Apple iPod (30GB, video, black)
Manufacturer: Apple Part number: MA146LL/A
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- Product brief
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- Get the affordable, sleek, and sexy 5G Apple iPod for its audio virtues. Although video looks great, poor video battery life and a relatively small screen hamper its appeal to video heads.
Where to buy
| store | customer rating | inventory | tax & shipping | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon.com |
 |
In stock
|
Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price |
Your best price as of 09/07/2008 |
| Refurb Depot |
 |
In stock
|
as of 09/07/2008 Refurbished |
CNET editors' take
Apple iPod (30GB, video, black)
price range: $179.95 - $499.96
Get the affordable, sleek, and sexy 5G Apple iPod for its audio virtues. Although video looks great, poor video battery life and a relatively small screen hamper its appeal to video heads.
The good: Incredibly thin and intuitive design; beautiful LCD; supports photo and video playback; seamless integration with iTunes, which boasts the world's biggest music catalog and a new video store; smooth video; lots of extra features, such as a world clock, a stopwatch, and PIM applications; a galaxy of accessories designed for the iPod; great overall value.
The bad: No extras included, such as a dock, A/V cables, or a power adapter; poor battery life for video; slight delay when playing video; no guarantee that your non-iTunes Music Store video will play on an iPod, even after using converted third-party software.
The bottom line: Get the affordable, sleek, and sexy 5G Apple iPod for its audio virtues. Although video looks great, poor video battery life and a relatively small screen hamper its appeal to video heads.
Those who follow gadgets know that Apple didn't invent portable digital video; companies such as Archos, Creative, and iRiver have produced good if not stellar products that play back video--and on larger screens with better battery life. But if Apple can do for video what it has done for audio--that is, deliver a hardware/software ecosystem that offers a decent choice of content and makes it easy to get video on to the iPod--then this device, like it or not, will be remembered as the one that started the portable digital video revolution.
The 5G iPod, which is available in white or Nano black and comes in 30GB and 60GB capacities for $299 and $399, respectively, is the best one we've used to date. Yet because it has added a major extra feature--video playback--to its solid, audiocentric foundation, there's room for improvement.
Product brief
Intro: The Apple iPod is a 30 GB, large capacity player.Compared to other large capacity MP3 players on the market, it is midpriced at around $245.
Noteworthy Features: Has a 320 x 240 screen resolution, which is larger than some similarly priced MP3 players.
Weaker Features: None noted, given available product data.
Suitability: A large capacity MP3 player, suited for bringing an entire music library with you.Comes with equalizer presets to easily tailor your listening experience.According to the manufacturer this player will last approximately 14 hour(s) between charges; your run-time will vary based on use and power management configuration.Comes with a 1 year warranty, which is standard in the industry.
Value: In general, this MP3 player's features seem a bit weak for its price, compared to most other MP3 players.
Suggestions: Audiophiles may wish to buy aftermarket headphones for better sound reproduction.
User reviews
- Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 204 reviews
-
-
Thinking about getting an Mp3/video player??? READ BELOW !!!
by Chris131 on October 18, 2005
Pros: Flawless Integration with Itunes and compact size
Cons: Simply read below
Summary: TOP 5 THINGS THAT STEVE JOBS FORGOT TO MENTION ON STAGE WHEN HE INTRODUCED THE NEW IPOD.
1. The new 30gig IPOD while displaying video will run for only 2 ...Summary: TOP 5 THINGS THAT STEVE JOBS FORGOT TO MENTION ON STAGE WHEN HE INTRODUCED THE NEW IPOD.
1. The new 30gig IPOD while displaying video will run for only 2 hours on one charge. After the 2 hours, you will have yourself one "Sleek, Sexy" paperweight.
2. The new Ipod, like the old IPOD does not have a user replacebale battery. What this means is simple. When your battery dies and can no longer take a charge, you have to send it into Apple for a new one. They charge $100 plus shipping for this service. It's been reported (CBS NEWS) that you don't get your actual unit back either. They just send you an IPOD. It's not a new one, it's someone elses. I guess Apple assumes you still have all your media on your computers hard drive.
3. When you open the box to your IPOD you will notice, there isn't much in it. Don't call Apple. That's the way they sell it. You don't get a dock. You don't get a case and you don't get cables to connect the IPOD to your TV. Those are all extra.
