4. The Tale Of The Tape - Looking At Past Vs. Present, Continued

backlighting and display are still the same size! The size and readability of the display is one of the best features of the iPod. When coupled with the new Play List Builder, the display is easy to read and continues to be one of the best features of the iPod. Kudos to Apple for their continued attention to detail in this area.

To protect the iPod during transit it is wrapped in a clear shrinkwrap plastic that is easily peeled off. This protects the unit, and also contains a printed warning on the shrinkwrap (in several languages) encouraging users to use the iPod responsibly, and not to "steal" music. We are not going to contribute our two cents' worth as to the "effectiveness" of this shrinkwrap warning, but it might help to limit any liability Apple might be assessed by the ever vigilante RIAA over music and copyright piracy claims.

The design of the top of the iPod has changed a little. The 'hold' switch is still intact, as well as the headphone and remote inputs, but the 1394 connector is gone. This connector has been replaced by the new Apple dock/accessory/interface connector. The primary purpose of the connector is to connect the iPod to its dock, but we have already seen accessories that use this interface as a gateway for new add on accessories for the iPod. (Later in the article we look at Backup Battery Pack and Auto Kit from Belkin which both use this connector to extend the capabilities of the iPod.) Most notably, Apple has included a cover for the dock connector called the 'dock plug cover' which should help keep dust and dirt out of the connector. So far, our dock plug cover has stayed in place, but it is small; if you not are careful with it you could lose it.

it does look like a bar of soap, but it is the new docking station that is included with the new version of Apple iPods. While a third party docking solution for the older iPods was available from BookEndz, it was not a very elegant solution. The BookEndz BE-P003 required the user to turn the iPod upside down in order to connect it to the dock. It is still a good solution for those with a first or second generation iPod who want a docking solution for it. As far as we know, BookEndz still offers these solutions for purchase.

Apple claims that the 15 GB iPod will hold over 3,700 near-CD quality songs and deliver up to 8 hours of battery life in continuous play mode. We will put these claims to the test later in the article, but they seem reasonable based on our experience with the previous generation of iPod.

Overall. the new design appears to be an improvement in several areas. Many will welcome the size and weight reduction when compared to units from the previous generation.