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CaseCom · 01:08 AM

The Wall Street Journal's Walt Mossberg reviews the new iPod in this morning's (Thursday's) WSJ. It's a very positive review, with the notable exception of battery life. Here's an excerpt:

The new iPod does have one big drawback, however. To reduce the size of the unit, Apple had to cut the size of the battery. So, the battery life of the new iPods, while still respectable, is significantly lower than it was on the original version. The old models claimed 10 hours of battery life, but mine got 12 hours. The new models claim eight hours of battery life, but my test iPod lasted only 7.5 hours -- nearly 40% less than my old one.

--- [snip] ---

Even Apple's reduced claim of eight hours is suspect. It's based on tests in which some key iPod features, like the screen backlight and equalizer controls, are turned off and the volume is limited to 50%. You shouldn't have to disable key features to achieve a claimed battery life.

The company says the new batteries still will last for a full day of typical use. But if you were used to the extraordinary battery life of the old models, the drop-off will be a shock. Other than that, you'll find the new iPods to be even better than the old ones, and a delight to use.

icruise · May 1, 2003, 12:52 AM

I don't think the backlight is a "key feature" in the sense that people normally use their iPods with it on all of the time. And the old iPods' batterylife would also drop if you used the backlight all the time.

michaelb · May 1, 2003, 05:53 AM

On the plus side, the new iPods can take the nifty AA-battery battery pack thingy from Belkin (sold through the Apple Store).

4 AA-batteries apparently give 20+ hours of use - I assume that's alkaline "Energizer bunny" batteries. I can imagine the 1700 mAH NiMH AA cells I use in my digital camera would last even longer.

tonewheel · May 1, 2003, 07:17 AM

As one who probably spends much more than one should to have the latest and greatest, this is one time I'm going to pass. My original 'Pod, a 5 gig, was replaced by a 20 gig when they became available. Not for the new scroll wheel feature, but simply because it had more capacity.

For me, I don't see any advantage to the new front panel layout, the reduced overall thickness (apparently smacking battery life in the process), revised ports, etc. It would actually cost me more to "upgrade", as my 'Pod is customized and accesorized exactly how I want it and use it...particularly with the iSee clear case.

First time iPodders, enjoy, and welcome to the world of iPod and iTunes 4! For me, and many of us I suspect, we're exactly where we want to be.

AssassyN · May 1, 2003, 07:51 AM

Originally posted by tonewheel:
For me, I don't see any advantage to the new front panel layout, the reduced overall thickness (apparently smacking battery life in the process), revised ports, etc. It would actually cost me more to "upgrade", as my 'Pod is customized and accesorized exactly how I want it and use it...particularly with the iSee clear case.

First time iPodders, enjoy, and welcome to the world of iPod and iTunes 4! For me, and many of us I suspect, we're exactly where we want to be.

Absolutely man...I picked up my classic 10gig iPod just 2 weeks before these new ones at a Target closeout for a very good price, and now, I couldn't be happier. My button layout pleases me MUCH more, and I actually like the feeling of my buttons depressing when I push them. I also love my standard FireWire port, as my FireWire cable can be used for any other FireWire device, and I have no need whatsoever for any USB connectivity with it. My 10gig is plenty thin for me, and just like you, mine resides in a beautiful "iSee" case that I love.

I really like the old button layout much better, and just the overall looks please me more, and of course, I'm not complaining that I have more battery life. I considered selling this one for a new one, but there's no way, I love my classic.

To everyone else, if you're not buying a closeout classic iPod, just on in and get a new one. They're awesome, just not awesome enough to justify the upgrade for me.

swsteckly · May 1, 2003, 11:29 AM

I too got between 9-11 hours on the old 20GB iPod. I hope that I will get the published 8 hours on my new 30GB. If not, it won't be a big deal.

