Greatest music player with video too!
The iPod first appeared four years ago and the features continue to grow with each update.
The iPod with video playback was introduced on October 13 2005. However one should not necessarily consider this player a video player but a great iPod music player with video capabilities as a fantastic bonus. Nevertheless the iPod with video playback is the most capable and feature-rich iPod ever produced by Apple.
I have owned the 60 gig iPod with video playback for several days now and I continue to be impressed. Its physical appearance quality craftsmanship and the wide array of features are keeping me entertained!
Video Playback - The iPod plays back H264 and MPEG4 encoded video. The iPod's new display is larger than ever at 2.5 inches giving it a resolution of 320x240. What video content can you play on your iPod? This area is limited at least currently. You can buy music videos on iTunes at $1.99 per song which will play beautifully on the iPod. Furthermore Apple has made available select television shows for download on iTunes. They cost $1.99 per episode for titles including ABC's hits Lost and Desperate Housewives. You can also watch the episodes you purchase on your computer. If you want to put some of your own video onto your iPod you will need to use an application such as QuickTime Pro to convert the video to the specific requirements to play on the iPod. You can also find video podcasts which will play on the new iPod. Even if you do not plan to view video on the new iPod its primary purpose is to be used as the world's best music player. You can still benefit from the beautiful new display for it will help you find your favorite music faster and you can view the album art that accompanies your music.
Size of new iPod - Does the picture of the new iPod make it appear larger to you? Well it did to me. The iPod looked wider in the photos I saw. However it is not. The height and width of the iPod are identical to the previous generation iPod with click wheel. The only change in dimensions is the depth. The new iPod is actually thinner than what came before it! Yes even this 60 gig is thinner than the previous 20 gig photo model. What does all this mean? The iPod continues get smaller making it even easier to carry.
Capacity - This 60 gig iPod has room for a lot of entertainment. With storage for up to 15000 songs 25000 photos or 150 hours of video. The great thing I love about my 60 gig iPod is that my music photos and video only take up about 15 gigabytes. However I use the additional space to backup data from my computer. This is incredibly helpful and could be a real saver if something happened to your computer. See the iPod functions as an external hard drive so you can backup all sorts of data. Furthermore with the video capabilities on the new iPod you may find yourself needing the extra space that this 60 gig iPod provides.
New Software Features - Apple has added features to the new iPod besides video support. First they have a clock feature which quickly allows you to view the time in up to four different time zones simultaneously. Furthermore there is a stop watch and a screen lock which you can enable to keep people from snooping on your calendar and/or contacts.
Battery - The battery life is one of the most important specifications that you as an iPod user are going to care about. This 60 gigabyte iPod sports a battery that will last up to 20 hours when playing only music. Also note that repeatedly changing songs manually and turning on the backlight will use up your battery considerably faster. Furthermore the iPod's battery lasts a maximum of three hours when playing back video. This version of the iPod no longer includes an adapter to charge the iPod at an electrical outlet. You will have to buy that adapter separately or always charge the iPod via USB 2.0. The charging works fine from your computer's USB 2.0 but if you're traveling you might want the ability to charge with the adapter. Also note that the iPod no longer supports syncing via firewire cable. You will have to use USB 2.0.
Mac or PC? This iPod works beautifully with either a Mac or PC. The iPod syncs your contacts video and music via the iTunes software.
Podcasting - The iPod continues to support podcasting. Podcasts are internet radio broadcasts and there are thousands covering nearly every subject imaginable and more are coming out every day. Podcasts are quickly becoming popular content on iPods around the world. Check them out for this iPod supports Podcasts out of the box. There are also video podcasts so with the new iPod you will be able to watch video podcasts on the iPod's display.
Appearance - The iPod is beautiful but the back's chrome finish is prone to scratches and the screen can become scratched as well. It is a very good idea to protect the back of the iPod and the screen in some way. There are many cases and protectors out there and you will surely find something you like. The new iPod is available in a black or white finish. The black color is quickly becoming the most popular but the white iPod is still the signature color. Do note that the black may show fingerprints and scratches more than the white iPod much as a black car shows these blemishes more than a lighter colored car. Apple is including a small sleeve-type case with this iPod to help you keep it in good condition.
Audiobooks - I'm always using my iPod to listen to audiobooks. You can store literally hundreds of audiobooks on here that you buy from iTunes or Audible. The iPod even has a feature that can slow down or speed up the reading of the audiobook so that you hear it at just the right pace.
Output - The iPod connects to your PC or Mac via the dock connector at the bottom of the unit. You will connect the included cable to the computer via a USB 2.0 port. Furthermore accessories are being made that will also connect to the bottom dock port and you may purchase Apple's Universal iPod dock for easy syncing to your computer. The dock (available separately) also includes s-video output so you can show off slideshows and video on a television. There are also iPod A/V cables available that allow composite video and audio output for connecting your iPod to your television. This might interest you not only to display slideshows on a television but also to display TV shows or music videos on a television which you purchased from iTunes.
Value - This 60 gigabyte iPod is priced at $399 which is a great value. It provides a huge amount of storage space and more features than ever.
Overall this is another excellent product from Apple Computer. The design is elegant simple and intuitive. It will provide hours of entertainment and convenience. Enjoy your iPod experience.
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