Apple iPod Advice

[YouWantitWhen????]

Posted: 10/20/05 at 3:45pm

Well, I am finally going to dump my MP3 player and get an iPod . . . I am have been just to cheap to bother buying one, when the MP3 player can store about 9 albums. But, Patronus has helped shamed me into indulging a want vs. a need.

Now, I need some recommendations.

First question - would you even bother with a refurbished iPod -

Second question - what would you recommend for someone with a large, but not huge, audio collection?

Third question - would you buy online or at the Apple Store? And, if on-line, who has good prices (other than Costco, which is always my default).

Thanks for any suggestions.

[katygrace84]

Posted: 10/20/05 at 3:52pm

Congrats!!! I got mine about a year ago and I'm totally in love with it. The only question I can answer is the one about refurbished ipods. Mine is refurbished and it works just fine. Just from my own experience, I can't think of a reason to NOT recommend one. Happy ipod shopping!!!

[YouWantitWhen????]

Posted: 10/20/05 at 4:00pm

I saw a 30 GB Refurbished iPod Photo for $220. Seems like a pretty good price, which is why I raised the Refurb question.

[katygrace84]

Posted: 10/20/05 at 4:02pm

If that's what you want, I'd go for it! I have one of the "old" first generation ipods that connects using a firewire, so I'm kind of out of the loop on the new ones. I've seen the photo ones, though and they're really cool.

[smartpenguin78]

Posted: 10/20/05 at 4:20pm

Sorry YWIW?, I have no idea.
I have seen a thread on it before, but since katy and YWIW? and Patronus are part of my BWW clique, I figured I'd ask it here.

Would you buy an IPOD with more space or a Nano as a gift? The collection the person has is large, but not huge, and she mentioned the Nano, but I am thinking the IPOD 20 or 30 gig may be better. (maybe even a Photo) What do you think?

[DefyingEDCT]

Posted: 10/20/05 at 4:24pm

mmm Dell Digital Juke box

[katygrace84]

Posted: 10/20/05 at 4:40pm

Grrrr... My computer is acting up. Penguin, I'd go with the Nano since your friend mentioned it. I know I'm very particular about these things. If she's got her heart set on a certain model, that's the one I would get.

[YouWantitWhen????]

Posted: 10/20/05 at 4:50pm

I thought of the Nano, but since it is not that much larger than what I already have, I figured I may as well go for the gusto. Also, I am afraid that the Nano is so thin, that I would either lose it, sit on it and break it, or, my cats would find it a wonderful toy.

If she wants the Nano, I would probably go with her wishes. But, I think Patronus may have more info on the pros and cons on the Nano

[ikmbway]

Posted: 10/20/05 at 4:56pm

I wnat the new video Ipod. I'm saving up for it. Check into that maybe?

[smartpenguin78]

Posted: 10/20/05 at 5:03pm

She wants the Nano, but seems very open to a IPOD bigger, I am planning to go Nano, but it just doesn't seem quite right.

[YouWantitWhen????]

Posted: 10/20/05 at 5:04pm

Well, there is that myth that size doesn't matter . . .

But, trust me, it is only a myth.

[smartpenguin78]

Posted: 10/20/05 at 5:07pm

One must have size AND skill.

[stephygirl51]

Posted: 10/20/05 at 5:35pm

I say go all out and get the 60 GB video one! I just got mine in the mail yesterday, it came all the way from Shanghai to be with me! It's so much fun, I just finished burning Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. It was a little pricey (w/tax and shipping PLUS a student discount it was $423), but it is sooo cute and so much fun!

As for the refurbished one you saw for $220, the 20 GB is only $80 more, I say be to be safe and so you can be under warranty (which comes in handy, I've gone through 2 ipods in a year) I would get the new one. It'll be worth it.

Although I bought my new one online, if it is your first ipod experience I say go to the Apple store. They can help you make sure you have everything you need and can answer any questions.

[Patronus]

Posted: 10/21/05 at 10:40am

Wow, I didn’t get on the computer much yesterday and I see that this thread has my name on it about 47 times. Very exciting indeed. 

Patronus has helped shamed me into indulging a want vs. a need.

The first rule of Patronus’ irresponsible spending is “if you want it, you need it.” Learn it. Live it. Love it.

I just recently did the iPod research and for me it was an exhausting experience because I am too analytical about these kinds of purchases. What I eventually decided on was that if cost isn’t an issue – get the biggest one possible even if you don’t think you’ll need that much space. I know 60GB seems insane, but you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can fill that space. Especially if you get into the podcasts, which I will be poking and prodding until you do.

I settled on the Limited Edition U2 iPod because I love the band and the black and red design was very visually pleasing – but I am already wishing that I had held out and got a bigger version.

Unless you are working with a limited budget, I’d rule out the Nano because while it’s very cute it isn’t a great buy in terms of data storage. I played with one at the store and it almost feels too small to me and doesn’t add any functionality to what you would get from a regular iPod.

To put it into perspective:

iPod Nano 4GB = 1000 songs $249
iPod 30GB Video = 15000 songs $299
iPod 60GB Video = 30000 songs $399

For $50 more you can hold 14000 more songs as well as download video. To me, there isn’t even a question unless someone has their heart set on the Nano.

In terms of where to buy it – I would definitely recommend the Apple Store if you have a student ID. They will give you 10% off your purchase which basically means no tax here in CA.

The only benefit I found to buying the iPod from apple.com is that you get free engraving on the back. I didn’t really find that too valuable.

SP78, if she has even a sizeable collection I’d look into whether or not she has her heart set on the Nano. If not, she’d be happier with a larger iPod. Part of the fun is being able to pick up the majority of your music collection and go. You can’t do that with a Nano because you may have to select which songs you want to be on and it and wait for it to sync. It would drive me crazy, personally.

