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::maroma:: · Jul 3, 2003, 01:38 PM

I am about to purchase my very first iPod. It will be of the 30G variety. Spending that kind of dough, I thought I'd ask if anyone has any advice/warnings/rants/raves about these new models (specifically the 30G).

So, anyone have anything to say about them? I've spent some time with one at the local CompUSA, and I love it. I've heard about short battery life, strange distortion of sound, and some other minor issues.

Also, any buying advice? Where is the best place to buy from? I want to get it engraved, but would I have to get it from Apple directly?

Thanks for any info.

AssassyN · Jul 3, 2003, 02:21 PM

You're about to get one FUN toy!

First off, the new iPod Software that was just recently released (2.0.1) fixed some of those minor issues. The main issues w/ the 3rd gen. iPods were a soft pop when changing songs, shorter battery life than the 2nd gen. ones, and a hit-&-miss "On-The-Go Playlist" function. These issues are all pretty petty and some have been addressed in the new software update.

If you want it engraved, you really only have 1 option: order from Apple.com. However, if you can use an Education Discount of any kind, by all means do so. You can find them cheaper at places like Dell.com & Amazon.com w/ coupons, but you can't get them engraved. Cheers!

::maroma:: · Jul 3, 2003, 03:56 PM

Cool! Thanks for the info.

Quick question about the Educational Discount. How thoroughly do they check whether or not you are actually a student? I've been browsing the Edu Store, and it seems like it's based on the honor system. Or do they actually check to see if you are a student, after you make your purchase?

AssassyN · Jul 3, 2003, 04:20 PM

As far as I know, it's basically an honor system, however I've never tried it myself.

::maroma:: · Jul 3, 2003, 04:24 PM

Hmmmmm.....

I feel like I could morally justify getting the Edu discount, since I went through my entire college career and never used my Apple Edu discount.

Ya think they'd buy that excuse?

RMXO · Jul 3, 2003, 04:56 PM

Originally posted by ::maroma:::
Hmmmmm.....

I feel like I could morally justify getting the Edu discount, since I went through my entire college career and never used my Apple Edu discount.

Ya think they'd buy that excuse?

go register urself at a local community college.....

CIA · Jul 3, 2003, 05:02 PM

Make sure you buy a case to protect it. The second you open the iPod box, that nice metal back becomes instantly scratched up unless you immediateley put it in a nice protective case.
I had mine for about a week before I got a soft case (make sure it's works with 3G iPods!) and now I feel much better about bringing it out and about. Also, you should probably buy a second firewire cable. I ended up leaving the included dock downstairs by my home theater/stereo, (since it has line out) and got another cable to charge and sync the iPod upstairs.

As a stockholder in Apple, I request that you don't rip them off by using Edu discount when you are not a student.

::maroma:: · Jul 3, 2003, 05:42 PM

Originally posted by CIA:
Make sure you buy a case to protect it. The second you open the iPod box, that nice metal back becomes instantly scratched up unless you immediateley put it in a nice protective case.
I had mine for about a week before I got a soft case (make sure it's works with 3G iPods!) and now I feel much better about bringing it out and about. Also, you should probably buy a second firewire cable. I ended up leaving the included dock downstairs by my home theater/stereo, (since it has line out) and got another cable to charge and sync the iPod upstairs.

As a stockholder in Apple, I request that you don't rip them off by using Edu discount when you are not a student.

Good tips, thanks. I know that a case comes with the 30G version, is that case good enough to protect it?

And I was only toying with the idea of getting the Edu discount. My conscience is too persuasive, and will not allow me to do such a thing. Plus, while I'm not a stockholder, I usually go the extra mile (spend the extra dough) if it's going to better Apple.

chabig · Jul 3, 2003, 05:48 PM

I personally don't like the case that ships with the iPod. It leaves the sides exposed and caused wear near the top of the front face.

I simply carry my iPod around in a microfiber sunglass bag. It provides moderate protection and keeps the fingerprints off.

Chris

nbnz · Jul 3, 2003, 06:07 PM

I'm just about to get my first iPod too, also the 30GB...if my local reseller ever gets one in

djjava · Jul 3, 2003, 06:14 PM

Originally posted by RMXO:
go register urself at a local community college.....

if you order online, no problem... i wouldn't worry about the education brigade knocking on your door. If you buy from an Apple Store.. be prepared to bring student IDs, report cards, test scores, a professor, and your bookbag..... they are a lot more strict at the Apple Store. In all seriousness, all you need at the Apple Store is your Student ID, a license, and you have to sign something.

I'm on the verge of purchasing a 30gb iPod... waiting to finish off paying the powerbook (one more $500 payment left to go)