It is only 3-4 times per year that I would use the iPod more than four hours a day, anyway, so I can just plug it in every night, or whenever I'm in the car (whenever my Belkin charger comes, apple's saying 2-3 weeks).

codywalton · May 1, 2003, 02:21 PM

I bought my 10 gig about a year ago, when they first became available. I think I will upgrade to the new 30 gig in the next couple of months. I have about 18 gig of music now.... seems like a good time to upgrade. 7 hours is enough for me most of the time. I use it mostly as a replacement for my car radio... although I think I will pick up the battery pack for longer trips...

slider · May 1, 2003, 05:36 PM

Originally posted by michaelb:
On the plus side, the new iPods can take the nifty AA-battery battery pack thingy from Belkin (sold through the Apple Store).

4 AA-batteries apparently give 20+ hours of use - I assume that's alkaline "Energizer bunny" batteries. I can imagine the 1700 mAH NiMH AA cells I use in my digital camera would last even longer.

On the down side it's $70. Just b/c you buy an expesive MP3 player they think this is the right price spot. Yeah, I'd like the option, but for more like $30, but for $70 you can keep it. I'll find and outlet.

slider · May 1, 2003, 05:38 PM

Originally posted by tonewheel:
As one who probably spends much more than one should to have the latest and greatest, this is one time I'm going to pass. My original 'Pod, a 5 gig, was replaced by a 20 gig when they became available. Not for the new scroll wheel feature, but simply because it had more capacity.

For me, I don't see any advantage to the new front panel layout, the reduced overall thickness (apparently smacking battery life in the process), revised ports, etc. It would actually cost me more to "upgrade", as my 'Pod is customized and accesorized exactly how I want it and use it...particularly with the iSee clear case.

First time iPodders, enjoy, and welcome to the world of iPod and iTunes 4! For me, and many of us I suspect, we're exactly where we want to be.

Hmm, good point, there is a lot of nice things about the new iPod, but there are things to be thankful about with the old iPods too, I don't feel ripped like some do when new stuff comes out. Didn't think of it like that.

Helvetica Neue · May 1, 2003, 06:53 PM

Originally posted by tonewheel:
First time iPodders, enjoy, and welcome to the world of iPod and iTunes 4! For me, and many of us I suspect, we're exactly where we want to be.

Amen, hallelujah! My 10 Gig iPod has worked perfectly over the past 6 months, getting 11h+ battery life. Plus the 1.2.6 update improved performance in terms of holding a charge.

Wouldn't change it for a slimmer model that runs out of juice after a day or 2 travelling to work...

ryanbrown345 · May 1, 2003, 07:42 PM

I know you guys are trying to feel good about not buying a new ipod. But really 3 hours is not that big of a deal. Has anyone sat down and lisinted to music for a full 12 hours! If you have timed it then that is great but I doubt that you have. So don't be saying it gets 12 because mine dosn't i am lucky to get 7, or 8.

tonewheel · May 1, 2003, 09:32 PM

My battery indicator was faulty, and erratic, for the longest time. 1.2.6 fixed all of that, and 1.3 indicates the same exacting functionality. I get a cosistent 11 hours from a healthy charge.

I don't think the issue is, as you say, making ourselves feel better about not having to purchase a newer iPod. I stated exactly what represents my situation. The changes to the new 'Pods don't justify the upgrade for me. Better backlight? Never use it. Reconfigured controls? Aesthetic change, IMO, without any improved functionality. Improved connectivity? Yes, but nothing my current setup requires. And as some report, the convenience of simple firewire updating has been made less simple (so I hear). Slimmer and lighter? That surprised me, but again, it's nothing that anyone expected or ever talked about as a shortcoming of the iPod. But there is a reported downside; it sacrificed run time with a smaller capacity battery.

I suspect purchases of the classic 'Pods will ramp up over the coming days and weeks until supplies are depleted.

The 17" Big Al was something I found refreshing, new, powerful, stylish, functional, and frankly had to have (and sold my gigabook to get one). I don't feel that way about the new 'Pods.

icruise · May 1, 2003, 10:24 PM

Yes, these are certainly an evolutionary, rather than a revolutionary, step from the old iPods. there's really nothing wrong with the new ones at all (I think the complaints about battery life aren't really justified) but there is also nothing that makes me say "damn, I really have to get one of those new iPods..." The 12" powerbook made me replace my pismo when I had no plans to do so. Not so here.

