Apple iPod 30 GB Video U2 Special Edition Black MA452LL/A (5th Generation) OLD MODEL Review

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(More customer reviews)The new Ipod Video U2 Special edition is simply brilliant. The reason? Well, there are more then just one solitary reason:

The first is of course, the amazing Ipod itself. With 30 GB of storage (thats about 10 more gigs then the original Ipod U2 SE), you have plenty of room to upload pictures, videos, and music. The video quality of the Ipod is crystal clear, and has everything you need to make a pleasureable viewing experience. However, if you have given the Ipod a minimal charge, expect the battery life to DROP significantly while watching videos, as movie viewing eats up battery life. And of course, Itunes makes uploading multiple songs and videos a breeze;perfect for your average joe techie. The screen itself has been given an upgrade, with a larger and cleaner screen. The screen is noticably bigger, and creates a better viewing of the current movie being played. The video Ipod also is slimmer then the older versions (1g, 2g, 3g, and of course 4g) and although on paper is marginal difference(compared to the 4g), in your hand you feel it's thinner robust body. The headphone jack has been switched to a different position, posing troubles with your pre-5G accessories. If you have accessories that you really need, i recommend keeping your older Ipod, or consult someone to see if the location will work out. The outside box appearance has also been greatly slimmed down on all Videos, making it easy to take around or great to show off with in tight corners. The lackluster accessories included with the Ipod(a dock connecter, USB cable, and headphones) pose a disappointment, as the majority of users WANT a wall charger, which was included on prior versions of the Ipod. However, you may purchase one from Apple $29.00. The specs are nice, but what really makes this one really SPECIAL...

Appearance

Apple finally released a U2 version of the Ipod video, which is, in my opinion, a beautiful move. The U2 SE stands out beautifully from the other 5G Ipods (black and white), with the prominent red click wheel dabbed right in the center. Yes, the click wheel is the smallest version yet, regardless it has the same slick red finish. The front finish to the Ipod is beautiful with a more glossy black used to gather MUCH more gleam then its older 4G model. The front side also is less likely to gather scratches compared to the 4th G. However, being with a black finish means scratches are inevitable, so i highly recommend a use of some type of protection. Finally, unlike its predecessor, the 5G U2 SE has been giving an ultra-nice touch; a black chrome finish on the backside. This one simple touch is utterly amazing, with each of the band members signature shown crisply. Compared to the chrome finish of the 4G U2, the signatures are easily seen and perfectly distinguishable. The black rear finish also gives more protection to minor scratches, which would, overtime, destroy the appearance of the older Ipod itself. However the black finish can hide most of the small scratches, yet, once again, a case is needed.

Closing:

On a finishing note, this is the best looking Ipod to ever be assembled. The small touches make this more distinguishable and can garner more head turns. The Ipod also can recieve less scratches, which is a GREAT thing, as my old 4G U2 got mutilated in a matter of days. This is a must buy, regardless if you want to stick out, or if you are a huge U2 fan. Along with the package comes a certificate for a free 30 minute documentary of U2, which is a good deal, as we get at least ONE thing free(the older U2 SE only came packaged with a certificate giving us 50 dollars off an Itunes definitive collection, that was priced at around 250.) All in all, a great buy, and if you think about it, its not THAT pricey; only 20 dollars more for an overall better looking Ipod that sticks out, and has more value. Also two more Tid-bits: CHARGE THE IPOD;and oh yea, when you dont need it, turn off your backlight, it saves a lot of battery life, as the majority of the battery sucking comes from the light itself.

Pros:
-Amazing playback, with crystal clear sound
-Beautiful display, with vibrant color for both movies and photos.
-Excellent finish, with black chrome rear, and a more glossy black front.
-The great click wheel, which still maintains perfect control(regardless of the toned down size).
-Great movie playback
-Perfect interface for Itunes, giving the addition of music and video playing a breeze.

