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kram 2.0
03-21-2004, 11:36 PM
I've written many review about the iPod mini, and I hope this should help convey the facts, and not my opinion. It is inevitable for an argument to arise, if I should be in any way bias - I will try to be impartial. I am basing this off of my friend's iPod mini, who lent it to me for spring break right now.
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The iPod mini is, as its advertised, very small and also very big. Physically small, yes, but it can fit 4 GB of music files on it. Comparing it to the regular iPod, it adds style to it (something that Apple is generally accepted as being excelled as), and it decreases size. It can be found for 249 USD online on the <a href="http://www.apple.com/ipodmini/">Apple iPod Mini Store</a>.

Comparing it to the Creative Jukebox and the Dell Jukebox, it has its ups and downs. As I mentioned earlier, its probably smaller and in some opinions, its more "stylish". However, it also does cost more per GB. The Dell Jukebox does 20 GB for the same 250 USD and the Creative Jukebox is around 30 GB for around 270 USD. Compare the mini iPod to the regular White iPod, for 50 USD more at 300 USD, you can get 15 GB.

Now the review - generally speaking, the iPod series are very easy to use. The wheel and the button is on the same wheel - the buttons are "under the wheel", as iPod mentions it. Do you have a laptop with a touchpad? It's much similar to that.

Also, as always, the iPod's synchronizing with the computer is very smooth. Just connect the link (firewire or USB 2.0 ) to your iPod mini, and the other side to the computer, and you're good to go. It is pretty effortless, using the iTunes software. Synchronizing, the iPod series (and mini) is second to none.

The only nag one might have about the iPod is its battery. The iPod battery lasts about 8 hours on full charge, and last around 500 recharges, before it needs to be replaced. If you recharge is once a day, it lasts you around a year and a half (18 months). I believe that the battery replacement plan is 100 USD, if you send it into Apple, or if you're under the Apple Replacement plan, free - at least that's what its for the regular iPod. 100 USD is about half the price of the iPod mini, a consideration that might be put into place prior to purchasing it.

(start of opinion)
By opinion, I would go and buy a regular iPod instead, as it is offered at its stylish nature, at just 50 USD more for 15 GB. It is pretty incomprehensible to me, howcome the iPod mini is not any less expensive. As you can probably imagine, Apple is critically relying on their style, which is what they've done in the past for so long. As many might not imagine by now, I have always been a huge fan of Apple computer products. However, the iPod mini is up for question - battery and price and all.

I genuinly hope that this review helped clear some clouds about the iPod mini and perhaps hope that it may give you a clearer opinion on the iPod. My own opinion? I would get the regular iPod, as I always listened to a lot of music, but remember, its your decision - it's up to you.

<b>Edit: I'm sorry, also, that this wasn't exactly a "hardware", perse, but I thought one might want to know the mini-iPod, regardless</b>.
Final Grade Assessment: <b><u>5.5/10</b></u>

Thank you.

Sincerely,
kram

Mac Medic
05-30-2004, 07:42 AM
Thats is a good review, well done. Just to add a couple of my own opinions that somewhat mirror yours.

The ipod mini controls IMHO are far superior to the 3rd generation ipod with it's 4 touch buttons above the wheel. The touch buttons make it impossible to navigate the ipod in the dark by "feel" the mini overcomes this with it's tactile feel buttons under the touch wheel. I think the next release of ipods will have the same control arrangement as the mini as it works so well. I also think the next ipods will come in the metal finish too.

The price, way too much, regardless of how well the are selling.

Right now I agree, get the 15gig ipod and live with the button setup. Or get the 10gig from Apples special deal website that can be had for $249 right now

http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/71602/wo/R66pY0Vxs3OF2YGJi9419eJpFyD/0.0.7.1.0.5.13.0.5.0.0.0.0.3.1.1.0?17,53