I have a sandisk right now a 1gb and I want something with more stuff to it, So I decided to gety the ipod mini. To my understanding the Ipod mini has everything the ipod has but just less memory aslo is there a place to download games onto the mini and is there anythign better that is the same as ipod mini with all the features that cost less or has more kool feautres and cost a little more
Thanks

You can't download additional games onto any iPod. It only has what it comes with, which ain't much (games-wise). Keep in mind, the iPod is primarily a digital music device, not a portable gaming machine, and it's doubtful Apple will move it in that direction. If anything, it will become more of a general media device, as evidenced by the iPod Photo. But I doubt you'll see much in the way of fancy games coming out for the iPod, at least not anytime soon.

No offence but this is kind of an odd topic ;)

Ok so is there anything better then the ipod mini out there? Like same thing but more features

Sony PSP. I'm getting one once I save up enough (I have about $175 USD now).

I have a 20gig ipod and I like it a lot. But it is, as said above, a music player and only a music player. It does have 4 crappy games. I bought my wife a Creative Labs Zen Micro mp3 player and it does have some advantages over the ipod: smaller, plays and records from the radio, extra battery, batteries that are easily replaced (a BIG downside for the ipod). It only has 5 gigs but for many that is more than enough. I am also a Mac user so am partial to the ipod for that reason. But my limited research on mp3 playes narrowed down to those two as the best out there. So if you are considering a mini, do have a good long look at the Zen Micro and compare them to your expected needs.

The pug

You only have like 10 songs for the PSP... Love it though...

I dont like the psp ds is better LONG LIVE NINTEDNO DOWN WITH SONY!

EDIT: Does the Ipod mini come with a recharger?

Last edited: Tuesday, April 26, 2005 at 4:41:07 AM

By default, the way to recharge your iPod mini is to plug it in to your computer. It gets juice directly thru your USB2 or FireWire port. But you can buy a separate power adapter that plugs into a standard wall outlet, or a dock that can be used either to plug into your computer or a wall outlet. I would go for the power adapter. It's cheaper, and the dock is not all that useful. I got one with my 3rd gen iPod and pretty much never use it.

EDIT: Oops. Made a mistake. The dock is only used for syncing to your music collection, not for charging. Yet another reason it's not that useful.

Last edited: Tuesday, April 26, 2005 at 5:46:05 AM

I am a big Mac fan, so I thought I'd try out the iPod. It's really great, although I kinda have one of the lesser known, lesser purchased iPod Shuffle, since I could never afford a Mini or a regular. The Shuffle s pretty cool, but the most outstanding feature is its size. It's no bigger than a pack of gum. Really. It only holds 240 songs, though (1 gig.)

I also love the iPod because there are soooooooooooooooooooooo (ooooooooooooooooooooooooooo) many accessories for it, like walking bands, personal speakers where you plug in the iPod and you can listen out loud, and song editing programs and the ability to delete and add songs whenever you want. And that only scratches the surface.

(P.S. DIE PSP!!! DOWN WITH SONY!!!!)

Last edited: Tuesday, April 26, 2005 at 6:04:49 AM

The Sony PSP is an absolutely terrible alternative to an iPod as a music player.

Sony is actually coming under fire now because all their 'great' reviews about how the PSP is so a great multimedia device were all fake and they simply paid people off to write them. As a portable gamind device the PSP has definitely rasied the bar for everyone else. As a 'multimedia device' they need to do some serious work with the interface. The MAJOR downside that completely makes it obsolete in the multimedia player market is the fact that is has NO INTERNAL HARD-DRIVE!!!! The most available and largest memory stick is 512MB for about $130. Get about 8 of those to equal just the 4GB for the mini and your spendind $1240 (8 sticks + PSP).

Hardly worth comparing.

N oh yeahÉ there are no "good" alternatives to the iPod Mini. Period.

75% of the market can't be too wrong.

