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 $1.00 (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: Think about capacity before you buy this vs Regular iPod
Summary: 5 Stars
The silver iPod mini was my first foray into the iPod craze. Part of it was to see what all the hype was about and I was not disappointed. It is one of those rare devices that is not only very functional but also generates a huge emotional attachment.
I was surprised at the envious looks I was getting, some people even obviously pointed and commented at it.
I LOVE the feel of the clickwheel. I did not understand what that was from descriptions until I actually used it so I will try and explain it. When you slide your finger over the round touch wheel it allows you to adjust volume, scroll or do whatever the function you are on. All it takes is a light touch and it can be done in any direction up/down, round and round etc. It is also speed sensitive, meaning it accelerates your scroll the faster you slide your finger. The clickwheel makes it possible to control most important functions without even looking at the unit. This feature alone puts the iPod mini and regular iPod (4th generation) in a different league from it's competitors.
I never had any technical problems using it, and I enjoyed how well everything worked seemlessly together even though I am using iTunes on Windows.
Now for the only negative. 4GB memory. At first I though this would be more than I could possibly want. However, once I started using iTunes I quickly decided to import all my CDs into it and dump my CD changer. Then I also found out that to get true original CD quality I needed to use the lossless encoding which makes each song about 30MB on average or about 6-8 times larger than the default encoding. There is a noticeable difference in sound quality if you import songs at the smaller sizes. On top of that I started to use the mini iPod to transfer files like a mini hard disk.
The end result was I had to buy a 40GB iPod and gave the mini to my daughter. I miss the small size and cool look of the mini though.
Customer Review: Small in Size not in Functionality
Summary: 5 Stars
The iPod mini is built from the ground up as a portable device for people with fast-paced lives. It's small and lightweight physical dimensions are perfectly suited to be being placed in a pants or shirt pocket without being a burden.But don't let its light weight fool you into thinking the iPod mini is a pushover. The 4GB hard drive (3.7 GB actual) can hold about 1,000 songs - enough to last almost three full days. The installed software includes four games; calendar; notepad; contact database; clock; backlight with timer; alarm clock; and the abilities to customize the main menu; create playlists; and rate songs. All this is in addition to being able to be used as an external hard drive.
However, the most revolutionary aspect of the iPod mini (aside from it's size and weight) is its control interface. Incorporating the `Menu', `Pause/Play', `Forward' and `Back' buttons directly to the touch sensitive scroll wheel not only creates simplicity from a design standpoint, but form a user one as well. Accessing these controls is a breeze. Thankfully the touch wheel is designed well enough that accidental pressing of a control is unlikely to occur since you have to press down a bit to activate the button. I'd actually like to see the entire iPod line adopt this interface.
Some people complain that the iPod mini is only slightly cheaper than the 20 GB iPod and offers a lot less storage space. But what you loose in storage space you gain in portability. It is also important to consider that compared to other players of its size and weight, the iPod mini offers much more storage space, many more features, and a better music jukebox in iTunes 4.0.
I want to carry the most music I can in the smallest possible device that offers the best interface and features. For me, that device is unquestionably the iPod mini. If you have similar demands of a portable music device, the iPod mini is sure to become a permanent accessory to your lifestyle.
Customer Review: Incredible
Summary: 5 Stars
Wow.The iPod experience starts when you open the box. No scissors needed. No hacking away at steel-like plastic. I slide the cover off the cube, and open it up. Sitting there is the most beautiful device I've ever seen. This is the porche of MP3 players. It is nothing short of gorgeous. Beautiful, very functional, and EXTREMELY well thought out. You can TELL someone was thinking when they designed this thing. You turn it on. Immediatly you have quick access via the very-cool click-wheel to 3 fun games (4 once you load the music) and an empty calendar (which can be filled from calendar files from many major calendar apps, including MS Outlook). You can also customize all sorts of settings.
The mini seems extra beautiful in the dark, with the bright backlight glowing.
iTunes is undoubtedly the best music management software out there. Its better than Real, MusicMatch, I've tried them all, and iTunes BLOWS them away. Its simple, functional, beautiful, and makes sense----like the iPod. They sync in perfect rythem. iTunes transfered my songs to the iPod at about 1 second/song with USB 2. Now THAT's FAST. That included playlists, etc...
