fact that it's made by Apple! (I only bought my PC for programming and such)

 

[TheJ]

You only have a GB of music? Forget the iPod and get a Zaurus!

 

[Chad4Mac]

I got a iPod for Christmas from a girlfriends father (I know, what a great guy), and at first I was like, what the ^%$# am I going to do with this thing. I had a lot of music on my hard drive, but I really didn't think I would use it. Then, next thing you know, I'm using all the time -- in my car (adapter), exercising, traveling, etc. I love the thing.

Just had the iPod stolen -- a real collector's item -- had had a bitch of a time without it. You really realize how important it is when you don't got it.

IMO, GET THE iPod!!!!!!!

...and download, sssshhhhh, Limewire.

 

[cubist]

That Zaurus looks pretty keen...

... but it doesn't look like they have a Mac client for it.

The latest Palms and Handsprings don't have user-replacable batteries. When (not if) the battery dies you have to send it to them and pay big bucks.

I suggest you get a used Palm III on ebay for $40-$50 and use that for your organizer. It does 95% of what a PDA needs to do and will leave you with lots of cash for the iPod.

Is the battery in the iPod user-replacable?