Apple iPod Video 30GB Review

Overall Rating

- Fantastic quality screen
- Brilliant ease of use (both on the computer and on the ipod)
- Small
- Looks Great
- Nice extra features

- Battery life deteriorates quickly
- Screen easily scratched

Ok, the ten thousandth review for the iPod.

I caught the iPod bug way back and got myself an iPod mini, upgrading from that eventually to this, the iPod video 30GB in white. I unpack it and caress its smooth sexy body, plug it in to charge and get onto my computer eagerly updating to the latest version of iTunes so I can have my video's ready and waiting. It was superb, working all day, supplying me with music, movies and games without fail. It went well for about three months, working hard and showing no signs of stopping. And then it did. I plugged it into the charger one day and left it there to do its thing. I came back a few hours later and picked the iPod up. The metal backing to it was burning hot and I almost dropped it. I unplugged it and put it down instantly tending to my hand. I gave it time to cool down and then went and turned it on. It should have had long enough to charge fully but upon inspection it only had enough juice for about 3 mins of music. I charged it again and the same thing happened again. This time I gave it a day between charges and the next time I plugged it in something else happened; as the power points connected the screen lit up and displayed an unusual logo. A cartoon type iPod with a bandage and crutch with text underneath claiming that the iPod was faulty and to contact apple. Unfortunately this really was the end for my iPod but after contacting apple they managed to swap it for a new one and all is well. Well, anyway, that's my story, now for the review:

The data transfer is unbelievably fast, and menu searching is without fault. The iPod Video really is a perfect MP3 player with the exception of two things, one, the battery (but if you get a recent one that doesn't seem to be a problem), and two, the screen. Even if always kept in the included leather slip case the screen tends to get covered in small, light scratches pretty quickly. I strongly recommend if you are getting one to also get a case with a screen protector. It is worth it.

All in all it is worth the money and does the job in an enjoyable and satisfactory way. Highly recommended.

Members' Comments onYourDirector's Review

• MicroJak on 1st Aug 2007

  I am very interested in buying the iPod Video Player, and I found your review very helpful. So just 2 questions here, firstly, you talked about the battery being short, I have read other reviews about the battery being very short when used with videos, and you talked about the fact that there was a recent one, which battery is the recent one? And secondly, is the screen protector an accessory? Or does it come free? I hope you reply soon, and again your review has really helped me in my decision.