[mabel]

Posted: 10/21/05 at 11:14am

Just tossing in my two cents...I wouldn't go w/ the Nano. I think for the price, it's kind of a rip. Like Pat said, unless you've got your little heart set on having the newest fad, then don't bother. 4 gigs fill up MIGHTY FAST!!! I've got a 30 gig DellDJ (aka, my DellPod) I've filled up about 15 or so of those gigs, and I've still got loads of stuff that I want to put on. Sure, I've got a lot of stuff on it that I don't listen to a whole lot, but that's kind of the point. I've got everything all in one place, so if I'm itching to hear some obscure album, I've got it right there and don't have to hunt around for it.

Besides, it's only $50 more to make that huge jump up in space. Even if you're strapped for cash, that's worth it. It's an investment, and if you're going to spend that much money, you might as well put a fraction more into it to get that much more!...Besides, the Nanos seem like an accident waiting to happen.

[BluCat500]

Posted: 10/21/05 at 12:20pm

Its also not a bad idea to buy at Best Buy and pick up their extra service plan....you just can't beat a 4 year service plan...Saved me many times
of course there is no student discount and if you plan on buying an Ipod each time there is some new innovation theres no need for the long service plan..

[YouWantitWhen????]

Posted: 10/21/05 at 12:41pm

Sounds like the iPod video it will be.

I may see if Costco has any packages with it, sometimes they will thrown in some promos and stuff with the normal price.

Thanks All.

[Plum]

Posted: 10/21/05 at 12:50pm

Noooo!

Okay, just saying- the video iPod just isn't very good. The video feature isn't anything special, and it's just not worth the extra money. Go for an iPod with plenty of space to accomodate a growing music collection. I thought I'd never fill mine a few years back but now I'm getting close.

ETA- I'm an idiot. I didn't realize all the new iPods are of the video variety. Still, the video feature is hopelessly overrated. Updated On: 10/21/05 at 12:50 PM

[Patronus]

Posted: 10/21/05 at 1:50pm

Yeah, I don't really care too much about the video capability, but I will say that I am a bit pissed that I bought an iPod less than a month ago and today for the same price I can get 10GB more space (no more 20GB iPods, they are 30GB by default) and video should I choose to incorporate it.

Ugh.

Anyway, I'd highly recommend going out and getting it today, YWIW. Nothing will get you over that bug faster than a new tech geek toy.
Updated On: 10/21/05 at 01:50 PM

[YouWantitWhen????]

Posted: 10/21/05 at 1:54pm

Maybe Sunday. Right now I am a sneezing, coughing, sniffling mess.

But, Bush is somewhere in town, so, on the bright side, maybe I could go outside the fundraiser, and send some germs his way

[NOTE TO FBI - JUST A JOKE, NOT AN ACTUAL THREAT]

Wee bit paranoid am I.

[Type_A_Tiff]

Posted: 10/21/05 at 1:55pm

As someone recently on the receiving end of an iPod gift, I'd go for the 30gb iPod if you can. I got a Mini because I didn't want to force my friend into paying $100 more, but as Mabel said, those 4gb fill up awfully quickly - you may think it takes a lot to come up with 500 songs but it really doesn't (because it's so goshdarn easy to transfer songs onto iTunes that you find yourself going, 'Oh heck, what about the whole album?'). Screw the Nano. Get a larger iPod. (And perhaps stay away from the Minis, as they're discontinued now so the Nano will take over, and unless you're buying from Best Buy, the warranties aren't too good. And DO invest in a good warranty.)

[flaemmchen]

Posted: 10/21/05 at 2:50pm

I have an iPod mini and am only now, after almost a year, coming close to filling up all 4 gigs. Then again, I haven't stored my entire musical collection on it, nor do I plan to, so that could be why. For tons of music, obviously the big iPod is the way to go.

Word of advice when installing, though: DO EVERYTHING THEY TELL YOU! If they tell you to restart your computer, restart it. I have friends whose computers went wonky from not following the installation instructions to the letter.

Enjoy it, YouWantItWhen? It's an obsessive and fun little toy that's well worth the investment.

[mabel]

Posted: 10/21/05 at 3:01pm

I guess it depends on what YWIW's situation is. I'm a student, so my DellPod is pretty much used to cart all my music with me to school. I was never really one for downloading music off the net, so I've pretty much ripped every CD I own onto it, so that I don't need to play the "Hmmm, what should I bring with me?" game, where I'd give myself a box and have to pick and choose until it was full. Now, I've got more than enough to keep myself amused for the time being, and I've also got a bunch of space left for any new purchases.

Take a good look at what you'd expect to use. Tiff mentioned running out of space fast because she'd been putting whole albums on (I did the same)...If you're more the type of person who downloads individual songs onto your computer, and you've just got a bit here and a bit there, then maybe the extra isn't necessary.

And what's the deal w/ the video feature? I haven't really been paying attention to the latest iPod scuttlebut (other than the Nano, since there are posters for it on every other block). Is it just like a reguar iPod w/ more space, which would allow you to put video data on it? And then you'd watch it on the tiny screen? I'm sure it would be nice for long trips and stuff like that, but I'm not sure that'd really be worth it, imho.

[YouWantitWhen????]

Posted: 10/21/05 at 3:07pm

I actually can afford the Video if I want it. I can also ask for an early Hannukah gift if I want. I just don't want to buy something and then six months later, need something else.

I also use my digital camera a lot. So, if the video feature allows stills, there may be no end to the pictures of my cats and friends that I impose on people!

Thanks.