Many of us have big music collections, and it can be a real nuisance trying to swap between various CDs and tapes when we want to listen to something in particular. If that sounds like you, then maybe it's time you invested in an iPod. The favorite child of Apple is definitely the market leader in a trendy market that's growing at a rapid rate. So what do you need to know before you buy an iPod?
Basically, there are four main models of iPod available on the market right now: iPod Shuffle, iPod Nano, iPod Photo and the recent release, iPod Video. They all play songs, and the iPod photo also gives you the ability to display color photos on its screen. So you can look at the album cover art, for instance, while the songs are playing.
One of the good things about buying an iPod is that it comes with all the basic bits and pieces you need, including:
# Ear bud headphones
# 2.0 USB cable
# AC adaptor
The iPods are unusual for electronic devices, in that batteries actually last for a reasonable length of time, usually somewhere between 12 and 15 hours. Some of the different versions of the iPod also come in a variety of hard drive sizes, but with MP3 players as a basic rule of thumb, just remember that you will usually get around 2,500 songs on every 10GB of storage space.
Many people prefer the iPod photo because they like being able to see pictures on their iPod, but it's certainly not perfect. Some people find it difficult to see the pictures on the mini screen, and you do need to purchase a separate plug-in if you want to view your pictures on a television screen. If you do buy the extra connection, however, you will certainly be pleased to find the clarity of the pictures on the screen is excellent.
The iPod Photo is no different to the other iPod hardware in that although plenty of people are more than happy with the product's features, convenience and sound quality. However there are always going to be horror stories that do the rounds, and the iPods are no exception. Mostly these stories are about the durability of the system. In the end, though, although the iPod is often used for jogging and other strenuous activities, it really isn't designed to deal with those sorts of conditions. But if you just want a convenient method for storing your music collection so that you can listen to it in the car or anywhere else that suits you, then an iPod is definitely the way to go.
Be sure to check out the iPod Nano at http://www.ipod-superguide.com, a website that specializes in providing iPod information, tips, advice and resources to include essential iPod accessories that will enhance the enjoyment you receive from your iPod.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tim_Gorman
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
The iPod VS The Zune
The MP3 personal music player market has been fiercely dominated by the Apple iPod since its debut in 2001. Apple's entry into the MP3 player market wasn't the first MP3 player made available, but ever since its inception, the term iPod has become synonymous with the term mp3 player. Users have embraced the iPod for its sleek design, seamless integration with both Mac and PC's, and the user-friendly functionality of the device. A smaller market share has always been devoted to other mp3 players as well. Rio, Sansa, and other mp3 manufacturers have also cultivated a loyal following of users but none so much as the Apple iPod. However, in 2006 Microsoft - the powerhouse corporation that made Windows a household name across the world - entered the mp3 market with the Zune.
Criticism abounded about the Zune before it even debuted. Some said that the device was too large, too unsightly, or didn’t have enough storage capacity. However, many of these critics had forgotten that this was only Microsoft’s first effort into the industry and had big plans for subsequent models to become available. Additionally, Microsoft has all-but-swept the gaming console market since it debuted with its immensely popular Xbox and subsequently more powerful Xbox 360. So the software giant was clearly not going to be satisfied being an “also ran” in the race to manufacture an innovative and popular mp3 player. So when the Zune was finally released just in time for Christmas 2006, audiophiles and technophiles quickly grabbed them up, if for nothing else than to compare the Zune to the almighty iPod. Who came out the successor?
The most obvious question when comparing the two would be “Who can use them?” Since an mp3 player that is incompatible with the owner’s choice of computer is about as useful as a paperweight, this is an obvious consideration. While the iPod has always been compatible with both Mac and PC, the Zune is only compatible with Windows. Score one for the iPod.
Zune proponents always point to the Zune’s larger screen, which they say will be better for viewing videos. While the Zune’s screen is, indeed, larger at 3” (the latest iPods have a 2.5” screen) the resolution is exactly the same. What this means is that there is still the same number of tiny dots that broadcast colors onto the screen on both the iPod and the Zune. So while the iPod has a smaller, crisper screen the Zune will have a larger and markedly more pixilated viewer. Score two for the iPod.
