Saturday, July 25, 2009

iPod classic, second-generation (2G) 120GB

Apple has done very little to improve the iPod classic with this iteration--that's not necessarily a bad thing. It remains the iPod to own if you want to carry a lot of media with you. The Genius feature is a nice addition as is the ability to quickly browse albums and artists based on the currently playing track, but those additions will convince very few people to trade in their old reliable (and perhaps, higher-capacity) iPod classic for this year's model.

iPod nano, fourth-generation (4G) 16GB

The fourth-generation iPod nano isn't the dramatic overhaul last year's nano was. If you've already got a 3G nano, the 4G model's new features may not be compelling enough to get you to upgrade--especially if you prefer the 3G model's more-pocket-friendly shape. And even with twice the storage at the same price, the new nano won't satisfy those who want to carry massive amounts of media with them or who watch lots of video.

Nevertheless, the 4G iPod nano is a solid upgrade, offering useful new features in Genius and Spoken Menus; new voice-recording functionality; a gimmicky-but-useful accelerometer; an improved interface and menu system; and a number of other minor improvements. Interestingly, of these new features, only Genius and the new microphone compatibility are available on the latest iPod classic, meaning the iPod nano has, for the first time, surpassed the classic/full-size line in functionality. If you're in the market for your first nano, you can't go wrong. And if you've been waiting to upgrade a 1G or 2G model, now's the time to buy; compared to the similarly shaped 2G model, the new nano is better in every way except for its sharp corners

iPod touch, second-generation (2G) 16GB

Is the 2G iPod touch the "funnest iPod ever?" If your notion of "funner" is an updated iPod touch is integrated hardware volume controls, a built-in speaker (low-fidelity though it may be); a curvier case; a warmer cast to the display; more capacity for the same price; and better battery life--and, of course, all the things that make the iPod touch such a desirable portable entertainment device in the first place (and I do mean the oodles of applications and games from the App Store)--then yes, Apple's tortured use of our mother tongue is apt.-Capacity 16GB
Dimensions 4.3" x 2.4" x .33"
Weight 4.05 ounces
Rated battery life 36 hours (music), 6 hours (video)
Included accessories USB dock cable, Universal dock insert, earbuds.
Display size 3.5 inches, 480x320 pixels, color

iPod shuffle, fourth generation

The latest iPod shuffle has its strengths and weaknesses. Its strengths are greater capacity and a means for navigating the device. Weaknesses include a navigation system that--thanks to the lack of controls on the iPod--is more difficult to use than it needs to be and a requirement that those who want to take advantage of this shuffle's controls must accept the included headphones, spend extra money for compatible headphones, or hope that compatible adapters appear soon.

If you're happy with Apple's headphones and don't care a lot about navigating your iPod, this could be the iPod for you. I, however, cherish my third-party headphones, find a controller that requires memorizing a series of button sequences an unwelcome burden, and don't need an even smaller iPod shuffle. Like the MacBook Air and Mac mini, the 3G iPod shuffle is a product designed for a particular kind of user

Friday, July 24, 2009

APPLE IPHONE 3G

The good:
The Apple iPhone 3G offers critical new features including support for high-speed 3G networks, third-party applications, and expanded e-mail. Its call quality is improved and it continues to deliver an excellent music and video experience.

The bad:
The iPhone 3G continues to lack some basic features that are available on even the simplest cell phone. Battery life was uneven, and the 3G connection tended to be shaky. Also, the e-mail syncing is not without its faults.

The bottom line:
The iPhone 3G delivers on its promises by adding critical features and sharper call quality. The iTunes App Store is pretty amazing, and the 3G support is more than welcome. Critical features still are missing, and the battery depletes quickly under heavy use, but the iPhone 3G is a big improvement over the original model.

Specifications:
OS provided: Apple MacOS X ; Talk time: Up to 600 min