Welcome to the MacNN Forums.

nickday · May 3, 2003, 06:24 PM

Hi,

I'm really after an iPod, and i've been looking around on eBay and I could get an old-version iPod 5gb for little more than �150. I would go for the new one if I had the money, but I don't really and can't justify �300 (for 15gb version) on an MP3 player, no matter how nice it is!

Anyway, does the old style iPod have a backlit screen? Any really drastic differences between the old and new versions, that make it really worthwhile spending the extra money?

Cheers,
Nick

mdc · May 3, 2003, 06:28 PM

i just searched google for a review of the 5 gig and it does indeed say that there is a backlight in there.

5 gig ipod review

new ipod: smaller, different look, and some software features. the software features are: the ability to customize the main menu, 2 new games, ability to create playlists on the ipod. and i might be missing some others. the new ipod has a dock which has line out. it just seems that there is a recording function that has just been found.

nickday · May 4, 2003, 04:29 AM

Thanks for your reply. You mention line out when connected to the dock - does the old iPod just have headphone out? I want to connect it to my hifi system, and i'm thinking that headphone out will bring some distortion as i'll have to mess around with volume levels on the iPod.

Also, does either the new or old iPod's have a crossfade feature, similar to that in iTunes?

Oh... and one more thing... is the old iPod actually that much heavier and smaller than the new one? If somebody has a pic of them side by side that would be great!

Cheers,
Nick

mdc · May 4, 2003, 08:03 AM

http://www.spymac.com/gallery/showga...;x=24&y=20

riverfreak · May 4, 2003, 08:07 AM

Originally posted by nickday:
Thanks for your reply. You mention line out when connected to the dock - does the old iPod just have headphone out? I want to connect it to my hifi system, and i'm thinking that headphone out will bring some distortion as i'll have to mess around with volume levels on the iPod.

Also, does either the new or old iPod's have a crossfade feature, similar to that in iTunes?

Oh... and one more thing... is the old iPod actually that much heavier and smaller than the new one? If somebody has a pic of them side by side that would be great!

Cheers,
Nick

Hi Nick -

1) I have no problem connecting my old iPod to my stereo through the headphone out. I'm no DJ, but it sounds fine to my ears. No need to really adjust volume on the iPod itself in this mode. Just set it at something reasonable.

2) Yes, the old iPods are significantly thicker and heavier, especially the 20gb. I had a 5gb originally and was surprised by the difference in the two. I was equally surprised by how thin the new ones are. If you've never had an old iPod and never seen the new ones, you won't know what you are missing. That said, the old ones are sufficiently small, thin, and light.

kulverse · May 4, 2003, 08:13 AM

The new ones feel about half as thick as the old ones. But I'm sure its not half. The new ones are noticably lighter and sleeker. Here are a few picts of my new 15 Gb, and its older 5 Gb Brother

nickday · May 4, 2003, 09:09 AM

Wow, those pictures are tempting me even more!

Looking around, the lowest I can get a 5gb for is actually �200, so I suppose it would make sense to get the 10gb for �250. But then i'd want the dock and carry case, which would cost more seperately than the �50 difference between the 10 and 15gb versions... so I suppose the 15gb version would be best! I do like the idea of the dock, and would prefer dedicated line out for hifi use than just the headphone out.

Well, I best get saving...

Thanks for all your help!

Nick

mdc · May 4, 2003, 09:48 AM

someone at apple is sneaky. the 10gig is more than enough space for me, but i want the dock and i want the remote, oh look i am only $20 away from the 15. so i get the 15.

kulverse · May 4, 2003, 09:58 AM

Originally posted by mdc:
someone at apple is sneaky. the 10gig is more than enough space for me, but i want the dock and i want the remote, oh look i am only $20 away from the 15. so i get the 15.

I had this same debate. I only really needed the 10, but I wanted all the goodies with the 15. Screw it...thats what Tax refunds are for

nickday · May 4, 2003, 10:05 AM

Originally posted by kulverse:
I had this same debate. I only really needed the 10, but I wanted all the goodies with the 15. Screw it...thats what Tax refunds are for

Yeah, 10gb is plenty for me too and i'd only go for the 15gb because of the extras included. Hmm, I could purchase it through my Dad's business and get it VAT free... 17.5% off! :d

Nick