4. The audio controls on the IPOD are poor. No REAL Graphic Equalizer here. And forget an internal FM tuner.
5. the new Ipod is capable of outputting video back out to your TV, BUT don't expect DVD quality. The native resolution is reported to be 320 x 240 Great for the IPODS 2.5 inch screen but not so great for your big screen TV
It's important for people to know these facts when considering an Mp3/video player.14 out of 19 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
The best iPod yet...
by ladlc on October 13, 2005
Pros: Big screen, Does Video, super thin (compare to previous lines) and it comes in white or black.
Cons: Expensive, still no radio.
Summary: I believe this is the best mp3 and video player to date. I used to own several "other" mp3 players and video player and those dont compare to the stylish ...
Summary: I believe this is the best mp3 and video player to date. I used to own several "other" mp3 players and video player and those dont compare to the stylish design, great features, easy functionability and superb storage of the new iPod. Apple is even updating iTunes to sell over 2k video feeds, music videos, movie trailers and my favorite Tv shows. This will revolutionize the way we watch TV. The new iPod will be the clear winner in this holiday season. Once again dominating the market with those other players, only demonstrating who' boss and what the vast majority of customers want in they're music and video players.
Other great features include: Listening to podcasts, audiobooks, watching video podcasts, movie trailers, viewing contacts, calendars and storing all kinds of documents in its hard drive.10 out of 14 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Not perfect, but darn close!
by TechDiva on December 24, 2005
Pros: Excellent sound quality, videos show wonderfully, sleek and thin
Cons: Battery life is poor, scratches very easily
Summary: I have wanted one of these since they day I heard they were available. Wasn't it a great surprise when my husband gave it to me for an early ...
Summary: I have wanted one of these since they day I heard they were available. Wasn't it a great surprise when my husband gave it to me for an early Christmas gift yesterday. (He knew that I would be playing for the entire day!)
It's my first iPod, so I am learning my way around, the click wheel, and how to manage the items on my iPod so that they aren't necessarily in sync with my iTunes.
I transfered over 300 photos onto it and they look wonderful on the screen. I then put 650 songs on it. The sound quality is absolutely amazing! My husband, with the music degree, absolutely could not get over the sound. We were hearing parts of symphonies and underlying parts of music that we have never heard before! Absolutely incredible.
I then went and downloaded the first three episodes of Knight Rider. As a child of the 80s, this was my favorite show. To be able to watch it on my black iPod was incredible. Again, excellent sound quality, and the video is wonderful! Very personal experience, as the reviewer stated, and I laid in bed watching without bothering him. I will be downloading many more videos to watch!
Now, unfortunately, the flaws that I have found...
After watching one 48 minute show, my battery life was already 1/2 down. This is definitely not a travel iPod or one that you could watch lots of shows on an airplane trip. Once I was done with the video, and went back to music, the battery life evened out and seemed to hold steady.
Secondly, I was very dismayed at how easily the entire front scratched. I have owned it less than 24 hours and have fine scratches all over it. (Luckily, none on the screen.) However, the black shows the fingerprints and scratches much more easily than the white. I have already gotten online and ordered the three set of the skintight iPod covers from Speck.
http://www.speckproducts.com/vid-skintight.htm
I then ordered maintanence cleaner from icleaner. It says that it's for new iPods with find scratches, so that's what I need.
http://www.ipodcleaner.com/products.html
As much as I love the glossy finish, as gingerly as I was handling it, it obviously doesn't stay that way. I was even using the soft cloth that I got at my eye doctor's that I use to clean my glasses. I will be leaving it here on the desk and not carrying it around until the above products arrive.
So, if you're looking to upgrade, or have never owned an iPod, I highly recommend this one. Music, photos, and videos all in one at excellent quality. Have fun playing!
Updated
I almost forgot...
As a teacher, my husband purchased it for me on the Apple Education Store.
http://store.apple.com/Catalog/US/Images/routingpage.html
With the discount, it was $269 plus free shipping. Every family is allowed one iPod a year as long as you are a student or an educator. Excellent program that Apple offers and I greatly appreciate it!7 out of 8 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
TWO HOUR BATTERY LIFE!!!
by WuerschDerek on October 13, 2005
Pros: Large screen, thin, USB 2.0, Itunes Videos
Cons: TERRIBLE battery life, Small screen for Movies
Summary: Yes, the new apple ipod continues the cool reign of the iPod. However, look closer to find it isn't going to do much those who want to watch video. ...
