[nayr x]

So, I'm turning 21 this monday, and my mom really wants to get me a nice gift since it is a 'big' birthday... anyway, I am now deciding on either asking for an iPod, or a new acoustic guitar. (an Ovation, to be exact...love those!) Soooo... i have a few questions for those of you with some iPod experience, because I have none... here are my questions/concerns:
1) 15 or 30 GB? I always tend to go for best available when buying hardware, but I like the slimness of the 15... Is the difference in bulk even noticeable? I currently only have about 10GB total in my iTunes library, but I would hate to limit myself right off the bat. 2) Has anyone tried the Belkin FM transmitter jobby? That is one of my main reasons for wanting an iPod: so I can take all my Pearl Jam and Zeppelin and what have you with me in my car, other people's cars, my home stereo etc., and get rid of all my cases of scratched CDs. If this product is not a viable solution I will not purchase an iPod... so if any of you have used this and care to comment, it would be greatly appreciated! and finally, 3) I haven't been following iPod news on this board because until now I had little invested in the topic. But how long do we all think it will be before a new and improved iPod emerges with color LCD, better syncability, more lasers, etc? (everything needs more lasers.) I know it's hit or miss, but I will kick myself if a new pod comes out in the next few months. SOOOOooo..... thank you all for your insight!

P.S. If anyone wants to go get smashed next monday drop me a line!

[Steve]

If i had to chose between a new acoustic guitar and an iPod, I'd probably go with the guitar. I love my new 30gb iPod, but with the requirements you've listed (mostly the FM transmitter issues), it seems you'd be better off getting the guitar as well.

1.) 30gb. If you already have 10gb of music, it's fairly easy to get another ~4gb and be at the maximum limit. The 30gb iPod would give you more flexibility in the quality and quantity of CD rips and iTunes downloads you could have on your 'Pod, as well as better resale value in the long run. The thickness difference is minimal IMO. I never even notice a difference when I play around with my friends 15gb.

2.) The FM transmitters are a great idea, but many people on this board (and other boards) have been complaining about quality of sound through the FM band. Some people get great quality, while others compare it to AM quality sound (which is NOT acceptable for Pearl Jam or Zeppelin ).

3.) Don't worry about updated iPods any time soon. They were updated a couple months back, and knowing Apples schedule, it will be another year and a half + until there is another "major update".

PS - I'd love to get smashed on Monday. Give me a call

[nayr x]

Dang it! I've just spent some time searching for some back-posts about the FM Transmitters...Doesn't sound like the idealistic greatness I had envisioned.... (anyone remember the old Calvin and Hobbes strip where Calvin is really excited to get his propeller beanie? Kinda feel like that.....)

[slider]

Well, if you're going to get a transmitter the only way to go is iTrip. You have a broad band of stations available to you and if you go to Griffin's site, they now have a little app which lists what stations are clear in over 200 cities. Don't expect CD quality from a transmitter, but I personally think it's pretty good. Although admititly none of my family has a honed hear for music and I am sure that can make a huge difference for someone that does. Happy 21st Birthday.

[spectre]

I've heard the iTrip is the best option for FM transmitters. How many FM stations do you have in your area? do you live in a big city? The iTrip will probably work well in a rural area, but ina city, you might not have as much success.

try checking out http://www.ipodlounge.com

[Powaqqatsi]

It depends, if you walk around a lot or are in situation where you carry your iPod in your pocket, the 30GB weighs a lot more compared to the 15GB and it's fairly annoying (all the iPods wheigh to much IMO, that why I stay with my MiniDisc which wheis a 55 grams ). If you don't really need to carry it in your pockets, the extra thickness or weight are nothing compared to the double capacity you get with a 30GB.

[brachiator]

I love my iPod, but if you play, go for the guitar. Unless you Pete-Townshend it, you'll have it all your life. I don't think that anyone will look back lovingly when they are 40 (yes, it'll happen) and think, ah, yes, this is the iPod my mom got me when I turned 21... or when they are teaching their kids to, uh, listen to antiquated mp3s and AACs on the old family iPod.

I wish I could play, so I much more like the idea of the guitar, clearly.

happy birthday either way!

[nayr x]

Yes... I got the guitar... and it is GREAT... been jamming on it all afternoon. I figure I can always go out and buy myself an iPod eventually, so the sentimental value of a guitar outweighs the burning Apple-Gadget Lust (AGL), (not to mention the ovation is much more 'expense!---Thanks ma!). I think I may still go out and get the 15er ( I ride my bike 3miles to campus and am sick of my CD player skipping/the non-pocketability of it, so a sleek 15GB pod will do nicely to take over that role. So thanks to all of you who replied, it made decision making slightly less excruciating.

...Now Im gonna go play with my new baby...