[positive post] My new Photo 30gb is problem-free! [/positive post]

My 60GB iPhoto is also problem free!

jlb,

As a prosepctive iPod Photo buyer, I like to read posts that address both the negative and positive aspects of the product. In the two weeks or so that I have been reading this forum, I've read about sound distortion, image distortion, bad battery life, problems with spontaneous pausing, and all sorts of other problems. It's good to know that not everyone is having these issues.

I definitely want to give an iPod Photo a test drive before I decide to plunk down $320 plus accessories. Do stores like Best Buy, Circuit City, have iPod Photos out to play with? Or should I just buy one and make sure I keep the receipt?

Thanks for the information,
-Ryan

jlb,
I didn't know about the workshops at the retail stores even though I've been to the local Phoenix store a dozen times at least.
Good advice!

Originally posted by rspencer86
What types of accessories do you have or recommend? Just want to get an idea what headphones, cases, etc. the people that have "problem-free" iPods are using.

Ryan, my feeling on accessories may be different than yours, but my first thoughts before I even had the thing was

1) Power
2) Case
3) Play in Car

For power, thought it didn't come with an A/C charger (that was the mini I guess that now doesn't inlcude one). But it comes with a USB A/C charger which is great. I don't have to turn on the computer to charge. The USB charger is especially nice for my wife to charge her Shuffle.

I read a lot about cases. And cases really are about personal preference, or even fashion. I chose the Contour Showcase (rated highly on this forum) for my Photo. I wanted the ability to access all of my controls without having to "flip open" a case or slip the iPod out of a case, or use a remote. The Showcase does a great job of protecting the iPod. It uses a combination of rubberized material on the edges and hard clear plastic over the front and back. Again, the key is to first determine how you are going to use the iPod before you choose which case. If you are the type of user who kicks off a playlist and lets it shuffle, you may not need constant continual access. If you skip tracks a lot like I do, you need better access. I also use the Showcases belt clip with some velcro to have basic DIY car mount for it. This case comes in white or black (for the rubberized portions). I assumed the white would get very dirty over time from handling. The black, though it doesn't "match" the standard iPod (would be perfect for the U2), it does hide dirt/grime better.

For car play I have heard a lot of bad stories about the various FM transmitters. I live north of Boston so I expected I would have a lot of interference if I went that route. I pretty much assumed I would go with a cassette adapter. We are replacing the car I am driving in a few months. My wife will drive the new one and I'll drive the Ford Escape, which also has a cassette deck. If the new car does not have cassette, I will have to either consider an FM transmitter, or hardwire. Though this vehicle will only be driven sporadically by me. I will very much consider the possibility of adding a hardwired system on the Ford, but my less than picky ears are just fine with the cassette system.

I have also though about upgrading my earbuds to other headphones at some point. Most of my listening is in the car right now, so I won't rush it. However, the Sony 51/70/71 series seem to be fairly highly rated, for the price (about $40ish). These are typical in-ear phones that create a seal to block out outside noise and allow for much better sound quality. I just am not sure I will like the sensation of hearing every breath of mine when listening....though I imagine after a beer or two while listening to Dark Side of the Moon that I just won't care.... ;)