2. Getting To Know You, Getting To Know All About You: The New 15 GB Apple iPod For Windows

15 GB Apple iPod arrived in an updated but similar square box to the original iPod unit that we reviewed. The 15 GB iPod unit comes with all of the trimmings, including the case and remote, which were not included with the 5 GB original unit.

The cool square box packaging that was part of the original iPod has not changed much. The most notable difference is that the color of the box is now black and white rather than silver, and the outside of the box is labeled to indicate that the iPod is now available for PC or Mac. The strategy to change the packaging color is a little self serving on Apple's part, as they are using the black background to call attention to the new addition of four illuminated buttons for navigation. The next big feature that the Apple packaging catches attention with is that they have now included a dock for the iPod.

Upon opening the box, we found the 15 GB iPod, iPod case w/belt clip, 1394 4 to 6 pin adapter, iPod dock plug, a pair of ear buds, 2 pair of ear bud covers, wired remote, storage bag for the iPod/Case, Quick Reference Card, Users' Manual, CD containing the install/MusicMatch Software for PC users, iPod dock, AC power brick, and dock to 1394 cable. This is quite an improvement over the 5 GB iPod that we reviewed previously, which was somewhat Spartan with its lack of included accessories. One thing to note: Apple has been advertising that the new generation of iPods supports USB 2.0, as well as 1394; however, you must separately purchase the "iPod Dock Connector to USB 2.0 + Firewire Cable" from Apple. Thus, while USB 2.0 support is included, the correct cables are not and are an additional $19 US purchase.

15 GB version of the iPod includes the case and wired remote. As you will read later in the article, we do not consider the included case to be the best solution for the iPod, as once the iPod is inside the case you lose the ability to control it.

Most users want to immediately begin to use their iPod and do not want to have to wade through lengthy documentation and installation guidelines. Apple has addressed this by now including a "Quick Reference" card to help users become familiar with their iPod a more quickly. While this card does a good job defining the controls and assisting the user in the functions of the most common tasks performed with the iPod, it unfortunately does not help the user to get the iPod up and running. To do this, you must consult the larger "Users' Guide," which covers the setup and installation of the iPod. This Users' Guide is about 55 pages in length and includes both PC and Macintosh user instructions in one manual. Although we didn't find the combining of both the PC and Mac instructions to be a problem, it could confuse some first time users. The manual is fairly well written and is a big improvement over the original Users' Guide. It contains helpful pictures, illustrations, and screen shots to help users get their iPod setup and working correctly. Beyond initial setup, the manual shows a variety of step by step tasks to help users get up to speed quickly on the iPod.