Custom Search


Advertisement
Advertisement
Recent Topics
Tech Reviews
 
Apple iPod mini

Manufacturer: Apple Computer, Inc.

By Amy Jaskiewicz
SPot Editor

Model number: 

2004-06-08 - " A user’s review of the newly released Apple iPod mini by HTherapy, Spottie editor. "

Review:

AVAILABILITY

As of this writing, the iPod mini is slowly being released to various stores. Although most stores are reporting a June 15 availability, you may be able to find one at an electronics store near you.

PACKAGING

Once you bring home your new iPod mini, you will find packaged in a cute box the iPod mini, belt clip, iPod dock connector to FireWire cable, iPod dock connector to USB 2.0 cable, iPod Power adapter and Apple earphones. In addition there is an instruction manual and the iPod mini CD that contains the mini software and iTunes software.

HOOK UP

iPod mini and iTunes software is easy to download onto your computer. Hooking up your iPod mini to your Windows PC or Mac is done simply with the USB 2.0 cable or the IEEE 1394 FireWire.

USER FEATURES

The iPod min comes with an 8-hour Lithium Ion rechargeable battery and 4GB of memory which equals about 1000 songs. You can get the mini in several colors like silver, blue, green, gold or pink. The iPod mini is accompanied by iTunes software that assists you in downloading music and organizing all of your songs. The iPod and iTunes is easy to navigate through. The iPod mini menu allows you to scroll through Playlists, Browse, Extras, Settings and Backlight. There is a shuffle feature that allows you to shuffle through songs or albums. There is also a Sound Check feature that allows you to play all songs at the same relative volume level. Syncing your iPod mini to iTunes can be done automatically or manually which allows you to have complete control over your playlists.

ACCESSORIES

There are several handy add-on gadgets that you can get to enhance you iPod mini pleasure. When getting an accessory, be careful. Some iPod accessories are also compatible with the iPod mini. Those that are not compatible for both specifically say “not compatible with iPod mini.” Here are some of your choices:

Cases to hold and protect your mini.
Armband so that you can take your mini on the run.
Inline remote with headphones.
iTrip FM transmitter that allows you to play music from your mini to any FM stereo.
Car charger

And, the list is growing.

WHAT DO I THINK?

I strongly suggest that you run through the iPod mini and iTunes tutorials provided before jumping in. My initial frustration was centered on wanting to do everything with my mini before really reading all that it can do and how to do it. But once I got a handle on how to download music and label each song, it has been smooth sailing. The sound quality is second to no other portable music device I have heard. I also have the iTrip, the FM transmitter that allows me to play my mini through my car stereo. It can be a tricky mix since you have to set a frequency and volume level for it to be static free. Despite the iTrip being a little quirky, it is a cool add-on. Other users have expressed issues with the battery life. I have found that the battery does last about 8 hours on a full charge.

All in all, how do I rate it? I give it 5 paws. It is a must have for any mobile music aficionado.

Features:
  • Customizable settings
  • Customize main menu
  • Create On-The-Go playlists
  • Rate songs
  • Shuffle songs or albums
  • Repeat one or all
  • Sound Check on or off
  • 20 Equalizer settings
  • Backlight timer
  • Display contrast
  • Alarms on, off or silent
  • Sleep timer
  • Date and time
  • Display time in menu bar
  • Contacts sort and display by first or last names
  • Clicker on or off
  • Languages: English, French, German, Japanese, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Danish, Norwegian, Finnish, Swedish, Korean, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese

  • Size and weight (4GB model)
  • Height: 3.6 in
  • Width: 2.0 in
  • Depth: 0.5 in
  • Weight: 3.6 oz (104 g)

  • Headphones
  • Earbud-style headphones with 18-mm drivers using Neodymium transducer magnets
  • Frequency response: 20Hz to 20,000Hz
  • Impedance: 32 ohms

  • Input and output
  • Dock connector
  • 3.5-mm stereo headphone jack
  • Wired remote connector

  • Power and battery
  • Built-in rechargeable lithium ion battery
  • Playtime: 8 hours when fully charged
  • Standby time: 1 month when fully charged
  • Charging via FireWire to computer system or power adapter
  • Fast-charge time: 1 hour (charges up to 80% of battery capacity)
  • Full-charge time: 3 hours
  • Charging via USB 2.0 to computer system or power adapter (iPod mini only)
  • Fast-charge time: 1 hour (charges up to 80% of battery capacity)
  • Full-charge time: 3 hours
Rating:

Advertisement



(C)opyright 2000 - 2010 - All Rights Reserved. No information may be posted elsewhere without written permission.
Any company or tradenames, trademarks and alike are used for review purposes only and are the property of their respective owners.
FusionBB™ Version 2.3 | ©2003-2007 InteractivePHP, Inc.
Execution time: 0.076 seconds.   Total Queries: 18   Zlib Compression is on.
All times are (GMT -0800) Pacific. Current time is 11:55 PM
Top