Apple iPod 4 GB mini M9160LL/A (Silver) OLD MODEL
by Apple Computer
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Our Price: $304.99 Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $33.99 (click here) Category: Network Media Player See more product details |
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Apple iPod 4 GB mini M9160LL/A (Silver) OLD MODEL
Customer Review: Oh Mini iPod Hums
Summary: 5 Stars
It's a little embarassing to admit given that I am a 1) guitar player 2) an Apple computer devoteee for over 20 years 3) a programmer 4) have over 500 CDs and 5) am generally a technogeek who spends on average 6 hours a day in front of a computer - but I had completely ignored iTunes and iPod and all that stuff. My car has a CD player and I had always listened to CDs that I wanted on the way to and from work. And I have a pretty decent 6.1 surround system at home for watching my rock and roll DVDs et al.
So when my wife gave me a sliver mini-iPod for my birthday, along with an FM transmitter so that I could charge it and play it in the car, I smiled and said thank you and was less than thrilled.
But then I looked at iTunes and thought, "Wow, this is a pretty cool program." I liked the playlist idea and started encoding my CDs and making playlists. 7.8 Gigs later (only about 1/4 of my CD collection) I am ecstatic.
I like Rock and Roll. I hate the radio. I remember when DJs played what they wanted, and made segues and miniconcerts and albums that sounded great. Nowadays, it seems like there are on the order of 3 or 4 "approved" songs for each artist. Like the Rolling Stones? Well, you can hear "Can't always get what you want", or "Satisfaction" or "Miss You", but you'll never hear "Sweet Virginia" or ""Fingerprint Files". Themes? Forget about it. Like live music? Forget about it. Radio is dead.
Then came iPod. Oh Joy. I make playlists of genres and moods, or artists or, hell, anything I want. Copying these (and the associated songs) to the 3.7 GB iPod hard disk is quick and easy, and automatic. Want to use your iPod to transfer huge libraries from computer to computer? No problem. Apple's software won't let you because of possible copyright infringement issues, but plenty of third party software lets you do it quickly and easily. I can also keep my calendar on the iPod and download MapQuest directions and Swedish cookie recipes.
Yes, you can use the iPod alone. The earplugs that come with it are OK, but I don't use them. I had a set of Sennenheiser noise cancelling headphones and the iPod drives them just fine and the sound is outstanding. I also hook the iPod up to my home sound system for parties. Totally outstanding. I have been using the high level headphone out (got to keep the iPod volume at about half or so for best results) but things are fine. I have a minidock upstairs that would probably be better (it has a low level line out) but I don't want to buy another and it needs a computer.
I never have any problem with power. Between my Monster FM car adapter (which charges) and my minidock, the thing never runs out. I estimate that I would get at least 6 hours between recharges using my Sennenheisers and that's fine with me. I've used it at home and in the car and at work for over a month and never had a single glitch.
I started encoding with Apple's AAC at the default 128 kpbs and although I could not hear the difference with any headphones, I could when I connected it to my home system. So I upped it to 192 kbps and now cannot hear the difference (at least with rock and roll and my old, guitar-damaged ears).
So, yahoo. What a totally cool thing. It's a hobby in and of itself. Great software, great hardware and tons of fun. Highly recommended.
Addendum February 4, 2005
I have been reading about a minority of folks who have had trouble, usually repeatedly, with various iPods. The repeated trouble is a clue that points towards user error. The iPod is a hard disk drive - relative to other hard disks it is very hardy and durable but if you throw it around, bang it against hard objects while running, let it freeze outside in your car etc., I am pretty sure that it will malfunction. Think about hitting your desktop with a hammer. Meanwhile, with a bit of common sense care, I expect mine to last for quite a while. Also, the battery complaint is a strange piece of fiction. If you look on the internet, you will readily find a number of replacement batteries (should the need arise) at less than $40.
Customer Review: The latest news about iPod mini and more...
Summary: 5 Stars
**** LATEST update to iPod family ****
- iPod & iPod photo lines merged; no more iPod photo 30 GB
- iPod comes in two capacities - 20 GB ($299), 60 GB ($399) with color screen & photo support
- U2 iPod (20 GB) down to $329 from $349 - with color screen & photo support
- iPod shuffle 1 GB down to $129 from $149
- iPod 60 GB down to $399 from $449
- new version of iTunes (4.9) that support podcasts
Apple announced a major upgrade to the iPod lineup today (23 Feb 2005) and here is how it affects the mini:
The biggest advantage is the reduction in price ($ per GB) and improvement in battery life. Another significant change is that USB 2.0 is being emphasized although FireWire continues to be supported. AC adapter is USB based instead of FireWire and the FireWire based AC adapter still sells as a separate product for $29.