The Headphones are NOT the worthless things you often get with players. These things are top-notch earbuds.
The iPod can be useds as a portable hard drive. Do the math and think how many of those little USB memory keys would be needed to store as much as one of these.
The AC Adaptor is cool in itself---essentially travel size
DO do your research. The iPOD will NOT work with USB 1 ports or a 4-Pin Firewire. It requires USB 2 or a 6 pin Firewire.
The sound quality is very good, and the battery is said to last longer than the regular iPod.
You might think, for $50 more, I could get the regular iPod. Well, think about how much music you have. I have 20 CDs, and they don't begin to fill it up. Do you really need 15 GIG? If you don't, Go Mini and save yourself $50. =D
Customer Review: Great LITTLE ipod
Summary: 4 Stars
The best thing about this ipod is how unbelievably small it is. Mine is exactly the size of my business card. It is also VERY thin and light. I understand it has all the features and benefits of full sized ipods with one exception - capacity. It only holds 4GB (really more like 3.5 of actual music). I was able to cram in about 30 CDs - granted these are mostly jazz CDs with lost of 10min+ tracks. The iTunes software is great. The battery lasts about 8 hours if you dont use the backlight too much. I sync with my Win XP PC using USB 2.0 and I can't believe how fast it uploads the songs off of my PC to the ipod. (CD to PC takes a little longer - maybe 3 or 4 min per CD.)
Others have complained that there is an issue with the headphone plug losing its connection with the circuit board over time creating a lot of static and poor sound quality. After a week mine is still fine, but it is something you should know about. Apple is apparently aware of the issue and honors the one yr warranty. If mine has a problem, I will quickly reduce my star rating.
I give it 4 stars instead of 5 because of the capacity issue. I really wish I was able to get my whole CD collection on it, but I guess I would need the 40GB version to do that.
Anyone considering the Mini should also check out the 15GB version. For fifty bucks more you get more in the box and over three times the storage. You do give up the "coolness factor" of having a mini.
In my box along with the Mini was a USB 2.0 cable (which also charges it from the PC's 2.0 port), a firewire cable, the ipod, a belt clip (useless), earphones w/o remote, and a white square plastic box which can plug into an AC outlet which, when used with the firewire cable, becomes an AC adapter.
Laser engraving is available for about twenty bucks if you order directly from Apple - great if it is a gift.
Customer Review: iPod Mini - Small Is Beautiful
Summary: 5 Stars
Talk about love at first sight. My friend Douglas and Chris each bought an iPod mini and the mere site of one will make you buy one. Be warned, it's a hypnotic almost religious experience holding the mini in your hand for the first time. The minute I held the iPod mini in my hand, I knew I was going to buy one for myself. I already own the 30 GB regular iPod and I still couldn't resist this one. Kudos to Apple engineers for designing a beautiful device that's incredibly visually appealing as well as functional. The mini weights just 3.6 ounces and easily fits into any pocket. The iPod mini looks just amazing in its anodized aluminum case that resists stains and scratches. The iPod mini holds 1000 songs or 4 GB of music and lasts up to 8 hours on a single battery charge. Unlike the bigger iPod, Apple has moved the iPod buttons under the scroll/click wheel which makes for a better user experience allowing you to scroll single-handedly though your music collection. Besides the smaller size and gorgeous form-factor, the mini has all of the same features of the regular iPod.
The mini ships with an AC adapter, traditional white headphones, FireWire and USB 2.0 cable and iTunes software for Windows and Mac. With iTunes, I am able to sync both my regular iPod and mini at the same time. A lot of people would urge you to spend $50.00 more and get the 15 GB iPod. I own both the iPod and now the mini and given the choice, I would trade in my regular iPod for my mini any day. Most of the iPod accessories including the iTrip work correctly with the mini. The only accessory that hasn't worked yet is the Belkin iPod Voice recorder.
If you are in the market for a great MP3 player, look no further. It holds over 70 hours of music, fits in your pocket and looks great doing it. I highly recommend the mini and will be buying a few others as presents for my family members.