Which iPod?
Thread started by
mr rollers at 05.20.08 - 1:47 pm
At the risk of having people say, "Welcome to the 21st century, rollers!", I'll admit that I'm thinking of buying my first iPod.
Which one should I get?
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The Zune one.
(sorry - couldn't resist. I actually have no recommendation on this)
turrican05.20.08 - 1:49 pm
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i bought a refurbished one off apple.com wayyy cheaper
tomato05.20.08 - 1:49 pm
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the 160gb classic, just bought one and it really kicks ass,
eddieboyinla05.20.08 - 1:50 pm
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Mr. Rollers:
I take it that you've amassed quite a large collection of the musics. You should probably get an iPod Classic, 160 g pod. They hold many a tune and are some strange amount of numbers in price.
That is all.
NEWB31005.20.08 - 1:51 pm
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Apple has differentiated their lines pretty successfully at this point, so this really depends on your needs.
I have a huge music library that I like to have with me at all times, yet I couldn't care less about video nor internet connectivity -- thus I have the 160gb classic.
But if video or connectivity is important to you, but capacity is not, then maybe the Touch is right for you.
Or if maximum portability is important, then perhaps a shuffle.....
theroyalacademy05.20.08 - 1:52 pm
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I'm with tomato on the refurbished one.
It also depends on how much music you have, and how you want to carry your new toy. Solid state players (no moving hard drive) are great if you're clumsy and drop your ipod.
I personally have the 80gb 5th gen ipod and the ipod shuffle.
spiraldemon05.20.08 - 1:53 pm
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the classic does also play video... I own a 160, and yes they do play video.
FuzzBeast05.20.08 - 1:56 pm
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Get a big Classic for more stable usage, and then get a Shuffle for more rigorous usage.
toweliesbong05.20.08 - 2:00 pm
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I got a refurbished one too from apple - same warrenty and it afforded me more gigs for my $$..
yay ROllerzzzzz playlist coming up!!!
redridinghood05.20.08 - 2:09 pm
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I changed my mind - I do have an opinion now.
Find a 160GB one (video and internet etc be damned, or not), and link me to the cheapest you can find, as well.
turrican05.20.08 - 2:15 pm
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i had the 160gb video
-it started freezing/shutting off within 1 month.
-It was also too clunky to ride with.
-It cost $250 or more if i remember right.
-the interface is impossible and not intuitive to me.
Also, iTunes SUCKS.
I got a 2GB Sony.
-small and smart
-cheap, no big deal if its stolen / lost / broken
-well-designed interface, nice screen display.
-ride everywhere, no problem (there's no hard drive to crash.)
-i melted the plastic face in a fire on accident and the thing still works! come on!
maybe its similar to a smaller ipod, but i dont have to fuck with iTunes and give out my credit card number to play a song.
SKIDMARCUS05.20.08 - 2:22 pm
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how much FUNDERSTORM are you going to put on it?
sexy05.20.08 - 2:31 pm
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I'm with marcus, iTunes is pretty silly and overly complicated.
One of my pet peeves is bloated software. That's why my next media player will not be an ipod.
kyber05.20.08 - 2:33 pm
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i have a three year old 30g ipod bloack video and ive had no problems.
ruinedbyidiots05.20.08 - 2:40 pm
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@fuzzbeast
Classic does play video, yes, as does Nano -- but if one is watching a lot of video, one would probably want a bigger screen.
Of course, a rida is probably not watching the latest episode of Lost while on C.R.A.N.K. Mob, so that probably isn't a big concern.
For riding, I personally wish I also had a shuffle. Very small and solid state (so more reliable). With enough capacity now that they can hold a few hours of music -- more than enough for a ride. The Classic is really way too expensive to be riding around with at all times.
@Kyber and Marcus
Complicated? Are you serious?
I'll agree that they've unnecessarily bloated up the graphics (which makes the system run slower), but iPod software is super intuitive.
theroyalacademy05.20.08 - 2:43 pm
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You can use the Winamp plugin if you use Windows, or gtkpod for Linux/BSD/Solaris.
