here is the link:http://arstechnica.com/reviews/hardware/nano.ars/3 I don't think you can get Mini from Apple anymore. They replaced it with nano. I will get a 4G nano myself once they are clear of the screen scratch problem.
There is no danger of breaking a case open or even breaking a piece off these iPods (unless you deliberately do something weird like throw it against the concrete or sit on it resting at an angle). The covers only protect against scratches and maybe changing the controls unconsciously. These iPods are so compact there is virtually not much to break or outside moving parts like other mp3 players. The best thing is that the quality is so high, i am willing to bet lasting longer than the other mp3 players. hz10 is correct. It's no longer sold. I can sell you a Mini if you're interested. I know someone who wants to sell his.
From what I've read they aren't making the Mini anymore (might just be rumor), but with the nano now and the shuffle there really is no need for the Mini. You can still get them new in box on eBay for $125-150 bucks from people who got it from www.freeipod.com. Actually, the nanos are very fragile because they are so thin, they've had many problems with the screens cracking. Sure the flash memory is more stable then a hard drive, but Minis are very robust in their protection of the hard drive, as are the top-end models. I've dropped my iPods hundreds of times and they came out fine, with the Nanos you have to worry about the screen and either losing it, or sitting on it and simply bending it in half. I've had 4 ipods, one from each generation 5, 10, 20 and now 40GBs... I currently have a 40gb 4th generation. I've had family members with the mini and shuffle... they're just weren't for me. I plan on getting a nano as soon as I know Apple has their screen problems taken care of. I read up on them all the time at sites like ipodlounge.com and such. I love all the add on gadgets such as the iTrip that make them more versitile then your other MP3 players... plus we all know they look cool. My favorite cases for iPods are the clear, rubber ones made called "Groove Jackets".
huh...figures! Well I was looking to spend $200 bucks anyway...so maybe I should just go with the Nano? Swoly what did you get and how do you like it?
You can still get them new in box, they just aren't making any more of them. If you can't find them at a store there are thousands on eBay.
I have bought mine used. First, I bought a 20GB 2nd generation (the one with the 4 buttons in a row instead of on the wheel). It was exactly what I needed for the bus ride here from work, and I had plenty of music. Battery lasts enough time for me to listen to and from work, and also while working out or playing here at work. I gave that to my wife so she could save my daughters' music and listen to it on the way to work. When I didn't have that, my uncle said he had a Photo 40 GB one. I tried-before-i-"buyed" it, and it was cool to be able to transfer the photos onto it and use it as a hard drive. I was doing things I didn't know I could already do with the 20 Gb one. With the photo one, you can store photos and also display album art. That was sweet. I even found album art for my MEXICAN music (cumbias, rancheras, Tejano, etc.). I gave that back to my uncle since it was going to be too expensive for me. I know bring the 20GB on the bus. I like their resistance to breaking and the way the case is so rugged it only gets "worn out" but not broken. I have never owned the iPod Mini but I have also tried them out... they're OK, but I just don't like the feel of the case. I get the shivers when something hard scratches against it. I have NOT had a iPod Nano in my hand yet. I have experienced all the others. I think your daughter will be OK with the Nano. She will learn to be responsible. Trust me. It's the time to trust her, or at least give her a chance to be responsible and prove it to you. I can't wait until my daughter's teenage years... THOSE SHOULD BE FUN.
Just some warnings about the Nano: http://news.com.com/Problems+surfacing+with+iPod+Nano+screen/2100-1041_3-5880307.html http://www.macworld.com/news/2005/09/27/nanoscreen/index.php Thus the reason I've waited to get one. However, there have been some good testing of the Nano as well... http://arstechnica.com/reviews/hardware/nano.ars/3
Thanks, Svprnaut. Nice links. Check this one out (hopefully your daughter doesn't do one of these experiments, akperez): Stress Testing (autopsy on page 4)
I just bought my sister one of these (Mobiblu) last week. It's tiny, but there's a special necklace headphone dohicky so you can wear the player around your neck. She seems to like it so far.
at the "autopsy".........Thanks everyone for your help. I am now winning a bid for a pink mini on ebay. If I don't get it then I'll probably just end up getting her the Nano (and hope she takes good care of it). I'm trying to do this now and beat the x-mas rush and not have to worry about everyone being sold out. Next up.....a PSP maybe for my stepson
From Techbargains.com: Apple Outlet has refurbished iPod Shuffle 512MB $79 shipped free iPod Shuffle 1GB $99 shipped free Price drop: iPod Mini 4GB $159 shipped free iPod Mini 6GB $199 shipped free iPod 30GB color $299 shipped free iPod 40GB Click Wheel, Dock $299 shipped free
Here is a report of an accidental wash machine test of nano. Nano won and mini lost. http://www.theregister.com/2005/10/04/ipod_nano_washing/
I was going to get this: http://cgi.ebay.com/Mp3-player-USB-...814775829QQcategoryZ73839QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem Great idea, but I think I'll go with this instead. It's got everything all in one! Expensive and no warranty, but cool as hell. Of course I still need to get a 1GB or 2GB SD/MMC.
I dont get it. If the mp3 player itself costs 25 bux, and you shell out another 75 bux for the 2 GB SD card, can't you just get one of the Rio Carbons, with a built in battery, better warranty,and more space.
Lol, on top of that the sob is charging 25 bux to ship it. Thats the entire cost of the mp3 players. Fleecebay.
You get what you pay for when it comes to tech gadgets... if you skimp you're going to get an item that ends up sucking in one way or the other or many ways for that matter. iPods and other high end MP3 players are well worth the extra dough, if you can't afford a new iPod there are hundreds of thousands of used ones floating around for the price of what "cheaper" models would cost you new.
Just remember that if you buy sub-standard gifts for your kids, they will think you're a sub-standard parent. AkPerez: "Here's a gift to my favorite daughter" Daughter: "It's nice to know you only love me half as much as the Nano. Boo hoo"
