Apple iPod Classic

How do you better a product that is very good in the first place? You probably strive to make it perfect, with minor tweaks, and fine-tuning. This is the stage that Apple’s Hard Drive based media player has reached, so the focus for it has now shifted from evolution to fine tuning and perfection. And so the original iPod or the iPod Video is now named iPod Classic, which portrays its journey down the years, and officially makes it the seasoned media player in the market that it is. While iPod Touch is all about style, and funk, and is surely going to evolve further and change a lot in coming months and years (especially the storage space), iPod Classic is all about the “been there, done that” attitude.

So what’s changed? Overall, nothing except the storage space. But the new Classic has other subtle add-ons that are prominent in making it a real Classic player. It is not about experimentation, it is about fine-tuning a really good media player. The most prominent change is the storage space. For the same old price of $249, and $349, you now get storage space of 80GB, and 160GB respectively, instead of the older 30GB, and 80GB. So that’s a big leap on the storage front. According to today’s media needs, that is a lot of space. Classic is not supposed to be just a media player anymore. It is supposed to be a media library, where you carry all your media wherever you go. Plug in an AV chord, and access all your media on any television.

The next best change is the introduction of Cover Flow, which made its debut with the iPhone. Browse through your album covers, which combined with improved graphics makes browsing a lot better experience. The click wheel, and the screen size (2.5”) remains the same, but the new screen is clearer than the 5G iPod. To make it more visually appealing (and maybe also a bit tough), the plastic body as been replaced by anodized aluminum. The colors remain the same (Black and White), but white is now silver due to change in material. Battery life has improved a lot, with 40 hours of audio, or 7 hours of video playback. However, the player has got slimmer, with some new curves in line with better ergonomics.

No Comments » Posted by Gregory / Features

You have to agree that all iPod’s serve a similar purpose – to listen to music. So, whether there are variations in features like audiobooks, video, and storage capacity, all iPod’s are very similar. Since I already own an iPod Nano (not the latest edition), I have done a lot of research on the newer series that have just come out and I must admit that there are definitely a lot of similarities between the new Apple iPod Nano and the Apple iPod Classic.

The basic reason for my researching on the two new products is because I wanted to update my collection and buy an iPod Classic. Being the sixth generation in the iPod family, the iPod Classic more or less has the same features as its predecessors. Outwardly, the only difference is that it now has a metal face instead of the usual plastic ones.

Both the Classic and the Nano have a sort of aluminum metal face that encloses the glass screen. Both these gadgets use the same operating system. And, both the devices have more than ample storage capacities and are extremely fast.

Since I already own a second-generation iPod Nano, the only factor about the Classic that allures me is its massive storage limits in comparison to all the other players in the market. However, when I first went out to buy the Nano, this was the exact same reason that lured me to it at that time. Also, just like the Nano, the Classic is also super-tiny.

The iPod Classic boasts of an increased capacity, an overhauled user interface, a sleeker form, a full-metal enclosure and is extremely compatible with certain accessories that are equally compatible with the other iPod’s.

So, whether you are opting for the iPod Nano or whether it is the iPod Classic that does it for you, keep in mind that all these iPod’s are extremely good in their own way.

All in all, the iPod Classic is all about size and storage. In its heyday, this was the same motto used for the iPod Nano. Pay less and you get to store more – who wouldn’t want an iPod Classic nestling comfortable in their pockets?

No Comments » Posted by Gregory / Device

Last Sunday I went out and got myself a new Apple iPod Classic – a sleek 80 GB silver beauty (courtesy a great promotion at work). People, to tell you the truth, the new iPod Classic has come to me like a blessing in disguise! I now listen to music everywhere I go – in bed, for a jog, and in the car!

The good part about the iPod Classic is that it is exactly like the video iPod, only it happens to be tougher, slimmer, and of course sleeker. The best part about this iPod is that its graphic user interface is richer visually. Apart from this major user interface makeover, the Classic’s sound quality is as usual top-notch, as compared to some of the iPod models being sold earlier with middle-of-the-road sound qualities.

If you are looking to store more than 16GB of video and music, the iPod Classic is your best bet. For those who want higher storage requirements of say 20-60 GB, the 80 GB (the one that I have) and 160 GB models are the best.

With over 20 different equalization presets to choose from – ranging from enhancements that are subtle to more dramatic bass boosting – what more could you ask for? What’s more, after you listen to your Classic iPod with a new set of Ultrasone HF1-700 headphones or the Shure SE310 earphones, the fidelity of the Classic iPod will certainly satisfy you.

The most impressive feature of the iPod is of course the video playback. Even more impressive is the crisp resolution of the Classic’s 2.5-inch screen that also happens to be easier on the eyes. Besides the overhauled interface and upgraded storage capacity, the Classic also has an increased battery life.

The only downside would be that the iPod’s video output requires a certain cable. Some of the older iPod accessories are not compatible here. And, users are required to download the latest version of iTunes that sometimes doesn’t work on older computer systems.

The bottom line is that the iPod Classic range is a refined version of the formula that put the Apple iPod on the best-selling map. Not many other models can match its battery life, storage capacity, and of course the advanced user interface.

No Comments » Posted by Gregory / Device

The new iPod Classic offers little backwards compatibility with older model accessories.

The main frustration being experienced right now by iPod users relates to video cables. The iPod Classic requires the output cable to have an Apple authentication chip in it. Most existing accessories from third party vendors do not have the Apple authentication chip.

This “feature” was not well publicized and it appears consumers are running into unknowledgeable employees who are of the opinion that it worked in the old iPod so it will work in the Classic. But sadly this is just not the case.

The problem extends to the third party manufacturers themselves. They were not given advance opportunity to review the change in architecture so that they could roll out new accessories that would function with the iPod Classic right at launch. As it stands now they will be forced to play catch up for the next several weeks.

The real question is: Why the change? Is it a DRM thing? Is it a customer support issue where Apple was fielding too many calls that stemmed from poorly designed accessories? Or is it simply a money grab? Regardless it is unfortunate that anyone’s excitement will be dampened when they go to hook up their shiny new iPod Classic to their TV with their existing video cables and find out that it doesn’t work. And worse, they will have no idea why.

No Comments » Posted by Gregory / Accessories

The games currently available for sale on iTunes Store are not compatible with the new iPod Classic. These games were developed for fifth generation iPod models. These models are completely different hardware and run a different OS than the new iPod Classic. It is not surprising, but still disappointing for those who have purchased several games.

Apple has announced they have plans to port Ms. Pac Man, Sudoku and Tetris, but they have not indicated how these updates will be priced. I hope they will be provided at no cost if you have already purchased them, but we will have to wait and see. It is possible that you would have to re-purchase the games if you wish to run them on a newly bought iPod Classic.

The good news is that the iPod Classic will come bundled with three games: Vortex, a circular 3-D Breakout clone; iQuiz, an entertainment trivia game; and Klondike Solitaire.

What do you think; does Apple owe it to their customers to port existing games to new models?

No Comments » Posted by Gregory / Games