8/1/05
Well, I've just about collected all the older iPods. The only ones I am missing are the 4th gen click-wheel models
and the original iPod Photo. My iPod Nano 4GB is on its way and I'll review that in another article. Here are what
I see as the pros and cons of each:
1st Gen:
Too heavy. No dock/can't stand on its own.
3rd Gen:
Thinner size and lighter weight but the separate navigation buttons are annoying. At least it has a dock.
mini 4GB:
Perfect form factor but the capacity is too small. Hard disk drains battery life too quickly. But it's a much
better form factor for the hand than the original large-sized iPods. The mini's drawbacks are negated now
that the iPod Nano is out.
Shuffle:
Nice small size and incredibly light. But no display and it's hard to know when the device has accepted input.
The flashing code lights are useless as one has to remember what they all mean. A tiny LCD with limited
indicators would have been better. The removable end cap is annoying too as it's one more thing to carry and it
destroys the look of the unit when removed. Nice long battery life and easy to carry though. Price is right.
