By By Ronald Diemicke
It used to be enough just to have a Walkman to stay entertained. But now, Apple is revolutionizing how idle time is spent.
The newest addition to the iPod family enables users to watch videos clearly on its two-and-a-half-inch screen.
The big question is, with so many options, which iPod is the right choice?
The iPod brand just got its latest overhaul. The photo iPod is a thing of the past, with all new iPods equipped with photo and video capabilities. The iPod Video comes in either black or white, and there is a 30gb and 60gb model, priced at $299 and $399 respectively.
These provide more space than most people will ever need. The battery lasts for 14 hours on the 30gb model and for 20 hours on the 60gb model.
This is the most versatile iPod of all the product lines, which include the original iPod, iPod Shuffle, iPod Mini and iPod Nano.
The new iPod device can also be used as a portable hard drive. Video editing work or photo work can be moved from the dorm or home to the classroom. No need to buy an extra external hard drive-just put the data on your iPod and bring your cable to class. This allows you to connect the iPod to the computer.
However, the least expensive model is still $299, which is a bit expensive for most people. One of the main concerns with older models was that the battery was not removable. After around 500 charges, the battery begins to go and must be sent back to Apple to have it replaced for around $80.
Another major concern is that, right now, the video portion of the iPod’s functionality is a little under-developed. Many people get their media content from iTunes and, right now, only certain ABC TV shows can be downloaded to the iPod. The TV shows cost $2.99 an episode without commercials.
Yet not everyone is thrilled about the new video feature, and doubt this video craze will ever really catch on.
“I don’t feel that I need to be in front of a TV screen at all times,” Dan Perlin, a junior, said. “The iPod is perfect for music and I can’t see myself without one now, but to use it to watch TV, I just see no point to it.”
TV producers have even considered creating shows exclusively for the iPod or trying to revive dead shows from network television by selling them episode by episode. However, not everyone seems keen on the idea.
“I’d watch a TV show on my iPod if I felt the show was worth watching,” Matt Bloise, a senior, said. “But I doubt I’d ever invest in a solely-created-for-iPod show.”
If students think watching TV on an iPod is a little extreme, how will they feel about an iPod controllable jacket?
For $249 to $279, Kenpo, Inc. fuses technology and fashion by integrating a fabric iPod control system woven onto the sleeve of a jacket. The iPod controller operates a five-button switch sensor with capabilities to play, pause, stop and fast forward.
The iPod Nano is the second model in the iPod product line, and is a little more than half the size of the iPod. The successor to the iPod Mini was designed for people who exercise. It incorporates the style of the original iPod with a design that is smaller than the iPod mini. It comes in a $199 2gb model and a $249 4gb model; both have up to 14 hours of battery life.
The Nano is a great alternative if you do a lot of working out or running and want to listen to music. It also has a color screen and photo functionality, which might be hard to see on the small, one-and-a-half-inch screen.
The iPod Nano comes up short in the value department. The 2gb may work as an introductory model for people with less than 500 songs, but the 4gb model seems like a rip-off when you can get the cheaper standard-sized iPod for only $50 more. For the extra $50 you gain video functionality, another 26gb of space and a larger screen.
The third option users have is the iPod shuffle, which comes in a $99 512mb model and a $129 1gb model. Both have 12 hours of battery life and are just slightly larger than a pack of gum. One problematic aspect of the iPod Shuffle is that there is no screen, which makes finding a song difficult. Using a switch on the back, you can switch between allowing it to randomly choose songs, playing the songs in a certain order or using a predefined playlist in iTunes. The iPod shuffle can also double as a USB jump drive. The USB connector is built into the device, so it’s easy to plug it into any computer and load files or music to and from the device.
If none of these iPods seem the best choice, there are many more options out there. Just go to any electronics store and look around. Things to look for when buying a music player are features like photo and video playability, long battery life and large storage capacity. Depending on the exact features desired, there may be a more specialized player that won’t cost as much as an iPod.
Sony’s PSP is an alternative media player. It can play music, videos, picture and games all on a huge 16:9 screen. Full movies are also available on the PSP’s UMD disc format. At $250, you get the player and a 32mb card to get you started. The downside-an additional larger memory stick duo is required if the device is to be used as a media player. They’re unfortunately, quite pricey right now. The upshot is the ability to expand over time without a finite limit, but it will be expensive
Creative Labs also offers many portable media solutions in the form of its “Zen” series of players. Most are cheaper than the Apple products and, a bigger product line, you can get exactly the features your looking for. The “Zen” players are alternatives if you’re not locked into the iPod name, but don’t expect the same level of reliability and support that Apple gives.
Media players are a dime a dozen today. Regardless of whether you want play music, photos or video, the most important thing is to find a player that does what you want. The more that come out, the more they’ll come down in price, until eventually everyone has one. The age of the Walkman is officially dead.
Apple lovers can now take photos and view videos with the new and improved iPod. (Image Courtesy Apple.com)
