IPod Users
- Thread starter bestican
- Start date
Vee
Cathlete
Hi BestYouCan,
You have three options:
a. iPod Classic - hard-disk based so has a really large capacity, plays video and cost per GB is lowest.
Cons for video watching: Small screen
Cons for exercise: Relatively bulky, hard disk based (hard disks are theoretically prone to damage if you run/do impact with one on your person and also are supposed to be prone to kipping during impact - however I know several people who use the iPod classic without any issues during exercise and at one time did so myself - apple quality standards are amazing.)
Pro: ALL you music, workouts, audiobooks, podcasts and video is likely to fit on one. Good for people who dislike periodically connecting the iPod to PC and swapping content in/out, good for those who dont like to plan and want to carry around their entire collection at all times so that when the mood strikes them, whatever they want to listen to or watch is right there.
b. iPod Nano - flash based storage, slightly smaller screen than Classic, unbelievably sleek and compact, available in 4GB and 8GB capacity
Cons for video watching: Small screen (although I watch entire movies and TV series on my nan and have absolutely no issues with screen size, the brightness and clarity of the screen makes up for the size in my opinion)
Cons in general: Unless you entire collection of workouts and songs is not very large, chances are you will have to swap content into and out of the Nano. Consider your PC on which you store your collection the libraray and the Nano the equivalent of a tote-bag in which you can carry significant but not too much stuff to carry around. Every few days you must refresh the contents of the tote if you libraray is larger than the tote.
Pros for exercise: Barely there - can be worn on the wrist or arm, or in a pocket and you want even likely know it is there.
c. iPod Touch - flash based storage with an amazingly beautiful large touch screen
Pros - Video watchers delight, the touch screen is just too cool to use, the screen is made from excellent scratch resistant material, lots of other nifty stuff you can do on the touch like use wi-fi to check your email!
Cons: Pricier than other models, relatively bulky compared to nano although there are armbands avaialbel to use while working out.
d. Shuffle - tiny player that you clip on your clothes. Does not do video. I dont like this player in the Apple lineup, because it does not have a screen. I think the Sansa Clip or Zen Stoone Plus are far better options for a comparable player.
I agonized over the decision before finally choosing the Nano for myself because I do a lot of video watching on the ipod (during travel or commutes for which touch is better) but also use it almost every time I exercise (Touch can definitely work for this too, but Nano scores on size). I finally chose the Nano.
However I did buy the Touch too for my teen niece and I think it is still the most delightful player on the market. Nothing compares in my opinion for finish, ease of use or just how wondeful the experience of the touch interface is.
DH has the classic. He likes having his entire music collection with him and he listens to music a LOT in his car, using the iPod as his juke box.
Keep in mind - Every September (by the 9th or so) is when Apple releases a new line up of iPod models. It is somewhat likely prices will go down and a few features to get added on in September this year, going by past trends.
~* Vrinda *~
You have three options:
a. iPod Classic - hard-disk based so has a really large capacity, plays video and cost per GB is lowest.
Cons for video watching: Small screen
Cons for exercise: Relatively bulky, hard disk based (hard disks are theoretically prone to damage if you run/do impact with one on your person and also are supposed to be prone to kipping during impact - however I know several people who use the iPod classic without any issues during exercise and at one time did so myself - apple quality standards are amazing.)
Pro: ALL you music, workouts, audiobooks, podcasts and video is likely to fit on one. Good for people who dislike periodically connecting the iPod to PC and swapping content in/out, good for those who dont like to plan and want to carry around their entire collection at all times so that when the mood strikes them, whatever they want to listen to or watch is right there.
b. iPod Nano - flash based storage, slightly smaller screen than Classic, unbelievably sleek and compact, available in 4GB and 8GB capacity
Cons for video watching: Small screen (although I watch entire movies and TV series on my nan and have absolutely no issues with screen size, the brightness and clarity of the screen makes up for the size in my opinion)
Cons in general: Unless you entire collection of workouts and songs is not very large, chances are you will have to swap content into and out of the Nano. Consider your PC on which you store your collection the libraray and the Nano the equivalent of a tote-bag in which you can carry significant but not too much stuff to carry around. Every few days you must refresh the contents of the tote if you libraray is larger than the tote.
Pros for exercise: Barely there - can be worn on the wrist or arm, or in a pocket and you want even likely know it is there.
c. iPod Touch - flash based storage with an amazingly beautiful large touch screen
Pros - Video watchers delight, the touch screen is just too cool to use, the screen is made from excellent scratch resistant material, lots of other nifty stuff you can do on the touch like use wi-fi to check your email!
Cons: Pricier than other models, relatively bulky compared to nano although there are armbands avaialbel to use while working out.
d. Shuffle - tiny player that you clip on your clothes. Does not do video. I dont like this player in the Apple lineup, because it does not have a screen. I think the Sansa Clip or Zen Stoone Plus are far better options for a comparable player.
