The fifth generation ipod created the buzz since its release. Many users have enjoyed television shows, movies and music videos played on their beloved iPod video. Hundreds of software has circulated the market to rip DVD and so users can upload their favorite movies, tv shows, music video, games and other multimedia clips. iPod movies are now the latest trend among iPod fanatics.

How do you add a movie to become a part of your iPod movies? The first step is to choose what movie you want to put in your iPod movies. You can opt to download movies straight from the Internet but that might cost a bit more, around $2 USD for a movie. It is highly recommended that users download their iPod movies through the Apple iTunes Music Store. For one thing, it is not so easy to convert DVD into iPod movies because of the possibility of incompatibility with the software. Secondly, you can be sure of the quality of your iPod movies.

If you still want to rip an existing DVD movie on to your iPod video, start by downloading software available on the web but be careful! Choose only those that support the iPod video format. Look for features that are easy to use and fast,brief interface and design. Make sure that all encoders/codecs are built-in.

The iPod video converter should be able to integrate with all video/audio encoders/codecs. It should also support a preview function so you can be sure that the iPod movies turn out well. Examples of these are PQ DVD to iPod Video Converter, Handbrake or ImTOO iPod Movie Converter v2.1. Each of these software converts all of the popular video formats to iPod Movies MP4 (iPod video format MPEG-4) and they also convert audio files to iPod supported MP3, AAC, M4A file format. The conversion process happens automatically so all you have to do is set what format you want the movie converted then set the volume and the directory to save it in. Presto! You now have an addition to your iPod movies.

But as legal issues over piracy and copyright laws are beginning to be strict, many are concerned about the future of iPod movies. Will the users be made liable for home videos or ripped DVDs downloaded on their iPod movies’ play list? The economics of iPod video distribution are very different and is dominated by the Hollywood moguls, including licensing and windowing agreements. Not to mention the progress of theatre shows to other markets like rental shops, pay TV, retail stores, free-to-air and now to iPod movies.

And what about porn? The advent of 3G technology on mobile phones has also opened the gates of thrash content when sex videos started to circulate. Will the iPod movies follow suit? Will there be a regulation in the near future of what we can or can’t download to our iPod movies? It is not too hard to see the iPod movies being used for such frivolity. After all, we are free to put whatever content we want on our iPods.

Aside from the iPod movies, the TV shows that can be played on the iPod video are endless. Right now, Desperate Housewives rule the iPod video landscape. Another great ipod feature is the video pod cast, users don’t just watch pod casts but they can also create their own. Eventually home movies will be added as users explore the iPod movies and its limits.

To fully enjoy your iPod movies, there are accessories available for your iPod video. With its TV OUT and wide screen option, you can share you iPod movies with friends inside your living room. The video quality will somewhat depend on the file compression but over-all the resolution is a great. External speakers are also available for you to fully appreciate the audio sounds of the iPod movies you are watching. Add the optional audio cable so you can play music from iPod to your home stereo or use the S-video cable play VJ on your TV. You can also perform the same big-screen feat with iPod photo slideshows and iPod movies.

What do people love about an Apple ipod? These are the cold hard facts people say they love about Apple ipod:

1. The original ipod can hold about five thousand songs.
2. The original ipod can give the user up to forty gigabytes of harddrive space.
3. The original ipod comes with an easy to use wheel.
4. The original ipod also has a battery with a life that lasts up to about 12 hours.
5. The original ipod can also provide you with the ability to set-up a play list. 
6. And last but not the least, the original ipod has a shuffle function.

Even with a minimum layout of the features of ipod, users have agreed that the original ipod gives one an exhilarating experience of music.

With basic ergonomics, the Apple ipod has captured the heart of millions of music lovers all over the world.

The Apple Ipod Nano

With the list of facts regarding the original ipod enumerated above, the characteristics of the new Apple ipod nano would reveal a measure of smaller comparison:

1. The Apple ipod nano can hold about one thousand 1,000 songs. That is with the 4 gigabytes version, the one with the full color album art.

2. Another version of the Apple ipod nano can hold about five hundred songs in a smaller four megabytes of space.

3. The Apple ipod nano has a medium sized Click Wheel and a full color screen. With the click Wheel, you can fast forward, rewind, pause, play or access the menus. The full color screen is about 1.5 inches of display.

4. The Apple ipod nano has a battery life that would last to about fourteen hours. Fourteen hours is about a day without charging.

5. The Apple ipod nano also has a shuffle function like the original ipod.

6. The Apple ipod nano is available to make use of the armband accessory. All that is needed is a USB external cord that would also charge the Apple ipod nano.

