Last questions before I buy an iPod...
Intro...
Ok, I have been wanting one of these puppies since the very first model came out. Ever since the beginning of this year, I heard rumors about the new iPod, and held out until now. Now that they are finally available, you'd think I'd already have one by now. Unfortunately, I have reached another halting point: the 15gb or the 30gb? I've been searching everyday for a visual comparison between the new 15gb and the new 30gb to no avail. Is such a comparison available anywhere? Can someone please do this if possible? I've checked the "15gb vs 30gb" thread, but it too has no picture comparisons. It's the only thing stopping me right now from buying an iPod. Below, I've listed the ways I will use the iPod; assuming anyone is in the same situation, comments or suggestions would be great, thanks!
Planned use...
(During school)
Listen to music during my 3-hour studio/lecture classes (I've currently got three of these per week, I'm dying to get an iPod!).
(In my car)
Listen to music in my Passat via line-out/aux-in.
(At the workplace)
Listen to music this summer while doing 10 weeks of full-time.
(Living room)
Listen to music by connecting the iPod to a home stereo reciever.
(In my room)
Listen to music by connecting the iPod to my Klipsch computer speakers.
Some other questions...
1. Is the "portable hard-drive" ability something thats supported by Apple, or not? I was thinking that I might be able to use the iPod to transfer large files between my computer and my university's lab computers. If it is unsupported, is it much harder than renaming a file extension to .mp3, and searching for the file via the "view hidden files" option in WinXP?
2. Pocketability versus Storage Capacity. If anyone has ever owned a Canon S100/S110/S200/S230/S300/S400, you probably know what I'm talking about. I'll most likely just put my iPod in my pocket, with no case - perhaps some Saran Wrap. But yeah, I was just wondering if anyone could comment on the "pocketability" of the 15gb as compared to the 30gb? I found the S200 to be quite "pocketable" while the S300/S400 are considerably larger.
3. The price is not really the cause for concern in my current situation. It's mostly just whether or not that extra .6 ounces and .1 inches makes a big enough difference in pocketability.
Lastly...
Yes, I realize some people will suggest that I just go to the Apple store and compare the two models. However, I don't have any viable means of transportation to the nearest Apple store (La Brea, the Grove), and they are also out-of-stock on the 30gb's. I am also waiting on my campus' store to stock the new iPods (they said hopefully during the week of May 12th - which translates into: I have to check everyday this week). Oh and I've already purchased the Adaptec 4300 Firewire PCI card; it was 50 bones at Circuit City... expensive I know, but frankly, if I can get my iPod this week, I could care less. And that concludes my first post, thanks!
-brian
[3169 byte] By [
blehbrian] at [2007-11-9 11:40:22]
# 1 Re: Last questions before I buy an iPod...
The specs say the 30GB model is 20g heavier and 0.1" (less than 1/8") thicker. If you look at them, you can clearly see that the 10/15GB model is thinner. I don't know about the weight though. It's incredibly thin, but the 30GB is barely any thicker that I don't think it makes much of a difference. And 20g is the weight of what? A few quarters?
1. Yes, firewire disk use is supported by Apple. That's the way the ipod works.
2. Not much difference. There was a substantial difference IMO between the old 10/20GB models, but not now with the new 15/30GB models.
I was wondering the same thing when deciding which model to order before they started shipping. I ordered the 15GB first, but then I figured 20g and 1/8" are nothing and went with the 30GB instead.
It might be pointless to go the Apple Store anyway. I went to the one in Fashion Valley and they had like 8 ipods out, all 15GB models. But The Grove is a nice place to take someone with you and go shopping. And the Apple Store there is nice too!
Phil at 2007-11-15 14:18:22 >
# 2 Re: Last questions before I buy an iPod...
1. Yes, the iPods can be used to transfer files without additional software. Just connect it to a computer, and the computer (for Windows) should see it as a new device, and make it an external HDD.
2. Both versions are very 'pocketable'. As for size and weight, the differences matter for some, while it doesnt for others.
Personally I got the 15gig because I personally thought that the size difference was noticeable. Not only is it much lighter in your hand, but it fits in your pockets a lot easier (doesnt really matter I guess if you wear cargo pants or something). And as for weight, both are pretty light, and wont bother anyone in their pant pockets, but the extra weight is noticeable if you ever put the iPods in your breast pockets.
I would recommend getting a case however. Putting the iPod in your pocket is just asking for trouble. Mix in keys with the iPod (even with saranwrap) and the result will be scratches.
Kenny at 2007-11-15 14:19:23 >
# 3 Re: Last questions before I buy an iPod...
I just bought a 15Gig today and love it.