I agonized over the decision before finally choosing the Nano for myself because I do a lot of video watching on the ipod (during travel or commutes for which touch is better) but also use it almost every time I exercise (Touch can definitely work for this too, but Nano scores on size). I finally chose the Nano.
However I did buy the Touch too for my teen niece and I think it is still the most delightful player on the market. Nothing compares in my opinion for finish, ease of use or just how wondeful the experience of the touch interface is.
DH has the classic. He likes having his entire music collection with him and he listens to music a LOT in his car, using the iPod as his juke box.
Keep in mind - Every September (by the 9th or so) is when Apple releases a new line up of iPod models. It is somewhat likely prices will go down and a few features to get added on in September this year, going by past trends.
~* Vrinda *~
Sunshine 1528
Cathlete
I liked the shuffle for it's low price and light weight - and I have the old version that is the size of a small pack of gum.
One downfall is that you cannot go to specific songs and if you are using the Cardio Coaches or the iTrains you will have to go through the songs one at a time until you find where you begin the program.
At least that was my excuse for getting a new iPod. I decided on the 80GB because I am not one to upgrade very often. For the $100 above the Nano it seemed like a good deal. And as Vrinda mentioned, I am one of those who doesn't want to mess with switching back and forth between my PC.
Good luck with your choice.
One downfall is that you cannot go to specific songs and if you are using the Cardio Coaches or the iTrains you will have to go through the songs one at a time until you find where you begin the program.
At least that was my excuse for getting a new iPod. I decided on the 80GB because I am not one to upgrade very often. For the $100 above the Nano it seemed like a good deal. And as Vrinda mentioned, I am one of those who doesn't want to mess with switching back and forth between my PC.
Good luck with your choice.
goldenpath
Cathlete
I just recently purchased an IPOD and did not want the shuffle because there was no screen and as mentioned you had to flip through each song. I ended up purchasing the Nano 4G for myself and 8G for my daughter. I love it. I think I made the right choice.
pwmatt
Cathlete
Hi BestIcan. I went through this same process not long ago. Although, I don't use mine to exercise now, I am looking forward to putting Cathe's Wo on eventually. So, I bought the classic. I do love it. I took it to Europe with me. I purchased a splitter so my DH and I could listen to the same podcasts(programs about the places we were touring). I have lots of music and don't often have to connect to the PC other than for charging. Oh, when I was in Europe, I bought a wll charger since I didn't have a computer. It worked great! My kids have nanos and they are always juggling music. Hope this helps
Phyllis.
Check out picturetrail for my Europe pictures!
I have to exercise early in the morning before my brain figures out what I'm doing
http://www.rykat.org/forums/style_emoticons/default/arrowhead.png
http://www.picturetrail.com/pwmatt
Phyllis.
Check out picturetrail for my Europe pictures!
I have to exercise early in the morning before my brain figures out what I'm doing
http://www.rykat.org/forums/style_emoticons/default/arrowhead.png
http://www.picturetrail.com/pwmatt
midwestchick
Cathlete
DH and I use our Ipod nano 4g and absolutely LOVE it. DS bought the 3rd Gen. Ipod "fatty" and it's very nice - smaller, compact, but larger screen. Very good graphics.
We use our IPods ALL the time - I don't go without it when exercising.
Heidi
We use our IPods ALL the time - I don't go without it when exercising.
Heidi
banslug
Cathlete
I got the iPod Classic, 80Gig as a gift for Christmas. It's bigger than I personally would have spent or bought, but since it was a gift, I ain't complainin'! LOL
I LOVE IT! It holds everything, like Vee said, so I don't have to plug in too often add or remove. I run with it, including fast sprints and tons of hills, and have never had a single problem with it skipping or anything. It IS big and can be bulky depending on the type of armband you choose. I have a basic one so it bounces a bit more than I would like, but it works just fine. I plan on buying the better armband that holds it snugger to my arm (soon).
Gayle
I LOVE IT! It holds everything, like Vee said, so I don't have to plug in too often add or remove. I run with it, including fast sprints and tons of hills, and have never had a single problem with it skipping or anything. It IS big and can be bulky depending on the type of armband you choose. I have a basic one so it bounces a bit more than I would like, but it works just fine. I plan on buying the better armband that holds it snugger to my arm (soon).
Gayle
Jess_jugs
Cathlete
I am right now upgrading from a shuffle (which I love, very small and easy to use) to a Nano 4GB. My 9yo has been saving her money for a shuffle and my best friend had a Nano that she got for Christmas still in the box!! So I bought the Nano from her at a great price, my dd got my shuffle, and we're all happy.
Now I have to figure out how to use the Nano and I'm thinking with all of the talk about cardio coach I might have to try them out too.