I think another big downside to the PSP is the fact that it can't play standard DVDs. In general, I kind of like Sony's products (have some of their cameras) but they have this terrible habit of making their stuff COMPLETELY proprietary, which many times don't catch on in the industry! (Minidisk anyone!?) Who in the hell is gonna repurchase all of their movies in that special UMD format!? 'Course, if it played regular sized DVDs, the unit would be bigger, but I feel that compromise they made is a bad one. Other than that, it's a good gaming device, but that's about it. It offers no real competition for the iPod in the portable music arena.

Thanks all for the great reviews! NOw I know that I made the right desition to stick with the ds (DOWN WITH SONY!) I also learened a lot!

Thanks again for yoru time and effort!

I cant find the adapter for the Ipod or Ipod min where is it?
Eagle

Ok I have another question can you put pictures on the mini ipod not to look at just to store?

Also above question

Anyone.... :S

Try the Zen Micro from Creative. http://www.creative.com/products/product.asp?category=213&subcategory=214&product=10795&nav=1

Personally, I think its the only capable iPod killer out there...More features, a lower price, and looks just as good, if not better. ;)

One of the key features is that it can double as a HDD for storing Data...

Also check out the slick 360 flash demo they did for it... :P

Last edited: Friday, April 29, 2005 at 9:16:21 AM

^ Here's a great deal for another iPod killer: the Nomad Jukebox Xtra (http://us.creative.com/products/product.asp?category=213&subcategory=214&product=9288 )

$219 for a 30 gb, $249 for a 40 gb, and $299 for a whopping 60 gb. A great deal or what?!

Last edited: Friday, April 29, 2005 at 9:52:06 AM

Ok now I am confused on what to buy. Which is better the Nomad Jukebox xtra or the Zen Mirco. Can you store images on both of them and do they have games also which one do you think would be better?

Ok I might want to get the zen micro so this is better because it can hold more songs for less. It can store pictures on it (can the mini ipod do taht?) and can it have games on it?
Eagle

No, it can't have games on it, but it can store photos, just not view them. :)

Ok ty I think I will get taht one since I dont really care about games and it can store my pics and 5g comes wtha power adapter so I dont have to waste money buing one for the mini ipod! YAY THANKS GUYS!!!!! But I wana know if this is a good deal or you seguust the mini ipod better

What OS do you run? That is the only question I have.

EDIT: Never mind, but I'd say to get a 30 or 40 gb Nomad Xtra, same price as the 6 gb Zen Micro, but has WAYYYYYYY more space.

Last edited: Friday, April 29, 2005 at 10:41:38 AM

O I want to get the other one since it come with free excesorys with the 5GB and I have pictures I wana be able to store incase my comptuer crashed. (it has 2 times and fixed itself). But can you get the Momad xtra with the same stuff but better?

Eagle:

You also might want to look at the Zen touch... http://creative.com/products/product.asp?category=213&subcategory=214&product=10274&nav=1

It you can put data (besides music) on it, and its only $250 for the 20gb model.

If you have less than 5gb of music that you think you'd put on your mp3 player, get the micro.

Here it is in an altoids box...one of the most popular 'mods.' ;)

Stylish, no?

Its tiny, lets you store data files, has best sound quality of any player on the market (98db-snr) looks sweet, has a built in FM radio/radio-recorder, voice recorder, comes in 10 colors, up to 12 hrs of battery life...What more could you want?

If youve got more than 5gb, then Id opt for the Zen touch...Still very stylish, has the data-file feature, and a very good price. :)

Thanks for the info! I will still have to decide but I might get the zen mico sincethe 5g comes with free accesoryes which would cost me more to buy them like the adapter. I will need that on vacations.

Hola! :)

Keep in mind before a final mp3 player purchase the accessories available to it. IPods (unlike Windows Media players) have compatibility with alot of car audio, home audio & portable accessories because the vast majority of audio accessories are specifically made for the iPod and not compatible with other players. There are many reasons that Apple owns the mp3 player market. Nothing beats the click-scrollwheel, the iTunes software and the iTunes Music Store. It is simply the simplest and most enjoyable experience from start to finish. IPods work with Windows XP, 2000 or Mac OS X. Before you made the mistake of buying into the Microsoft FUD agenda I thought I'd help you out Eagle with a quick snippet from Apple's site and a recommendation to do some research of your own (use Google a bit... Check out some reviews... Check out the latest news and etc.) Best of luck to ya!

