Apple iPod MP3 Player - PC (Apple-M8741LLA)

• Reviewed by: Bacety

  Strengths: Sheer Coolness. Apples are for people who can't handle a PC.Ipod is easy enough for even them.

  Weaknesses: Stupid headphone controls.

  Overall: My iPod is a 2nd generation 20 GB model. I started as a PC buff more than twenty years and always thought that if all PCs used the same level of hardware as Apples, Apple would die. There is nothing in the world of PCs as great as my iPod. I hate Apple but I love iPod. This has been an unbiased opinion.

• Reviewed by: tghughbanks

  Strengths: 5 stars: Easy to use, great sound Quality, huge capacity, beautiful design, lightweight, long battery life

  Weaknesses: Cost - but you get what you pay for

  Overall: My iPod is a 10 GB model purchased before Apple brought out the 2nd generation (with the dock), but with a new touch-sensitive scroll wheel. I am a Mac user, so I have iTunes as well. This is a beautiful device - typical high-quality Apple product. I have more than 1000 songs on it and am only 60% full. I can't conceive of needing more than 20 GB - ever - if only music were stored. I listen for days without repeating anything unless I want to. I too can not understand how anyone could believe the iPod is "confusing" - it has a simple heirarchical menu - you push the center button to select among choices at an stage in the heirarchy - duh! The earphones sound great, though I found them a bit uncomfortable until I got used to them. I work out with my iPod all the time - just stick it in my pocket and it plays without any skips while it bounces around. Cost is high, but I've seen people shell out a lot more for much less in an audio system for their car.

• Reviewed by: mlion

  Strengths: User Interface, Quality Build, Clean Stylish Appearance

  Weaknesses: Setup on pc was a little bit difficult, after dling a driver for ipod, no problems after.

  Overall: The IPOD has renewed my love for my cd collection. Having over 500 cds which have gathered dust for over 5 years, I am learning that this beautiful device can hold all my favorite and not-so-favorite songs. 20 GB Storage: Storing my music at a minimum of 192 kbps. This is the lowest one should go w/o hearing any loss in quality. Having stored 500 songs so far, I have used approx. 3 GB. Safe to say, I have lots of room for my collection. Interface: With the touch-dial in the front, I can access all my music easily. This is important when your collection of music is over 1000. Appearance: Very clean look. Simple yet Elegant. It will catch the eye of tech and non-tech people alike. Small so you will take it with you everywhere. Approx 1.5x larger than most mobile phones. Build: Sturdy solid feel. Not sure what would happen if it were dropped. Hopefully I won't find out. If you are clumsy/accident prone, I suggest a case which will soften bumps and minor drops. Software: MusicMatch Plus. Excellent program which connects to a webserver which identifies your songs on your cd to convert to MP3. Accessories: I got the iCable which connects your ipod to your stereo or music source via left and right channel RCA connectors. iRock allows you to listen to your music via your car stereo through a fm frequency. Many cases are available. The case that comes with it is ok while transporting the device (you cannot see the interface when its on)

• Reviewed by: ttre45

  Strengths: Easy to use, integrates nicely with desktop, great battery life, lots of songs

  Weaknesses: none

  Overall: I love my iPod. I have over 2000 songs on it and it's less than half full. The touch scroll wheel is a very nice touch. Sparkyshow, one of the other reviewers, must be really stupid if he can't figure out how to use an iPod, my 9 year old daughter figured it out on her own quickly.

• Reviewed by: diussdg

  Strengths: Easy to use. Durable. Attractive. Display is clear and easy to read. Data input is simple. Touch pad is a clever interface.

  Weaknesses: The firewire port cover is not sturdy; I constantly worry it will break off and leave me with an exposed connector. The price is steep relative to other capable players on the market.

  Overall: This is my first MP3 player purchase. I surveyed available players and chose the iPod - PC 20GB model because of its massive capacity, super interface, and general attractiveness. I've since found the device incredibly easy to use, durable, and a real thrill to have around everywhere I go. Presently it is the Cadillac of MP3 players on the market. If price is no concern then I strongly recommend this device.