Apple IPod, 4th Generation 40GB

• Reviewed by: tdscrna

  Strengths: High quality materials, excellent design, ease of use.

  Weaknesses: No longer uses standard Firewire cord, which is a little inconvenient

  Overall: This is my second iPod. I have an original 5Gb model and have had it for 2 years. The 40Gb that I have now is faster on startup, has longer battery life and the wheel is easier to manipulate. It's slim design is perfect for carrying. I like the way it stores files and contacts, as well as the huge capacity for music. I am an Audble listener as well, so I never have to worry about running out of space for my Audiobooks. I truly love the iPod.

• Reviewed by: gideony2

  Strengths: nice machine

  Weaknesses: warranty is written on toilet paper

  Overall: Got one 8/04 for my son in Israel. Broken 12/04. Sent to Israeli rep; proof-of-purchase was not at hand -- but all iPODs carry a serial number!. Israeli rep ( www.yeda.co.il ) got it 20 Dec, 'phoned to say theu won't fix. Ever since them, my son & I are trying either to get the iPOD back, or to fax the proof-of-purhasse (found since) and get it fixed. Usually just voice-mail hell; were told 2 Jan that Avner knows about this iPOD, but is busy stocktaking. It is now Jan 10; still voice-mail all over. Email was unanswered, fax ditto. Apple alleges a "worldwide warranty"; I believe Israel is part of the world.

• Reviewed by: Modalconfusion

  Strengths: Appears to be a solidly constructed unit with mega storage

  Weaknesses: Beware no way does the battery last for 12 hours! six if you were lucky, but don't be surprised if the indicator shows empty after 4-5 hours!!

  Overall: Well constructed unlike some people I found it easy to use but feel for the money it should of included some sort of case and the remote unit.

• Reviewed by: pohlott

  Strengths: Don't know - can't even get it to work!

  Weaknesses: Not user friendly.

  Overall: Received this as a Christmas gift and spent the better part of the day trying to get it to work. Beware trying to get this product to work with a USB on a PC. Tried two different computers (both new) and neither will recognize the iPod. Keeps wanting us to update the software, when we already downloaded the latest version. The entire experience has been extremely frustrating. It is going back to the store. Take a look at the Apple support boards, there are literally thousands of people having the same problem. Plus, as of now we have now been ON HOLD with Apple support for nearly two hours. Does that tell you anything?

• Reviewed by: askabir

  Strengths: Excellent design, mostly easy to use.

  Weaknesses: Setup; no WMA support; prone to finger smudging; some UI unfriendliness.

  Overall: The design is a pleasure; the lines are clean and minimalist, with nary a an odd note. The click wheel offers a straightforward method of navigating. The music sounds fine. All in all, a good device. But not without its flaws, and as a perfectionist, I must harp on:1. Setting up the iPod was a bit of a pain -- possibly because I refused to open the instructions. I was irritated that although I already had iTunes installed, I had to manually download an updater, reboot the computer (Windows XP btw), and then had to plug it into the wall outlet for updating the flash memory. This seemed like a whole lot of work that I shouldn't have had to do; certainly, I haven't had to install any software with the other MP3 players I've played with.2. Of course, set up is just a one-time issue; more troubling is the big "Do not disconnect" sign that flashes on the iPod when connected to my computer. It's just not friendly; well, when *is* it okay to disconnect? With other players, I've never felt worried about disconnecting at the wrong time.3. The case -- particularly the metal case -- smudges easily, which detracts from the design. I'll have to get a skin or be very very careful.4. No WMA support -- well, given that I'm lazy, I don't want to have to re-rip my CD collection.