Summary: Yes, the new apple ipod continues the cool reign of the iPod. However, look closer to find it isn't going to do much those who want to watch video. Notice that the estimated battery life for watching videos is UP TO 2 hours! a TWO HOUR battery life is ABISMAL at best for a PMP. Say goodbye to watching Lord of the Rings,A Beautiful mind, or Star Wars Episode 3. Even my PsP Gets more than 4 hours of battery life with movies, and thats with a user removable battery and a screen about 2 inches bigger! Nice try, but no thanks apple.
17 out of 33 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
I almost fell for it's charm too...
by kervin86 on April 17, 2006
Pros: Sleek, thin, popular
Cons: Battery life, lacks features, overpriced for what you are getting
Summary: Can I first ask are all the editors of ipod reviews paid to have their ratings high. I've read so many reviews that talk about problems with the ipod ...
Summary: Can I first ask are all the editors of ipod reviews paid to have their ratings high. I've read so many reviews that talk about problems with the ipod players but when it comes to their rating it is higher than a player that they gave a rave review to???
I was originally going to buy an ipod when they first came onto the market all those years ago, but was quickly told that these were not the best players on the market. I was refered to the iriver H120 which has been the best investment I have made.
I quickly found out that the ipod really wasn't the best choice with their crap battery life and many unhappy customers. And yet people still buy these players because they are popular. It is so sad all those mp3 players out there that have many more features for your dollar that are just overlooked because people want to be trendy.
Yes this player is small. But it is small at what cost? Lack of features and poor battery life. I will gladly add a couple of millimeters to the size of my mp3 if it is going to mean double the battery life, fm radio and microphone (built in not bought seperatly), and better colour screen.
And yet I am guilty of almost buying an ipod a second time. I went to a store intent on buying a video playing mp3 players. The store had no other video capable mp3 player except for the ipod (as usual). So I asked the shop assistant if the new ipod was any good. She said don't even think about buying it. I think when your told by someone whose job it is to sell you that item not to buy it then you should listen to them.
I'm not slandering ipods like many people are (There seems to be this ongoing war of ipods against any other mp3 player), ipods do have there perks. But if you look around there are much better players out there that can do what the ipod can do and much more. Players with better video and sound quality, more features and for a better price too.4 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
regret nano or maybe not?
by jboffill on October 13, 2005
Pros: very nice video quality.
Cons: battery lifetime may not be that long
Summary: does this play divix, what kind of formatt does it support? i am thinking about getting it but i would have to wait for cnets review to tell me more, ...
Summary: does this play divix, what kind of formatt does it support? i am thinking about getting it but i would have to wait for cnets review to tell me more, can you on ly put itunes videos in it or can you have your own in it?
i think we should all wait for a while!!!!3 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Where are the protective sleeves?
by GoGo98102 on October 12, 2005
Pros: Beautiful, elegant, and well priced.
Cons: Scratch easy and no protector.
Summary: Like Nano, this player came out without any protective skin to buy. Unlike Nano, there isn't even one in the horizon on apple's website. I would buy this ...
Summary: Like Nano, this player came out without any protective skin to buy. Unlike Nano, there isn't even one in the horizon on apple's website. I would buy this eventually - when I can buy the skin/glove at the same time. Trust me, all it takes is a couple hours before you scratch up the beautiful surface and the screen.
3 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Screen freezes, play stops or won't play!
by king78 on May 16, 2006
Pros: Grood memory
Cons: Screen freezes, play stops or won't play!
Summary: On purchasing this product I was guaranteed by the store that it should work fine while jogging. However on occations it has stopped playing for a few seconds & once ...
Summary: On purchasing this product I was guaranteed by the store that it should work fine while jogging. However on occations it has stopped playing for a few seconds & once the screen froze. Also, a few times it won't play, even though I can turn it off and forward etc. I only have the i-pod 3 weeks so I'm quite worried about it's longevitity so I'm going to return it.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Niiiiiice (very)!
by A-Hole on October 16, 2005
Pros: bigger screen, thinner, video
Cons: sucky battey life for video and photo viewing, still kinda big, but they can't make it that much smaller.
Summary: the really big screen makes it look wider, but the dimensions are the same except for how thin it is.
i bet that apple could make a really good camera ...Summary: the really big screen makes it look wider, but the dimensions are the same except for how thin it is.
i bet that apple could make a really good camera it only makes sense, with great computers and great portable media devices they'd be a shoe in in the camera market.2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
-
Looks impressive
by batmanyo on October 12, 2005
Pros: Plays videos, music, view pics, and slim
Cons: Low battery life for videos, 2.5' screen, no other extras such as FM tuner or voice recorder built in
Summary: I have been waiting for a more mainstream video/mp3 player and this might be the one for me. However, I watched a news repot about this on ABC. About ...