7. The Apple ipod nano has a skin that acts as a sort of protection for the ipod.

8. The Apple ipod nano also has the iTrip. The iTrip lets you play the music you want via any radio. This accessory is very much in demand when buying an Appled ipod nano.

9. The Apple ipod nano has about the following statistical measurement: 3.5 x 1.6 x 0.27 inches and about 1.5 ounces in weight.

10. The Apple ipod nano also boasts of a perfectly skip-free playback and works well on either a Mac OS X or a Windows 2000 or Windows XP.

11. The Apple ipod nano, just like any other Apple ipod can play music, podcasts and audiobooks.

12. The Apple ipod nano can also hold up to about twenty five thousand photos.

13. The Apple ipod nano can also be used to synchronize contacts and calendars and to do lists.

As you can observe from the available features, what you love about the original ipod, take all of it and try to shrink it a bit and you got the Apple ipod nano. Not yet a believer? Put on the headphones and try to volume up the music. Everything now becomes clear -- it is an ipod.

This pencil thin ipod packs into your ears the entire original ipod experience. What makes it unbelievable is despite its small frame, it can still hold a 3 days worth of music and can play for 14 hours straight.

Accessories of the Apple iPod nano includes a leather case, an in-ear Lanyard headphone, armbands, dock where the iPod takes its rest, a radio remote, a USB power adaptor, an AV connection kit and Tubes, the iPod skins.

Integration of the ipod Nano in Cars

Users can take the ipod music experience on the road by seamless integration of the ipod and the car. Top automakers like Audi, Chrysler, Dodge, Ferrari, BMW, Acura, Honda, Infiniti, Mercedez Benz and others have designed elegant solutions to both their new and prior year car models.

Top automakers call this strategy as part of their After-Market Solutions. They have available options to the car user of iPod integration products for use. Available options vary from iPod-ready head units to self installation options as wells as professional interface installation. People now can customize their ride with iPod music.

You can also opt to have iPod integration options from car stereo accessory stores and manufacturers available within your area. They can outfit any car to play well with the iPod nano.

Owners of the original Apple iPod clamors for more from the makers of the iPod music experience.  
The latest ipod player available in the market comes in a smaller and leaner frame, and is marketed in a rainbow of colors. This is the Apple iPod mini. 

The Apple iPod mini has a platform of MAC or Windows OS. Some original Apple iPod users have already seen the Apple iPod mini with a new four gigabytes harddrive space for a US$ 249 price tag. It is not a secret that an additional of US$ 50 will get you a fifteen gigabytes iPod that would store somewhere around 2,700 more music files. That is a lot more than the Apple ipod mini.

This is because harddrive space is so much important for Apple iPod users, the original Apple iPod have so much space available to the user of about forty gigabytes. This amount of space can store more than five thousand songs. Aside from this, the original Apple iPod also has a longer battery life.

However, criticizers should consider the frame of the Apple iPod mini. It is slender and is more styled, that which made it seem more functional and more attractive to the eyes and has a more ergonomic feel to the fingers. To most people, it would not be the ideal music player, but to the 99,000 or so Apple iPod mini users, they beg to disagree.

The Too Sexy Apple iPod Mini 

The Apple iPod mini is compared to a US$ 1,200 purse from Chanel. This is because the US$ 249 Apple iPod mini, with its variety of five colors, brings out class and posh.

It has an anodized body made of aluminum and weighs about 3.6 ounces. It measures about 2 inches in width, 3.6 inches in height, and only about half an inch in thickness. It does not look like it at first glance, but the Apple ipod mini is almost like a featherweight than the original Apple iPod.

It is also silky to the touch and smooth. It also fits wonderfully in your palm. This is the reason for the premium price tag.

The Apple iPod mini also has no external moving parts. You will notice that underneath the smaller 1.67-inch LCD screen lie the light touch-sensitive and highly ergonomic Click Wheel. This Click Wheel is the one which incorporates the Apple iPod mini's other controls. The control's buttons are located on the pad itself. This is much different than the original Apple iPod's four function buttons that is located above the scroll pad.

Anyone who is familiar with the software for the iPod knows about the seamless integration of iPod with iTunes. In no time, you would be cruising with the tunes.

The Apple iPod mini behaves just like exactly as other newer generation Apple iPods. It now even packs a battery life of 8 hours. The original Apple iPods have a longer battery life.

Besides the smaller physical dimensions and the new warm minimalist choices of color, which can be gold, silver, pink, green and blue. A major difference observed between the original Apple iPod and the Apple iPod mini is the harddrive space capacity.