Cons:
-More easily scratched compared to the white Ipod.
-Battery life tends to have a mind of its own, going from quick die-out, to long lasting.
-Again, battery life seems too dull, and can die out quickly if not given a full charge.
-Video playback can desperately cut into battery life.
-For first timers, there is no manual included, so the optional use of a text-type maybe required.
-No wall charger/lackluster accessories

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Product Description:
Video iPod U2 Special Edition - U2 and Apple have joined forces once again, this time delivering a Special Edition iPod based on the 30GB model of Apple's 5th generation digital media device. The eye-catching red click-wheel remains, but this time it's accompanied by a sleek black metal back - which is etched with the band's signatures. You also get an iTunes Music Store coupon that's good for a free 30 minute video! This video consists of U2 music videos, as well as band interviews. Ports - dock connector, Stereo minijack, composite video and audio through minijackConnectivity - USB through dock connector, composite video (with A/V cable - sold separately), and audio through headphone jack or line out on the iPod Universal Dock (sold separately)Charge Time - about 4 hrs. (2 hrs. fast charge to 80% capacity)Audio Support - AAC (16 to 320 Kbps), Protected AAC (from iTunes Music Store), MP3 (16 to 320 Kbps), MP3 VBR, Audible (formats 2, 3, and 4), Apple Lossless, WAV, & AIFFPhoto Support - syncs iPod-viewable photos in JPEG, BMP, GIF, TIFF, PSD (Mac only), and PNG formatsVideo Support - H.264 video -up to 768 Kbps, 320 x 240, 30 fps, Baseline Profile up to Level 1.3 with AAC-LC up to 160 Kbps, 48 Khz, stereo audio in. m4v,. mp4 and. mov file formats / MPEG-4 video -up to 2.5 mbps, 480 x 480, 30 fps, Simple Profile with AAC-LC up to 160 Kbps, 48 Khz, stereo audio in. m4v,. mp4 and. mov file formatsBacklight TimerSleep Timer20 Equalizer SettingsShuffle Songs or AlbumsDate and TimeUnit Dimensions - 4.1 x 2.4 x 0.43Unit Weight - 4.8 oz.

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iAudio U2 1 GB Digital Music Player Review

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(More customer reviews)This review describes the complete thought/research cycle for deciding a digital player. It includes hdd based, flash based, different flash based capacities, features, battery life etc. The features etc for any player are already available on the detail pages and else where so I'm not including those, instead doing the comparison exercise. I've also written this review for other flash players which I considered in the comparison.

I've been using iRiver SlimX iMP-CD350 CD/MP3 player for quite a while now and decided that its time to move to a smaller player which is more versatile and portable. I'm just not a CD person, and as soon as I buy a CD, I rip it and get the files all over my computers/laptops.

There are lot of smaller digital music players available in the market. My first decision point was to decide between HDD (hard disk drive) or Flash memory based players. HDD based are available from 4GB to 60 GB and since it has a mechanical drive, it's not suited well for my activities (gym/running etc). While flash based don't suffer with this draw back, they come only in 128MB, 256MB, 512MB, 1GB and 2GB.I wasn't buying a player to make it a permanent repository of all my music and having up to 1GB of music (16 hours of CD quality, 32+ hours otherwise) was good enough for me. For this reason, I decided to go with Flash based player. Plus, most flash based players have direct USB connectivity and some of those can also be used as a regular flash disk for document transfer and storage.

Next step was to decide the capacity. I was inclined for a 2GB player since it'll store even more songs, but found some warning in iAudio (Jet Audio) site where a 2gb version can store only up to 450 (files + folders) and the player cannot address the last 260MB memory of the player. I had also used a flash based 2gb usb storage device which had similar storage problems. So, I went with 1GB version and decided to give more time for 2GB+ technology.