OptimusG4 · May 1, 2003, 10:42 PM

Apparently, his math is way off. He states 40% difference from 10 hrs...thats a total of 6 hrs, where he said his lasted 7.5 hours. Thats 25% less there buddy, nowhere close to 40% less.

Severed Hand of Skywalker · May 1, 2003, 11:01 PM

Originally posted by OptimusG4:
Apparently, his math is way off. He states 40% difference from 10 hrs...thats a total of 6 hrs, where he said his lasted 7.5 hours. Thats 25% less there buddy, nowhere close to 40% less.

Dude, your reading is way off.

"The old models claimed 10 hours of battery life, but mine got 12 hours. The new models claim eight hours of battery life, but my test iPod lasted only 7.5 hours -- nearly 40% less than my old one."

OptimusG4 · May 1, 2003, 11:05 PM

Yea, I re-read that just now as well. Ah well, I swear he was comparing to the 10 hrs

icruise · May 1, 2003, 11:26 PM

That was shaky logic there, certainly. He's saying that the old iPods were supposed to get 10 hours, but instead he got 12. Now that he only gets 7.5, and claiming a 40% drop, it's almost like he's punishing Apple for giving him the extra 2 hours in the first place. Anyway, I don't think most iPods get anywhere near 12 hours.

Severed Hand of Skywalker · May 2, 2003, 12:10 AM

Originally posted by Icruise:
That was shaky logic there, certainly. He's saying that the old iPods were supposed to get 10 hours, but instead he got 12. Now that he only gets 7.5, and claiming a 40% drop, it's almost like he's punishing Apple for giving him the extra 2 hours in the first place. Anyway, I don't think most iPods get anywhere near 12 hours.

It would have to do with how much you use backlighting and jump around songs. If a list is preloaded and songs far from start to end the battery will last longer.

swsteckly · May 2, 2003, 12:27 AM

Yeah, the Belkin stuff seems a little steep. I know the car charger has an audio-out port and a fuse, but $40? I got a powerpod for $15. I'll buy it, though, because it looks to be the first available, and I've always liked Belkin stuff. I also appreciate the fuse, something missing from other adapters.

But that battery deal is way out of sight. That much money for a battery box with a plug on it? I could go to radio shack and buy a battery box for $2, buy an apple dock connector for $19, and hack it up connecting to the battery back (providing I get the correct pinouts and don't blow the thing up). $30-$40 maybe, but that is way too high, even for me.

On a side note, I contacted Gary of Waterfield Designs, and he said that they are 'certainly' planning an updated iPod case, 'as soon as we get our iPods in from apple'. Also, it will ve available 'very soon', and to 'check our website www.sfbags.com for updates'.

Looking forward to that. I loved my old Waterfield iPod case, and I look forward to a new one.

Here's how I stand on the new features. I'm upgrading from a 20GB purchased 8/02.

New button layout: Mainly an asthetic issue, but possibly a slight ease of use improvement.

Dock: Very nice. I like docks in general, and this one looks great. I also herald the dock connector, isolating all connections into a single, multi-purpose connector. Sure, you'll have to buy new cables, but this is worth it!

Battery life: Not a huge deal. 20% is not that much of a deal, unscientific battery-life guessing for journalists nonwithstanding. Jeez, take it in the house and put it on the dock every night, instead of every other. Who uses it more than 8 hours daily, anyway?

Size/Weight: A HUGE plus! This is the predominant reason I upgraded. While the iPod was certainly an innovator when compared to the other 'jukeboxes' (I hate that word) out there, it always seemed just the slightest bit too thick and too heavy. This looks to be just the ticket - As slim as many non-HD based MP3 players, and exceptionally light. This is something that I might actually carry with me and times I don't plan ahead and take it.