Pasted from Apple's website:

Listen in style with iPod mini, from just $199. Like any classic fashion icon, iPod mini goes with everything: Macs, PCs, sequins and tees. And with up to 18 hours of battery life, it’ll outlast the latest trend. Choose from 4GB or 6GB (super)models in kicked-up colors and show off your music collection.
iPod mini sized.
From Runway to Subway

Weighing in at just 3.6 ounces and showing off in three new shades, iPod mini fits your lifestyle and your bag, whether it be cocktail purse or messenger duffle. The chic, matte anodized aluminum case resists stains and scratches, all the while protecting your iPod mini — from, say, the jostle of overzealous paparazzi. Recessed in the case to keep its surface pristine, the 1.67-inch (diagonal) backlit screen displays full song and album titles, artists’ names and more. And iPod mini lasts up to 18 hours on a single charge(1): enough for a transatlantic flight, the limo ride to your hotel and a few solid hours of boutique shopping. Of course, iPod mini works just as well for your everyday pursuits. With up to 25 minutes of skip protection, you can even walk the dog in style.
Music is the New Black
Armband animation

Set your iPod mini to stun with more vibrant color choices to fit every mood (or outfit). Whether you prefer “Pretty in Pink” or “Yer Blues,” iPod mini turns heads with every tune you play. Find the hue that suits you. Love The Clash but hate to clash? Not to worry. Now even the Click Wheel control icons match your iPod mini.
Put on Some Tunes

So light and colorful, iPod mini yearns for the limelight. Indulge in a little scene-stealing yourself when you wear your music on your sleeve...or around your neck. With optional accessories, including a stylish lanyard and mix-and-match armbands, your iPod mini becomes an ensemble essential. Wear it running a trail or walking the red carpet. IPod mini complements any look, from track suit to tiara.
iPod mini clickwheel.
Under Your Thumb

Always striving for perfection, Apple engineers moved the iPod’s buttons under the wheel. The iPod mini Click Wheel — complete with color-coordinated icons — takes best advantage of miniscule space and lets you scroll single-handedly through up to 1,500 songs from your iTunes music collection. You’ll find such thoughtful construction only from Apple. Because, try as they might, the competition can’t touch this.
iTunes Music Store
One-Stop Song Shop

Build a collection of music on your iPod mini with songs downloaded from the iTunes Music Store. Choose from more than one million songs and more than 9,000 audiobooks, any of which you can preview and buy with just one click. The iTunes Music Store stays open 24/7 — right on your Mac or Windows PC. Within a minute of finding a song you like, you can own it. Make unlimited playlists, burn individual songs to CD as many times as you’d like and take all your music with you wherever you and your iPod mini rove.
iTunes 4 logo.
Sync to Fit

With iTunes 4.7.1 you can easily organize your music on your Mac or Windows PC and automatically transfer it to iPod mini. Whether you’ve imported your CD collection in MP3 format, bought music from the iTunes Music Store or created your own original compositions with GarageBand, you can take it all with you. Your iPod mini includes a USB 2.0 cable for high-speed transfer from your Mac or PC. In fact, you can move an entire album from your computer to your iPod mini in seconds flat. With the industry’s only true Auto-Sync, your iPod mini is always up to date, mirroring the latest changes you’ve made in iTunes. And if the collection on your computer is bigger than iPod mini, you can let iTunes automatically choose a selection of songs to fill it up.

