gonewithwind's Full Review: Apple iPod mini 1st Generation Silver (4 GB, M9160...
I was constantly borrowing my husband's 3rd generation iPod but I don't listen to as many songs as he does. I put off buying my own iPod because I felt like I already had one and I couldn't justify spending money for another. So, when Apple introduced the Mini, they were targeting users just like me.
Immediately, I downloaded all of my favorite songs from my family's library of CD's. It was so easy to do with Apple's iTunes software! First, you connect your iPod to your computer with the FireWire cable or USB cable ... you can even rename your iPod after your computer recognizes it is attached. Then, you simply insert an audio CD in your computer and in seconds iTunes knows all the names of the tracks automatically. Then you drag the desired song into the "Library" of iTunes (and the song is copied onto your hard drive) and then you drag it from the "Library" to your Mini. In a second it is on your Pod and ready to be heard!
Next, I purchased songs from iTunes ... mostly ones that I consider to be Oldies but Goodies and had never bought in CD format ... and at $.99 per song I found this to be a bargain. Now, I will no longer buy an new entire CD only to find that I like one and only one song. You can browse by artist, song or album and listen to 30 seconds of the track to determine if it is in fact the song/version you want. You simply click on the "Purchase" button next to the song info and in seconds it is in your "Library" ready to transfer to your Mini.
You can also make playlists on your Mini to categorize your tunes and customize your listening experience. Using playlists is like being your own disc jockey. You can either put songs into categories such as "Metal" or "Hair Bands" or even "LOUD!" or "Love Songs" to make your iPod like no other. Songs can even go into multiple playlists ... no need to limit your imagination!
As for the sound quality, it is superb. The earbuds that come with the Mini are the same ones that come with the traditional iPod. There is no need to upgrade or spend other money for these are wonderful. They are comfortable and easily stay in the ear. They provide wonderful sound ... as good as any digital can be! And you can crank up the volume with no distortion. You can go vert loud with this device; I have never needed to turn the volume up all the way to enjoy the songs on my Pod.
I have a Pink Mini and it is adorable. It is about half the thickness of a deck of cards and about the same length and width as the deck. I can carry it easily in a small handbag or even in a snug pocket in a fitted skirt or pants. The anodized metal is elegant and I would recommend buying a jacket to protect it from scratching. The earbuds that come with the Mini provide wonderful sound and the track wheel (you use this to browse the contents when your Pod is not connected to your computer) is easy to use and quick to master.
I currently have 366 songs on my Mini and I have room for about 500 or so more. If you have a vast library of CDs, the mini may not be the Pod for you. I also am using Microsoft Outlook to use my Mini as an address book and a calendar. You can also download eBooks from iTunes so that you can listen to books. You can use the Mini as a portable hard drive to store data as well!
I would also recommend charging your iPod before it runs out of battery life. If you are an infrequent user, you will want to charge it weekly even if you haven't used it so that you may prolong the battery life. You will want to use it and to be seen using it, though. And you can purchase accessories like the iTrip so that you can play your iPod tunes through the radio on your car, making your Mini indispensable.
If you have considered buying an iPod, but don't have a vast collection of music, consider buying this terrific gadget. You will be glad you did!
4 GB model holds up to 1,000 songs; supports MP3, AAC, WAV, MP3 VBR, Audible (6), and AIFF formats Mac and Windows compatible; FireWire and USB 2.0 in...More at Amazon Marketplace
eBay offers you smart deals and the widest selection, ranging from the everyday basics to things that are as unique as yourself. With millions of item...More at eBay
4 GB model holds up to 1,000 songs; supports MP3, AAC, WAV, MP3 VBR, Audible (6), and AIFF formats Mac and Windows compatible; FireWire and USB 2.0 in...More at Amazon Marketplace
4GB hard drive holds approximately: 133 hours of music at 64 Kbps 66 hours at 128 Kbps other bitrates also supported plays MP3, WAV, AAC, AIFF (uncomp...More at Amazon Marketplace
Epinions.com periodically updates pricing and product information from third-party sources, so some information may be slightly out-of-date. You should confirm all information before relying on it.
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.