Price: While I feel that the dock/case/remote should have been included with the 10GB model, I think that the price points are very reasonable. You pay more than similar models from other brands, but what do you get? From Apple, you get a 75% better product for a fraction more.

AAC: A major leap ahead in compression. I have re-encoded my 160 CDs (I have lots more, just not on the iPod) in 320kbps AAC, and it takes up only slightly more space than 192kbps MP3, which I employed previously, with a noticeable better sound (at least with high-quality headphones).

For a rough comparison, I have 1500 songs, with a 4.7 days length, taking up 15GB. I have not finished the entire encoding process however, I still have another 4 GB or so to do. 3000 songs instead of 7500, but with a much superior quality.

iTunes 4: Great update to the venerable program. AAC encoding works great, and works quickly. A few minor interface tweaks are welcome, too. I also find the ability to display album artwork really cool, too. During my re-encoding process, I added all of the album covers from my collection. VERY cool to see the album cover popup when you click on a song. Not that much for usefulness, but really neat.

iTunes Music Service (I've had a chance to try it out with a US credit card): Very well organized and easy to use. Very good selection of material, at a reasonable price. Even better if apple adds independent labels (as reported). I wish apple would offer a choice of kbps compression schemes, though. You could choose 320kbps AAC to match the rest of your collection, and face a longer download. Or go quick with 128kbps. Wouldn't seem to cost apple any more, other than server space. GIVE US INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT, ALREADY!

So, I think that the new stuff from apple is terrific. I'm highly anticipating the arrival of my iPod, and look forward to giving it an extended listening test with my re-encoded collection, both when it arrives and for a road trip planned for next weekend. I'm anxiously awaiting the arrival of my Belkin car charger, and the release of the Waterfield case, but those are the only accessories I'm buying. I might get something like the iPodWrap, which is like the 'write right' things for PDAs but cut for the iPod, when they come out with a version for the updated design.

michaelb · 05:19 AM

Originally posted by swsteckly:
But that battery deal is way out of sight. That much money for a battery box with a plug on it? I could go to radio shack and buy a battery box for $2, buy an apple dock connector for $19, and hack it up connecting to the battery back (providing I get the correct pinouts and don't blow the thing up).

Hopefully someone will put the pin-outs up on a web site. If female 6-pin FireWire connectors (for the other end of the dock cable) are easily available you could save on the cost of the extra cable and just carry the included cable with you when using the battery pack.

A gel cell as used in burglar alarms would be excellent for a long plane flight, although security would give you hell getting on the plane...

What we really need for all this is an xlr8youripod.com !

Update: someone's already done this...

http://users.adelphia.net/~evansa/iPodCharger.html

This design would need a female FireWire connector substituted.

I also found the FireWire plug pin-outs (25 V DC across the power pins).

http://www.taltech.com/TALtech_web/s...ins2.html#1394

DaedalusDX · May 2, 2003, 09:41 AM

Originally posted by Icruise:
That was shaky logic there, certainly. He's saying that the old iPods were supposed to get 10 hours, but instead he got 12. Now that he only gets 7.5, and claiming a 40% drop, it's almost like he's punishing Apple for giving him the extra 2 hours in the first place. Anyway, I don't think most iPods get anywhere near 12 hours.

I get about 11 and a half hours out of my original 5GB with the 1.2.6 update.

tonewheel · May 2, 2003, 09:59 AM

Good posts. However, the Waterfield case (which my daughter has with her 5gig "pod) is nice. But with the new dock? Be prepared to remove the "pod from the case every time you want to charge it in the dock. And it's no easy deal to get an iPod in and out of those Waterfield soft cases. In fact, it's pretty difficult.

That's the only problem with cases. iTrip, for example, will not work if the iPod is in any case except for the one that comes with the iPod (top completely open and exposed). And, how will any case work with the new dock? The bottom of the iPod has to sit flush against the dock. Waiting and curious...

cambro · May 3, 2003, 11:00 AM

Ok....so....

What is the battery life REALLY like on the NEW iPods. We all know the old ones had great battery life when working properly.

