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Dr.Michael · Nov 3, 2004, 04:11 PM

Hi,

I experienced several times that my iPod was completely drained when I wanted to use it in the morning. So I decided to test the battery lifetime in a non stop run.

Its a 5 gig, more than 2 year old iPod that I used regularly something around 3 times a week for 1 hour or so. Sometimes more sometimes less.

I started the test a 9:30, made a break at 12:30 and started again 16:30. Now its empty. Its 23:00. This means the sucker did it for 9.5 hours. Great. iPod mini, you will have to wait a little longer.

The only thing that really sucks is that the iPod uses power when asleep. Thats why its sometimes down in the morning (after I did not use it for some days and stored it in the drawer).

iREZ · Nov 3, 2004, 04:35 PM

Wow that's rather impressive! Can you tell us what your test was in detail, ie. did you play the same track over and over on repeat, how high was the volume, bitrate on the songs being played, any features on or off, and so on. I don't think I could get 6hrs with my 20gig 3rd gen but I do have high bitrate on all the songs so that could be a reason.

Dr.Michael · Nov 4, 2004, 02:37 AM

Originally posted by iREZ:
Wow that's rather impressive! Can you tell us what your test was in detail, ie. did you play the same track over and over on repeat, how high was the volume, bitrate on the songs being played, any features on or off, and so on. I don't think I could get 6hrs with my 20gig 3rd gen but I do have high bitrate on all the songs so that could be a reason.

Well, yes, mainly I use 128 - 160 kbps mp3 format because with 5GB its a lot about space and I listen to many audiobooks where 128kbps is completely ok.

No equalizer and volume around 30% on a european model without volume hack - comfortable for me. I played through the playlists, mainly 3-10 minute songs. Repeat of the same song would probably never spin up the hd. So I did not do that.
No other cpu consuming features were set.

I agree, after 2 years thats impressive.

iMacfan · Nov 4, 2004, 11:08 AM

I've an original 5Gb iPod that's nearly three years old, which I have used a great deal. I recently did a similar test with 19kbs mp3s and Bass boost on, but I got bored after 7hours, with still a fair amount of juice left. Still, its not stopping me from getting an iPod photo

David

Dr.Michael · Nov 4, 2004, 12:34 PM

Originally posted by iMacfan:
but I got bored after 7hours

I did not listen the whole time too

Kenneth · Nov 4, 2004, 01:12 PM

Interesting test.

I am still using the 10GB model (10% thinner one).. bought back in Aug/2002. So far, I don't see any problem with the battery or the iPod itself. Meanwhile, I remember during the last winter, I left my iPod inside the grove box overnight and parked my car in the driveway. When I powered it up in the morning, the battery ran out. I think colder weather did shorten the life of the iPod.. I think typical issue on battery,right?

I'm thinking to upgrade when it hits 5G.

Link · Nov 4, 2004, 02:12 PM

Darn lucky

My 10gb 2g is only getting an hour and a half, if that! :|

BTW: there's a replacement out there you can use to get 17 hours of battery life (or more) on a 1g/2g ipod

[And that's much cheaper than a new ipod, lol]

I'm sure I'll be doing that but I'm still trying to reset the ipod to get it to recognize the full battery :|

IFLY2HIGH · Nov 4, 2004, 02:26 PM

I have a 10 gig 1st gen pod and I only charge mine once a week. It has had the orginal battery replaced for some reason, owner before me had it done, but I use it all week long to and from work and extensively on the weekends. I'd have to say i get about 7-8 hours if not more out of it.

Do you swap it over on hold when your your done for the day?