Apple iPod 5GB for Mac – 1st Generation [M8513B/A]

(1) The software now on iPod's has ironed out the bugs mentioned elsewhere in these reviews and now includes an equaliser.

(2) The fact that the machine is updatable through downloads from the apple site means that the machine I bought six months ago has more capabilities than when I bought it. E.G. The addition of the equaliser, also you can store and display a full address book on your iPod.

(3) I am a very snobby audiophile. The iPod sounds great. And unlike every other portable audio product, it doesn't come bundled with bad headphones.

(4) It sounds better than minidisc. Trust me.

(5) It is durable and does not skip. I regularly take it to the gym. Sure, it gets scratched but you're USING it, duh! Enjoy it! You can't live in a glasshouse!

(6) It is the size of a pack of cards.

Note that there is a 10Gb version now out, but 5Gb is a lot of music. This is the best thing ever!


It does work with PCs (really)   March 26, 2002
Robert Smithson (London)
42 out of 43 found this review helpful

I love my iPod. And I don't even own a Mac.

Why Apple decided to release this for Macs only is beyond me. The iPod is beautifully made, and UI is simple and effective. Mine hasn't broken yet, either.

Anyway, it is *very* easy to get it to work with your PC, so long as you have a Firewire card. (Cost c. 30.) There are two software packages (Ephpod, free, and X-Play, will cost, but currently in beta) with do what iTunes does.

So, ignore the Mac only bit, and get yourself an iPod!


My iPod - 5 months on   March 17, 2002
9 out of 9 found this review helpful

I bought an iPod five months ago. I've used it every day to listen to music and as a hard disc to carry my work to and from the office.

Unlike the first reviewer, I've seen no problems with the battery either personally or on the numerous iPod/MP3-related internet sites, of which I'm an avid reader. Track skipping is also an unknown phenomenon (actually the iPod has a 20-minute skip protection, compared the the minute or so of rival products). The dial for scrolling through the menus has perhaps become slightly looser than it was when the iPod was new, but this has not affected its performance. The buttons remain fine. The software updates were quick and easy to download and install - they have mostly added more languages to the menus; I'd not experienced any problems at all with the software before downloading them. Scratching of the case IS a real problem, but (somewhat surprisingly) the mirror-finish stainless steel can be buffed up with Brasso. I've not had any scratches on the front yet, but I've probably been lucky. Dirt is not a problem; the thing may be white, but it wipes clean - most of the case is stainless steel after all. If you want to protect the iPod suitable mini disc player cases are readily-available in the UK (I got mine in John Lewis). The iPod isn't perfect, but it IS the best MP3 player out there at the moment.

The new version will no doubt have a greater hard disc capacity, and probably a remote control too (the firmware is already built into the iPod to accommodate it), and is probably worth waiting for.


Getting better and better...   September 19, 2002
Michael Mooney (Glasgow United Kingdom)
27 out of 29 found this review helpful

This 5gb iPod is the first generation release, so some of the reviews below are a bit dated. I bought the 10Gb version in July, and coverted 200 of my CDs to MP3 - a whole music collection in my pocket. And it IS pocket sized. I bought a case with the iPod, but very rarely use it. I've found it very robust in use, and easy to clean if you want to preserve that gorgeous finish. Sound is excellent, and it makes an excellent juke box if you plug it into your amp...or car stereo. Two minor caveats - could do with a remote control to avoid taking it out of your shirt pocket, and the earphones get a little uncomfortable after a couple of hours. Of course, the 20Gb version is now out, with a remote control and improved headphones, and totally compatible with PCs for the same price. Don't you hate it when that happens?

Simply the best mp3 player around if you can afford it. And if you can't, save up until you can...


Flawless?   February 24, 2002
6 out of 6 found this review helpful

Nope. But it is very, very good.

Apple's iPod is a work of art - it looks great, and feels just right in your hand. Even the packaging is gorgeous!
While holding it, your thumb has easy access to all five buttons and the scroll wheel. The wheel makes navigating the interface very quick and easy - it allows you to scroll through long lists of MP3's, and change the volume.
The cover looks great, although it is prone to scratches, and greasy fingerprints show up on the polished metal backing. Apple neglected to supply a case with the iPod. Fortunately, there are a number of nice cases available from various manufacturers.

Sound quality is excellent - the earphones that come with it are good, although some people find them a bit too large to sit comfortably in their ears.
It hasn't skipped on me yet, although there is a slight pause should you fastforward several tracks at once.

If you have a Mac, then you really ought to get an iPod. They work beautifully together - transferring songs is simple and very, very quick. If you don't have a Mac, then you might run into a few problems - the iPod isn't officially supported. You'll need a firewire card, and some third party software to allow you to get songs across. My original firewire card was incompatible. You need to be prepared to get your hands dirty if you're planning on running an iPod solely off a PC.

What else? A remote might've been nice, so you don't have to take the iPod out of your pocket when you want to skip tracks.
Some users have bemoaned the lack of an equalizer, although to be honest, it sounds fine without it.

Some of you might be considering an Archos. It has a lot more storage space, although given how quickly you can transfer songs back & forth from an iPod, this isn't really an issue. The Archos will quite happily run on a PC, although it is a whole lot slower due to its USB connection. Aesthetically, I don't think Archos can hold a candle to the iPod.

I love my iPod. You should too.