Apple iPod (80GB, video) review

As we all know, the new iPod is dependent on iTunes 7, particularly when it comes to DRMed audio or video. The software, which has added both a cool interface (Cover Flow) and audio playback features (such as gapless playback) has frustrated many users with its bugginess. Given our bug-free experience on both Mac and Windows versions, our experience of iTunes 7 was favourable. But beware that the software has caused headaches for many users -- Apple needs to issue an update soon.

In addition to being home base for setting up gapless playback of tracks on the iPod, iTunes 7 now features a device manager option that allows you to set your iPod up directly within the iTunes interface. The main landing page displays a graphic and vital stats of your iPod and allows you to tick off universal settings such as 'Manually manage music and videos' and 'Only sync checked items'. Additionally, you can update or restore your iPod from this summary page.

Content is managed by clicking tabs for specific types such as Music, Movies, TV Shows and Contacts. Finally, at the bottom of this window is a colour-coded capacity meter that visually breaks down Audio, Video, Photo, Other and Free Space. Again, it's not as though we haven't seen integrated management in Windows Media Player, but the use of a nested window rather than a new one helps. One more related feature: you're now allowed to move songs off the iPod as long as the recipient computer is authorised to listen to or view the content. So now you can transfer your purchased music (no MP3s) from your work computer to your home computer using the iPod. Simply authorise a new computer using the new Store/Authorise Computer option.

Owners of the original non-enhanced iPod benefit from upgrading to firmware 1.2. In addition to brightness control, new features include the search feature, letter overlay, gapless playback and the ability to playback the new 640x480-pixel iTunes video content on the 320x240-pixel screen. Older iPodders cannot play the enhanced iPod games.

While the iPod's new features give it new life, we're disappointed that Apple couldn't add things that appear on most other MP3 players. You'd think Apple could integrate an FM radio, despite the slender size of the iPod. But it seems the iPod equaliser presets have been improved. The unit sounds good and hiss-free, though not as punchy and crisp as we prefer. We don't understand why Apple does not implement a custom equaliser.

Performance
Most of us know that the pre-enhanced iPod was dogged for its two-plus hours of video battery life -- a scrawny amount for watching movies in addition to enjoying music. Now you'll have 75 per cent more battery life with both sizes -- that means you'll get up to a rated 3.5 hours of video battery life for the 30GB version and up to 6.5 hours for the 80GB. Audio playback is, strangely, the same -- that is, up to 14 hours for the 30GB and 20 hours for the 80GB. If only the iPod had a removable battery that was designed to be removed.

In unofficial testing, the 80GB version was able to play back a widescreen iTunes movie (with brightness at default) more than three times, and very close to 6.5 hours. That's pretty impressive. Video, too, looks nicer on a brighter screen (and on a new iPod with a virgin screen), though the widescreen movies are just too small to fully enjoy.

Boosting battery life will always make a product more appealing, and it looks like Apple responded to all the complaints. Basically, this brings the iPod in line with other players, such as the Creative Zen Vision:M, in terms of video battery life. Navigating the iPod is as smooth as ever -- we experienced little to nil processor delays, though we often feel the hard drive engaging and disengaging.

So that's it -- while the 6G 'true video' iPod will still be a figment of the tech world's imagination (look out for that at Macworld '07), the enhanced 5G iPod looks more attractive than ever with its incremental updates. It looks the same as the original (accessory companies breathe a collective sigh), but under the bonnet, you have an iPod that makes the original 5G iPod look rusty.

Pricing is a huge aspect here -- £189 for the 30GB iPod is a superb deal, although shop around and you may find the Creative Zen Vision:M and one or two others for a little less. And for another £70, you get the massive 80GB version! For us, the gapless playback and better battery life make the iPod the most attractive one to date, and it's certainly better value than the similarly priced (£169) but much smaller 8GB nano.

Additional editing by Nick Hide