iPod Questions

chemistry_geek

chemistry_geek

Registered
I just purchased a 4th generation 40GB iPod from BestBuy yesterday and have several questions.

1. The sales person tried to sell me a 4 year extended warrenty that covers almost everything for $39.99. This also includes replacing the battery when it fails, sending the iPod into Apple for replairs, dead pixels, hard drive failure, etc... I rejected the extended warrenty. Is that a good thing? I suspect that the iPods are constructed as all other Apple products, VERY WELL, and shouldn't need an extended warrenty.

2. If the battery does fail, can the unit still be used as an external hard drive? Or is it like a newer cell phone where NOTHING works when the battery fails?

3. Most of my MP3 are imported using iTunes-LAME at 320 kps. Will this significantly/prematurely shorten the life of the battery? I really don't want to reimport my entire library at a lower bit rate.

4. Are there any tips suggestions people have for using an iPod for maximum life, i.e. charging the batteries completely, then draining them completely?

5. What about extra software for viewing files on the display? I've heard and read that there are programs that provide these functions. Any favorites? Please list FREEWARE and SHAREWARE.

6. Is there an iPod FAQ on this message board? I didn't find one.

7. Are the plastic/rubber skins worth getting for protecting the iPod? I'm a detail freak and very conservative with regard to making items I purchase last as longest duration possible. I haven't seen these rubber skins for the 4G iPods yet. Are they available yet?
 
1. The extended warranty "AppleCare" is worthwhile if you'll be using it a lot, because the battery, like all batteries, will only last a limited time (about 3-4 years is normal for a heavily used iPod). A replacement battery costs more than the AppleCare coverage. The good news is that you can still buy AppleCare now.
2. If the battery fails, get it replaced. It will run on USB or Firewire power if need be, but where's the fun in that?
3. No, the codec used shouldn't really affect power consumption.
5. Again, iPodLounge, Version Tracker or Apple.com/downloads has a bunch of iPod software available.
 
That 4 years warranty is not the Apple's one. But for 39 $, GO for it. Replacing the battery one day yourself will cost 30 $ (depending on how much you'll have to pay for the battery), plus the work ..
2) yes.
 
apple care is a must for almost all apple products and for $40 on the extended warranty, i say go for it save money in the long run

and my favorite app for my iPod is Pod2Go it was freeware but is now shareware but it adds a bunch of cool stuff like news, weather, movies, stocks, horoscopes, lyrics and directions. (it's really handy to have local theater listings in the palm of your hand)
 
3. Yes, the higher the bit rate, the more it will drain your battery. An entire library of songs encoded in Apple Lossless, for an extreme example, will severely decrease the amount of playtime you will get out of your iPod on a single charge.

While the effect on your battery is lower at lower bitrates (say, 128 vs 192), the trend is still there, nonetheless.

After reading up on this, i re-ripped my entire CD collection at 192 AAC, and i am now enjoying 13.5 hours out of 4G 20GB iPod as opposed to 9-10 where i had a bunch of Apple Lossless files, and the rest 320 mp3.
 
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