iPod Some questions before buying an iPod mini

[dferigmu]

After thinking long and hard, I have decided to buy a 6GB iPod mini instead of a 30GB iPod photo. I recently changed my mind because this would be my first iPod and I only have about 4.2GB of music and I won't even listen to 1/2 of that most of the time. I also love the mini's size. I think the photo would be overkill right now. Then I'll buy an updated iPod in a year or two when my library has grown and they update iPods.

My questions are:

1. It seems like most people don't have cases for the mini, but I think I want something, at least to protect the screen. I would want a case that doesn't make the mini much bigger, something that's pretty much see-through and doesn't get dirty quickly. Does anyone have experience with the Agent 18 MiniShield, the Agent 18 mini Shock, or the Contour iSee-mini?

2. Also, are there any must-have accessories for the iPod mini? Is a firewire cable worth it for only 4-6GB worth of music? I also plan on buying an AC adapter. If traveling abroad, do I need an AC adapter AND a World Travel Adapter Kit to charge it without a Mac?

3. Is Applecare worth it for the mini? I'll probably upgrade it in 1-2 years. Does the mini's battery get much worse after 1 year?

 

[redeye be]

If you're just in to protecting your screen, you could try one of those Palm/Pocket PC screen protectors. It's actually nothing more than a clear plastic sticker. It has served served me well on my palm (allthough i do use the slipcase that was delivered with it as well).

 

[nagromme]

I REALLY like my iPod Photo, but the Mini's a close second and it sounds like you're making the right choice.

Responses:

* Screen protection: I recommend a stick-on film even if you ALSO use a case. Cheapest I found were made for digital camera screens, and found at Radio Shack. A couple bucks for 5 big sheets to cut to size.

* I highly recommend RadTech PodSleevz for a sleeve. Top and bottom aren't covered, but the metal AND the wheel are. Yet you can use the wheel right through it: there's a thinner circle of material there. The stuff looks and feels like suede, and never gets dirty!

* I don't think FW is worth it. You'll do one big transfer, but after that, mainly small ones.

* I really like my iTrip FM broadcaster. FM is not top quality, but it's cable-free and universal. But there will soon be one that lets you adjust channels more easily--and a competitor (AirPlay maybe?) already does that well.

* New headphones. Like these that sound great and fold up small:
http://www.ipodgear.com/accessories/detail/51

* I wouldn't get AppleCare. iPods have battery life to spare these days. Your call, though.

 

[evil]

i wouldnt worry about the apple care or the fire wire for it.
ive had 2 ipods with no apple care and both are over 2 years old now.

 

[altair]

I have a mini, its almost a year old now, and used to have one of those iSkin case things, but it got dirty and nasty, and i got rid of it quickly. I havent had anything covering it for 9 months and have yet to scratch it, on the screen or case.

It only lives in my pocket or on my flexdock in my car.

I guess my suggestion is to just buy it bare bones to start, and add things as you decide you *need* them.

Also my battery is just starting to suffer, but its most likely because i have it constantly charging on the flexdock in the car.

 

[dferigmu]

* I highly recommend RadTech PodSleevz for a sleeve. Top and bottom aren't covered, but the metal AND the wheel are. Yet you can use the wheel right through it: there's a thinner circle of material there. The stuff looks and feels like suede, and never gets dirty!

Thanks for the info! Just a question about what you said here; the main reason I would buy a case is to protect the mini in-case I drop it. It seems like the RadTech PodSleevz is made up of soft material.

Also, why would you suggest screen protection in addition to the case? Isn't that overkill?

 

[ftaok]

2. Also, are there any must-have accessories for the iPod mini? Is a firewire cable worth it for only 4-6GB worth of music? I also plan on buying an AC adapter. If traveling abroad, do I need an AC adapter AND a World Travel Adapter Kit to charge it without a Mac?

Regarding the FW cable, I think depending on what kind of ports you have on your computer, it might be a wise investment. It's only $20 for the FW cable. If you have USB 2 ports, then don't bother with the FW cable.

The AC adapter is a good accessory. Make sure you get the $30 USB AC Adaptor. I wouldn't bother with the World Kit. Just get the right plug adapters for the countries that you're going to visit. $3/adapter is a good price.

 

[dferigmu]

Regarding the FW cable, I think depending on what kind of ports you have on your computer, it might be a wise investment. It's only $20 for the FW cable. If you have USB 2 ports, then don't bother with the FW cable.

The AC adapter is a good accessory. Make sure you get the $30 USB AC Adaptor. I wouldn't bother with the World Kit. Just get the right plug adapters for the countries that you're going to visit. $3/adapter is a good price.

Where can I get seperate adapters?

 

[ftaok]

Where can I get seperate adapters?

You can get them at any travel type store. Places where they sell suitcases and stuff. If you're at an airport, there will be a store that sells adapters, although it might be pricier there.

Of course, you could look online as well.