PC05.20.08 - 2:45 pm
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the ipod touch is great. video is excellent and if you have wireless in your house, your set.
i personally don't have a machine at my house and use it for internet. works very well with a wireless router.
personally i do not suggest storing all your music on the ipod, i just use an external drive for that and update the ipod play list whenever i want to mix it up a bit.
adrianluna05.20.08 - 2:45 pm
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I'm watching Dak use iTunes right now, and that shit is totally not as intuitive as it could/should be.
turrican05.20.08 - 2:50 pm
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When I look at itunes, I see layers and layers of fluff that I have to wade through in order to get things done. To me, it's an example of a program that is overly simplified to the point that it alienates users who have advanced knowledge of computers.
The same thing goes with Windows as an OS. Too much fluff and hand-holding. None of it makes sense to me.
Then again, I'm a linux/bsd user so I'm in my own little computing world...
@PC
Yes, this is true. I use gtkpod.
kyber05.20.08 - 2:50 pm
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melted in a fire? please do explain....
barleye05.20.08 - 2:51 pm
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turrican watches Rev. Cak N. Ballsak do lots of stuff.
spiraldemon05.20.08 - 2:54 pm
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Fluffer is going to whine about the long ride tonight.
Joe Borfo05.20.08 - 2:55 pm
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farts are occasionally also a breeze
turrican05.20.08 - 2:58 pm
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ANYWAY.
Creative makes a pretty solid media player from what I've seen. My friend had a Zen back in the day and it never gave him problems.
Rollers, are you looking specifically at ipods(tm) or just a portable media player?
kyber05.20.08 - 3:01 pm
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I think it might actually be "iPod(tm)s"
Not sure, have to check the branding guide.
turrican05.20.08 - 3:02 pm
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borfo should be riding something else tonight if he ever wants a borfosaurus jr.
spiraldemon05.20.08 - 3:05 pm
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I fired itunes up for shits & giggles. I seriously couldn't get it to play a single album. So I stopped trying. So annoying. Intuitive my ass. I'm not even sure what intuitive means anymore.
I had a Creative Vision:M, it's awesome. My brother uses it now. I currently use a Zune.
160GB would be awesome, if you can deal with ipod & itunes. I can't.
the reverend dak05.20.08 - 3:06 pm
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I rock the postage-stamp sized iPod Shuffle... in orange of course. I splurged and bought a pair of V-Moda headphones though.
Agent Orange05.20.08 - 3:16 pm
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First, forget the ipod touch if you are planning to listen while you ride. You MUST look at the screen in order to do anything like change tracks, since you cannot feel the buttons.
If you don't have an enormous library, forget about the hard drive based ipod classic, in either size. Battery life is lower, it is a little more vibration sensitive, and its lifespan will likely be shorter.
Get an 8 or 16GB ipod nano. I assume you are mostly looking at ripping cds you already own inorder to listen to them on your ipod. IN that case, you can fit 20-25 full cds in each gigabyte, so choose your size accordingly. If you want video playback as well, figure on a full length movie occupying about 1-1.2 GB. The nano has physical buttons that you can work without removing it from your pocket and you can easily change tracks while riding a bicycle without looking down. That is true for all ipods but the ipod touch, by the way. If you ride with full finger gloves, they all have drawbacks. The nano and classic won't easily change volume if you re wearing gloves, and the touch won't change tracks. I have a very small hole in the end of one finger in my gloves which provides enough contact to get the touch sensitive volume adjustment working.
Those who are complaining about difficulties with iTunes are either having a reaction against apple's dominance of the market and are approaching it with blinders or are incredibly computer illiterate. iTunes is far and away the simplest music library software out there, and it is definitely far from bloated. It actually is lacking lots of functionality most of the power users I know would like to have. My 65 year old mom picked it up easily in less than a day and doesn't go anywhere without her ipod now. But that's all a moot point. Go to an apple store, where thy have lots of ipods you can play with that have lots of content on them, and browse around the interface. If it works for you, you'll know it pretty quickly. Ask to plug it into a computer and you can see what the itunes side of things is like, too.
ideasculptor05.20.08 - 4:18 pm
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I like iTunes. I've tried many of the media library/players out there on Windows, Linux, Solaris and OpenBSD. Hell, I'd run iTunes on my OpenBSD -current laptop if I could. My only beef with iTunes is that it only runs on Windows and Mac.
toweliesbong05.20.08 - 4:26 pm
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lol @ taking the time to champion iTunes and then saying "But that's all a moot point."