Next, the question comes about capacity. The Zune debuted with a 30 gigabyte capacity player. While the iPod also has a 30 gigabyte capacity player, its flagship player has no less than 80 gigabytes of storage space. While the prices of the two players are not compatible, the fact remains that if you have over 30 gigabytes worth of music and want to carry it all, you probably won’t be looking at the Zune. Score three for the iPod.
It’s no secret that many mp3 player users are interested in (legally, of course) downloading music directly from the internet. Apple’s iTunes store has, literally, millions of available songs and videos for download. However, Microsoft has launched its service that allows as much downloading as you want for a monthly fee. So while Apple has a positive for having more downloadable media, those that don’t wish to pay for every single download will probably favor the Zune. This one is a wash.
Finally, ever since it came out, critics of the iPod have pointed out a very obvious lack of an FM tuner. iPod enthusiasts have countered that with the large available storage capacity of the iPod means that there is little, if any, need for an FM tuner. However, most will agree that it’s nice to have and so Microsoft has included one in their line of Zunes since their debut. Score one for the Zune.
So the final tally is 3 to 1 with the iPod coming out on top. However, this should be no surprise to fans of the iPod and even fans of the Zune. If Microsoft wanted to seriously compete with the iPod, then it would have addressed these issues from the start instead of implementing other features that next-to-no one would be able to use right from the start, such as its Zune-to-Zune file sharing capability. So the iPod rules for a little longer, at least until Microsoft works out the kinks of its dismally-released Zune.
This article has been brought you by http://www.iPodSweepstakes.com/default.aspx?offer=article visit now, we are giving a away a free iPod everyday.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dave_Goldstein
Criticism abounded about the Zune before it even debuted. Some said that the device was too large, too unsightly, or didn’t have enough storage capacity. However, many of these critics had forgotten that this was only Microsoft’s first effort into the industry and had big plans for subsequent models to become available. Additionally, Microsoft has all-but-swept the gaming console market since it debuted with its immensely popular Xbox and subsequently more powerful Xbox 360. So the software giant was clearly not going to be satisfied being an “also ran” in the race to manufacture an innovative and popular mp3 player. So when the Zune was finally released just in time for Christmas 2006, audiophiles and technophiles quickly grabbed them up, if for nothing else than to compare the Zune to the almighty iPod. Who came out the successor?
The most obvious question when comparing the two would be “Who can use them?” Since an mp3 player that is incompatible with the owner’s choice of computer is about as useful as a paperweight, this is an obvious consideration. While the iPod has always been compatible with both Mac and PC, the Zune is only compatible with Windows. Score one for the iPod.
Zune proponents always point to the Zune’s larger screen, which they say will be better for viewing videos. While the Zune’s screen is, indeed, larger at 3” (the latest iPods have a 2.5” screen) the resolution is exactly the same. What this means is that there is still the same number of tiny dots that broadcast colors onto the screen on both the iPod and the Zune. So while the iPod has a smaller, crisper screen the Zune will have a larger and markedly more pixilated viewer. Score two for the iPod.
Next, the question comes about capacity. The Zune debuted with a 30 gigabyte capacity player. While the iPod also has a 30 gigabyte capacity player, its flagship player has no less than 80 gigabytes of storage space. While the prices of the two players are not compatible, the fact remains that if you have over 30 gigabytes worth of music and want to carry it all, you probably won’t be looking at the Zune. Score three for the iPod.
It’s no secret that many mp3 player users are interested in (legally, of course) downloading music directly from the internet. Apple’s iTunes store has, literally, millions of available songs and videos for download. However, Microsoft has launched its service that allows as much downloading as you want for a monthly fee. So while Apple has a positive for having more downloadable media, those that don’t wish to pay for every single download will probably favor the Zune. This one is a wash.
Finally, ever since it came out, critics of the iPod have pointed out a very obvious lack of an FM tuner. iPod enthusiasts have countered that with the large available storage capacity of the iPod means that there is little, if any, need for an FM tuner. However, most will agree that it’s nice to have and so Microsoft has included one in their line of Zunes since their debut. Score one for the Zune.
