5G iPod: I can see clearly now

Posted by Dennis Sellers Dec 2, 2005 at 3:03am

I’m still not convinced that I’ll be watching a lot of video on it, but there’s no denying that the 5G (video) iPod is a wonderful update to a fine product. I’ve enjoyed watching short videos on it, such as a music video (Coldplay’s “Clocks”) and Pixar shorts. I also watched an episode of Lost (which is the best show on TV right now, by the way), but found that viewing a TV show on an iPod is not an idea situation (though “one hour” shows like Lost are much shorter without the commercials).

In case you’ve been off the planet for the past few weeks and haven’t heard, the new 5G (video) iPod sports a 2.5-inch color screen that can display album artwork and photos, and play video including music videos, video podcasts, home movies and TV shows (you’ll need iTunes 6 for some of these features). The new iPod holds up to 15,000 songs, 25,000 photos or over 150 hours of video and is available in a 30GB model for US$299 and a 60GB model for $399, with both models available in white or black designs. I test drove a white 60GB-er.

Video content for the 5G iPod (which Apple doesn’t call a video iPod, but merely refers to it as “video enabled”) is a bit limited. Until recently, the choices were 2,000 music videos, six short films from Pixar and five TV shows from ABC and the Disney Channel. But companies such as Veoh and How2Share are rushing to make sure you can watch video on your iPod until your eyes fall out.

The 5G iPod has most of the features of its predecessors, such as the click wheel and the ability to view its content (including, now, video content) on a television via optional Apple accessories. Apple says that the 30GB model features up to 14 hours of battery life for music playback and the 60GB model features up to 20 hours of battery life for music playback. I’ve found that to be fairly accurate. However, watching video slices those times down to about three hours.
So what about video playback? Though I have no desire to watch videos on the iPod for long periods of time, it’s surprisingly watchable. The screen resolution is 320×240 and is much brighter and clearer than I expected. Playback is also very smooth.

The 5G iPod supports H.264 and MPEG-4 video in .m4v, .mp4, and .mov formats. QuickTime Pro’s Export dialog box offers a Movie to iPod (320×240) option that exports videos in the H.264 .m4v file format compatible with the new iPods. (Note that you need QuickTime Pro 7.0.3 and the $29 pro version, not the freebie.)

Video aside, the 5G iPod is an improvement over its predecessors in most ways. It has longer battery life, is slimmer (the 30GB version is 45 percent thinner than the original iPod and the 60GB slightly less petite) and costs less. For example, Apple has increased the low end offering by 10GB and added video playback, while keeping the price the same. The display, a half-inch bigger than before, also makes for a better interface for music and photo playback even if you never watch a video.

But there are some things I found lacking in the 5G iPod—literally lacking. MIA is Apple’s Remote port, which let you use accessories such as FM transmitters, microphones, and remote controls. And if you want to charge your iPod from something besides your computer’s USB 2.0 port, you’ll need a $29 optional iPod USB Power Adapter. As for FireWire, if you have a FW cable, you can use it to charge, but not sync, your iPod. As for the omnipresent earbuds, well, they’re still the same. Lots of folks will consider buying a third party set of headphones for better quality and more comfort.

I won’t be watching the Lord of the Rings trilogy on the iPod, but I will be adding “vodcasts,” music videos and other short films to my portable collection. All the iPods are nifty devices. Now the 5G versions add to your viewing, as well as listening, pleasure.

All iPod models include earbud headphones, USB 2.0 cable, case, dock insert and a CD with iTunes for Mac and Windows computers. Optional accessories designed for the new iPod include: Universal Dock for $39, giving access to a USB port for syncing, IR support to work with the Apple Remote and a variable line out and S-video connections for integration within the living room; Apple Remote for $29, providing wireless integration to the Universal Dock and access to controls from across the room; Apple iPod AV cable for $19, enabling television viewing of video content in full-screen; the iPod Camera Connector for $29); and Apple Socks for $29, providing six color socks to dress up and protect your iPod.

The 5G iPod requires a Mac with a USB 2.0 and Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later and iTunes 6; or a Windows PC with a USB 2.0 port and Windows 2000, XP Home or Professional (SP2) and iTunes 6.

Macsmum rating: 8 out of 10

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