"Thou shalt enjoy thy iPod."
© B Y ..S T E V E ..W E L S H
Oregon MacPioneers User Group (Omug)
We're back with column No. 2 of this brand new monthly venture so we must be serious. We are glad you've returned, too (if you missed our birth, drop in here first, the nurses have cleaned up).
To begin the new year, we will focus on a product you might have heard about, and certainly no one has written about yet -- the iPod. Please, I'm keeping a straight face; are you? Since there are millions of you out there, we figured some might actually read our offering below. Quick, before you change your mind or your iPod is struck dead by a bolt of static electricity (and may God, Moses and Charlton Heston forgive me, in that order) ...
The 10 Commandments For iPod Owners
Listed in a semi-logical order of ownership.
No stone was harmed in the writing of these commandments.
I. Find the right iPod for thou
Some pockets (and wallets) are bigger
Too late, you already own an iPod? Not really, read on. If you are about to purchase your first, read this carefully...
Your budget and music or video needs will immediately narrow down the iPod family to 2 choices. From refurbished pricing to brand new the range from iPod shuffle to 60-gig iPod with Video is $79-399. But no matter what I or any self-titled iPod expert might suggest, the best method to choose the iPod best for you is to skip (yes, skip) to your nearest Apple Store or iPod-totting brick-and-mortar place and test drive every model you can. And please, the color is the last choice you need to make. I have had tremendous success with refurbished Macs and iPods over the years, so if you don't need the latest and greatest, you can spend even less. Check Apple's "Sale" section in its online store, or ask at your local counter.
Generally, the iPod shuffle has been the choice for the second iPod in the family or for the athletic/mobile user, as it's the ideal workout mate with it's slim, tiny size and flash memory (no worries on strong vibrations causing skipping). When you examine the iPod family, you will see Apple has defined each model well in price and features vs. need. Unless it's a local purchase and you can examine it, buying used is a much riskier venture. However, if the used iPod still qualifies for Applecare coverage and you can spend the extra $59, and the total still leaves you well short of a new model price with most of the same features, go for it.
For the potential iPod buyer sitting on the fence, the new iPod owner, or an iPod user just wanting to learn more about their digital wonder, Apple has just created an excellent intro and examination of its creation in all its forms on the Apple Support site.
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II. Know thy computer first
Your iPod is still a Mamma's boy
Your iPod loves to travel with you, but anytime you want to add more music, change your playlists or update the latest iPod software, you'll have to return to Mamma (your computer) and reattach the umbilical cord (USB or Firewire cable) -- or drop baby into its cradle (your iPod Dock, which has an umbilical cord back to Mamma). With so many generations of iPods out there and the current models to choose from, you need to know your Mac or PC hardware first, before you buy your first iPod.
Does your computer have a FireWire or USB port, or both? If it has USB, is it version 1.1 (slower) or 2.0 (much faster)? FireWire has a few more advantages, but new generations of iPod are USB only (probably due to the vast number of PC users without FireWire). New iPods with only USB 2.0 connections will still work across 1.1 USB but slowly. The iPod shuffle will NOT fit directly into old G3 iMac USB ports, nor get enough power to charge (or sometimes even mount) via the keyboard USB port. Even though it's an additional purchase, Apple's new Universal Dock is worth the extra bucks.
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III. Thou shalt backup
It's digital, it's cool, but it's still data
Your most valuable asset is your data, whether you use a computer or an iPod. These are the files you create, or, in the case of the iPod, the ones you purchase. Don't think that $500 library of purchased digital music can vaporize instantly? If you don't, then this must be your VERY first time owning ANY digital device. Hard drives crash, electronic devices break, small portable things drop. Protect your investment (time and money) and backup your music, podcasts, audiobooks, notes, calendars, and anything else important living on your Mac, PC or iPod. One great thing about the iPod is that if you put your whole music library on it, you actually are walking around with your backup (mirror copy of what is on your hard drive). But you still want to go one more step and archive that library to another location (another hard drive, CD/DVDs, etc.) If you are a .Mac member, you can do it online to Apple's servers, too (if you DO go the online route, make sure it is secure and that no one else can access your copyrighted purchased tunes).