> A new model, iPod mini 6 GB is introduced for $249
> iPod mini 4 GB now priced at $199 ($50 down from earlier price)
> Change in colors - now mini is available in new shades of Silver, Blue, Pink, and Green (the Gold color is discontinued)
> Major improvement in battery life - up to 18 hours (was 8 hours earlier)
> AC adapter ($29) and firewire cable ($19) no longer ship with mini (have to be bought seperately if you need)
> iPod mini 4 GB and 6 GB now ship with only three things: earphones, belt clip, and USB 2.0 cable
> The indicators on the click wheel now match the color of the iPod mini
Also, the higher models of iPod have been upgraded:
> iPod 40 GB is discontinued
> iPod photo 40 GB is discontinued
> iPod photo 30 GB (new product) replaces the 40 GB iPod photo and the regular iPod 40 GB
> iPod photo 60 GB now costs $150 less -- $449 instead of $599
> iPod photo 30 GB costs $349 ($150 less than iPod photo 40 GB and $50 less than regular iPod 40 GB)
> iPod dock ($39), AV cable ($19), carrying case ($29), and firewire cable ($19) do not ship with iPod photo (you may not really need them)
> Now we get three things with iPod photo: earphones, USB based AC adapter, USB 2.0 cable
> In additon to the above, a firewire cable continues to ship with iPod 20 GB & iPod U2 edition
> iPod photo Camera Connector is introduced - this can be used for connecting your digital camera directly to the iPod
With these changes, there is an interesting $50 gap between:
> iPod 20 GB and iPod photo 30 GB
> iPod mini 6 GB and iPod 20 GB (as earlier)
> iPod mini 4 GB and iPod mini 6 GB
> iPod shuffle 1 GB and iPod mini 4 GB
> iPod shuffle 512 MB and iPod shuffle 1 GB (as earlier)
I am sure iPods are going to win more and more friends.
Customer Review: A Brilliant Idea
Summary: 5 Stars
The iPod Mini is quite possibly one of the best birthday presents I've ever received. That it allows you to have such a mixture of music, all of your favorite songs and artists, in one compact player is amazing and so very necessary to a music lover's life. To never again have to cart along tons of CDs on vacations and road trips, etc., is such a joy. The cost, initially, is indeed overwhelming--especially for someone who wasn't so lucky as to get one as a gift--but if you really think about it, the product compensates for the cost in a week.
Able to fit comfortably in the smallest of my pants' pockets, the Mini is perfect for use at any time. And even though it doesn't have as large a storage capacity as the slightly larger iPod's, it still mantains a good size collection that, even if you were to listen to it straight for a number of days, you'd never run out of new songs.
My one main complaint with the product is the battery life. As another reviewer mentioned, the eight hour battery life you are quoted when you go to purchase one is indeed a myth. I can get three, maybe four, consecutive hours tops out of mine. And the battery icon is a little deceiving because when it gets down to the end of a charge it jumps a couple of times as though it can't quite figure out how much life it has left. It can go either way: you may get more time out of it than you expect, but you may also get less. It seems unbelievable that there is no true way to actually shut off the iPod, and you have to be aware that you may not actually be sending it into some kind of hibernating mode when you hold that pause button. Now, granted I'm not big time into technical gadgets--though I do find that I enjoy them--and I only recently have been using the product. There may be a way to make sure it "shuts off" to the best of it's ability, but I still advise that you be conscious of what you're doing else you will lose more battery life than you'd like. If you are taking the iPod along on a vacation it is definitely advisable to bring the charger because you will undoubtedly need it at least once during the trip. Also, as another reviewer mentioned, it's a good idea to have the lock on when you are not actively using it. The touchpad is indeed very, very sensitive (not to mention a little erratic when it's being used to search.) As a side note, I have also heard that the warranty package offered by Apple is a wise investment.
The iTunes software is easy to use and navigate, which is a definite plus, and there are a number of accessories available that will allow you to personalize your iPod. I'm sure as time passes I will run into little problems here and there, but so far I am more than pleased with this product. I can't imagine not having it in my life.
