Welcome to the MacNN Forums.

videian28 · Apr 23, 2004, 08:48 AM

whats your thoughts on buying one now or waiting a bit

I am hesitant with the headphone jack problem people are having

whats the current shipping delay

any insight on reduced pricing or new models of iPod being released sometime in the near future?

can you use as a backup hard drive?

thank you for your time

SupahCoolX · Apr 23, 2004, 09:39 PM

The Apple Store online lists a 6 week delay, but I don't know how accurate that is in reality. Sites like www.ipoding.com or www.ipodlounge.com probably have more detailed reports from people.

The mini's specs/price won't change any time soon. They can't fill demand as it is, so it will be a while before any changes are made. As for regular iPods: some people think new models are on the way, but it's all speculation. Current iPods are great, and I wouldn't hesitate if the current specs/price are good enough for you. If anything, you could always sell it on eBay and buy a new one.

Yes- all iPods (regular and mini) can be used as hard drives. Of course, with only 4GB, the mini is a bit limited for this purpose. Also, the mini's drive is slower than the one found in the regular iPods, so it may not be great for heavy-duty hard drive use.

ixus_123 · Apr 28, 2004, 08:24 AM

I heard they are having headphone problems hence the worldwide delay.

Don't know how much truth is in it but though but I would wait - I never buy use anything brand new. Even with software updates I wait until they are at least a few weeks old - scanning the forums daily

SupahCoolX · Apr 28, 2004, 05:32 PM

The worldwide delay is because they can't get enough of the 4GB microdrives (from Hitachi, IIRC) to make them fast enough.

Applefreak01 · Apr 28, 2004, 06:00 PM

Or your wife can get a regular 15GB iPod unless she really wants the mini because of the size. The price difference between the iPod mini and iPod 15GB is around $50 more for the 15GB iPod.

I would choose the 15GB iPod because it's only $50 more and holds an extra 11GB of songs or hard drive storage but then again I have 7GB songs so the 4GB mini isn't for me.

kpne1home · Apr 28, 2004, 06:28 PM

If price is the problem you can still get 10gb iPods for $250. They might be in the apple refurbished section online but they will be new units. You can always get a 30 gb for 350 too, that one is refurbish. I wish I needed a new ipod or had the money for that one.

SSharon · Apr 29, 2004, 01:17 AM

If you want to risk it order a mini, then call Apple and say that its taking too long and see if they offer you a free upgrade to the 15gb. You save 50 bucks they save the hassle of one more customer waiting for a product with a long line.

ixus_123 · Apr 29, 2004, 05:04 AM

Originally posted by SupahCoolX:
The worldwide delay is because they can't get enough of the 4GB microdrives (from Hitachi, IIRC) to make them fast enough.

Yeah that's the official line. What I posted was the rumor. I tend the believe the official line but there have been a lot of issue with headphone sockets so I wouldn't entirely discount the rumor.

discotronic · Apr 29, 2004, 09:19 AM

Originally posted by SSharon:
If you want to risk it order a mini, then call Apple and say that its taking too long and see if they offer you a free upgrade to the 15gb. You save 50 bucks they save the hassle of one more customer waiting for a product with a long line.

After waiting through 2 shipping delays on the mini I ordered, Apple sent me an email offering the 15GB as a replacement. I took it. No regrets.