[riverfreak]

I'm a complete iPod addict. I was an early adopter of the 5GB (to replace a craptacular Archos jukebox). Later I passed on the 5GB to my dad and picked up a 20GB, ordered from the show floor that fateful summer day at the javitz center.

'Natch I was really curious to see the new iPods. I have to say that I can't believe Apple did it, but I really think they took an awesome product and made it much better.

The dock looks great and is a welcome addition for frequent syncer/chargers like myself. Size is great, buttons and backlight are cool.

But the scroll wheel - awesome. It lacks the slick and sometimes slimey feel of the touch pad on the old 10 and 20s. The center button (it's not really a button now) just feels so solid. It's raised up in the center providing a great frame of reference.

I'm curious to hear what new owners (especially those that have had a pod in the past) think of the new touch wheel.

[mdc]

i like it, but i am having a bit of trouble getting used to it. my first ipod. the center button is taking a while to get used to. is there any special region or some special way how to press the button or am i dumb*** and just missing something?

[riverfreak]

Originally posted by mdc:
i like it, but i am having a bit of trouble getting used to it. my first ipod. the center button is taking a while to get used to. is there any special region or some special way how to press the button or am i dumb*** and just missing something?

Just takes a little time. The center isn't really a button per say anymore in that it doesn't press. All you have to do is touch it, it seemed to me. Perhaps one of the new owners can chime in.

[SomeToast]

The problem I had with my 20 gig (and the 10 gig before that) is that when hitting the select button in the middle of the scroll wheel, I'd have a tendency to hit it high and to the left, needing to rock my thumb down and push a little harder to get the switch contacts to close.

Now it's no longer an issue.

Rabid new-control-layout detractor to 30 gig iPod owner in less than a week. That's Apple for you.

[Mac Zealot]

It's nice, I agree... I imagine it woulda been beautiful (though a problem) if the touch sensitive buttons were arranged the same way as the old one was....

But I can't afford it.

So I'm happy with my 10gb touchpad one.. I don't want to lust over something I can't have

[cambro]

Glad you are happy with the new model controls. How is battery life?? I'm a little disappointed that Apple took a step backwards in their battery technology and battery life with this update.

What is your real-world experience with battery life on the new models?

[xylon]

I got to fiddle with my friends 30 gig. It is nice, I especially love the backlit buttons. That red is hot.

However, I'm not a fan of the "touch" everything. I have the origianl 5 gig iPod and I like the mechanical wheel and buttons. It gives me a bit of feedback that I like. I dunno, I figure I could get used to the scroll wheel if I had one, but like MacZealot, money is a limiting factor here. I'll just hold out with my 5 gig for now, it's done an awesome job for me ever since I got it.

[swsteckly]

I'm pretty sure that the buttons are not touch sensors, but capacitance sensors, like the power button on the Cube. Because it doesn't activate if you touch it through fabric. Pretty cool.

As for the new wheel/buttons, they're terrific. As with anything like this, there is a little 'getting-used-to' period, but I think they're great. While some may prefer the tactile feedback of an actual button switch, I think the solid buttons are very cool.

[mdc]

since posting that message for help and tips, i have used my ipod a lot and i am getting used to how the buttons/sensors should be pressed and i am getting proficient at it.

i think the buttons are amazing, how there is no real button.

my ipod has overtaken my digital camera for #1 peripheral, and that is saying a lot.

[zigzag]

I just bought my first iPod, and am having no trouble using the new controls. All they require is a very gentle tap. It might help that I never had the opportunity to get accustomed to the old ones.

The new iPod makes artificial clicking noises when you use the controls, which are very cool and give you additional feedback. The clicker can be disabled, but I kinda like it.

Before buying, I was a bit wary of the dock concept, but I find that I like being able to set the iPod down and connect it to the Mac without fumbling with cords. It will be nice to be able to connect it to a stereo in the same manner.

A great product, but there's always a wish list:

a) Make the cords black or gray instead of white. With both the remote and earphone cords hanging on me, I look like a damn Christmas tree.

b) Make the alarm more functional. As it is, it only beeps very briefly, then stops. I don't know if this will be enough to wake me from a deep sleep, and there's no snooze function for those of us who never get up the first time. Seems like this would be easy to incorporate.

c) As usual with Apple, the written documentation is lousy. The manual reads like it was written at the last minute. Enhance the user experience by providing a decent manual.

Apart from those very minor gripes, a great product.

[ratlater]

Originally posted by zigzag:
A great product, but there's always a wish list:

a) Make the cords black or gray instead of white. With both the remote and earphone cords hanging on me, I look like a damn Christmas tree.

The white cords are a must! They are symbol of iPod ownership. I love wandering around campus and seeing all those white cords on people and knowing that they have iPods too. Think of them as a uniform in an elite club

-matt

[mdc]

too true. you can tell someone with an ipod just by their headphones

[AssassyN]

Originally posted by mdc:
too true. you can tell someone with an ipod just by their headphones

LoL, except for those of us who don't use the iPod earbuds. I use Sony MDR-EX70's, which have grey cords and sound a *whole* lot better.