The new Apple iPod is no doubt the most capable iPod to date. It's sleeker than its predecessor, and it gives you the option to watch video. But if you use your iPod mainly for music, which one is best for audio only?
After comparing the two, I've come up with five reasons why I'd pick the 4G iPod (the 20GB photo, to be exact), and over the 30GB 5G model if I just wanted to listen to tunes.
1. Better overall battery life
In CNET Labs' drain test, the 5G (30GB) scored nearly 15 hours, while the 4G (20GB) maxed out at 17 hours. Sure the 5G is 31 percent sleeker, but the weight loss comes at a price. And most users will dabble into a little video playback, so average playback times will certainly drop into the single digits. If you don't use it for video, you still need to contend with the fact that the 5G has a bigger, more power-hungry screen than the 4G's, one that will probably be turned on for 10 seconds (default setting) many times a day. Maximise both versions' battery longevity by keeping the backlight off during the day. Also, consider the 60GB 5G iPod, which adds the tiniest amount of thickness and weight but has a rated battery life of 20 hours for audio.
2. Faster processing
Apple won't tell us what's inside, but we've seen an autopsy. Obviously, the processor has been upgraded to power the video engine, and for the most part, the user experience is much the same -- that is, the processor is stable, reliable and relatively powerful. But we've noticed that the 5G has more 2-second pauses when skipping tracks (especially multiple titles) than the 4G. In fact, the 5G at times reminds me of my G4 PowerBook: slow.
3. More Click Wheel = defter navigation
The 4G has a bigger Click Wheel than the 5G, so it actually takes more thumb rotations to get through the entire music library. And the 5G's select button is flat, not raised and thus, less tactile, than the 4G. The bigger screen and smaller Click Wheel feel a tad unwieldy for this iPod user.
4. More robust design.
The 5G feels slippery and slightly awkward in the hand -- maybe it's too sleek. The 4G feels more ergonomic and certainly less precious than the 5G, though the age of device might be a factor. And whether or not the 5G scratches more than the 4G version, the bigger screen amplifies the effect of any blemish. When I'm using an iPod for audio, I could care less what the screen looked like, though I like viewing photos with background music.
5. Remote control
With the 5G version, you can spring for the new dock, which works with the cool new Apple wireless remote control. But you can't yet get a convenient wired remote such as the one available for the smart-jack-equipped 4G version. As iPod users can attest, the remote is awesome for music, as it lets you stash your iPod and you get dedicated volume controls.
But here are some reasons why you'd want a 5G iPod anyway:
- At the same price point, you do get 10GB more with 5G.
- The slim 5G iPod is better in the pocket and on the eyes.
- I've noticed the 5G sounds slightly better (brighter, with a tad more bass) than the 4G version.
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enjoilax
29/10/2005 05:49 AM
All of your points are completely moot as except #1, NONE of those effect music playback at all. And #2 is because the iPod does not support gapless playback, maybe they incereased the time between tracks? With more Memory (64 megs on board) and a faster processor don't mean anything when it comes to the audio processor. Plus unless you have Golden ears, you wouldn't even be able to hear the difference between iPods, let alone other DAPs.
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saman
02/11/2005 01:41 PM
iriver h140 is better than any IPOD to date as far as sound quality. comparing IPOD against itself is hardly a comparison. why dont you do a thorough comparison in one article of all harddisk players/recorders and then tell us which one is best. it isn't the IPOD for sure.
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Apple
03/12/2005 03:34 AM
What sucks about the 4G Ipod is that it can't play JPEG files that were directly Downloaded from a digicam. if the 5G version can do it, that would make Ipod on the same league with Epson P2000. Any info on this feat? TIA
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That1Guy
02/02/2006 03:23 PM
wow this writer is a total loser. The reason i buy an ipod is to lenten to music. Thats it. who cares if it loads SLIGHTLY slower, or if it takes more wheel rotations to find a song. ANd if you still live in the past and use a wired remote.... WOW!!!
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Katie
03/12/2006 07:59 AM
My Nano's battery goes away, even when it's turned off. Is this normal?
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