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IV. Thou shalt not kill your battery
There are no solar-paneled iPods (yet)
"Who cares about gasoline prices and mile-per-gallon auto efficiency, how long will my iPod battery last" you ask? Quite a while, actually. Battery charge length roughly improved with each iPod generation. Here are Apple's specs on the latest iPods (pre-Expo) -- iPod shuffle, up to 12 hours; iPod Nano, up to 14 hours; iPod with Video, up to 20 hours of music playback (less with video or slideshows). IPod battery charges are more predictable than laptop battery charges, but remember batteries deteriorate with age. Unless you want to void the warranty, iPod batteries are not user-replaceable (but some 3rd-party companies will do it for you). Other 3rd-party companies make cool add-on packs using AA batteries if you can't recharge on-the-go, and there are many car (cigarette lighter port) chargers, too. I'm still smiling with a used 2nd generation 10 gig iPod on its original battery after 2 years of use, so no, I've never been desperate enough to try recharging my iPod while attaching it to a kite in an electrical storm. If you are REALLY mobile and take your iPod with you everywhere, you might even consider buying an extra cable and charger (or dock).
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V. Thou shalt treat it like an egg
Miniaturization breeds special care
Most electronic gadgets, including the iPod, keep getting better, faster, more powerful, easier to use, cheaper, and smaller (seen Saturday Night Live's spoof on Steve Jobs and the shrinking iPod?). The iPod Nano is literally pencil-thin. The iPod shuffle resembled in size a pack of gum so much that Apple even put a "Do not eat the iPod Shuffle" footnote on its product page when it was introduced. If there wasn't a white earplug cord bouncing off your shoulders or chest you might not even notice that you do, indeed, have a 1,000 songs in your pocket -- the Nano and shuffle are that lightweight.
But until Apple comes out with a special "Gumby iPod" you need to treat your little musical friend like an egg. Ever see a calculator or credit card left in pants back pocket and sat on? It's not pretty. Please don't go jogging with your iPod with Video strapped to your arm, unless you really want to see the tiny parts inside your $299 or $399 beauty scattered along the sidewalk the first time it flies off. That's what the shuffle is for. Scrambled eggs are not pretty. Picky about little scratches? Buy a case, protect your investment.
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VI. Thou shalt not covet they neighbor's iPod
You can be cool and Apple proud, but don't let iPod thieves rule, protect yourself
Nothing says Apple cool and iPod like those white earbuds sticking in, and those white cords coming out of, your ears. And if you live in a problem town or neighborhood, it also says "Mug me!" Not to cause a panic, but it has happened (read this story). I use a pair of black earphones with my iPod (stuffed in my backpack) when I have to hike through a suspect area of town, just in case. It works. If you carry your iPod in your hand, dress it up in a case that "disguises" it from a distance. Tell your kids this, too.
And are you one of those people who leaves your car keys everywhere? Buy a lanyard or keep your iPod in your front blouse or pockets. Never leave it lying around on a desk or at work. What if it IS stolen? Did you write down the serial number? Did you have a special engraving? Is your iPod registered? Go the extra step and put a text file on your iPod with ownership and contact info. There's a slim chance you'll ever see it again, but there ARE good people out there, too.
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VII. Seek ye wisdom
Gather your best iPod support team
The iPod and iTunes experience is truly unique, and typically Apple. But every now and then you'll need an iPod Software Update, or have a question on the best way to back up your music, or (Heaven forbid) have a quirk with the iPod itself. You don't need to immediately rush back to the store or call Apple. Start first by searching for your problem or question on Apple's website and Support. About 50% of the time you'll find what you need to know or what to download or what step to take next. Dive into the Discussions area, where users like you are asking the same questions or sharing the solutions. Buy a good iPod/iTunes book (one we recommend is The Missing Manual: iPod & iTunes by O'Reilly Media). Find and join your nearest Macintosh Users Group (MUG), which is sure to have fellow iPod owners and are great with finding solutions. If you are lucky enough to live close to an Apple Store, schedule an appointment with a Genius there. Or visit your local Apple dealer. You can save yourself headaches and heartache by doing some research on your own as you explore and get to know your new family member. Of course, life is even easier if you are under warranty or bought AppleCare for your iPod.