Customer Review: Another Winner from Apple
Summary: 5 Stars
I purchased my iPod Mini two days after it was released and I must admit, I am blown away by the functionality and style of Apple's newest creation. Just as a background, I also own a 20 GB third generation iPod, so my comparisons and observations are from a first hand perspective.So, why on earth did I buy a Mini? Quite simply, I was so impressed with this device that I had to have one. First off, the scroll wheel is vastly improved over the standard iPod. The wheel is still touch sensitive for scrolling, but the functionality of the four buttons has been placed around the wheel and can be clicked. This makes for much easier one handed operation. The screen is razor sharp and the backlighting is awesome. The exterior shell is all aluminum and the screen is recessed in the front of the case. This ipod feels much more durable and resisitant to scratching than my standard iPod. The battery life is also improved. This mini played for nearly 8 hours on the first charge. I typically never get more than 4.5-6 out of my standard iPod. The biggest difference is the form factor of the device (size and the weight). At only 3.6 ounces this iPod can be carried in the pocket without noticing it is there. As small as my standard iPod is, somehow, you always know it is there. The Mini solves this problem. After all, what good is an iPod that holds all of my music, if it is not quite small enough to have with me all the time.
Perhaps one of the coolest parts is the interaction with iTunes. My Library is 7.4 GB, which exceeds the capacity of the Mini. However, when you connect it for the first time, it automatically knows this and creates an "iPod Mini Playlist" that serves as a second library just for my Mini. Just drag and drop from your main library and the songs transfer to the Mini in a snap.
Now, I know what you are all thinking . . . why pay $249 for 4 GB, when you can have 15 GB for only $50 more? The answer is quite simple. In life, purchasing decisions are made with emotion and justified with logic. On paper, there is no disputing the fact that you get far more GB per dollar by going with the standard iPod; and the standard iPod is a terrific piece of equipment. But beyond the logical considerations lies the iPod Mini. The way it feels in your hand, the enhanced functionality of the scroll wheel, the great form factor, and the cool aluminum finish. All of these intangibles create a product that transcends a strict price per GB comparison and makes this iPod worth every penny of its $249 price tag.
The bottom line . . . I have 1050 songs on my Mini with room to spare. I bought the Mini because it puts a smile on my face every time I use it and it is just too darn cool to pass up. I highly recommend this device.
Customer Review: Great, but some units freeze
Summary: 5 Stars
I got one of these and loved it. It has a scroll wheel that works perfectly, the click buttons are alot better, its small, it holds 1,000 songs, it looks cool, and it doesnt brake or scratch nearly as easy as the big ipod. But alot of people have been saying that their ipod minis have been freezing. Someone told me that the ipods are so popular that apple has been making to many to fast (to restock), wich means they could not do a great job, they dont go over everything good enough. I think that may be true. So when you buy this, you gotta hope it isnt one of the bad ones....Other than that, I love this thing. People say the battery is to short. 8 hours? Its not like your leaving it on all day; when you listen to a cd player, you dont leave it on all day. I also think 1,000 songs is well over enough. When are you gonna listen to all those songs? and if you want more, erase the ones you dont listen to. This thing fits in your pocket PERFECT. Im serious you dont even feel it. Also the colors are awsome.
The only problams I have is after awhile of putting it in the dock, the bottam paint wheres off. I hate it. And like I said, people say that their ipods freeze,(not mine). Thats about it.
Features:
-It has 4 games, brick, solitare, parachute, name that tune.
-download audio books (its pretty cool)
-1,000 song capacity
-time/date
-contacts, to-do list, phone #......
This player is the only Mp3 you should get. This is the only big company that makes a Mp3 player (besides Dell). I bet most of the ipods work, cause i saw alot of good reviews. These ipod minis are selling like a dvd player for a dollar, so buy one soon. You also might want to get these at a store, cause stores online are selling them for like $300. Amazon has a great price ( $233 )dont get me wrong, but I heard they wont have any till until October. If you can wait that long than go ahead and buy it here.
I forgot to say that this has a usb 2.0 cord ( finally Apple is thinking ) that lets windows users conect their ipods to their computers. The original ipods didnt have this and you had to pay 20 bucks. Also this comes with a belt clip that is usfull, but i dont use it because it will, after about 6 months, take the paint off the ipods sides ( where the clip goes ). Also the ipod use to come with a arm belt thing that goes on your arm, but not anymore.
Altogether I have to say you should buy this ipod mini. I think the coolest colors are green and blue, and most girls like pink.....and some guys (no offense). Both the big ipod and mini are awsome, but i preffer the mini. If you like style, size, and looks buy the mini. If you like huge capacity, buy the ipod. But both have awsome sound, and extras. Trust me youll like them, witchever one you buy.