The Apple iPod mini has a tiny Hitachi harddrive that can hold about four gigabytes of music. Music files include AAC, Audible, MP3, WAV and AIFF. This is enough storage for a number of Apple iPod mini users.

Apple iPod users usually prefer to carry an entire library of music any time of the day. Rather than manually selecting and transferring specific songs to the Apple iPod mini. The Apple iPod mini can only hold as much as a fraction of the forty gigabytes music collection.

The Apple iPod mini also has accessories that include the earbuds, a USB 2.0 cable and a FireWire dock connector, an AC adaptor, a belt clip, and the Apple iPod mini software.

The Apple iPod mini could have been more lenient by adding a dock or armband to teh package.

The US$ 29 armband is a great help for joggers who want to listen to good music while jogging and carrying the very lightweight and effectively skip-free Apple iPod mini.

Conclusion

To summarize, the Apple iPod mini has a sleek styling, it is a small size and has an excellent integrated Click wheel. It has a possible disadvantage to the user, though, that is the price per megabyte which is much higher as compared to the original Apple iPod.

Yes, the ipod mini said its goodbye to the technology market last September 7, 2005. It seems only proper to pay our respects to this whimsical gadget that once put a smile on our face. When the iPod mini was released on February 20, 2004, many were delighted. Being the smaller version of Apple Computer's iPod first generation portable audio player, it’s variety in color (though still somewhat limited to five colors: silver, gold, pink, blue, and green) appealed to a much broader market. The ipod mini operated with both Macintosh and Windows PCs.

The iPod mini’s feature was the click wheel, where four buttons were located above the wheel. To use one of the buttons, a user had to push the wheel edge inward over one of the labels. The click wheel is now used in the fourth and fifth generation iPods as well as in the iPod nano. Above the wheel was the monochrome display that gave the menus or information of the currently selected track. The new generation of ipods now has a colored screen display.

The iPod mini made use of the ultra-thin Compact Flash Microdrive hard drives. The first-generation mini models only had to content itself to a 4GB hard drive. The second-generation mini models were then available in 4GB and 6GB memory size. The iPod mini 4 GB is capable of storing 1,000 songs while the iPod mini 6GB stored 1, 500 songs.

Later the drive size was laser engraved on the case to distinguish between the two minis. Near the end of the iPod mini’s life, Apple laser etched two lines of 32 characters on top of the reverse side on the mini free of charge. Such a feature would originally cost more money. However, Apple seemed sentimental enough and the gesture was a sign of respect for the mini’s impeding demise.

The battery life of its first generation iPod mini was 8 hours that led to some argument on its short duration. This problem was solved with the second-generation models that claimed a battery life of 18 hours.

Unfortunately, the 2nd generation had no FireWire cable or an AC power adapter, a compromise made by Apple to reduce the retail prices of the new iPod minis. The iPod mini also had a dock connector provided on the bottom for a connection to the computer (Hi-Speed USB or FireWire). The battery was charged during its connection. On the top it was a headphone jack, a hold switch, and remote port for other accessories.

Like the larger iPod, the iPod mini supported a host of file formats like MP3, WAV, AIFF and MP4. It maintained it’s flawless integration with the iTunes Music Store and the files being downloaded there. Software-wise, the iPod mini was as reliable as the original iPod units. 

The appeal of the iPod mini is it’s compact and colorful design. And the accessories that come with it are there to enhance the iPod mini’s sound quality and functions. It is true that some of the accessories are expensive but aren’t all the iPod gadgets expensive too?

Besides if there was something good to be said about the iPod mini, it’s the option it gave the consumers when getting a digital audio player. The Ipod mini competed directly with players like Creative's Zen Micro and the Digital Networks Rio Carbon. The smaller display was one line shorter than the previous models, thus limiting its on-screen track information display to title and artist only, taking the album information off.

The original price for the first generation iPod mini was around $249 for the 4GB memory size. The second-generation lowered the price to $199 and kept the 4GB model. An increased-capacity 6GB mini model sold for $249.

As the Ipod family began to expand, the Ipod mini was laid to rest when Apple launched the introduction of the iPod nano. The iPod mini was no more and stopped its production. Though it seems the iPod mini only stayed for a while, its influence as the pioneer of the click wheel will always be remembered.

