Apple iPod 4 GB mini M9435LL/A (Pink) OLD MODEL
by Apple Computer
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Our Price: $32.00 Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Category: Network Media Player See more product details |
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Customers in the UK,
Buy this product at amazon.co.uk
for British Pounds
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Apple iPod 4 GB mini M9435LL/A (Pink) OLD MODEL
Customer Review: Why The Negativity On The Ipod???
Summary: 4 Stars
I received my ipod for Christmas. Like many, I was overjoyed, I couldn't wait to open the package and see the little player waiting for me to add countless songs onto it. I had been reading several reviews with many "displeased" people, none-the-less, I was excited to finally have one.
The first thing I did as soon as I opened it was read the manual. Honestly, the manual was not very user-friendly. I found it very vague and ended up figuring out a lot of the things on my own. That is one of the main reasons for a four star rating.
I then hooked it up to charge for about an hour until it had fully charges.
Then, I took the USB connecter and hooked it up to the computer. I then inserted the provided itunes software and began installation. Probably one of the greatest improvements was that once it "found" my ipod on the computer, it automatically connected with apple and formatted my ipod with the latest software updates to ensure none of the listed problems: freezing, crackling sounds, etc, would happen on my ipod. After updates I disconnected my ipod from the computer and set it aside.
Once the software was installed, this is where the frustration set in. My songs were loaded and by clicking the checked boxes I was able to pick which songs would transfer to my ipod when I connected it to the computer once again.
I finally had chosen a few songs. I then highlighted them all using shift and control and clicking the ones I had chosen then I right clicked and converted the files to AAC format. The reason I did this was because this file format is the best format for the ipod and provides, in my opinion, the best sound for the ipod. After about 5 minutes all of the songs had been converted. I then closed out of the program, and hooked my ipod up. Once my ipod was hooked up, the itunes software re-started immediately and updated my ipod with all selected songs that had a check in the box column. Within 3-4 minutes all songs had been transferred to my ipod.
The above paragraph sounded easy, but it took about 5 attempts before I was actually successful.
There is, however, yet another downfall to this program. If you have windows XP, you have multiple log-in options. If another user is logged on when you are also logged on, the itunes software will not update to your ipod. I have tried several options in the "edit-preferences" section of itunes, but have been unsuccessful at updating my ipod while another user is logged on.
Now, in addressing other issues such as battery life; personally, the battery life is fine with me. I would however suggest that one of the first, and best things you can do for your ipod, is let it charge for about an hour or until the ipod says that it is fully charged. This ensures optimum battery power. I have gone about 7 1/2 hours with my ipod as well as backlight on, before the battery is drained.
Also, the ear buds provided with the ipod are "ok". The sound in them is great, I have not really messed with the optional EQ settings that come with the ipod, but the normal sound is in itself good quality. The only problem I have is getting them to stay in my ear, thus I end up using my inner-ear headphones majority of the time, which provide the same quality of sound.
Beside the few downfalls:
* Vague Instruction Books
* Complicated, at times, software
* Incompatibility with windows XP when multiple users are logged on
* Loose headphones
The ipod is overall a great piece of software. But, as with any software there will be glitches, and soon something new and better will inevitably roll around, but at the moment this is in my opinion, one of the best mp3 players on the market. Sure, you are buying largely into a name, and into a "fad", but you won't regret it. Even my friend, who is anti-apple all-the-way, had little to hardly any bad things to say about the ipod.
Customer Review: Great sound, super sleek, easy to use (and show off!)
Summary: 5 Stars
The iPod mini is a huge improvement over the bigger iPod models. While it only holds 4GB, (and I say `only' because 4GB is a lot of music!), you'll be happy with this smaller, lightweight, sexier mp3 player. I installed all the software on my Windows XP computer without any problems. The unit arrived with a bit of battery life so I charged it via the transformer supplied - use the firewire cable to connect to the iPod. I found it charged quickly so I was up and running in no time flat.The box contains iTunes, the software you use to purchase songs and transfer existing files to your iPod; however, I recommend you download the latest version online. Once you pop in the CD it will try to install iTunes, but if you have a newer version it recognizes that and completes the setup. You may need to reboot your Windows machine.
The usability of the unit is MUCH better than that of the regular iPod. It does not take much pressure to traverse through the menus and I found that after using it for a while, navigating the iPod became intuitive. It just requires a bit of practice.
One thing I am concerned about is the size of the font on the screen...I think for older adults or those with low vision, there may be a problem reading the track names or seeing the menu titles. They may find using the backlight all the time improves the readability of the text, however this may drain battery life faster.
The headphones that come with the iPod are somewhat uncomfortable during extended use. While the sound is very good, I will be investing in a different pair. It's a shame Apple can't let you choose which type of headphones you'd like - or - improve on the pair provided.
Thankfully, this unit has a hold button that prevents the accidental bump or nudge if the iPod is in your pocket. The belt clip that comes with the iPod is very handy and I have walked around the house and work with it on and never worried about it slipping out; just be sure to snap the iPod into the clip rather than sliding.
For those of you with an existing MP3 collection, you may find you need to rename your songs and add ID3 tags. The iPod uses these when displaying the song on the screen. I had all my files named (Artist) - Title.mp3 and I had to download a file rename tool to remove the parentheses. I also had to download a program that would auto-generate ID3 tags based on the file names so that when I imported my songs into iTunes to be transferred onto the iPod. You'll be glad you took the time to do this otherwise, browsing through songs will be near to impossible. Songs purchased from iTunes are preformatted for the iPod - you won't need to rename or add tag info.