I hate pretty much all mp3 player sync software.
turrican05.20.08 - 4:50 pm
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Thanks for all the advice guys. To answer a few of the questions I've seen:
1. I don't need video playback.
2. I've got a huge amount of music already, so I probably won't be using iTunes much, if at all. In addition a sizeable CD library, I've got tons of vinyl that I'm starting to digitize.
3. It doesn't have to be iPod brand.
I actually don't intend to do much riding around with headphones on, as I like to hear what's coming up behind me. My primary intent is to be able to organize my music in a portable, compact and accessible package.
mr rollers05.20.08 - 5:29 pm
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if you want to deal with mp3 data cds, i have a portable cd player that plays those as well as normal cds that i would let for for $25.
ruinedbyidiots05.20.08 - 5:31 pm
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Haha, this is one holy war I've been fighting Dak and Turrican on forever.
I've had my 15GB 3G iPod since summer of 2004. I don't baby it or anything, but it still works great. I don't see the need to have more capacity because I don't care to have every single piece of music I have with me. I use playlists.
iTunes is not perfect but it's the best media player and music manager. I prefer to use a database and metadata to organize my music, and iTunes excels at that. If you actually like dragging and dropping files and trying to remember folder structures, then you probably won't like iTunes. It's not as lightweight as, say, WinAmp, but I don't think it's as flabby as you gais are making it out to be.
As far as using one on a bike, I wouldn't use any player with a hard disk on a bike. Stick to ones that use flash memory.
cabhauler05.20.08 - 5:39 pm
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everything has been pretty much said Steve...
I have 2 ipods
a flash drive (nano) no moving parts - good for riding but only 8 gig max, or is it 4 gigs???
a 30 gig which has a hard drive, a bit more delicate but had no probs after dropping it several times - Apple warned it could damage it but it works fine. MAke sure you charge discharge as low as poss and fully charge several time to lengthen battery life.
use one on pc and one on a mac. Might buy a new mac and format both for it. I think you'll like them, there are several other mp3 players as has been said but judging by the numbers sold I'd say they are well liked.
Limeyfly05.20.08 - 5:46 pm
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RLLRZ,
Christene has the older nano, the one that like the size of a stick of gum.
I love it for riding and it still holds tons of music 20-40 hours of high quality files.
if you just need something light for riding i'd see if they have any those old nanos as referbs.
if this was covered above forgive me.
I dont have time to read everybody's iPod suggestions.
trickmilla05.20.08 - 6:00 pm
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Rollers, you are confusing the iTunes Music Store and iTunes, the music software. If you own an ipod, unless you are a super computer geek you must use itunes in order to put music on your ipod. iTunes serves as the software that gives you access to your library of digital music. You need never use it play music, but you must use it to put songs on your player. Most of us also find it to be a very useful music player, since it gives you a lot of control over how you browse your music, create playlists, etc. Unless you like buying music online, you'll have very little reason to use the iTunes Music Store at all.
ideasculptor05.20.08 - 6:05 pm
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Some Itunes tips if you're new to piling music onto a drive:
Use Itunes...but don't buy music from Itunes because it comes in some bull-shit copy-protected version that limits what you can do with it. Instead rip CDs to your Itunes library using the highest quality MP3 encoder. Follow this.....
Itunes>preferences>advanced>Importing
(I do 192 kb/s but you can go higher if you want)
Or if you've already got all your music files in an MP3 format sitting on your computer or hard drive, import them all to a fresh Itunes library.
The bottom line is keep your music in the highest quality MP3 file.
A common mistake a lot of people make is ripping/importing a burned CD or Mp3 CD. That degrades the quality as it enters your library. So when you get music from someone or when you burn music for someone, always burn a "DATA CD"
Itunes>preferences>advanced>Burning>Data CD
And as far as the Ipod, it depends on how much music you have and what your going to do with it. If it's for biking, or other activities, then the 16 GB nano, if it's as much for just chillin', or driving in a car, then get the Classic 80 gig, unless you have enough music you'll quickly fill the 80 gigs.