Sure, iPod mini takes your music places: Cruising in the car, relaxing in the backyard, jogging along the beach. But with up to 6GB of storage, it holds a lot more than songs. Think of iPod mini as a stylish electronic attaché. Pack it up and carry on.
Click Wheel in action.
Easy Listening

IPod mini includes features that make it even easier to access — and have fun with — your music. Take, for example, the Apple Click Wheel. With the Click Wheel, which debuted on iPod mini, you can select playlists, scroll through a long list of albums or artists and choose just the song you want to hear without ever lifting your thumb from the wheel. Taking a long trip? IPod mini offers up to 18 hours of battery life.(1) And with the 25 minutes of skip protection iPod mini provides, you can jump for joy and the music will keep playing.
FireWire and USB icons.
More for Your mini

IPod mini lets you do more than enjoy your music. Much more. For example, you can use the included USB 2.0 cable or optional FireWire cable (sold separately) to connect iPod mini to your computer and copy files. Word documents. Keynote presentations. Excel spreadsheets. Photoshop files. You name it. After all, iPod mini has up to 6GB of hard drive space(2), and while you’ll want to reserve most of it for your music and audiobooks, you may also like to use a bit of it to tote documents, too.
Calendar.
Where Am I at 2 p.m. Tuesday?

If you’ve ever forgotten a dental appointment, you’ll be pleased to hear that iPod mini also lets you take your calendar with you. Many applications — iCal, Microsoft Entourage and Palm Desktop, to name a few — export calendar files in vCalendar or iCalender formats, both of which iPod mini supports.
Sorry, Wrong Number

Little black address books are so last millennium. Thanks to its support for industry-standard vCard files, iPod mini lets you store and access all your important contact information — names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses — with the spin of its handy Click Wheel.
Games.
Play Games

You know what they say about all work and no play. Navigate to Extras and you’ll find Games: Music Quiz, Solitaire, Brick and Parachute, four popular games you can play anywhere (like when you’re waiting for the movie to start at the multiplex).
Store Text Notes

You’ve got playlists. You’ve got To-do Lists. And you can carry both with you on iPod mini. IPod’s Notes Reader lets you take text-based information — such as news downloaded off the web, stock tips, your workout regimen, restaurant reviews, directions, even your shopping list — with you on your travels. Just transfer it via FireWire or USB 2.0 to iPod from your Mac or PC.
WakeUp.
Rise and Shine

Did you know that iPod mini has a sleep timer that lets you fall asleep to music? And if you like to wake up to music or need the blare of an Alarm Clock to jolt you awake, iPod is just as accommodating. You’ll find settings for the Alarm Clock and Sleep Timer in the Extras menu. Both features work very well, by the way, when you connect a pair of portable speakers made just for iPod mini.

The iPod mini is the perfect digital companion in your car, on a plane or backpacking in the woods. Turn your iPod mini into a portable stereo system by connecting it to a set of external speakers. Or choose from even more cool accessories that make it the most pleasurable part of your daily routine.
iPod Auto Integration and Car Stereo Solutions

Enjoy seamless integration between your iPod and a new car from one of these auto makers. Auto integration solutions are offered on current models or on models released later this year. Consult your dealer for details.
BMW
Mercedes-Benz
Volvo
Mini Cooper
Nissan
Alfa Romeo
Ferrari

Optional iPod mini Accessories

IPod mini Lanyard

Turn your iPod mini into a hands-free fashion accessory with this neck lanyard. Attach the lanyard to the Dock connector on your iPod mini, adjust the length to fit and put on some music.

IPod mini Armband

Take your iPod mini with you hiking, jogging or running errands. This lightweight Armband, available in mix-and-match colors, lets you adjust volume, play songs and select playlists on the go.

IPod USB Power Adapter

This USB-based adapter allows you to charge your iPod when not connected to a computer. Just plug the adapter into a wall outlet and connect to your iPod's USB 2.0 cable for recharging.

FireWire Cable
iPod Dock Connector to FireWire Cable

The iPod Dock Connector to FireWire Cable offers 400mbs throughput for fast transfer of your music and data to iPod mini. Use this cable on its own or with the iPod mini Dock.

IPod mini Dock

Charge and sync iPod mini at work or at home via FireWire or USB 2.0. Featuring stereo line out, the iPod mini Dock also connects to powered speakers, making a space-saving stereo.

IPod Socks

Dress your iPod up in any one of six vibrant color socks (green, purple, grey, blue, orange, and pink). This set of knit socks provides a stylish, fun, and practical way to protect your iPod. Fits all iPods.

