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andretan · Nov 24, 2003, 01:58 PM

Hiya folks,
Looking to get an iPod this X'mas, but ain't too sure (yet).

My iTunes library is only >3GB at the moment and I don't see it going to more than 5GB in a years' time.

I'm thinking of getting a used 1st or 2nd gen iPod (a 5GB one), but there's the problem of getting a badly scuffed one, or one that might break down in a week.

What are the pros and cons of the 1st/2nd gen iPods?

If I were to get a 3G iPod, it's neat, with games, and non-movable parts and stuff, but I've read too many problems about it recently (in this very forum!) and with people complaining about lousy battery life.
If I were to go for a 3G iPod, it would probably be the 10GB model.

The only thing I like about it is that it's much slimmer and has more software features, and 3rd party accessories are coming out (like Belkin's voice recorder, etc.)

Any good advice?
No flames please

PS: The worse bit about the whole thing? There's NO education discount for the iPods for where I come from.

llvaporll · Nov 24, 2003, 02:30 PM

one potential problem i see with getting a used one (especially 1gen) is that the battery charge time could be significantly lower from use with the prior owner...apple now has a battery replacement program, but i doubt youd want to buy an old one and then spring for a $99 new battery too....

look for a deal on amazon for a 10gig 3gen....

andretan · Nov 24, 2003, 02:35 PM

Originally posted by llvaporll:
look for a deal on amazon for a 10gig 3gen....

Would love to, but then those rebates and promotions and stuff will probably not apply to people outside of Asia. :/

subego · Nov 24, 2003, 03:44 PM

Whichever way you go, get the largest you can afford. Just having an iPod will make you want to expand your music selection.

Apple just started offering extended warrantees for the 3Gs, so you could get a guaranteed 2 years out of the battery on a new unit. 2 years from now, I would expect a healthy iPod repair industry outside of Apple, though this is obviously speculation.

On the other hand I have a 2G/20GB, my girlfriend has a 3G/40G. I personally like mine better in all respects except the hard drive size. I even like its relatively largish proportions and heft. The button arrangement is better, and I can use them while its in its belt case. The 3G needs an actual finger touch, or the remote.

I'd prolly stay away from the 1G, just because it'll have been rode hard, and the mechanical scroll wheel is just another part to break down.

You're screwed in the scuff department unless you immediately place a brand new iPod in some sort of "skin" protector. I'd try not to make this a concern.

HTH

slider · Nov 24, 2003, 03:49 PM

Try and go for a 3G, for one reason, accessories. I have a 2G 10GB and I love it, but I will never be able to use it to store any kind of media for compact flash cards, or use it as a voice recorder (not that I would need to since I have a really nice one, but that is not the point I am trying to make). The other two comments above are very good too concerning getting the largest you can afford and battery life. Whatever you get you'll love it.

DigitalEl · Nov 24, 2003, 05:41 PM

As someone's already said, just having an iPod is going to make you want to acquire more music. Jumping from "only" 3 GB to 5 or 7 GB in a year is not unrealistic.

The current (3rd Gen.) 10 GB model would probably be your best bet. Battery life + Warranty = More hassle-free ownership.

All the best add-ons and accessories are now made for the 3rd Generation iPods, not to mention cool, as-yet-unseen features sure to come.

ss1 · Nov 24, 2003, 06:06 PM

I'm looking to buy the 20 Gig iPod by the end of this week

. My only concern is the battery life, but I've weighed that up with the hassle free operation and the fact that I can have my music collection with me whether I go, won it for me.

After this week I have only two more things to buy, till I feel satisfied:

- 20" Cinema Display
- 12" iBook G4 or 15" PowerMac G5 (If it is avaliable at time of purchase).

ss1.

andretan · Nov 25, 2003, 01:21 PM

Well, with my budget, I can only get a 3G 10gig iPod...

I'll wait a couple weeks to see what Xmas promos they are going to have.

xylon · Nov 25, 2003, 02:04 PM

I'm still stuck on the first gen scrollwheels, absolutely love them. I'm not a big fan of the solid state buttons and touchwheel on the the latest revisions, but that's personal opinion.

I'm going to have to go with what everyone else is saying here. Getting a 3rd Generation leaves the door open for a ton of accessories as well as a warranty. And you never know when that extra GB's on your iPod might come in handy.