Summary: I have been waiting for a more mainstream video/mp3 player and this might be the one for me. However, I watched a news repot about this on ABC. About 2 hours for video playback and 4 hours to recharge the battery. Now, I doubt that I will be using the video playback for that long daily, but I rather have something that last a bit longer.
Also, I would prefer a larger screen. At least somewhere in the 3.5-5' screen but that would probably make it too expensive. However, I am worried about what videos could be placed on the player. All I have been hearing about it was buying videos from Apple. If there is no way to convert personal files on it, I doubt I will buy it.
Overall, the product looks very promising. And with a $300 price tag for the 30 GB model, its gonna be hard to look away. But Im gonna have to wait for a review on the item before I decide to buy the item.2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Apple
- Part number: MA146LL/A
General
- Width 2.4 in
- Depth 0.4 in
- Product type Digital player
- Height 4.1 in
- PC interface(s) supported Hi-Speed USB
- Weight 4.8 oz
- Color Black
- Flash memory installed None
- Digital storage Built-in 30 GB Hard disk drive
- Dimensions (W x D x H) 2.4 in x 0.4 in x 4.1 in
- Voice recording capable Yes
- Included accessories Soft case, Docking station adapter
- Packaged quantity 1
- Digital storage media capacity 30 GB
- Software type Apple iTunes for Mac, Apple iTunes for Windows
- iPod Generation 5G
- Digital storage media type Hard disk drive
- Digital storage media form factor Built-in
Digital Player / Recorder
- Digital player supported digital audio standards WAV, AIFF, Audible, MP3, AAC, Apple Lossless
- Digital player response bandwidth 20 - 20000 Hz
- Digital player playback modes Playlist, All tracks repeat, One track repeat, Random play / shuffle
- Digital player edit functions Erase
- Digital player supported bit rate 16 - 320 Kbps
- Digital player ID3 tags support Yes
- External hard drive function Yes
- Digital player additional features Variable bit-rate compatible
Video Playback Features
- Video playback support MPEG-4
- Still image format BMP, JPEG, PNG, GIF, TIFF, PSD
Battery
- Required Qty 1
- Rechargeable Battery Rechargeable
- Battery Enclosure Type Integrated
- Technology Lithium ion
- Recharge Time 4 hour(s)
- Battery Lithium ion Rechargeable Player batteryIntegrated
- Mfr estimated battery life 14 hour(s)
- Battery Life Details Slideshows with music 3 hour(s), Digital playback 14 hour(s), Video playback 2 hour(s)
Audio System
- Sound output mode Stereo
- Additional features Hold button, Phone book, Built-in games, H.264 playback, USB 2.0 compatibility, Battery level indication, Rechargeable capability, MPEG-4 playback, Notes, Calendar, Upgradeable firmware, Date display, Photo wallet, Playback speed control
Cable(s) / Peripheral(s)
- Cable(s) included 1 x USB cable - External
System Requirements
- Peripheral / Interface devices USB port
- Min Operating system Microsoft Windows XP Professional SP2 or later, Apple MacOS X 10.3.9 or later, Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition SP2 or later, Microsoft Windows 2000 SP4 or later
Connections
- Connector type 1 x Docking station, 1 x Headphones / remote control / composite video Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm
Built-in Display
- Audio system built-in display LCD
- Diagonal size 2.5 in
- Resolution 320 x 240
- Backlight display Yes
- Display illumination color White
- Display menu language Hungarian, Norwegian, Spanish, Chinese (simplified), Greek, French, German, Polish, Finnish, Italian, Swedish, Danish, Czech, Dutch, Korean, English, Portuguese, Chinese (traditional), Turkish, Russian, Japanese
- Features Transflective
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support 1 year warranty
Audio Features
- Timer Sleep, Wake
- Built-in clock Digital clock, Timer
- Alarm wake-up modes Playlist
CD System
- Playback modes Program play, Skip playback, Repeat one/all, Random play
- Digital audio standards supported WMA, MP3, AAC
Equalizer
- Equalizer factory preset qty 20
Headphones
- Headphones type Binaural Ear-bud
- Sound output mode Stereo
- Response bandwidth 20 - 20000 Hz
- Impedance 32 Ohm
- Connectivity technology Wired
Manufacturer info
- Apple
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Apple products on Shopper.com
-
- Website: http://www.apple.com
- Address:
One Infinite Loop, Cupertino, CA 95014 - Phone: 1-408-996-1010