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Easily Navigate Through 10,000 Songs in Style
Review From: NexTag Editorial Review, Apr 14, 2005
The 40GB Apple iPod player is sleek and stylish, yet sports the simplistic design found in many Apple products. The iPod's 40GB capacity allows you to store approximately 10,000 songs (WAV, Audible, and MP3 formats). The fourth-generation design features a user-intuitive click wheel with four function buttons while sporting a thinner body and brighter 160x128 pixel display than previous versions. The iPod also uses Firewire for fast digital transfer of files and the device can also function as an external hard drive. Accompanying accessories include iTunes software, earbuds, AC adapter, and Firewire/USB cables. The iPod's menu system allows users to browse by song, artist, album, genre, playlist, or composer. Additional menu options include a calendar, clock, notes, and games. Users also have the ability to rate songs in a playlist using the iPod or iTunes. As a result, higher-rated songs will play more frequently in the playlist. The iPod is a bit lacking however due to some design issues. There is no built-in voice recorder, no FM tuner, and it does not support WMA format. The unit has a rather poor battery life with heavy use and general battery degradation over time becomes an issue especially since the battery is not user-replaceable. Overall, the iPod remains a top choice amongst audiophiles with its popular design and interface. Though there are a few drawbacks to the iPod, they are easily overlooked if users do not require certain features such as voice recording or FM radio and choose aesthetic preference over battery life.