Now I have to figure out how to use the Nano and I'm thinking with all of the talk about cardio coach I might have to try them out too.
You've gotten a lot of great suggestions on the units.
My suggestion is for the accessories...do NOT buy them in a store!
eBay is ideal for any chargers, extra cables, cases, etc... that you may want/need.
For me, the car chargers were most important. In the stores, they were around $20/charger. I bought them on eBay for $1.50 each, and they have lasted years.
Cases are the same. You can get them much cheaper on eBay, just make sure that you're buying the case that matches up with the specific unit you have.
Enjoy!
My suggestion is for the accessories...do NOT buy them in a store!
eBay is ideal for any chargers, extra cables, cases, etc... that you may want/need.
For me, the car chargers were most important. In the stores, they were around $20/charger. I bought them on eBay for $1.50 each, and they have lasted years.
Cases are the same. You can get them much cheaper on eBay, just make sure that you're buying the case that matches up with the specific unit you have.
Enjoy!
bestican
Cathlete
Thanks so much...I am leaning towards the iPod Nano...just can't decide which size....I was wondering about the car accessory....ok, this may sound dumb, but how hard are they to install? IF my DH has to start messing with wires in my Blazer, forget it! I love him and all, but any type of wiring-forget it!! AND this may sound really dumb too, but how do you download videos? ANd how long of a video can you download? AND how long does the battery last before you have to recharge??? When I use my current model(the cheapie)I have to recharge every time I use it...it's very inconvenient!
Thanks for everyone's advice! I knew I could count on Catheites to help me with my decision!
BestICan
AND this may sound really dumb too, but how do you download videos? ANd how long of a video can you download? AND how long does the battery last before you have to recharge??? When I use my current model(the cheapie)I have to recharge every time I use it...it's very inconvenient!Thanks for everyone's advice! I knew I could count on Catheites to help me with my decision!
BestICan
eminenz2
Cathlete
My DH got me a iPod Classic (80 GB) for my 40th birthday and I absolutely freaking love it. I love listening to the podcasts in the car. I don't even listen to the radio anymore.
You don't really need to hook up any wires for car-listening. I purchased a cradle that plugs into the 12v receptacle in my truck - or you could use the cigarette lighter. I tune my radio to 88.3 and attach my iPod and -voila! - music and podcasts and video! It cost about $35, and it even charges the iPod while I listen!
You can down load videos, movies and TV episodes from iTunes. Then when you sync your iPod to your iTunes, all your new items will be put on the iPod. It's simple once you get the m hang of it.
I've never downloaded a movie myself, but I did download my three favorite Remington Steele episodes and a couple of videos - heehee!
My computer does not play regular DVDs, so I don't know if regular DVDs can be converted into a file that could be synced and read by my iPod.
HTH.
Susan L.G.
You don't really need to hook up any wires for car-listening. I purchased a cradle that plugs into the 12v receptacle in my truck - or you could use the cigarette lighter. I tune my radio to 88.3 and attach my iPod and -voila! - music and podcasts and video! It cost about $35, and it even charges the iPod while I listen!
You can down load videos, movies and TV episodes from iTunes. Then when you sync your iPod to your iTunes, all your new items will be put on the iPod. It's simple once you get the m hang of it.
I've never downloaded a movie myself, but I did download my three favorite Remington Steele episodes and a couple of videos - heehee!
My computer does not play regular DVDs, so I don't know if regular DVDs can be converted into a file that could be synced and read by my iPod.
HTH.
Susan L.G.
Vee
Cathlete
To add to what Susan said,
Regular DVDs too can be converted to iPod video format. I use Slysoft's AnyDVD (to circumvent copy protection that certain DVDs have) and CloneDVDMobile software (both are available as a download from the slysoft site).
You can also use free software called dvdshrink and videora (google will get you the websites) to convert your DVDs to iPod video format.
IPod Nano battry lasts for 5 hours of video playback and about 24 hours hours of audio playback.
~* Vrinda *~
Regular DVDs too can be converted to iPod video format. I use Slysoft's AnyDVD (to circumvent copy protection that certain DVDs have) and CloneDVDMobile software (both are available as a download from the slysoft site).
You can also use free software called dvdshrink and videora (google will get you the websites) to convert your DVDs to iPod video format.
IPod Nano battry lasts for 5 hours of video playback and about 24 hours hours of audio playback.
~* Vrinda *~
SirenSongWoman
Cathlete
This has been very informative. Mine is a Nano 4gb and I love it, but for two issues: 1) Sometimes, I can't get the thing to shut off. When I can't I hit PAUSE and let it shut itself off (but why does this happen?) and 2) Before I got a separate charging device, I'd often plug it into my MacBook Pro to charge and it wouldn't. I'm not what you call technically proficient but shutting off and charging my iPOD shouldn't require special training...