FAO Ipod people

[Halcyon]

So, who on this forum owns an Ipod ?
Having just won mine at Christmas I'm discovering how good they are and how useful one is.
Anyone got any tips and tricks for best use ?
What do you lot think about the battery issue and has anyone changed their battery yet ?

Make yourself known !!!
Say something about your Ipod here.

[quadplay]

There's a battery issue?

So far, I've found mine great! Can't really say much more about it!

[Xaccers]

I think the battery issue is with the early 40GB ones, and from what I read Apple will change the batteries on request.

Our company gave us all 20GB new ipods to celebrate recently becoming profitable.
The best bit is we now have 20GB removable hard drives that we're allowed to connect to our work PC's, oh and they play music too

[Derek]

I've got a 1st gen model and had to change the battery about October time.

They should last for 18 months without any problem but if they do go it's (fairly) easy to switch them about.

[MadGamer]

Originally Posted by dezzo

I've got a 1st gen model and had to change the battery about October time.

They should last for 18 months without any problem but if they do go it's (fairly) easy to switch them about.

I have the 3rd Gen model and i think the battery needs replacing. Ive had it since May 2004, and already its not lasting as long as it should.

[andygrif]

3rd gen for me, no problems with the battery in the slightest.

Some tips?....

1. Have a play around with your encoding settings to see what sounds best. Personally I use 160k AAc files.

2. Throw the headphones that came with it away. Go and buy yourself a pair of Sennheiser MX500's (15 quid) or PX200's (40 quid). The difference is astonishing. You will also have the added benefit of not advertising the fact you have an iPod to potential muggers.

3. If you're into digital photography, consider using your iPod as a file store area for when your memory card gets full up. Belkin do a card reader to iPod gadget for about 80 quid, but they are bringing out a USB device that sits between the camera (as long as it's supported) and the Pod for about half that.

4. Register for iTunes Music Store. I've never bought anything from them but I have taken advantage of the free downloads from time to time.

5. If you don't have a FireWire card in your PC, get one - it blindingly fast compared to plain old USB (I don't know if the dock works with USB2, I guess it should do)

If I think of anything else I'll let you know.

[Halcyon]

Thanks for the info there.
I've already set the settings to maximum quality so know I am getting a great quality sound.
You are right about the headphones....they definately are a let down compared to the mainpod unit.
I'd like to eventualy get myself some Senheisser HD25SP's as they are quality.

As for the battery, I've also been reading how they fail after 18 months and that its either a do it yourself job where you buy yourself a battery and have to take the pod to bits, or send it back to Apple for about £80.

What Im ideally looking for is a good battery pack that could be added onto the pod when the battery finally never recharges anymore.
There are some available but they are bulky and dont look very nice.
I guess I'l wait and see.

As for the machine itself, I love it. The fact that its a hard drive too is excellent for backing up and for transporting video work to Uni.
Plus the look and design of the Ipod is just so well thought out.
I think it looks lovely.

[gkhewitt]

You can build your own backup battery if you're feeling adventurous!

http://www.drewperry.co.uk/iPod/inde...ge=batterypack

and

http://www.chrisdiclerico.com/mt/archives/001572.php

I personally have a 3G 20gig and I think it is safe to say that my battery isn't lasting as long as it should. I get about 4/5 hours before it dies. At the moment it isn't too much of an issue since I can usually recharge each evening. The benefit of having all of my music in a cool little gadget far outweighs the battery problems for me, IMO.

[Tricky]

I've got a 4G 20g (personalised!)
I visit a forum www.ipodlounge.com (mods feel free to remove!) for hints tips etc.
I think the biggest downside is not being able to sort music correctly, I.e. by a different ID3 tag other than title, so if you want to listen to specific artist but what to play it by album in track order you have to amend the tags to be artist - album - track - songname

[Halcyon]

Thanks I'l check out those links.
I have the 3G Ipod and I really like the touch wheel and slimness of the unit.

[MadGamer]

Originally Posted by Tricky

I've got a 4G 20g (personalised!)
I visit a forum www.ipodlounge.com (mods feel free to remove!) for hints tips etc.
I think the biggest downside is not being able to sort music correctly, I.e. by a different ID3 tag other than title, so if you want to listen to specific artist but what to play it by album in track order you have to amend the tags to be artist - album - track - songname

Im a member on that forum. Great site for IPod stuff.

Originally Posted by Halcyon

So, who on this forum owns an Ipod ?
Having just won mine at Christmas I'm discovering how good they are and how useful one is.
Anyone got any tips and tricks for best use ?
What do you lot think about the battery issue and has anyone changed their battery yet ?

Make yourself known !!!
Say something about your Ipod here.

What, the iPod's 'dirty secret'?

It's hardly an issue any more, with improved batteries in the things and Apple's own battery replacement programme long since joined by similar 3rd party offerings (and even a few DIY kits IIRC). A rather silly design oversight by Apple when the thing was invented but not really a problem now.

Our 1st-gen 5gb iPod doesn't last as long as it once did but then it is getting on in years. We don't use it outdoors very much .... usually it's plugged into the mains and wired into the stereo in the lounge.

[SMHarman]

I've got a 3g 40GB and i'd have to say the battery life is still fine 12 months on. The 8 hrs is an optimal number. Set up an 8hr playlist and listen from end to end, don't touch the ipod, use the backlight, play games. Mine lasts about 5 hrs between charges, but I am hopping all over the place skipping songs etc, and in this weather useing the backlight.

Ditch the phones, I've got the Senheiser MX250? (noise cancelling jobbies), fantastic. To the extent that I get irritated seeing people on the tube listening on the original white ones, they don't know what they are missing out on.

Secrets, back up your iTunes, get a spare HDD to do it on if you have a big iPod and lots of tunes, I worked out it took 40+hours to rip all my CDs onto iTunes. I don't want to do that again.

AirPort Express, a fantastic addition if you have a wireless network. All your music in one place (on the PC) and playback through your hifi.

[Mike]

Originally Posted by SMHarman

I've got a 3g 40GB and i'd have to say the battery life is still fine 12 months on. The 8 hrs is an optimal number. Set up an 8hr playlist and listen from end to end, don't touch the ipod, use the backlight, play games. Mine lasts about 5 hrs between charges, but I am hopping all over the place skipping songs etc, and in this weather useing the backlight.

Ditch the phones, I've got the Senheiser MX250? (noise cancelling jobbies), fantastic. To the extent that I get irritated seeing people on the tube listening on the original white ones, they don't know what they are missing out on.

Secrets, back up your iTunes, get a spare HDD to do it on if you have a big iPod and lots of tunes, I worked out it took 40+hours to rip all my CDs onto iTunes. I don't want to do that again.

AirPort Express, a fantastic addition if you have a wireless network. All your music in one place (on the PC) and playback through your hifi.

I agreed with the extra hard drive I brought one from dabs £98.00 for 140GD..............also you could get a Itrip to go wireless from the Ipod to any FM radio

Sorry but IMO, the IPod is a total rip off. My Sony Atract3Plus CD-Player cost me £100, stores 600 songs on 1 CD, and lasts 86 hours when using alkaline batteries (36 on rechargebles, which you get with it) not to mention you get a nice LCD in-line control with it.