Apple Ipod 4th Generation -Easy to use with great sound
I've been using this model for almost 4 years now, and replaced it once due to the previous unit being lost (replaced with the same model)
The 4th generation Ipod is about what you need for "just" music listening, if you do not intend to wach movies, photos, browsing the web, etc' etc'.
Models available are the 10GB, 15GB, and 20GB which have a slim case, and also there is a 40GB model which case is a little bit thicker.
The sound quality of the unit is very good, and it is very easy to operate and navigate through the menues and settings.
Weak points of this older model is that the battery will no longer hold a charge after a few years of constant use, the good thing about that is that
replacement batteries are available for purchase new here on Ebay for a very little sum, and with little technical skills and care, someone can replace the battery quite easily. Just be careful when you open the casing, not to damage the internal ribbon cables and their connectors.
Many other replacement parts are available to purchase too in case you need to replace anything other than the battery.
Another weak point, is that the player has a mechanical hard drive, which can fail if you either drop or hit the unit.
In my case, after replacing 3 drives during that time of ownership (I use it extensively, an average of 3 hours playing every day), I have decided to invest some money, buy an Ipod harddrive to CF (compact flash) memory card adapter, bought a 32GB CF card(the adapter costs a few dollars shipped, but the card is the expensive part), and installed it in place of the hard drive.
After installation all it takes is to restore the unit with the "Ipod Updater", and transfer all of your music to it.
The benefits of the CF card is 12 Extra GB's of space on top of the original 20, and the battery life increases by more than twice for a new battery.
I've been using the CF card for more than a year now, and only had to restore the Ipod once.
Overall the price of the CF card and the adapter, have more than paid for itself for not having to be extra careful with a unit containing a hard drive, and also not having to replace it if it fails.
Hope this was helpful, and can give a little insight on this player,
Sure there are many other modern players out there, from Apple itself too, but for a unit that I use only to listen to music, it does it's job more than just fine.
Things that stand out in it is mostly it's ease of use, sound quality, and build quality.
(The U2 version of the Ipod is exactly the same except for the red/black front case, and the band member signatures on the back).
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