Pocket-ability, well I put it in my pocket and literally forgot about it. It is really light (well in comparison to my old CD player) and the size is great.
How much music do you have? I have over 14Gbs (won't fit on my iPod) but I had a price limitation. The only disadvantage to the 30Gig I see is the double platter disk - it'll be the same as 20Gb for jogging, moving etc.
When you install the iPod it comes up as removable media, it's pretty simple to copy stuff to and from it but you need to use something like EphPod to put stuff into the DB (you can do it manually but why bother?)
Stefan
# 4 Re: Last questions before I buy an iPod...
Phil is right, none of the Apple stores have a 30GB on display they are all 15's. Last night I took my 30GB to the store specifically to compare the 2 models side by side, because i was wondering if I made the right decision. I brought my camera and tried to take a picture of them side by side but one of the sales people stopped me and asked me to leave. The 15 is noticeably thinner when you look at it but i was suprised how little difference you could feel when holding them both. They felt almost the same. I don't think the larger size is reason enough to avoid the 30 and get the 15. For myself, I am now satisfied that I did not lose anything signifigant as far as form factor but I really don't think I needed the extra capacity. My music only takes up 5.2GB, what am I going to do with all that extra space. I think I should have gotten the 15 and saved myself a hundred bucks.
jminio at 2007-11-15 14:21:25 >
# 5 Re: Last questions before I buy an iPod...
Well, looks like there's no reason to goto an Apple store then. Anyone else have any luck with some pictures of the 15gb compared to the 30gb?
Phil:
I'm beginning to think that the size difference is minute and that I could probably 'manage' with the added size of the 30gb. Considering that people 'managed' with the old 10gb (which is supposed to be the same size as the new 30gb), I guess the 30gb is the better choice, in terms of cost-efficiency. The "firewire portable hd" concept is great and is very applicable to me due to my major.
Kenny:
I plan to keep my iPod, wrapped in saran wrap, in my left pocket. The reason I don't want to buy a case is because it would most likely make the iPod much bulkier/heavier than I would like. I'm used to keeping my tech gadgets in my pockets (digital camera, cell phone), rather than in backpacks, briefcases, or other cases. It'll probably sustain minor scratches just from being inside a cloth pocket, but I wouldn't drop my keys in the same pocket. I'm thinking this will suffice for my purposes.
docevi1:
I have a little over 20gb of music right now, but that's prior to any "spring cleaning." I figure I'll probably be down to 10-15gb, if I erase the mp3s I rarely listen to. Having my entire music collection on the iPod is not really a concern for me, as long as I have enough music to keep me entertained. You mentioned a problem with the 30gb due to it having two platters. Is it more prone to skipping during jogging/running/etc.?
jminio:
I'm surprised to hear that you were suprised by how little difference there was when actually holding the two iPods. I am definitely leaning towards the 30gb now, especially with confirmation of the 'portable hd' support.
Ok, where can I buy this thing?
So yeah... my campus store did not have any iPods today either. Can anyone recommend the best method in purchasing an iPod right now (as fast as physically possible?). My campus store is having no luck, the Apple.com store takes (from what I've heard) a minimum of 2 weeks, the Apple store in the Grove is out of 30gb's, and all other retail chains don't seem to be aware of the educational discount. I'm a student at a university, so of course I'm gonna try and save some cash! Any help would be appreciated, thanks!
-brian
# 6 Re: Last questions before I buy an iPod...
I have heard that places like Bestbuy will give you the student discount. i'm not sure about compUSA. Since it sounds like you are going to invest much bucks I would recommend getting some kind of extended warranty where ever you decide to buy one!
ToddW at 2007-11-15 14:23:34 >
# 7 Re: Last questions before I buy an iPod...
I got an 10GB iPod 1.Generation with touchwheel.
This cute thing is used every day since 3 months.
10 GB is a good size, since the prices of technology-products fall day by day.
Everybody who sees me using it, is interessted in how it works.
For the purpose you are yousing it, you will use it every day.
Buy the 10 GB Version on ebay or the 15 GB Version.
my point of view is, that the 1.Generation is better than the second one, because the play-Button can be found easy at night.
Try it, perhaps you get the same opinion.
It?s a real great thing!
Ipodman
# 8 Re: Last questions before I buy an iPod...
Originally posted by ToddW
I have heard that places like Bestbuy will give you the student discount. i'm not sure about compUSA. Since it sounds like you are going to invest much bucks I would recommend getting some kind of extended warranty where ever you decide to buy one!
CompUSA would not give me the student discount, and Best Buy would not give me the student discount. Really ticked me off, so I had to order in on Apple.com
