2/18/04
I just received my Apple iPod mini 4GB MP3 player today.
All I can say is Apple probably has a runaway hit on their hands with this device.
Here are a few pictures...
Even the box has a classy, sublime design.
Open it up and the mini is on the right and an "Enjoy" folder of stuff is on the left.
The box includes the mini, earphones, a Firewire and USB 2.0 connection cable, a belt clip, and an install CD.
Here's the front of the mini up close - a smooth, pressure sensitive trackpad with no moving parts.
The LCD display is small but bright. When the backlight goes off it dims out rather than just blinking off.
The unit feels solid and exudes quality. The anodized finish is excellent.
The top - a hold switch and mini headphone jack.
Unlike its bigger cousin, the iPod, the mini can stand up on a table on its own.
Here's the back.
The mini is about the size of - but much thinner and lighter than - most cell phones.
The mini connects to your Mac or PC via a proprietary USB 2.0 or Firewire cable.
There is also a wall charger, but it works with the Firewire cable only.
Upload is via Apple's fabulous iTunes app.
The mini could not fit more perfectly in your hand.
In all, the iPod mini is near perfection. My only complaint is that the dock end of the connector cable fits a little
too snugly and takes slightly too much force to remove. Other than that, the only improvements I can think
of would be WiFi, a color screen, and a larger capacity. My "favorites" playlist at 192kbps is 7.6GB.
A 10GB version would be perfect. Is a 4GB version worth $249? Maybe not. Would a 10GB version be
worth $249? Definitely. Would the 4GB version be worth $199? Definitely. I think I need to go buy some Apple stock now...
Pod Revie