Griffin iTrip iPod mini

Your iPod mini can play music through your car radio with the iTrip FM Transmitter, which connects to the headphone and remote jacks of your iPod mini.

Sony Car Cassette Adapter

Connect your iPod mini to your car stereo. Just insert into your car’s tape deck and enjoy. (Compatible with decks that accept the cassette tape facing sideways.)

Griffin PowerPod Auto Charger

Griffin’s optional car power adapter includes a 3.5-mm line out plug that connects directly to a car stereo input jack, so you can play iPod mini on the road.

Monster iCarPlay Wireless Plus

Monster iCarPlay Wireless Plus plays iPod tunes wirelessly through your car radio while charging your iPod. Supports iPod with Dock Connector.

Belkin TuneBase for iPod mini

The TuneBase features an iPod mini holder with an innovative, flexible steel-neck, and offers easy repositioning of your iPod mini for your comfort, convenience, and safety while driving.

Belkin TuneDok Car Holder

Makes it easy to take along your iPod mini and play tunes in your car. Place your iPod mini into the TuneDok and let the Air-Grip suction cup hold it.

World Travel Adapter Kit

With the addition of this kit, iPod goes anywhere in the world. Includes six AC plugs with prongs that fit different electrical outlets around the world.

Bose SoundDock

Let the rich sound of the new Bose SoundDock bring your favorite music to life. Sleek, stylish and designed to fit your iPod mini.

JBL On Stage - iPod Speakers

Bring JBL On Stage on the road for great sound anywhere you go. This lightweight, iPod mini-compatible station provides full, rich sound in any location.

Fast, effortless, simple. That’s Auto-Sync. To keep your iPod mini filled with the newest tracks in your iTunes library, just plug it in. IPod mini and iTunes take care of the rest.
iTunes sync interface
iTunes for Your Tunes

Whether you use a Windows PC or a Mac, iPod mini offers a superior solution. You can synchronize your music and data effortlessly, without having to tweak settings each time you transfer files between iPod mini and your computer. Simply add new music to iTunes by downloading it from the integrated iTunes Music Store or importing it from your CDs in MP3, AAC, or the new Apple Lossless format. Mac owners’, can also export their GarageBand compositions to their iTunes music library.
Source iPod
Transfer Your Music Automatically

Once you connect iPod mini to your Mac or PC, iTunes automatically begins to update its contents. You don’t even have to press a button. ITunes becomes aware that you’ve connected iPod mini and displays it in the Source column. In fact, you can see your music and playlists at a glance. If your iTunes library exceeds the storage capacity of iPod mini, you can let iTunes fill it for you. ITunes will create a playlist that fits your style — and your iPod mini’s capacity. ITunes also notes the presence of any On-the-Go playlist you may have created on iPod mini and syncs it to the iTunes library on your Mac or PC. For finer control over your portable music collection, you can turn off Auto-Sync and select the songs you want to tote on your iPod mini manually.
iPod mini connector
Fast Transfer Times, One Simple Connector

IPod mini can transfer the contents of an entire CD in as little as ten seconds, so even if you change the entire contents of iPod mini, you won’t be waiting very long at all. Of course, total time varies depending on how much music you want to add or replace. The handy dock connector found on the bottom of iPod mini lets you connect it to your computer, recharge the battery and sync files blazingly fast via the included USB 2.0 cable or optional FireWire 400 cable (sold separately).
iPod mini in Dock
The Versatile Dock

Apple makes a dock — the iPod mini Dock — expressly for iPod mini. You can order it directly from the Apple Store when you purchase your iPod mini or afterwards, if you prefer. The Dock makes charging and syncing easier than ever. Leave the iPod mini Dock connected to your Mac or PC via USB 2.0 or FireWire. Then, when you’re ready to charge or Auto-Sync, just dock your iPod mini, and iTunes will automatically get to work. You can also connect the iPod mini Dock to a stereo system or pair of powered speakers

Couple more pics :)

^Shows some of the different colors.

Has a sweet glow thing goin' on...

