Mossberg: New iPod a ‘surprisingly decent video player’

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Mossberg: New iPod a ‘surprisingly decent video player’

In his column for the Wall Street Journal, Walt Mossberg has taken a look at the new iPod 5G (video), including a close look at the device’s video functionality.

“Our verdict is that this new iPod is an excellent music player. It has all of the strengths that have made prior iPods monster hits, and a few subtle refinements. Plus, it’s a surprisingly decent video player, with crisp, smooth vivid playback of TV shows, music videos, short films, video podcasts and home videos… We wouldn’t want to watch a full-length movie on this iPod—the screen is just too small. But, for short things like music videos, video podcasts or even hourlong TV shows shortened by stripping out the commercials, as Apple is doing, the new iPod provides a pretty good experience.”

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Comments

1

Wow, Mossberg actually, finally, gave a responsible review of an Apple product.

Posted by Talking Madness in Los Angeles on October 19, 2005 at 11:02 AM (PST)

2

David Pogue came to a similar conclusion in the Times. His assessment of the video quality is interesting:

“The biggest surprise: watching video on the tiny, 2.5-inch screen (320 by 240 pixels) is completely immersive. Three unexpected factors are at work. First, the picture itself is sharp and vivid, with crisp action that never smears; the screen is noticeably brighter than on previous iPods. Second, because the audio is piped directly into your ear sockets, it has much higher fidelity and presence than most people’s TV sets. Finally, remember that a 2.5-inch screen a foot from your face fills as much of your vision as a much larger screen that’s across the room.”

Posted by Hrothgar on October 19, 2005 at 12:29 PM (PST)

3

astounding…

Posted by yodagreg on October 20, 2005 at 12:13 AM (PST)

4

I’m not so sure bout this guy. The review seems good, but in the past his articles have implied that the only thing he knows about mp3 players is how to work his clickwheel. I would trust a review from iLounge or even cNet far more.

Also the guy doesn’t help his cause when he mentions obtaining illegally downloaded tv shows from a ‘friend’. Give it up Mossy, you ain’t fooling anyone.

Posted by Rummy on October 20, 2005 at 1:35 AM (PST)

5

My father in law (and millions like him) read and trust Mossberg and has never heard of CNET or iLounge. His reviews have sold a whole lotta iPods over the years…

Posted by bipto in Minneapolis, MN on October 20, 2005 at 8:10 PM (PST)

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