Anyone?

n~s · May 3, 2003, 11:08 AM

Originally posted by tonewheel:
And, how will any case work with the new dock? The bottom of the iPod has to sit flush against the dock. Waiting and curious...

he dock is strictly optional, the same cable that fits into the back of the dock also fits into the bottom of the ipod.

You would need a case with a long slit in the bottom to give you access to the iPod's port, but you could probably do that with the case Apple gives you and an exacto knife if you really wanted to sync it without taking it out.

xylon · May 3, 2003, 04:36 PM

Originally posted by CaseCom:
The Wall Street Journal's Walt Mossberg reviews the new iPod in this morning's (Thursday's) WSJ. It's a very positive review, with the notable exception of battery life. Here's an excerpt:

Is Mossberg a Mac user? Of the reviews I've read, he always gives stellar reviews. I mean, it makes sense that he give good reviews to good products, but I've always where he was coming from.

Anomalous · May 4, 2003, 05:32 PM

I've never had an iPod, and if I were to get one today I would gladly take one of the new ones. Their small size and weight is amazing!

CaseCom · May 5, 2003, 01:18 AM

Originally posted by xylon:
Is Mossberg a Mac user? Of the reviews I've read, he always gives stellar reviews. I mean, it makes sense that he give good reviews to good products, but I've always where he was coming from.

He's had mostly good things to say about Macs lately, and he's a big fan of the iPod and the iApps. But I don't get the impression he's a zealot; he has been critical of Macs in the past, and he's knowledgeable on the Wintel side as well. He had a very good piece about the Pentium M/Centrino computers when those came out.

dfiler · May 5, 2003, 08:24 AM

Originally posted by xylon:
Is Mossberg a Mac user? Of the reviews I've read, he always gives stellar reviews. I mean, it makes sense that he give good reviews to good products, but I've always where he was coming from.

I consider him to be pro Mac platform but not really a zealot. You can pretty much count on a positive review from him...

cambro · May 5, 2003, 10:43 AM

Hello...topic of thread? ANYONE?

Battery life??? How does it compare?? Real world tests??

Come on people, throw me a freakin bone here! Need the info!

Yoda's Erotic Piggyback · May 5, 2003, 11:03 AM

Originally posted by cambro:
Hello...topic of thread? ANYONE?

Battery life??? How does it compare?? Real world tests??

Come on people, throw me a freakin bone here! Need the info!

Well I used my iPod for about 3.5 or 4 hours and I was doing lots of jumping and skiping around with backlighting and the battery hit about 50%.

cambro · May 5, 2003, 04:16 PM

Originally posted by Yoda's Erotic Piggyback:
Well I used my iPod for about 3.5 or 4 hours and I was doing lots of jumping and skiping around with backlighting and the battery hit about 50%.

Cool. Thank you.

I finally managed to get someone to comment on battery life on another forum and they said they noticed a pretty substantial decline in performance relative to the older models. I'm asking because I'm thinking about getting the new one and battery life is key for me.

If anyone else cares to comment on battery life relative to the use they got on the last gen. that would be great.

hardcat1970 · May 5, 2003, 07:06 PM

i got my new 15gb ipod this morning, and after fully charged, it downs to one level up til now and that's 5 hours playback time. I doubt it will get 8 hours as advertised. I'll let you know the final playback time later on.

by the way, i repeatly play an mp3 album that encoded with 160kbs with sound check on, the volume is set at 60%.

ryanbrown345 · May 5, 2003, 07:27 PM

I have my 30gb and I ran out of battery's today I would aproximate it at 7.8 hours. With volume at 75%. Not bad I compared to my 5gb which was around the same for me.

hardcat1970 · May 5, 2003, 10:41 PM

i got 8:10 hours battery life.

dfiler · May 6, 2003, 08:00 AM

Originally posted by cambro:
I finally managed to get someone to comment on battery life on another forum ...

If anyone else cares to comment on battery life relative to the use they got on the last gen. that would be great.

Heheh. Gripe understood.

