Apple iPod Video 5th Gen 30GB

Apple iPod Video 5th Gen 30GB

The recently released Apple iPod is the fifth generation Ipod which features video capabilities along with a 30 gigabyte of hard disc space. Some people will ask if the upgrade to this fifth generation iPod is worth it. Let’s study this little monster and see what we find out.

The concept still is the same: a handy device to store, listen songs as you move around, travel or just sitting around at your desk. The 30GB version is less than one half inch thick and weighs not more than 5 ounces. You will see the click wheel control panel and the program is still the simple clicking on the highlighted spots on the screen.

An additional video capability feature has been added which is displayed on a 2.5 inch colour LCD screen. This is actually the latest update for this iPod compared to previous models. The screen boasts a 320-by-240-pixel resolution and is quite bright and, despite the size, is really sharp. Videos come out crisp, clear and transitional movements between images are quite smooth even if played at the same speed of a TV broadcast.

In a nutshell, the 5th Generation iPod is small, thin, and stores a lot of data. With its 30 GB space, this iPod can store around 7,500 songs and more than 20,000 photos. With the right compression you can store 75 hours worth of video in there. Although, even if Apple claims that the 2.5 inch full screen is “large” for easy viewing, I do beg to differ. With that small a screen, watching a long video can be quite taxing to the eyes. In my opinion, watching videos should be done on a larger screen.

Nevertheless, by buying the iPod dock (unfortunately, this does not come with the basic package) you can display the videos and photos on a larger peripheral, a TV screen for example. This definitely improves the viewing experience. However, even if you have this whole bunch of songs and videos stored, you can only have 14 hours of continuous music playback and up to 2 hours of video which is the limit of the batteries can offer. Well for me that’s more than enough music for one go. It would have been great if it can play more than 2 hours of video though, but that’s just my personal preference.

Anyway, the focus on the iPod has always been the music capabilities it can offer. As always, Apple has provided a smooth integration with iTunes which helps you access more music and now even video to purchase. Additional features include a world clock and a stopwatch, although I really don’t understand why place a stopwatch in it. The basic package also comes with the ear bud headphones and a USB cable for use, of course, in transferring files to and from your computer.

The 5th Generation is compatible with Mac OS X v10.3.9 or later and for Windows, it works with Windows 2000 with Service Pack 4 or later, and/or Windows XP Home or Professional with Service Pack 2 or later update installed.

One possible problem that you might encounter is converting videos to H.264 or MPEG4 formats which the iPod plays. There are a number of third party applications available and some are even freeware on the web that can help you with the video conversions. You just have to look further. Other than that, the 5th generation iPod seems to be a good thing to add on your list of things to buy this year.

Posted under Ipods