Saturday November 21, 2009 9:30 PM AEST

Video iPod

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Video iPod
 
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Verdict:
Loads of space for your digital data in a form-factor to die for. We only wish it played WMA files.
By Nick Ross
Nov 3, 2005
Tags: Video | iPod

Nick Ross funtests Apple's latest icon of cool.

Well it’s all change for Apple again. If you bought an iPod Photo recently (only it wasn’t called an iPod Photo towards the end as all the other iPods had been discontinued so it was just the iPod at that point – though arguably the 5th gen iPod) will feel most miffed as this new iPod (officially called the ‘iPod’ on account of all other large-capacity iPods having once again been discontinued, but commonly referred to as the Video iPod and represents the 6th generation of high capacity iPods) costs the same but sports more features.

It still has the same footprint as previous generations but the screen has been stretched from 50mm to 6.4mm. The scroll wheel has also decreased. Gone has the svelte rounded corners of the front – though the chromed rear is the same as before. The new facia is like the new Nano – a thick piece of perspex with angular edges. Personally we feel this spoils the feel of the iPod which has remained the same since generation three, but we’d still want this one.

With nothing else installed 30GB equates to about 75hours of video and watching on the screen is certainly a pleasant experience. Some people complained of occasional pixilation but most were impressed at the smooth motion and lack of lag. We can see many people happily watching stuff on their commutes to work.

It comes out with yet another version of iTunes – version 6. This offers videos from the online store. However, choice is very limited at the moment. There are music videos, Pixar animation clips and little else – the sort of things you wouldn’t expect to pay for, let alone $3.39 a pop. TV programmes are listed it’s currently a broken link – the idea of watching the latest episode of 24 because you missed it, isn’t a bad idea for just a few dollars though – when and if it happens.

You can output to TV, but only if you buy the optional cable. The bundle is increasingly sparce – only the headphones, USB charger cable and, thankfully, a leatherette white wallet for protection.

Audio playback is slated at 14hours (poor compared to offerings from Rio, iRiver, Sony and previous iPods for that matter). But this is just an example of the direction the iPod is taking – it’s no longer about just playing your music – it’s going full on multimedia – and the intrinsic link with the lucrative iTunes Store and all it’s restrictive DRM heinousness is getting ever tighter.

If you want a high capacity MP3 player though, it’s still the best – not least because most of the competition seems to have given up. However, it still won’t play WMA files – so check with your music library if you’re wanting to buy into iPod for the first time. Otherwise, it’s another neat, unexpected upgrade from Apple.

Pricing: $449 for 30GB; $598 for 60GB
 
Product Info
Specs:
Holds up to 15,000 songs(2) and full-color album art; 30GB model is 4.1 x 2.4 x 0.43 inches; 60GB model is 4.1 x 2.4 x 0.55 inches; Bright 2.5-inch, 320 x 240 pixel TFT display; Up to 20 hours of battery life(5); Holds up to 25,000 photos(3); Holds up to 150 hours of video(4); Plays video or photo slideshows on TV via the optional Dock
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This article appeared in the Online issue of Atomic.

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Atomic Magazine

Issue: 107 | December, 2009

Atomic is a magazine aimed squarely at computer enthusiasts, gamers, and serious PC upgraders.

Every month we bring you the latest reviews of new technology and PC components, in depth features on everything from overclocking to console hacking, and gaming previews and interviews.
 
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