Yet, with so few of the new iPods in consumer hands, the best most of us can do is comment on the credibility of published reviews. I'm sure reports will start rolling in as more MacNNers are able to get their hands on the new hardware. Until then, demanding commentary will elicit a high percentage of meta-reviews.

Rreports will probably change over time as well. Gadget freeks who go out and buy Apple hardware the week its released are also likely to be messing with the controls constantly... As novelty wears off, backlighting and interaction processing is less frequent, leading to increased battery life. (no offense intended to fellow techno-weenies)

hardcat1970 · May 6, 2003, 08:12 AM

Originally posted by dfiler:
Heheh. Gripe understood.

Yet, with so few of the new iPods in consumer hands, the best most of us can do is comment on the credibility of published reviews. I'm sure reports will start rolling in as more MacNNers are able to get their hands on the new hardware. Until then, demanding commentary will elicit a high percentage of meta-reviews.

Rreports will probably change over time as well. Gadget freeks who go out and buy Apple hardware the week its released are also likely to be messing with the controls constantly... As novelty wears off, backlighting and interaction processing is less frequent, leading to increased battery life. (no offense intended to fellow techno-weenies)

i didn't play with other things like backlighting or alarm..etc. And i get around 8 hours compared to 10+ hours on my first generation ipod.

I guess that's why apple and belkin team up to create that 4AA battery adapter.

OAW · May 7, 2003, 04:52 PM

I bought the original 5 GB iPod the day it was announced ... and I just did the same for the new 30 GB iPod. I can say without a doubt that the battery life of the new iPod is significantly shorter. Having said that, this is a relative assessment ... I'm not saying that the battery life sucks or anything like that.

An example ...

On a full charge, I could listen to my old iPod all day at work and end up with 2 bars on the battery indicator. I could fire it up again the next day and go a few hours before a recharge was needed. On the new iPod, I'm down to one bar at the end of the first work day. I think I'll have enough juice to keep me entertained on the drive home and during my nightly workout ... perhaps another 1.5 - 2 hours total.

The bottom line is that I'm getting a full workday's use out of a charge. Once the Belkin car charger arrives from Apple (the local Apple Store didn't have any for some strange and unknown reason) I should be good to go. Especially if it is a "rapid" charger like the one I had for my old iPod. Now that I mention it, I probably should have checked on that before I ordered it. It takes a good 4 hours to get a full charge when the iPod is plugged into my Mac ... I certainly hope this Belkin charger is much faster than that. But I digress ....

My assessment is that the battery life of the old iPod was great .... whereas the battery life of the new iPod is good.

OAW

hardcat1970 · May 7, 2003, 05:26 PM

Originally posted by OAW:
My assessment is that the battery life of the old iPod was great .... whereas the battery life of the new iPod is good.

OAW [/B]

i agree completely. I also think that the old ipod is more portable than the current one.

the new ipod is thinner and feel more fragile than the previous generation. The old ipod is perfect size for carrying around.

Actually i think new ipod is more fittable at home because its dock has a line out and it sounds great too. I am going to put my new ipod in my bedroom attached to my speakers and i will take it out on the road occasionally.

Yoda's Erotic Piggyback · May 7, 2003, 05:30 PM

Originally posted by hardcat1970:

the new ipod is thinner and feel more fragile than the previous generation. The old ipod is perfect size for carrying around.

I dunno about that man. smaller and thinner makes it easier to carry around. I can't see how the old iPod would do any better if dropped then the new one.

hardcat1970 · May 7, 2003, 07:20 PM

Originally posted by Yoda's Erotic Piggyback:
I dunno about that man. smaller and thinner makes it easier to carry around. I can't see how the old iPod would do any better if dropped then the new one.

what i meant is because the new ipod is so tiny and it feels so precious. I almost drop it because it slips right through my hands, fortunately i catch it in mid air.

Also the touch buttons are very sensitive and the scroll wheel feels a little weird compared to the old ipod. I kind of like the old ipod's button. But it is just my opinion.