0gravity05.20.08 - 6:10 pm
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According to ideasculptor I am simultaneously computer illiterate (hate iTunes and think it's confusing as hell) and a super computer geek (for not using iTunes to upload music to my ipod). I just like gtkpod better :(
I'm so confused!! Which one is it?
kyber05.20.08 - 6:16 pm
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I have the ipod nano. but I would rather have the ipod shuffle. you dont need a screen. just put music on it and roll
Roadblock05.20.08 - 6:17 pm
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The most important question is what do you want to use it for. If you want to put every piece of music on it you have, then there's nothing better than one of the big iPod Classic things.
If you want to have something you can listen to while riding, nothing beats the shuffle for ease of use and it's got more than enough space for a full day on your bike. I have the current shufle with the build in clip and I love it.
If you want something that you can do all kinds of stuff with like watch movies, listen to music, send e-mails, surf the web, check out the iPod Touch.
I'd avoid the nanos really because they lack the size and capacity of the classics, but lack the simplicity of the shuffles. They are the worst of both worlds.
seanbonner05.20.08 - 6:47 pm
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@Mr. Rollers. Definitely get the 160GB iPod Classic. You'll have better support if you have trouble. Also there will be tons of people in this community that can help you. Plus there are more accessories for it.
Sometimes it's better to get what everyone else has, ipods are definitely one of these cases. Most music management programs have plug-ins for the Classic (the case isn't true, yet, for the touch and the iPhone.)
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@Apple Fanboys, you guys are so cute. The rest of the world think of you like motorists in LA look at cyclists - moonwalking bears.
the reverend dak05.20.08 - 6:55 pm
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@dak When did thinking something works just fine make one a "fanboy"? Geez.
I mean, I have my gripes about Apple & iPods too, but for most beginner users, they are the easiest solution (if not the cheapest).
theroyalacademy05.20.08 - 7:15 pm
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I have a Teddy Ruxpin. He plays cassette tapes and his eyes move and mouth move to music, not exactly in sync w/ the words but that's OK... also he's fuzzy so if I spill beer on my face while I'm riding I can use him to wipe it up. You can get one on ebay NIB for 60.00 takes 8 zillion D sized batteries.
mixtemotions05.20.08 - 7:40 pm
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f@#K*%! blah blah blah blah
I guess i'm guilty of that also, and shouldn't talk
so here goes my blah blah blah
It is true that I have read that the new 160gb ipods do have problems with operational malfunction and freezing and crashing issues, but I know apple is good at taking them back. These are probably the refurbished ones, and probably have all the problems taken care of.
I have purchased two used 5.5 80gb Ipod and loved them both I recently have another 80gb ipod but this is a 6th gen and has a sightly different interface. It is a refurbished model that I purchased from
www.luckydogbargain.com and had no problems with it. They have the 160gb for $255.00, which is as good as a price as it is going to get at this time.
Whatever you do, my advice is to ask people to look at their mp3 player, put it in your hand and check out how it feels and the functionality of it. This is the best way to see if you like or not.
The first time I saw an ipod, I knew I wanted one right away. It was a bit out of my price range at the time, but I felt it was something that I would use and make enjoying my music collection a whole different experience. I paid top dollar for it, and never regretted it.
sexy05.20.08 - 10:51 pm
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@theroyalacademy,You said, "When did thinking something works just fine make one a "fanboy".
When did I even remotely say that? I failed to post the part where I absolutely think that Macs & iPods are PERFECT for MOST people. I deleted that because I didn't want to sound condescending. But you missed the hint - Me recommending that Mr. Rollers get the 160 GB iPod Classic. That's cool. It's OK. It's clear that you got caught up with the snark remark about Apple Fanboys being "cute."
Fanboys of all sorts, whether they are MacAddicts, Trekkies, D&D Geeks, etc., get real sensitive when their love gets referred in a condescending way. I apologize, I know I can be condescending when it comes to the Geek Hierarchy. I know I'm right there ON TOP. I know how to push the right buttons, especially if I want to have a little fun. It's totally OK to love what you love - and to defend it. You absolutely should. But it doesn't hurt to be a little humble, and recognize that it's kind of dorky. I love Star Wars! Big deal, shoot me!
I'll deflect the shot right back at you, with my Lightsaber.
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But, hypothetical question: Let's say I really DO hate Apple, and would NEVER buy an iPod. Which mp3 player should I buy? Why? High capacity AND one for rides.
the reverend dak05.21.08 - 2:04 am
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Rollers, just get a Nano and don't look back.
PC05.21.08 - 3:55 am
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