IPOD VIDEO GEN 5.

Apple is hot. Whether you like it or not, whether you are a Windows or Mac freak or just that average consumer behind his desktop or notebook, Apple is everywhere. Well, I've just gotten myself a 5th generation iPod Video 30GB. I have always wanted to try out one, curious to know about what's so good about the iPods.

A new original iPod Video 30GB will cost you around RM1099 depending on which shop you're getting it from. Basically, the player comes in a small black box which includes a manual, iTunes 7 CD, USB cable, a semi soft case, port adapter and a pair of earphones. Each original set comes with a One Year International Warranty.

The design of the Apple iPod is simply awesome and beautiful. Simple yet elegant. The fifth generation of iPod features a finer and slimmer build. It's dimension are just great. Imagine those old hardisks you had in your computer, bulky and heavy. The iPod Video is in fact a hardisk with extended features. It's quite astonishing that Apple is able to create a device with such an ultra small dimensions and up to 80GB! (Mine's a 30GB) Your can easily grab the whole iPod into your palms. It's not too heavy either.

The front of the iPod.

The iPod video features a relatively large 2.5" LCD display with a QVGA resolution. Viewing a video in more than 65,000 colours is just great. Ok it would be even better to view them in a 3"+ display, but we settle for this one.

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I have to say, being confronted with the first iPod in my hands, the control of it is pretty straightforward. Just slide your fingers up or down in semi circle and watch the screen. It's easy isn't it?

Of course, the key feature of the iPod is the capability of playing video. It supports a broad range of video formats, for example H.264 video, file formats m4v, mp4 up to 30 frames per second. The video clips and movies on the iPod run smoothly. Besides that, the iPod is also capable to store digital images. Perfect!

Shinier than the LG Shine.

What can i say? I love the iPod. And although there are alot of competitors in the game that are more or less providing the perfect 'solution', i admire the way Apple evolved the iPod with the video feature and the finishing touch of the design. Although a larger screen will be more convenient, the playback looks perfectly sharp. The battery life is pretty amazing too, up to 20 hours of music playback and 2 hours of video.

In conclusion, the iPod video is the perfect device for the young and old.. Upgraded with some nice extra features and better performance the iPod will give you an excellent deal!