The Apple iPod Mini is more than just a digital music player, it’s a "must-have" fashion accessory. Available in silver, green, pink or blue, this tiny player became the buy of the year when it was first released.
The Mini comes with either 4GB or 6GB of storage capacity so you can take your favorite music (up to 1,500 tracks) with you wherever you go, and you can be sure that it matches your outfit! The player can play AAC, MP3, Audible and Apple Lossless files with no problems.
You’ll have absolutely no problems finding your way around the Apple iPod Mini, it was the first home of the revolutionary click wheel navigation system. This makes the player fun to use and easy to manage. And, of course, you’ll also get access to the iTunes software package and music store. So, you’ll have no problems managing your music, ripping it or buying tracks by your favorite artists.
This iPod works with either USB 2.0 or firewire so downloading music is incredibly quick. Apple claim that you can transfer an album from your computer to your player in just seconds. This really is music on the go! And, with an average battery charge life of 18 hours you really can take the player anywhere. This might be a great option for you if you like sports/exercise as you also get a skip-free protection system built in.
But there’s more to the Mini than good looks and music, you can use your player as a data storage device if you wish or play games on it. You can even write yourself reminders with the built-in Text Notes facility, organize your life with to-do lists, calendars and contact lists or use the sleep timer/alarm functions.
The Mini comes with a belt clip, USB 2.0 cable, iTunes software, a getting started guide and Apple earphones. If you buy direct from Apple you can also have it engraved for free to make it really personal. You’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to accessories as well. Current accessories include shields, power adapters, mini docks, mini armbands, FM transmitters, speakers, socks, cables and headphones/earphones. If you shop around online it’s possible to pick up a 4GB model for around $185+ and a 6GB for around $220+. Another option is buy a refurbished Mini from Apple which could save you some money.
Pros:
- Size/Design - This iPod is tiny and it weighs just over 3 ounces; you’ll be able to stash it anywhere without noticing it’s there. But, if you do want to show it off it’ll earn you a lot of kudos!
- Functions - The Mini lets you do loads of stuff with your music and is real easy to master.
- MAC/PC - The Mini will work on both a MAC and PC.
- iTunes - The iTunes software package is one of the best music management programs out there, and the online downloads store is massive.
- AACs - Many digital music lovers far prefer the quality of AACs to MP3s.
- Personalization - You can make your player special with personalized engraving or you can even buy it a pair of iPod socks!
- Accessories - Apple have created more useful iPod Mini accessories than you can shake a stick at!
Cons:
- Storage Capacity - If you like carrying a lot of music with you and have a large music collection then you may want more storage than the Mini offers.
- Cost - The Mini is an expensive player, you’re buying more than music storage and portability here. You’ll be able to get more capacity much cheaper with many other players.
- USB 2.0 - If your computer predates USB 2.0 technology then you could have set up problems.
- WMA - The Mini doesn’t support WMA files, so you’ll have to convert them to load them on which could be time consuming.
- Battery - You technically can’t just replace your iPod battery yourself. You either have to pay Apple to replace your Mini or risk going to a company that will do it for you (but you won’t have a leg to stand on with Apple if the replacement goes wrong in this instance and damages the player).
- AACs - Not every digital audio player will be able to cope with AAC files, so if you defect from Apple at a later stage you may have a big conversion task ahead of you!
Usage Tips and Tricks
If you own more music than you can feasibly fit on your Mini then you can let the player decide what you load on to it. iTunes can be set to automatically choose a selection of music for you to just fill it up so you can avoid those difficult decisions!If you keep your player in your pocket then you may want to disable the buttons so you don’t push them as you’re walking round. To do this simply push the Hold button on the top of the Mini to the center. Once you can see the orange stripe you’ll have disabled the controls.