Welcome the age of innovation! Welcome the Apple iPod nano. The iPod nano is the successor of Ipod mini. The ipod nano was born on September 7, 2005. It works on flash memory instead of a full a hard drive unlike the other ipods. The iPod nano is 62% smaller than its predecessor, with memory available in 1 GB, 2 GB, and 4 GB sizes. The 65,536 color LCD display can show photographs and connects to a computer with the use of a USB 2.0. The iPod nano has a headphone jack on the bottom and also has a dock for other peripherals. One setback though is that the iPod nano is the only one in the ipod series that does not sync to any PC or Windows through firewire.

The iPod nano has many features that would be copied and included into the fifth generation video iPod. These iPod nano features that are new to the ipod series is the addition of the world clock, a stopwatch, and the screenlock option. The world clock permits the users to set time in world cities and set alarms for their time zones. The clocks are ready to adjust for the Daylight Saving Time. The stopwatch feature enables users to start the timer and to stop. The screenlock feature lets users set a passcode for their iPod nano. Should the user forget his or her passcode and the iPod nano is locked, the iPod nano must be plugged into the computer and it will be unlocked.

Spinning tunes with the iPod nano is easy. All the user has to do is upload their chosen songs from iTunes or other external websites, attach their iPod to the computer and start using it. You can choose an iPod nano with colors in white or black. The memory size varies from in 1 GB, 2 GB and 4 GB models. The price for an iPod nano ranges from $149 to $249, depending on the memory capacity you want.

One of the most appealing things about the iPod nano is its sleek design. However, there have been a number of complaints about the nano’s screen softness thus becoming easily scratched or cracking if too much pressure is applied. The iPod nano body is also delicate and scratch easily. Its surface is soft plastic and frequent use can damage the surface.

Because of this, Apple has had to defend its iPod nano from lawsuits, stating that they found the units not living up to its claim. Also the battery life is not as reliable. Since then, Apple began to package the iPod nano and fifth-generation iPods along with soft fabric cloth carrying case to help prevent scratches on the screen and body. The bad side to this is that the case does not give access to the control and the screen. The user must really exert effort in using the function of the iPod nano under the soft case.

Lucky for us, there are iPod nano accessories that solve this problem. One such device is the rubberized skin covers. These skins not only prevent the unit from being scratched, it also protects it from moisture and dust. The snug fit ensures that it does not slip and the rubberized feature gives the user a tight grip on their iPod nano. For the battery problem, users can always purchase a new adapter that they can carry to charge their units anywhere, as long as there is a socket.

Along with the car charger, earphones and loud speakers, the iPod nano has loads of peripherals available to really give you listening pleasure all day long. Among the favorites is the iPod FM stereo and cassette adaptor. Now you can search for tunes and play them through conventional devices like a car stereo the use of your iPod. It’s fast and simple.

And also there is the iPod Groove Purse Tote with Built in Speaker & Amplifier System. This classy tote bag lets you display your iPod and share your music with everyone around you. The flawless integration of style, clear sounds and amazing technology, make this a hot item for gifts.

Spin your way into the world of music and multimedia with the iPod nano. Its great tunes, great photos and the coolest gadgets to show everyone what you’ve got are what turns an audiophile into an iPod lover. Once you get the beat started, it’s really hard to back down.

Modern society keeps creating new and better ways of fulfilling a need. Living in the digital age has never been more exciting and for anyone who can afford these gadgets, life is indeed sweeter. One of the most influential devices ever created is the ipod. These nifty portable audio players created by Apple Computers has redefined our understanding of personal freedom and customization. For anyone who loves music and multimedia, ipod is the best media player out there in the market.

Before the ipod, MP3 players were the best portable players around. Primarily a flash drive, these devices had limited features. The screen size was small and only text is allowed. The colored screen was optional  and the memory size only went up to 1 GB. But with the introduction of the ipod and its succeeding generations, music lovers were transported to another realm. A world where they can only listen to all the songs that they want to hear. Once they put on their ipod, they have total control over what tunes should fill their heads. Call it listening to their daily-personalized soundtrack.

Is all this ipod play list personalization good for its users? Apparently some detractors don’t think so. They argue that too much personalization limits the listener to the new genres of music. Constantly listening to Eminem or Christina Aguilera on your ipod can deny you the pleasure of discovering new artists like Ne-yo or new music styles like trip hop. Ipod users become islands of their own, trapped in a floating music bubble of their own making.

Not only that, frequent users have become oblivious to their surroundings making discovery of new sounds very difficult. It can be of grave concern especially for those emergency cases when one is not able to hear a call for help because the other person is too distracted by their ipod. Such cases may seem extreme but turn to Hollywood movies and you’ll see how prevalent such instances are.

