carzncompz's Full Review: Apple iPod 3rd Generation White (10 GB) MP3 Player
During this review I will use the form ׁG” to represent Third Generation.
In 2003 Apple came out with their 3rd iPod model. It was called the 3G iPod with touch sensitive controls. The 3G iPod came in 5 sizes; 10GB, 15GB, 20GB, 30GB and 40GB. The 10, 15 and 20GB models were all the same thickness (about a half an inch) while the 30GB and 40GB models were slightly wider. The larger capacity meant a physically larger hard drive which meant the casing had to be larger. For this report I will focus on my experience with the 10GB model.
Introduction:
After seeing iPods all around school and town I decided I wanted to get one. I didn’t have too much music at the time (only about 600-700 songs). I checked on eBay and found a good deal on a gently used 10 gigabyte 3G iPod with all the necessary components. When I received the iPod I immediately hooked it up to my computer’s FireWire port and transferred my music to it.
Controls:
The 3G iPods all have the same controls. 4 touch sensitive buttons below the screen and a touch sensitive thumb wheel and button for scrolling between menus. To select a song or menu you would touch the raised center of the thumbwheel. I liked the touch buttons because they only work if they detect heat from your fingers. All iPods also have a hold switch at the top to prevent accidental changing of songs, volume, etc.
Interface:
The 3G iPod uses a menu interface with separate screens for Playlists, Music, Settings, Extras and Backlight On/Off. Within these menus were various other submenus, too many of which to list. For your music you could browse by Artist, Album, Song Title, Genre or Composer. It was very easy to find the exact song you were looking for. You can also select play the songs in random order.
Style:
As mentioned before the iPod is very sleek and easy to use. It fits in your pocket and doesn’t add a lot of extra weight.
Software (iTunes):
iTunes is the Apple music organizer program which allows you to transfer songs to your iPod. Despite many people not liking iTunes I really like it. I am able to make playlists and add songs to my library which automatically were transferred to the iPod when I would plug it in.
Accessories:
The two accessories I purchased after buying my iPod were a silicone case to protect the iPod’s back from scratches (which can happen very easily) as well another Apple product called the iTrip. The iTrip is a smell cylindrical unit that clips to the top of the iPod and connects to its power and headphone jack to broadcast your music on a radio station. With the supplied iTrip software you are given a list of stations you can set the iTrip to play on. I found the iTrip great for when I was at home (instead of an RCA cable going to stereo’s AUX port), in the car and wherever I had an FM radio present.
Overall:
The Apple 3G iPod was a very wise investment for me. I bought mine in mid 2004 and used it until mid 2006. I was one of the few 3G iPod users in my school. Last week I saw an advertisement for a store opening that had the 30GB iPod video for $299CAD. I decided I wanted a color screen, video and photo capabilities and a larger storage capacity. My 3G 10GB iPod is now making another user happy, just like it made me. You may also find my review of the 30GB iPod Video by going to my profile. (review coming soon).
User Interface: 10/10
Ease of Use: 9/10
Style/Design: 11/10
Software: 9/10
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 180 Recommended for: Music Lovers - High Capacity Storage for an Entire Album Collection
All preowned iPods are quality tested and receive a cosmetic check and cleaning an inventory of all components download and play tests product repacka...More at Target
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