So the final tally is 3 to 1 with the iPod coming out on top. However, this should be no surprise to fans of the iPod and even fans of the Zune. If Microsoft wanted to seriously compete with the iPod, then it would have addressed these issues from the start instead of implementing other features that next-to-no one would be able to use right from the start, such as its Zune-to-Zune file sharing capability. So the iPod rules for a little longer, at least until Microsoft works out the kinks of its dismally-released Zune.
This article has been brought you by http://www.iPodSweepstakes.com/default.aspx?offer=article visit now, we are giving a away a free iPod everyday.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dave_Goldstein
iPod Video Downloads - Quick Tips For iPod Users
iPod video downloads are one of the most popular media files people download next to music downloads. iPods used to be very basic in function and can only play music. With the improvements in iPod technology, we are able to view movies and videos on our new iPods. The generous disk space on our new generation iPods allows us to store up to 50 movies, each about 2 hours long. It is so convenient to watch a good video on iPod without carrying bulky DVDs or players. Here are some quick tips for iPod users who intend to download iPod videos.
There are many places where you can find iPod video downloads. The most established is iTunes and it is definitely not a stranger to you. iTunes now have more than 200 TV shows and you can download each episode of your favorite video at $1.99. Others like Amazon and Walmart are also popular sites to find video downloads.
There are some individual websites that offer iPod video downloads for private viewing. Most of them are amateurs who are experimenting with video filming and there have been some interesting finds reported at these websites. In fact, from time to time, you may have received them via email from your friends.
You may have gotten your iPod video downloads from sources other than the major stores such as home made videos. But when you try to play them on your iPod, you realize that you cannot. Do not panic. The likelihood is that your video file format is not compatible with your iPod. iPod can only read MPEG4 and H.264 video files so this means that you need to convert the files first.
While there are many paid versions, you would be pleasantly surprised to find freeware that are just as powerful in converting video files to iPod compatible format. Free iPod Video Converter V1.32 and Utralshareware do a pretty neat job in converting popular video formats so that you can enjoy DVD/VCD and AVI, MPEG, WMV, RM, DivX, ASF and VOB video files using your iPod.
Visit my blog to find out more about iPod video downloads and where you may access to new DVD quality iPod video downloads.
The content of this article is provided for the purpose of education and illustration only and is in no way associated with Apple, iTune, or any company or subsidiary of Apple. This article may be freely reprinted or distributed in its entirety in any ezine, newsletter, blog or website. The author's name, bio and website links must remain intact and be included with every reproduction.
Davion is a successful webmaster and author. Find out how you can access to unlimited ipod video downloads - full length DVD quality videos easily from home at ipod-videodownloads.blogspot.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Davion_Wong
There are many places where you can find iPod video downloads. The most established is iTunes and it is definitely not a stranger to you. iTunes now have more than 200 TV shows and you can download each episode of your favorite video at $1.99. Others like Amazon and Walmart are also popular sites to find video downloads.
There are some individual websites that offer iPod video downloads for private viewing. Most of them are amateurs who are experimenting with video filming and there have been some interesting finds reported at these websites. In fact, from time to time, you may have received them via email from your friends.
You may have gotten your iPod video downloads from sources other than the major stores such as home made videos. But when you try to play them on your iPod, you realize that you cannot. Do not panic. The likelihood is that your video file format is not compatible with your iPod. iPod can only read MPEG4 and H.264 video files so this means that you need to convert the files first.
While there are many paid versions, you would be pleasantly surprised to find freeware that are just as powerful in converting video files to iPod compatible format. Free iPod Video Converter V1.32 and Utralshareware do a pretty neat job in converting popular video formats so that you can enjoy DVD/VCD and AVI, MPEG, WMV, RM, DivX, ASF and VOB video files using your iPod.
Visit my blog to find out more about iPod video downloads and where you may access to new DVD quality iPod video downloads.
The content of this article is provided for the purpose of education and illustration only and is in no way associated with Apple, iTune, or any company or subsidiary of Apple. This article may be freely reprinted or distributed in its entirety in any ezine, newsletter, blog or website. The author's name, bio and website links must remain intact and be included with every reproduction.
Davion is a successful webmaster and author. Find out how you can access to unlimited ipod video downloads - full length DVD quality videos easily from home at ipod-videodownloads.blogspot.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Davion_Wong
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