Ipod fans say otherwise. They say they can be as entertaining as the FM radio that has more content and users are exposed to more styles and artists on a regular basis. Plus there are some trivia and entertainment news that you cannot get from this device without buying accessories. Because of this, a new trend was born through the ipod called podcasting. Podcasting is a radio-style program that can be shared to other people through the Internet and played back in their ipod. You can create your own program and broadcast it to the World Wide Web.

Ipod users and fans have come up with ingenious ways of making their toy into more than just a digital audio player. Some have opened up it up and tinkered with its hardware and software. The result? An ipod that has an organizer function that stores addresses and calendar events in its memory. While it does need some getting used to, fans are thrilled at the devices’ limitless possibilities. Apple Computers then gave us the fourth generation of ipod more commonly known as the ipod photo.

This generation boasts of a colored display and photo transfer capabilities. As the company realized the need for something more innovative, the fifth generation was released. This ipod series is currently the hottest model because of the video function. Ipod video can play MPEG-4 and H.264 video with resolutions of up to 480 x 480 and 320 x 240. Its potential as a marketing and advertising tool is so huge that even Apple is overwhelmed with the idea. One possible product for this is the selling of video formats like music video clips and television show reruns.

The personalization of ipod is not a big issue among its many patrons. It is this quality that makes the device so appealing to them. Our age today holds value to the importance of self-expression. Ipod can deliver that self-expression through personalized covers, skins, accessories and a host of other complimentary software. It becomes an extension of one’s taste in music and other multimedia formats. The only real dilemma for any ipod junkie nowadays is getting the money to buy all those accessories.

In the music universe, being number one means having the best of everything. From storage space and versatility to style and functionality, engineers have been moving towards the realization of that need. Not since the mp3 players and ipods have we seen the most amazing array of music devices available for audiophiles and techno rats.

It is interesting to note that MP3 players and ipods have always been mistaken for each other. And as hard as the brand managers try to differentiate their product from competitors, society has the last say on which product makes it and what its nickname will eventually become. MP3 players and ipods started out fairly the same; both are portable, audio players designed to eliminate the need for compact discs. MP3 players and ipods play a variety of music file formats from WAV, MP3, WMA, and MPEG to name a few. Both can also work as file storage devices. However, MP3 players are flash drive storage devices only. They have a limited capacity of up to 1 GB whereas ipods give the user a choice between a flash drive and a hard drive that can store up to 60 GB in memory size.

The competition between MP3 players and ipods extend to the capabilities of the devices. The features offered by MP3 players include an audio player, storage device, voice recorder telephone directory and an FM radio. Though it sounds like a fully loaded car, you are actually limited in terms of accessories. The wildest thing you can do to MP3 players is change the neck strap. Ipods have a wider selection and gives you more freedom to personalize it. Aside from being audio players, there are ipods that can show your pictures with its small LCD display. And with the latest ipods that play videos, you will always have something to keep you company on those stormy nights, alone in the car.

Ipods also give its user the freedom to dress up or dress down their units. There are websites that offer stick-on covers for ipods like the ones at Decalgirl.com or Ipodstyle.com. Ipods can also be used as a slight PDA since some fanatics have tinkered with these digital players and used it to upload their address book and calendar from their computer.

Other accessories available to this device include waterproof cases, headphones, dock, speakers, a home clock/radio system, battery pack, cassette adaptor, media reader and FM transmitters. The list goes on and on as more people find ways to enjoy their ipods.

With technology changing as often as the months do, it is no wonder that the once prized MP3 players are now only second – bit players to ipods. From just being portable audio devices, they have come out of our pockets and have invaded clubs. The most favorite accessories of hardcore music junkies are these docks that serves as a “mixing table” for tunes right from their ipods’ playlist.

Club disc jockeys have a field day with this device since they can create new dance floor beats with their trusty ipods bringing in the crowd thus spawning a new generation of digital mixers. Even club patrons can get into the action by downloading their favorite tunes and taking it to the mixing table for a spin.

MP3 players are not yet obsolete. It still is the next best thing to ipods and as long as there are people willing to make do without the extra features, MP3 players will always be around. If you are tight on the budget but would still like to carry your tunes around without lugging the heavy compact discs then this is the device for you.

Yet, hands down to the winner of this clash of the best audio device – the ipods. More than a just an audio player, ipods have established itself as the icon of the digital age. Its popularity, ease of use and huge potential has taken the music industry by storm. It has taken a life of its own because it has created numerous gadgets and applications that appeal to the geeks, yuppies, artists and fashionistas.  As more and more people fall in love with ipods, engineers will continue to work and deliver us the accessories that we can use to fully enhance our beloved toys.