Next was feature sets and brands. I had following things in mind in terms of features: formats capable, battery life, firmware upgradability, and FM player. I considered Creative (MuVO Micro N200), iRiver (iFP 799),Apple (iShuffle 1GB), and JetAudio (iAudio 5, G3, U2).

iRiverhad drawbacks were not being able to work as USB storage device, limitation on Ogg audio and MP3 VBR files. Apple was not just my thing since it lacked a display, FM tuner etc and accessories like FM player are added cost/size/weight too. Creative was also limited only on WMA amd MP3. It seemed like most of the players butiAudio/Jet Audio have format limitations.
Jet Audio (iAudio) had most of the formats available (MP3, WMA, WAV, Ogg Vorbis, ASF etc), firware upgradable, trendy size, good reviews, USB storage deviceand good choices. And, I was totally bought on iAudio.

The last step was to decide on the model. I considered iAudio i5, G3, and U2 version. The main differences are that I5 is based on 'AAA' batter and lasts only 15-20 hours, G3 is slightly wider but less longer model with 'AA' battery and supports up to 45-50 hours on one cell, and U2 was similar to '5' but had internal Lithium Polymer battery and the same 15-20 hours playback time. U2 model also lacked Ogg Vorbis format capability.
If I was travelling long distance and not able to charge LiPolymer battery, it's a waste. And, 15-20 hours just doesn't turn not ecnomical with 'AAA' battery, so I ended up with iAudio G3 1GB player and I'm very satisfied with the player itself.

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Product Description:
iAUDIO U2 is a ultra-compact 1 GB digital music player with FM Radio, Voice Recorder and Direct MP3 Encoder. Enjoy the highest-quality sound powered by BBE, 4 lines wide graphic LCD and 20 hrs of continuous playback with a built-in rechargeable battery.

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Apple iPod 20 GB U2 Special Edition Black M9787LL/A (4th Generation) OLD MODEL Review

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(More customer reviews)I received my U2 Special Edition iPod for Christmas this year from my darling Mom, and I opened the box with great anticipation. There it was, in my hand: beautifully simple in design; black, red and chrome; shiny, sleek and... mine.I didn't know when I started to charge it, set it up, and fill it with music (as of this writing, over 3000 songs, from downloads and my personal CD collection, and that means I'm still only 3/5ths full!) that this little device would, in a small but important way, change my life.

My iPod is my music, anywhere I want it, any time. No more being tied to a CD player and my umpteen bulky cases of CDs, no more being stuck with the radio and its endless jabbering DJs and horrible commercials. No more having to edit what I listen to for the benefit of those around me. Beyond music, I can download audio books.

Why the iPod? The design is so simple and beautiful that it has set the standard for MP3 players, Apple technology has proven itself stable and powerful, Windows users like me can use it, there are a wide variety of accessories available for it, there are several good online communities devoted to the iPod where you can learn new things, and iTunes is easy to use for loading music into your iPod.

Why this iPod in particular? Because I madly love the black and red. Before the U2 Special Edition came out, I was interested in the iPod, but I absolutely despised the cold clinical white plasticmodels, and thought the Mini had inadequate capacity. Your aesthetics may vary, which is, of course your right. You may disagree (and may even inflict your poorly spelled (e.g., "eye-soaring"),or otherwise idiotic review of this iPod on us) but isn't it nice that Apple gave me this cool option, while not taking away your beloved white plastic?

Another reason why this iPod in particular: I love U2. They just keep getting better.

I invested in a good protective case for my iPod, Shure E2 earphones, and a protection plan from Apple. I'm strongly considering the Logic3 I-Station Speakers, or the Bose Sounddock, and an audible.com membership. My car (Honda Element EX) came with an aux port, and a simple trip to Radio Shack to get a $6 male-to-male 3mm cord hooked up my iPod to my car stereo. It's heaven.

My iPod is, for me, just perfect.

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Product Description:
Like no other, iPod U2 Special Edition stands out. Jet Black, it bears a prominent red Apple Click Wheel and, on the flip side, the autographs of each U2 band member. It comes with an exclusive U2 poster, and, of course, the signature white iPod earbuds.

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