News
“Old and New iPods, Side-by-Side” Review
Christian Cantrell at Sparkshop has posted a comparison review of his ‘old’ iPod 20GB and his ‘new’ iPod 15GB.
“If you don’t currently own an iPod but are in the market for one, I would advise one of two things: either pick up a new 15GB or 30GB (not the 10GB—remember the accessory equation), or pick up an “old” iPod off of eBay as people upgrade. I upgraded my iPod because I am genetically predisposed to always buying the latest and greatest (and so that I could provide my readers with a review), but for the more practical-minded, the “old” iPods are very far from obsolete.”
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1
I had some requests for iPod pictures, so I added a couple to the review. The wheel on the new iPod is pretty washed out, but since there are no moving parts, there isn’t enough variance between it and the rest of the face of the iPod for the camera to really pick it out. And it doesn’t help that they are all white. The picture of the two side by side shows how much more rounded the new iPods are, but also that they really aren’t as much smaller as one might assume.
Posted by Christian Cantrell on June 16, 2003 at 1:22 PM (PDT)
2
That’s one quality (funny) review.
Posted by VK on June 16, 2003 at 2:55 PM (PDT)
3
The battery for New model is inferior to old one. That’s a serious fact to considering I think
Posted by Harrison on June 16, 2003 at 9:38 PM (PDT)
4
The battery isn’t inferior, it’s just smaller. Which means it has a shorter battery life, but density to energy wise its probably better, if not equal. Besides 6-8 hours aint all that bad really. Can always get the addon battery pack
Posted by Alex Stapleton on June 16, 2003 at 11:41 PM (PDT)
5
After using a new iPod as much as possible over the last few days, I have found that the battery life is not that of the old iPods (as I expected, as Alex points out, due to the size). But as long as it can get me through a coast to coast flight including airport time (about 6 hours), that’s good enough for me.
Posted by Christian Cantrell on June 17, 2003 at 4:29 AM (PDT)
6
Battery life aside, what about all of the “other” problems of the new iPods being discussed in numerous forums? Would it not be better at this point to buy an older iPod, and wait till Apple works the kinks out of the first generation of new iPods?
Posted by Jeffrey Mindich on June 17, 2003 at 6:46 AM (PDT)
7
I just bought the 20GB model (the old one) for $294 because 15 gigs is just a little too little, and 30 gigs is a little too $$$. 20 gigs--as Goldilocks would put it--is just right.
I was discouraged from the new ones because of the “pops” between tracks, and I don’t feel any need for a dock or some of the (minor) software embellisments. I do suspect, however, that updates to come (2.1 or 3.0) might leave me behind.
And let’s be clear--the old models just look better. There’s something ordinary and plastic-y about the new ones.
Posted by Gaston on June 17, 2003 at 7:34 AM (PDT)
8
I got a new 15 gig on a warranty replacement for a dead 10 gig (1st gen) last month. I liked the look of the old one better at first. But as more websites post side by side pictures, the more I like the look of the 3rd gens. The old design looks like a brick compared to the new design. And that is quite an accomplishment considering how beautiful and refreshing the old design was. It’s just too bad that new design sacrifices battery life for the smaller size.
Posted by MG on June 17, 2003 at 2:12 PM (PDT)
9
Shame on you for forwarding us to this crap review. Long on words, short on substance. He doesn’t mention battery life at—surprise, he has no really experience with the new machine yet—and the review is chock full of spelling mistakes and repeating phrases. Horrendous.
Posted by Paul on June 17, 2003 at 6:08 PM (PDT)
10
very true indeed
Posted by Sparks9 on June 18, 2003 at 1:38 PM (PDT)
11
Well, I suppose if I’m going to dish it out (by occasionally writing a negative review), I have to be able to take it (when I get a negative review of my review). The post was meant to be my first impressions of the two models side-by-side. The format of Sparkshop is very much a weblog style, which means I make frequent posts, and frequently revisit topics I have already posted about, so I’m pretty sure I’ll have more to say about my iPod as I log more hours with it both at home and on the road (I have already added more information in the comments section). As with everything that gets posted on Sparkshop, take it for what it’s worth to you. Sorry you did not find the post helpful.
Christian
Posted by Christian Cantrell on June 18, 2003 at 3:51 PM (PDT)
12
Those were good observations, but there was one thing that I noticed when I laid my two iPods together: they began to mate. Apparently the older ones have a bigger battery for a reason!
But seriously, I was sad when the trackball was removed from the laptops. There is always something useful in the older generations that is simply left behind. I wonder if He has anything to do with it?
Posted by twdldee on July 3, 2003 at 11:27 PM (PDT)