Video Ipod Compared To Ipod Nano
If you are used to the original version iPod nano you may be thinking about whether the new video iPod is worth the upgrade.
What's the difference? Is it really worth the recommended retail price? OK, it can screen videos, but what sort of videos can it screen and are movies really worth watching on such a tiny display?
Let's take a quick look at what is expected and what is innovative in the new video iPod.
* New Look, New Package
The new iPod no longer comes in the traditional cube packaging. Instead, it comes in a box that is quite similar to that of the nano - a slim black box with pictures of the iPod on the front, back, and sides. When you open the box, you'll find the iPod itself inside. Don't be alarmed by the apparent absence of accessories.
* Accessories!
Besides the unit, the box also contains a software disc, Apple stickers, a USB dock connector cable, a universal dock adapter, headphones, headphone covers, and a thin iPod case. Unlike the older models, you'll notice that absent are the dock, remote, wall chargers, and AV cables, all of which you can purchase seperately or bundled with your new iPod at an Apple Store. If all that you're interested in with the new iPod is the video output, then the AV cables are essential. You can find them for around $20 online or at a regular shopfront.
* Bigger Screen, Better Viewing
Appearance-wise, what exactly has altered in this new model iPod? Your first response would probably be that the iPod somehow looks larger. In reality, however, the only physical update (besides the model being considerably slimmer than the 4G) you'll find is that the LCD is bigger. From the previous 2" LCD, they've upgraded it to 2.5" LCD - a marginal difference, so-to-speak, but the difference is marvelous.
The scroll wheel of the new iPod has also been made smaller from the old model's 41.67mm across to a mere 38.10mm. The face material of this new iPod is dual layered with a clear resin on top of white plastic, probably to prevent the LCD from damage and makes for a clearer-looking screen.
* Oh No! Where's the Headphone Jack?
If you can't find the headphone jack at first, don't worry. They've relocated the headphone jack so that it is now positioned opposite the hold switch. One change that has caused a lot of furor from long-time Mac users is the lack of Firewire support on these new iPod models. The technical specifications is silent on this, except that it requires a USB port to use it.
* Video and TV on the Go
Physical updates aside, the biggest feature of this new iPod model is that it now plays video. What technologically revolutionary thing is Steve Jobs up to now? Does this new iPod do something revolutionary with video playback to put PSP and other similar devices to shame?
Well, not exactly. The new iPod plays videos, and that's about it. There is nothing remotely radical about the way it plays video. Ah, but when you take the ease of use of getting videos onto those portable devices into account, that's where the new Video iPod truly shines!
For all of PSP's widescreen glory, you cannot yet output that video to an external display. The new iPod however makes video output seem like the most basic thing to do. What's more, you can even hook up your iPod to your PC, open the Apple video store, and upload last night's chapter of your favorite TV show with one or two clicks of your mouse. It's that simple!
For the new video content, there is a new Videos menu available on the iPod, and under that are options for "Video playlists", "Music Videos", "Movies", "TV Shows", "Video Podcasts".
As another plus to this nifty device, Apple has made the interface for playing movies extremely similar to playing music. Just click the middle wheel once and you control the volume with the scroll wheel. Click it a second time and you're browsing your way through video.
* Battery Life, Scratching Situation, and Other Stuff
Apple advertised 14 hours of battery life for the 30 GB model. That's for music, of course - that, and provided that you play your music at about 1/4 volume!
At 3/4 volume, the new iPod can be trusted to play for six hours straight without any problems before it gets into the 'red' colored section of the battery indicator. That's far from what has been advertised, but for most folk, that seems to be enough. For what it's worth, the 60 GB model is rated by Apple for 20 hours of life (that's 3 hours worth of video playback).
* Other Fresh Features
Aspects that we've only seen for the first time with the nano can also be seen in this new Video iPod, which is definitely up to speed with the nano in terms of applications. What's more, the new features are even better looking on larger screen.
The Video iPod has a screen lock, something for those of us who are hesitant to store our entire diary and/or contact database where anyone could steal a peak. The screen lock allows you to create a 4-combination code that you use like a PIN.
The second new application of the Video iPod is the 'world clock'. This feature allows you to define several different time zones that like to monitor. You can also have their date and time displayed along with a graphical depiction of an analog clock listed on the screen. This is great for those people who travel a lot or just want to stay connected with the rest of the world.
Lastly, there's a stopwatch - probably the last thing you would have thought need to be added, but it may be handy while you're timing your workout on the treadmill while watching your favourite TV serial, and it's hard to imagine anything else that could have been added!
