Apple iPod 20 GB White M8741LL/A (2nd Generation)

Features:

• Discontinued by manufacturer, replaced by model #M8948LL/A
• FireWire interface for fastest digital transfer available; covered FireWire port
• Keep up to date with new calendar/scheduler and built-in clock
• System requirements: PC with built-in FireWire or Windows-certified FireWire card; Windows Me, Windows 2000, or Windows XP Home or Professional
• Includes wired remote control, remodeled headphones, Musicmatch Jukebox Plus software and carrying case with belt clip

Accessories:
AppleCare Protection Plan for iPod and iTunes	NETGEAR Wireless Digital Music Player	Belkin TuneCast Mobile FM Transmitter	Arkon SF100 SoundFeeder Powered Audio Adapter	Monster Cable 126130 iCable for iPod

Customer Reviews:

iPOD Dreams [Posted on 2003-07-08]
I just recieved my iPOD today, and think its amazing. It is small compact and easy to navigate. The only "bad" things about it is that it picks up fingerprints in a heartbeat, but other than that it is pure perfection.

Some Disadvantages of the Apple ipod... [Posted on 2003-08-06]
I will make this short..yes, it is user friendly and simplified compared to other mp3 players. BUT it is almost TOO simplified. here are some of the things it lacks.
- No Line In jack for recording
- No USB capability (except for the new version, but that requires you to buy and adaptor
- Cannot drag and drop files like you can on the Archos Jukebox 20Gb (requires Matchbox to modify files on player)
- a bit pricey compared to other mp3 players
- It's Apple, enough said..
- only can create playlists through Matchbox
- since it is firewire and most people dont have firewire cards you much purchase one, but not only that if you ever want to use it as a portable swap drive to share files, the other computer would need the card too.

The MP3 Player that only Apple could make! [Posted on 2003-09-12]
As a long time PC/Windows user, I've always been impressed with Apple's equipment, but also always at a distance. After purchasing my new iPod, I'm wondering why I don't have more equipment from them. This product is one of the first I've purchased in some time that delivers exactly on its promises, worked immediately out of the box as expected, and was just too fun and easy to use. In fact, it took longer to install the FireWire card on my PC, then it did to install, configure and start loading songs onto my iPod.

I'm sure you can read the features this iPod offers elsewhere, but let me tell you that all of those features are indeed included and this device performs extremely well and plays songs as well or better than any other device I've owned. In fact, if you're anything like me, once you start using an iPod, you'll wonder what you did before. Playing music from CDs, even my personal mixes, now seems so antiquated.

Assuming you decide to purchase this, here are a few tips: 1) consider the 40GB model. Now that I have this, I wonder if more might be even better (I'm nowhere near my 20GB limit, but more is always better, right?!), 2) consider adding an auto power kit for recharging from the lighter for long trips, and 3) very seriously consider getting the FM transmitter to play iPod tunes over any FM radio (Belkin makes a great model for about $30).

After that, the hardest decision is which songs to load up and play first. Enjoy!

Ipod is rad [Posted on 2004-07-21]
I really love my Ipod. It has the coolest UI ever. I figured it out in no time flat.

Goodbye Walkman [Posted on 2006-01-16]
I got the chance to test the mp3 waters when my venerable Sports Walkman gave up the ghost, and now that my 44 year old eyes are making it hard to focus on close objects, the iPod's clear, large screen seemed a better choice; however, I wasn't sure about spending hundreds for a new iPod, so I got a used iPod: a second generation 20 gb wonder, at a fraction of the cost of a new iPod. Not only does it sound very good -- almost as good as any portable cassette player I ever owned -- but it is a paragon of attractive design. The original headphones were damaged and the battery will be spent soon, but otherwise the iPod was in excellent shape, even the scratches were few and minor (the original owner admonished me to always use the black belt clip carrying case Apple includes with each iPod.)

I replaced the headphones with the AUDIO OUTFITTERS SX50 ezEars Earphones for the Apple iPod, which are comfortable and for the price (less than $30) sound excellent. The only beef I have with the sound is that certain guitar tracks -- especially Jeff Beck for some reason -- seem unusually quiet (this is very rare though.) The battery can be easily replaced these days through a number of reputable sellers but for now the battery serves well enough for my needs (mostly jogging.)

The iPod is so intuitive to use that you don't even look at it while jogging: if you want to change a song or adjust the volume, just reach over and touch the wheel (great for older eyes.) The music will briefly skip on occasion if you are running hard, but its not serious unless you are a devoted audiophile. The FireWire data exchange and charging setup is fast, effortless and reliable (I'm using iTunes and a Mac though, the reviews I've read here indicate PC users are having a much tougher time, or were a few years ago.)

My used iPod earned pretty good marks for a device that is supposedly outdated. If you don't need to be on the cutting edge this little device can offer you real value for your money. Its time to finally say goodbye to the Walkman for good -- what am I going to do with all those tapes?

Cons? I've become a podcast junkie: I hardly listen to the radio anymore, whether I'm in the mood for music or chatter. I've also become an iPod accessory addict. For an iPod this old you can get extras for a pittance (today I got a half dozen skins for 14 bucks, including shipping.) For jogging with this iPod get a XtremeMac(XTM-IPS-SPW-10)Sportwrap for iPod, its not fancy but it works. I've also found myself lusting for some pretty expensive headphones, and maybe a mod or two . . . these things are like a musical addiction.

One quick sidenote: when you recharge your iPod, the best way to prolong your battery life is to use it for a few hours (optimally one or two) and then recharge it afterwards (for example, after excercise or a commute.) The worst thing you can do is to drain it completely and then recharge it fully. This seems counterintuitive when compaired to other electronic devices but all the data I've been able to find confirms it.

Addendum: I've been using this iPod for almost two years now and if anything my opinion of it has only improved: the battery life has always been short (around 4 hours) but has not degraded too much in the time I've used it, so I've yet to need a replacement. I don't know if this would save battery life or not, but I pretty much leave my iPod plugged into some kind of outlet all the time: either my Netalog TransPod All-In-One - Power adapter (car) + battery charger when its in the car or Apple iMac G5 Desktop with 17" M9843LL/A (1.8 GHz PowerPC G5, 512 MB RAM, 160 GB Hard Drive, DVD/CD-RW Drive) when its at home.

I've encountered only three problems: it sometimes (rarely) skips while running, it froze once (a kid showed me how to reset it), and once while driving the light decided to stay on at night (again, a reset solved this.) I also find I'm using the clock, alarm, calendar and even the brickout game frequently. Pretty high marks for the little machine, and I've come to really like its looks -- even more than the newer iPods. I'm very happy with this purchase.

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