I’m No Electrician | Tech Gadgets & Gizmos

I have decided to write a review on the 4th generation iPod, mine is currently sat on my desk - scratched and battle scarred.

The model I’m specifically going to review is the 4th generation 30 gigbyte iPod video. Because that is what I have. Saying that there are 2 key points there, “30 gigabyte” and “video”. These are two functions I have never used on my iPod. I could never see the use in trying to watch a video on a 1.5 inch screen. I have however tested it today and the picture quality is quite amazing. That said I will never convert to sitting watching video’s on my iPod. I have come close to the 30gb limit, but only just within 5gb. This made me consider why they keep upping the capacity of the iPods. I think the latest models are 40/80gb and I can only think that more and more people MUST be watching videos on theirs.

I find iTunes very simple to use and the only downsides I have found are that

1. You cannot copy the songs back off your iPod to the PC.
2. Which in turn means although you have your iPod plugged into your PC you cannot listen to the songs unless they are on your PC’s hard drive.

I have recently found some software that combats this issue and will add a “how to” guide later in the week.
When I first got my iPod I was dubious as I’ve never really been a walkman kind of guy, I’ve never felt the need to listen to music while walking around. Was I buying it simply because it was the latest gadget, probably!

I do listen to most of my music in my car and have most of my music on mp3, so buying an iTrip was a simple solution for me. The iTrip is a hardware add on for an iPod. It fits into the same port that the iPod cable fits into and allows you to transmit what is playing on your iPod over a radio frequency. The frequency can be set by the user so simply choose one that isn’t used in your region. Its as simple as that:

• Plug in the iTrip (no installation needed).
• Choose a frequency.
• Start playing your favourite album.
• Tune your radio to the same frequency.
• Enjoy listening to your iPod through the car stereo or any other stereo with no cables at all.

This function has made my iPod priceless and if it ever gives up the ghost - it has been dropped numerous times, I would certainly look at investing in another one.

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