Looks great in the dark. ;)

Ahh, and btw...There are quite a few accessories avaliable for the Zen Micro, like an FM broadcaster (for car use), speakers, docks, cases...etc. Theyre out there if you want 'em.
The Zen's buttons are like the touchpad on a laptop... Also note that the iPod doesnt support WMA.

Last edited: Saturday, April 30, 2005 at 7:29:29 AM

@ Event H RE: "Also note that the iPod doesnt support WMA."

ITunes DOES convert WMA into a format that is usable on the iPod. Windows Media Players such as the Creative Zen CANNOT play AAC which is most popular format in online music purchases.

There are tons of accesories for the iPod, much more than for the creative zen and there are NO auto industry manufacturers planning on compatibility in their vehicles either for the zen. The benefit for the iPod is it can be controlled by your car stereo and be safely tucked away in the glove compartment. The car stereo displays artist, title & etc. There are alot of auto manufacturers and third party aftermarket suppliers supporting the iPod and many more planning support in the works, unlike creative with it's "zen".

WOW Event H! Yer right! That zen thing IS ugly! B)

That creative zen is the ugliest piece of crap I've ever witnessed. Cheap all throughout.
Every single color they have chosen for their product screams double-bagging.

It's embarrassing when you don't have an iPod and choose something else. I think that is because it makes you look stupid. ;)

Last edited: Saturday, April 30, 2005 at 9:29:00 AM

(If you DO get a zen try to keep it in the pitch black dark cuz that's where it looks its best LOL) :P

Lol Thanks all before I buy any of them I have one question. I wanted the zen ONLY because it had the accesorys free and I didt want to spend more money to buy a recharger for the ipod. I dont really care about the assesorys about the ipod mini. I have a ds to play games on so I think ill get the zen since I dont have to spen 30 more dollars to get the recharger. I can just get a game and play in style then in black and white :)
Eagle
(THANKS ALL AGAIN!)

*sob*... Another apple customer lost... :S

Ok dont go crying on me. If they didnt have that deal I WOULD have bought it!! Really I would have but IT DOESNT COME IWTH A RECHARGER THAT DOESNT USE A COMPUER AAAAAAAAAA STUPID APPLE STUPID APPLE! So I had to go to that. Unless you buy it out of stock (since its while supplys last) then I will buuy the mini!
Eagle
(butter hurry im buying it tonight)

Only because iTunes is the most used online music service. If iTunes didnt exist, then AAC would be at the bottom of the list. (if on the list at all) ;)

Mmm, you somehow know that there arent products for the zen in the works?

And I will grant that the iPod can be hooked up to a car stereo, but really, who cares all that much about 'showing the artist/song' on your stereo display? Some people like that, but its not a 'critical' feature. (I for one dont give a rip)

^LOL...Typical opinionated crap. ;)

Now, dont get me wrong here people...I like apple, and anyone who starts flaming me about being an anti-apple zealot is woefully mistaken. However, I believe the Zen is the better product, for several reasons already mentioned above. (Superior audio quality, direct WMA support, Data-Storage etc, Better Looks IMO)

If you want to jump on the iPod bandwagon just like every other fashion-worshipping kid out there, fine. I dont care either way. ;)

I mostliky am getting the zen micro. (if my dad buys it before the free accesorys are gone) Now all I need to know which color looks the best between white and purple. (the rest are on backorder).
Eagle

I've got to say, everyone in my family enjoys their ipods and I can't IMAGINE (and I'm a creative guy) buying anything else.

BEWARE!

BTW - people have got to STOP pasting in articles (sorry Bertha) give a link - don't be a fink!

What a day!

Well I dont have that kinda money and as I see it the ipod is the same as the zen mico but just games (have a ds) and more memory which I dont even need.
Eagle
(anything I overlooked?)

Well?? Which color is better purple ro white which shows up better in dark? Or looks cooler?

You can forget about looking cool with the zen micro.

Ya right look at event h's one in the dark! Its sweet! You can foget about IPOD looken good I mean it doesnt even glow like taht in the dark its all white at least the mini has color ;)

Umm whiich color look better im waiting...... :P no for real I am waiting! Hurry it up ppl! B)

Orange, green, red, black, white... Forget silver. :P