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Apple iPod Video 60gb Review - Hardware

Hot on the heels of the Ipod Nano, Apple has released a new generation of it's more regular sized hard disk players, the iPod 30gb and 60gb. The 5th Generation iPod (or "G5" iPod) carries across the same design seen in the Nano, whilst also shrinking down on both width and thickness of the previous model.

Apple is keen to point out that the G5 iPod is not a "video iPod", but an "iPod with video facilities". This tends to indicate they have a more targeted specific iPod video waiting in the wings for release sometime in the foreseeable future. No word on this currently.

We take a look at the 60gb version of the iPod which is priced at $598AUD. Also available at $449AUD is the 30gb version, which sports nearly identical features, although is 4mm thinner.

What comes in the Box

• Ipod
• Ipod dock adapter
• Ipod bud headphones
• USB 2 cable
• Soft slip case
• Quick Start guide
• CD with iTunes for Mac and Windows platforms.

Initial Impressions / Form

The first thing you notice about the new iPod, is the smaller size than previous models; it is some 10% smaller than the last model. It is the perfect bigger brother to the baby Nano in design, and carries across most of the same design cues. The front is a nice glassy black face which gives the impresssion of class. White is also available for those that miss the more regular iPod colour.

Turn the unit over and the back of the unit is finished in the same blinding chrome finish as the Nano. Other than the lock switch, no other buttons adorn the unit – and this has always been one of the iPod's most attractive features. Minimalist.

Obviously the most striking new feature of the this iPod is the large video screen, measuring 63 mm across. This translates into about 40% of the top of the unit being allocated to the screen. It's large enough to provide trouble-free navigation, however our thoughts were that it may be a little too small for any long sessions in front of it to watch any reasonable length videos. Quality wise, the display is one of the best you are going to find in a small unit such as this, and offers a 65,000 colour display.

Whilst it doesn't quite have the finger holding capabilities of the Nano, it still fit's snugly in the hand. The familiar thumb wheel is easy to reach, and navigation is fast and easy, if not a little touchy at times.

Overall in style it seems, nothing has been spoiled here in the iPod formula. Everything also seems to move with the times a little in our mind. Chrome is in.

The Hardware

Ipod G5 continues it's tradition as a hard drive player, and it seems each model is there ready as the capacity of notebook sized drives gets larger and larger each year. The (continued next page)