Here is the cheapest I`ve found a 20GB iPod.
I`m looking at the Creative models too, as I`m not arsed about what it looks like, as long as it sounds good and stores loads on.
This for £210 seems much better value than the iPod. Removable battery, 50% more songs on it. It does however look like a PC device rather than a fancy new age consumer electronics gadget, but who cares when it`s in your pocket?
Or.... for a mere £10 more than the cheapest available 20GB iPod, you can get a 60GB Zen Xtra. That`s a hell of a price when you compare it with the iPods, especially when the 40GB is nearer £400.
Well I finally gave in.
I`ve had a good play with the Creative and the iPod. iPod has it for looks but that`s not a concern really.
Functionality
I like the way the iPod is easy to operate with either hand. Although I`m right handed, I often use my left hand to operate the machine when it`s in my coat pocket. The menu systems on both are pretty easy to operate, but the iPod is much simpler.
1-0 to iPod
Capacity
20GB is about enough for me. Of course 30GB would be nice, but it`s not necessary. It`s like having a car with identical performance except one can reach 150 mph - nice specs to admire but I`ll never use it.
Draw
Features
Creative has pretty much all the features iPod has. The Creative is weaker at searching through tracks for a specific point but it`s not a major issue. Creative has many equaliser presets as does the iPod. Creative has some EAX enhancements which I remember from when I got a SB Live card a few years back. They make it sound like you are listening in a bathroom or a hallway - utterly pointless - I like my music pure and simple without anything altering the sound like that. A quick tweak of the bass is about as far as I`ll go. Both come with crappy earphones so there is no real winner on that score.
iPod has much nicer screen which is larger than the Creative one. Both are ample sized though. The iPod also has a dedicated line-out on the dock, but Creative model sounds ok through headphone socket fed into an amplifier. The dock with the iPod is definitely a plus point, but it`s not something I`d buy if it didn`t come free.
Overall, another draw.
Build quality
Creative model feels a little flimsy at the front but it`s built pretty well. iPod is instantly eye catching and very well built. Scroll wheel on Creative model feels a bit weak but you just take care of it.
Definitely another point to the iPod.
Value for money
Creative`s model is marginally better value for money than the iPod, but I reckon you`ll get enough pleasure out of using the iPod in day to day situations to justify the extra.
Overall 1 point to Creative for this section though, based on technical specs.
Software
I have iTunes installed and have 15GB of my music on the disk. It`s very simple to use and has enough features to keep me happy while still doing the basics well. I haven`t used the Creative software, but reviews aren`t too favourable towards it, suggesting that you are best buying Notmad Explorer, which is a third party utility. From looking at their website, this potentially looks even better than iTunes, but of course it`s not free so it pushes the price up a bit more.
1 more point to the iPod for this.
So, the scores come to 5-3 to the iPod - a high scoring match suggesting both have enough in them to please the crowd!
I genuinely don`t think you`d be unhappy with either of these. In the end I have plumped for a £250 20GB iPod. Can`t wait until it arrives :D :D :D
This item was edited on Wednesday, 28th April 2004, 01:00
Trust me, you`ll be happy
And as for the line-out functionality...a simply 3.5mm lead (either mini-Y or to 3.5mm jack) plugged into the headphone socket of the iPod is all you need - the dock is not a requirement, but simply makes it easier.
"I didn`t lose my mind, it was mine to give away"
Quote:
And as for the line-out functionality...a simply 3.5mm lead (either mini-Y or to 3.5mm jack) plugged into the headphone socket of the iPod is all you need - the dock is not a requirement, but simply makes it easier.
I was playing around with my girlfriend`s iPod and the line-out was MUCH better quality than the headphone socket for linking to an amp.
The headphone socket has a fair bit of hiss (not too bad but noticable on tracks with and subtle moments in them) whereas the line-out is crystal clear.
I have had a 20GB iPod since Christmas and love it to bits. Word of warning: charge it regularly! :)
My DVD Collection
Quote:
Word of warning: charge it regularly!
Aye, so I`ve heard! Shouldn`t be a problem with the dock, as I`ll just shove it in there when I get home every day.