My final request from Apple or another manufacturer would be to create a travel carrying case for the iPod mini. And not your typical black padded case either - perhaps designer versions created for women and other style conscious iPod owners. I'd like something to hold all the basic accessories that come in the box. I still don't really have a good way to protect my iPod when traveling whether from my home to work or overseas.
Overall I'll give it 5 stars for being small, lightweight, easy to use, style, and sound. It gives me everything I've been looking for in a portable mp3 player. I also like all the extra accessories that are available if I choose to expand its use. It really needs to come with better headphones and I wouldn't mind paying more for something better than hard, uncomfortable ear buds. The extras such as a calendar, note pad and games are nice, but I don't see myself using those functions, especially already having a cell phone and PDA in my purse.
Customer Review: iPod mini---Like a ton of CDs in 3.6 ounces of beauty.
Summary: 5 Stars
I am 14 years old and I got a pink iPod mini for Christmas! The pink is lovely--at times it has a lilac tone to it. The sound quality is great, iTunes was very easy to set up and use (for me anyways). Opening the beatiful little box was like an out-of-body experience for me! (Turns out my poor mom had been hiding this away since November 16---she had to endure weeks and weeks of whining, andeven more before that!)The iPod mini was very easy to set up right out of the very attractively designed box! My iPod only froze up once on me and that was very easy to remedy. Just make sure to charge often! After going through my entire 12-song library a few times in a day I find it necessary to charge either sporadically throughout the day or at night. I have added some items to my iPod collection to enhance my music experience. I will share them with you:
1. Apple iPod earbuds with rubberized tips--the best thing I could have done. The included earbuds just didn't work for me. These cost me $40, but they are worth it as they never tangle thanks to the ingenious spool-storage system of their carrying case and they have two sets of replacement tips.
2. Handstands brand "iPak"s--I got a 2 pack--one case for my accessories, the other for my iPod. There is an insert to keep the mini secure in its case. The cases are identical but one is clearly marked "accessories". For me, the easiest way to keep my iPod and its accessories all in one place, safe, and portable.
3. iTunes prepaid music card--I have one for $15. It is so easy to use one of these to "feed" your iPod--just type in the code on iTunes in the designated "Prepaid Cards" section in the music store, and you are ready to go. You can pick one up and preload it most everywhere iPods are sold.
4. Handstands "iGrip"--I set my iPod on this while it charges. The iGrip is a little rubberized white pad designed to grip onto any hard surface. The front of it grips onto your iPod, preventing "slippage".
And for those who say "cough up an extra $50 for 4000 more songs", well, I don't think I even know 1000 songs let alone 5000! Well, to each his or her own. Make the choice you think is best. If you are an occasional music listener, like me, who thinks "I sure would like to hear this song" once in a while, the Mini may be for you. If you are really into music and have a hugeC D collection and can name your favorite songs off the tips of your fingers, maybe a 20GB or 40GB regular iPod would be best for you. I prefer the mini for its colors and smaller, attractive case, although the iPod itself is nice looking.
I can't tell you much about the mechanics of my iPod, and I thought it would be helpful to share my little tips. I hope you find my review helpful! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND ANY IPOD, PARTICULARLY THE MINI! If you don't have one, go out and buy one right away!!!
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: Buy the mini or spend more $ for the photo IPod
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought the mini it as a gift for my 12 year old daughter - she likes the cute size and the color. The mini is "mini," it is very light and so easy to use. I was worried I wouldn't know how to download the songs. On ITunes it is automatic, literally, to transfer music downloads just by plugging it in. It's almost too easy. Of course, you are going to want to fill it up with songs so that can become pretty expensive at $1 per song because it's so easy and fun to buy them and have them. As for the ourchase of the larger Ipod you do feel like it's worth a few more dollars to get so much more space but how much do you really need and are likely to ever use? If you are going to spend thousands of dollars over time on songs then you are just going to delete the old songs and fill with the Ipod with new ones. You are not going to go scroll through thousands of songs to find the ones you want to listen to regularly enough. I can't imagine that we'll ever have enough songs to even fill up the mini.
The problems with the Ipod, probably mini or not , is ease of scratching the metal case and the little touch buttons on the wheel are either too sensitive or not sensitive enough to use. You must really buy a good case which will run about $35.00. I got one from Iskin. The Ipod should come with a case, that's just wrong for Apple not to include one. The battery life is short, about 6-8 hours, amd that's in the brand new battery. That's pretty short in the scheme of things, less than one full day, so you're always recharging.
Right after I bought this mini Ipod I realized the new Ipod that holds photos was out. I think the choice of which Ipod should should be between the mini and the photo Ipod. It would be really hard to need the 20GB or 40GB Ipod for songs but the photos is something you could use and need the space for, you also may want to hold tons of photos.
The investment is really in the $$ you will spend after the initial purchase of the empty Ipod. I would definitely have regrets about not getting the photo Ipod if I was buying for an adult but at over $100 more for the photo one, I wouldn't spend that money for a teen. As far as music players go, I can't imagine a better player for looks and ease of use. But you don't need more space than for the mini and the teeny size is sooo neat.
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