Apple iPod - 60GB - Black [video playback] MA147B/A

The main improvement now is the ability to play videos, which I thought at first was useless on such a small screen. But the display has a good resolution and because the sound quality is excellent, watching tv shows and movies is actually enjoyable. Very handy on trains and flights (the battery lasts at least 2 hours, the longest I tried to watch videos for). I would still prefer my TV when I'm at home, but it's great for commuting. You would need third party software to convert your video files and DVD's to m4p to be playable on the iPod, www.ilounge.com is a good place for information.

In addition, this iPod can also store photos. On a Mac, I can select which iPhoto libraries I want synchronised with my iPod. It's a nice feature to be able to show photos to friends.

Like before, it can synchronise Addressbook and datebook (iCal on the Mac) information, also very handy to have. And it can be used as an external hard drive, I use it to transfer files from my work and home computers regularly.

On the downside, this iPod does scratch easily. It's best to have a shield/screen protector (such as Martin Fields, Invisible Shield) as well as a case (of which there are hundreds to choose from - silicone, clear plastic, metal, leather - available here on Amazon, other online stores, eBay).


Lovely piece of kit   December 4, 2005
66 out of 69 found this review helpful

I've had mine for about a week now, and it is a truly lovely thing. A few things you might want to know:

- the screen is much better than I'd expected. It's a pleasure to watch short videos on it. I watch a lot of subtitled videos, and I have no problem reading the subtitles.

- the screen does scratch. I keep it in the case most of the time, but there are still quite a few scratches on the screen already. They're only noticeable when the backlight is off, however, so they don't impair use of the screen.

- the headphones are rubbish. But if you care about the quality of your headphones then you probably have a good set already.

- you aren't limited to iTunes videos. You can easily convert VCDs, DVDs, or any AVI or Mpeg format file to the iPod format. I use ISOBuster and the Videora iPod converter, both of which are free. On Videora's default settings, a 3 or 4 minute music video comes out at about 25 Megs.

- there are many, many free podcasts available through iTunes or on the web.

- you don't need a Windows 2000 or XP computer to use the iPod on Windows: this requirement is only for the iTunes software. You can use an iPod on Windows Me or 98SE via Winamp and the ml_ipod plug-in, although this can't handle videos.

- the battery life seems pretty good, so as long as you're able to plug in to a computer every one or two days then you don't need to get the power adapter. It charges quite quickly too - I top it up once a day, and it just takes half an hour. If you do get the adapter, the USB lead that comes with the iPod plugs into the adapter- you don't need to get another lead.


best MP3 out there   July 12, 2006
Pierre RENARD (Brussels)
60 out of 66 found this review helpful

There are several reasons why i consider the i-pod over any other MP3, yes it is rather expensive and yes it doesn't come with all the accessories but still there is no better MP3 out there.

I have owned well over 5 MP3 each from different companies and quite frankly all those SAMSUNG/CREATIVE and other MP3's are cheap yes, but the quality is several times worse. First off those other MP3's don't have the sound quality, none of them.
Another notable thing is the memory this little accessory has. 60GB is quite a lot and more than enough for all the songs you need, and you can add all of your favorite videos, music video's, audio libraries and such.

But with other MP3's even if you had all of this memory it would still be useless because you know why? They can't scroll through all the songs you want like this i-pod can. The Apple I-pod gives you an easy way to scroll through all the songs you need in a mattter of seconds.

Add the fact that it looks slick and something you can show off to everyone and it'll earn you more than for what your money paid for.

OK fine yes there are a few bad things...
First off the i-pod can easily get scratched... but I mean seriously just buy the nice silicon case and you won't ever have to worry about your i-pod getting scratched again...

Second point, you can't charge from a plug? buy the adapter...
that's about it really... what more do you want on the i-pod? a way to play video games? yeah you can play the i-pod games if you want even though it would hardly be the reason why you bought this accessory.

Add to the fact that you can buy speaker booster's to start a party or an adapter to the car so you can listen to all your songs in the car and this is really one of the best deal's you can get out there.


Fabulous   February 15, 2006
16 out of 17 found this review helpful

I've always been a fan of iPods, so this may be a little biased, but in my opinion you can't get much better than this product!
Firstly, looks. The 2.5in (diagonal) screen is absolutely gorgeous, very sharp and clear, and I think it's fine for watching video on as well. The smooth casing with the clickwheel (what an invention!) looks great as well, and this iPod is the thinnest model made bar the nano.

The storage space is amazing, and I don't know anyone who would ever need more than this. Its fab being able to play any song that I own at any time, and you'd be surprised how much my iPod comes into my social life now. One of the other thngs I love about this is the fact that you can use it as an external drive, to store files on, which means there is no need to buy a seperate memory stick if you're prepared to carry around the connector cable.

OK, bad points. Firstly, everyone says that it scratches easily, but to be honest, I haven't found that at all, mine still looks pristine. I'm not really sure why, as I keep it in my bag with all my other stuff for day-to-day use. Secondly, it is obviously expensive, and it might be hard to justify buying it. However, if you compare it to other players on the market, it is actually pretty good value for the price of each gigobyte.

The ability to play video is a fab addition, and those who say that a 2.5 inch screen is too small to watch videos obviously aren't looking for a very portable player. The only bad thing is that you have to hold up the iPod to watch videos, and this can be a strain on your arm if you're watching a film or even a TV programme.

The selection of choice at the iTunes store is pretty good as well, as is the $1.99 price for a sitcom episode or music video.

Overall I think this is the best player on the market if you need more than 4GB of storage space


Sleek, sexy black number which now lasts all night...   March 10, 2006
Shawade (UK)
37 out of 44 found this review helpful

If someone asks you how many CD's you own... you pull up your shoulders and declare a number between 100 and 300 with a proud look/smirk on your face. But honestly... when do you dig them all out and listen to them? I bet you keep the same 10 discs in the car all the time don't you? When was the last time you jammed to Led Zep or that Belle Stars CD you have (hidden) somewhere?

Well here is where the wonderful iPod from Apple takes your entire CD collection and dusts it off, shakes it up and gives meaning to your feeling of 'I got good taste' by basically allowing you to have your entire CD collection on a hard disk that drops into your pocket in a unit barely larger than a mobile phone (unless you have a video phone that is).

iPod, in this form, has a 60Gig hard drive. Whenever you travel, on the tube, plane, walking, running, whatever you do, do it with iPod. And then on top of that you can buy an adapter that will allow you to play your iPod tunes through your car stereo.. so thats all your CD's in the car and not just Queen, Kylie or The Nolan Sisters 20 Golden Greats.

The sound quality is up there with the best Minidiscs and other MP3 players, it will play AAC and MP3 files and you can set the compression rate according to whether you want CD quality or maximum sound-time on your iPod. On top of this, you will not find a sexier looking unit than the iPod. If you dont believe me go find one and pick it up. then touch the scroll dial... you see? Outstanding.

My purchase of the 60GB iPod was to replace my old 20GB model which had a an appalling battery life. The current model is outstanding with 20 hours from a single charge achievable. iPod battery concerns finally put to rest. The 30GB model is sleeker but has only 14 hours battery which if you travel, I would suggest will leave you short.

Junk your Minidisc, CD walkman or (Heaven help you) your cassette player... get an iPod. Don't even bother with the Apple headphones though... 'crap' would be unfairly favourable towards them. Sony Fontopia in-ears are a good choice.