15. Conclusion: Apple Does It Again!

As we suggested in the introduction to this article, it can be difficult to improve on an already great thing. Apple had its work cut out for it with its delivery of the third generation iPod. It appears that Apple's iPod engineering team worked overtime to find areas to enhance the iPod legacy.

What is there not to like about the new iPod? Not much. Apple reduced its weight, refined its design and enhanced the features. While we could nitpick about the feel of the new scroll/navigation wheel and the sensitivity of the control buttons, this is due to being oriented to the feel of the scroll/navigation wheel and control buttons on the first generation iPod. The enhancements to the scroll/navigation wheel are really for the better, as it is immune to sand, dust and dirt that some users have reported as causing their earlier generations to malfunction. Overall, the improvements are for the best. The addition of the dock is another well planned feature that is functional and that offers a nice place to display your iPod while it is either charging or not in use.

The new features of the third generation firmware iPod, including the two new games (Parachute & Solitaire) and the new Notes application are good improvements. The biggest improvement is the new ability to create "On-The-Go" play lists, a feature that was really lacking in the first generation iPod. It is still unknown if Apple will bring the 2.0.1 firmware to the older iPod units. Technically speaking, we don't know of any reason why this could not be done, and we are wondering why Apple has not already done this. The enhancements are appreciated and do add some additional value over the previous generation of iPods.

Apple has received much acclaim and praise for the iPod because of how well it is designed and built. In this time of cheap, throwaway electronic products it seems somewhat unbelievable that such quality products are still being produced. We feel that Apple has earned another THG Editor's Choice Award with its third generation iPod. This third generation iPod is still clearly best in class and still far ahead of its competition for the moment. The iPod is one of the best designed and engineered products we have ever tested and reviewed. This type of praise is not normally dispensed at THG, and Apple has earned these kudos. We believe that currently the best all around hard drive-based MP3 player that money can buy is the third generation Apple iPod.

The iPod might not have as much smooth sailing as it has had in the past with new challenges coming from both Creative and Philips. The price of the iPod still remains a stumbling block for many consumers. At a suggested retail price of $399 US for the 15 GB unit, it is easy to understand why many users hesitate to purchase an iPod. Apple has always been known for prices that are higher than its competition and many Apple users say that when you buy Apple, you are paying a bit more for the design and user friendliness that you can't get with other products. If this is true, then it is obvious that Apple knows what customers want in a portable hard drive-based MP3 player. While the iPod will continue to be a "cash cow" for Apple for some time, it will be interesting to see how Apple responds to new challengers that could potentially eat into their market share. In the meantime, we look forward to the fourth generation iPod, whenever it might appear. We can't imagine what Apple might do to top this latest iPod. How much smaller can the iPod get? THG extends its congratulations to the engineering and design teams at Apple for hitting another home run. Well done!