Apple IPod (10GB Hard Drive, Firewire) (Apple-M8709LLA)

Reviewed by: niels

Duration of ownership:

Strengths: good interface and display, good looks when new, good form factor and it doesn't try "not to be a box" like those other devices trying to be all curvy and ending up needlessly large...

Weaknesses: no recording ability, bad material choices for the case, and i-tunes could be a lot better: trying to change a setting is like pulling teeth, Apple's attitude is "why should users change settings?"

Overall Evaluation: It works good enough, but a chromed steel case with curved bottom and the entire top from plexiglas? Neither of that lasts very well and steel is heavy. The Chrome comes off the bottom of the case in no time - even with careful handling. The big plexiglas top scratches badly as well. There's no problem with the overall design, just make the whole thing magnesium alloy and the plexiglas covering the display should be slightly recessed, to keep it from contacting things that will scratch it up. It's a shame that these guys have to be told this, any good industrial designer should know not to aggravate customers with a throw away design. At least since american carmakers got there butts kicked by the japanese over the same issue, most people know better. To me, the good and the bad balances ok, but it could sure be a lot better with little effort on Apple's part...