What's the difference? Is it really worth the recommended retail price? OK, it can screen videos, but what sort of videos can it screen and are movies really worth watching on such a tiny display?
Let's take a quick look at what is expected and what is innovative in the new video iPod.
* New Look, New Package
The new iPod no longer comes in the traditional cube packaging. Instead, it comes in a box that is quite similar to that of the nano - a slim black box with pictures of the iPod on the front, back, and sides. When you open the box, you'll find the iPod itself inside. Don't be alarmed by the apparent absence of accessories.
* Accessories!
Besides the unit, the box also contains a software disc, Apple stickers, a USB dock connector cable, a universal dock adapter, headphones, headphone covers, and a thin iPod case. Unlike the older models, you'll notice that absent are the dock, remote, wall chargers, and AV cables, all of which you can purchase seperately or bundled with your new iPod at an Apple Store. If all that you're interested in with the new iPod is the video output, then the AV cables are essential. You can find them for around $20 online or at a regular shopfront.
* Bigger Screen, Better Viewing
Appearance-wise, what exactly has altered in this new model iPod? Your first response would probably be that the iPod somehow looks larger. In reality, however, the only physical update (besides the model being considerably slimmer than the 4G) you'll find is that the LCD is bigger. From the previous 2" LCD, they've upgraded it to 2.5" LCD - a marginal difference, so-to-speak, but the difference is marvelous.
The scroll wheel of the new iPod has also been made smaller from the old model's 41.67mm across to a mere 38.10mm. The face material of this new iPod is dual layered with a clear resin on top of white plastic, probably to prevent the LCD from damage and makes for a clearer-looking screen.
* Oh No! Where's the Headphone Jack?
If you can't find the headphone jack at first, don't worry. They've relocated the headphone jack so that it is now positioned opposite the hold switch. One change that has caused a lot of furor from long-time Mac users is the lack of Firewire support on these new iPod models. The technical specifications is silent on this, except that it requires a USB port to use it.
* Video and TV on the Go
Physical updates aside, the biggest feature of this new iPod model is that it now plays video. What technologically revolutionary thing is Steve Jobs up to now? Does this new iPod do something revolutionary with video playback to put PSP and other similar devices to shame?
Well, not exactly. The new iPod plays videos, and that's about it. There is nothing remotely radical about the way it plays video. Ah, but when you take the ease of use of getting videos onto those portable devices into account, that's where the new Video iPod truly shines!
For all of PSP's widescreen glory, you cannot yet output that video to an external display. The new iPod however makes video output seem like the most basic thing to do. What's more, you can even hook up your iPod to your PC, open the Apple video store, and upload last night's chapter of your favorite TV show with one or two clicks of your mouse. It's that simple!
For the new video content, there is a new Videos menu available on the iPod, and under that are options for "Video playlists", "Music Videos", "Movies", "TV Shows", "Video Podcasts".
As another plus to this nifty device, Apple has made the interface for playing movies extremely similar to playing music. Just click the middle wheel once and you control the volume with the scroll wheel. Click it a second time and you're browsing your way through video.
* Battery Life, Scratching Situation, and Other Stuff
Apple advertised 14 hours of battery life for the 30 GB model. That's for music, of course - that, and provided that you play your music at about 1/4 volume!
At 3/4 volume, the new iPod can be trusted to play for six hours straight without any problems before it gets into the 'red' colored section of the battery indicator. That's far from what has been advertised, but for most folk, that seems to be enough. For what it's worth, the 60 GB model is rated by Apple for 20 hours of life (that's 3 hours worth of video playback).
* Other Fresh Features
Aspects that we've only seen for the first time with the nano can also be seen in this new Video iPod, which is definitely up to speed with the nano in terms of applications. What's more, the new features are even better looking on larger screen.
The Video iPod has a screen lock, something for those of us who are hesitant to store our entire diary and/or contact database where anyone could steal a peak. The screen lock allows you to create a 4-combination code that you use like a PIN.
The second new application of the Video iPod is the 'world clock'. This feature allows you to define several different time zones that like to monitor. You can also have their date and time displayed along with a graphical depiction of an analog clock listed on the screen. This is great for those people who travel a lot or just want to stay connected with the rest of the world.
Lastly, there's a stopwatch - probably the last thing you would have thought need to be added, but it may be handy while you're timing your workout on the treadmill while watching your favourite TV serial, and it's hard to imagine anything else that could have been added!
About the Author:
For more information on iPods and free ipod accessories, go to http://www.freeipodsnstuff.com/ipod_nano_compared_to_video_ipod.php
posted by Marcondes Allen at 1:50 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home