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VIII. Thinkest different? Thinkest insurance
To AppleCare or not care
When you buy your iPod, and within the first year of its normal warranty life, you have the opportunity to buy AppleCare (extended warranty) for $59 (all models). Extended warranty plans raise questions like any other insurance -- do I really need it? A good rule of thumb is that the more mobile or expensive a device is the greater the need for insurance. Just forked out $399 for the top-of-the-line iPod with Video (60 gigs), and don't see why you should spend $59 more? We think you should. If you just grabbed a refurbished $79 iPod shuffle (512 mb), probably not. Even in the least-case-scenario, if you ever need to replace an iPod battery, you've almost recouped the cost for AppleCare. You will think it is the best money you ever spent if something major dies and you get a brand new iPod in return (if Apple redeems that option). This is important: Read your warranty coverage. Apple will not replace your iPod if you threw it in a swimming pool even if it IS under warranty. Also, be aware that even under the first year of normal warranty, if you need to send the iPod to Apple during the LAST 6 months of that period that you will have to pay the shipping and handling.
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IX. Keep thyself pure and above reproach
Following the rules breeds the best for all of us in the end
Most parents try to teach their children to do the right thing so they will do the right thing by choice when they are independent. Digital Rights Management (DRM) is, in essence, a compromise by the music industry and the consumer to agree to "do the right thing" -- the right thing by consumers is not to illegally download music or video content; the right thing by the music industry is not to gouge the buyer with overpriced CDs or tunes, or insert invisible tattle-tale programs on our computers without the owner's knowledge. Apple's iTunes online store is a success because it offers what most consumers feel is a fair DRM (99 cent tunes, multiple computers to play them on, ability to burn to a specified number of CDs). Apple and the music industry are at the end of their original agreement; the music industry wants a bigger slice of the pie -- hopefully 2006 brings better DRM and not worse. Jobs and Apple are continuing to bet that most of us will do the right thing.
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X. Go forth and multiple
Bet you can't own just one
Some follow this commandment immediately after stuffing in those white earphones and pushing their click-wheel button the first time, and for others it dawns on them slowly but surely: Maybe I can't live with just ONE iPod. Then again, maybe you can, especially if you took to heart our first tip of this list. But face it, for most of us, we don't want our little white (or black) baby to grow old alone -- we want to start an iPod family. His and Hers. The kids will want one, especially teenagers. Then there's the main iPod and the "workout" iPod. Should Lawrence Welk, Led Zeppelin, Clint Black, The White Stripes and 50 Cent be allowed to co-exist on the same iPod? Probably not. Time to re-read the first commandment.
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Now go iPod in peace ...
Remember, this column was posted BEFORE MacWorld Expo in San Francisco (Jan. 9-13), the mother of all Apple events. So Apple may or may not make changes to the iPod family (the leading rumor is possible announcement of the first Macs with Intel inside). Even if Apple does tweak the iPods, our 10 Commandments should still hold true. If it's all a little overwhelming (which it can be around Expo time), follow Moses' example and go for a little hike up a mountain, take 2 tablets, and email me in the morning.
No one has called the dog pound yet, so we'll keep on barking. See you in a couple of weeks for our post-Expo opinions.
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added 5-1-06
Prolong your iPod battery life (column) -- Not a commandment, but some wise advice nonetheless by Playlistmag.com's Chris Breen on preserving your iPod battery strength.
Bark Biscuits of the Month
If you read this far, you deserve a few goodies:
(* link will begin immediate download or page load)
God's Keynote * (free audio) -- A very slick and clever takeoff of Steve Jobs famous keynote style by a tech-savvy priest in the Netherlands. It'll make you smile. Just over 3 minutes playing time (you can download it, too).
Yule fireplace * (free video) -- Live in a cold part of the state or country? Then download this video to warm your hands against the glow of your Mac screen or iPod with Video. About 3 plus minutes of crackling, fireplace popping warmth for you and your loved ones.
Everything Nano Holiday Guide * (free PDF) -- Even if it is after the holidays, grab the iPod Garage's FREE 159-page PDF holiday guide dedicated to all things Nano. Worth flipping through the pages to soak up Nano info, and especially for discovering most of the Nano accessories out there.
Opus' life improved by Jobs * (web page cartoon) -- Poor Opus the Penquin, his life just got way better by the ever-fast-producing technology of Steve Jobs and Apple. When this page loads, go to the POPUP button at lower left and select the Dec. 11, 2005 cartoon and then be sure to click on the "Click!" button right below it.
Please remember that the above non-Omug links may or may not be active soon or long after this column was published; they are provided for your exploration and are not an endorsement by Omug or this author.
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