Thursday, March 30, 2006

Heading Towards Geekdom

Okay, so I took this quiz in Newsweek asking How Geeky Are You? My results showed I was headed towards Geekdom. In celebration of my new found status, I went out and bought an iPod Nano from Apple yesterday. Since Glenn posted on his site that I had cracked and bought this little device, some readers have emailed to ask me what I like about this little bitty iPod. The answer is: a lot.

First of all, it's really little. I love that. I am the kind of person who hates lugging stuff around. If I go on a trip, I will arrive with one bag, regardless of if I have a two week stay somewhere, just because I dislike keeping track of things (yes, I usually end up bumming off others or buying items I left at home, but at least I did not have to lug a heavy bag with me.) The Nano iPod is very tiny and light and fits in the palm of your hand. It would easily fit on an armband to wear to the gym but my favorite place to use it so far has been in the car--which I will discuss in a minute.

Once I got the iPod home, I went to iTunes to register and downloaded songs and podcasts, of course, which was fairly painless--even for the technically challenged such as myself. I won't tell you what songs I downloaded--after hearing the jeers from commenters about reading People Magazine and the Star, it is best you not know. I downloaded my own podcasts, of course, as I have never really listened to them (do you ever really want to hear the sound of your own voice on anything?) But I figured I could check the audio quality for those listeners who use their iPod in their car. I also downloaded Ricky Gervais's podcasts (the free ones, not my cup of tea, really), and James Lilek's "The Diner" Podcasts and Powerline's podcasts.

On the way to work today, I plugged the iPod into the cigarrette lighter of my car without assistance (yes, again, I can be that technologically illiterate) and it was easy. The second thing I really love about this particular iPod is the excellent screen display. Despite the tiny iPod, the screen is very easy to read and is user friendly. The playlists are easy to use and organize all of your favorite music, podcasts etc. If you love listening to all of your favorite songs and original material from podcasts, the iPod is mandatory.

Finally, I found the sound quality of the iPod to be very good---I was especially surprised how crisp and clear it sounded coming through the FM radio in the car (after plugging it in--you just tune it to the station that lights up). However, there did seem to be some interference at times that left me trying to adjust while driving. However, it was easily corrected. I also had a bit of trouble getting the iPod to start playing but it seemed to just take a moment and then it would play. If you have not tried listening to podcasts in the car, do so, it makes for a fun commute to work.

Overall, I found the Apple iPod Nano easy to use and a good purchase, especially for those of us who feel technically challenged. But then again, I am heading towards Geekdom and fairly soon will be an old pro.

29 Comments:

Blogger Mercurior said...

as a brit and a fellow country man of ricky gervais, i can say he is quite possibly, the UN funniest man on the planet, his series the office, is so cringe worthy, you have to turn over its so bad.

i am always the last to get things, only just got a dvd writer about 8 months ago. i generally wait till they are nearly obsolete before i buy..

2:20 PM, March 30, 2006  
Blogger DRJ said...

I like the 80's tunes, everything from progressive country to rock 'n roll, and I would even admit to a little disco love. I've also been known to buy and read People Magazine.

Undoubtedly, this post will seriously undermine my blogging credibility.

2:46 PM, March 30, 2006  
Blogger Helen said...

DRJ,

We sound like we might have similar tastes. I also love ballads from rock bands like Guns N' Roses. My tastes for pop are so mainstream that I can usually predict a hit the first time I hear a song on the radio.

2:58 PM, March 30, 2006  
Blogger Jeff with one 'f' said...

It's not neccesary to buy mp3's of music that you already own- you can just rip them from casette or even vinyl with an iMic or somesuch.

For podcasts beyond the top 40, try the world's greatest radio station, WFMU

(This was not a paid endorsement!)

4:46 PM, March 30, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Warning: unless Apple's fixed it, the Nano face will haze with scratches just from carrying it in anotherwise empty pocket for an hour (guess how I know). Get some kind of case or sleeve for it right away. www.speckproducts.com has some good ones.

4:49 PM, March 30, 2006  
Blogger BlogDog said...

I have to agree with Dave. I use my Nano most (I have the full range: Shuffle, Nano and video all in max capacities) and I keep it in a nice rubber sleeve-ish case with a plastic insert that protects the LCD.
But all in all, way to go. I hope you're happy with it for a long time.

5:01 PM, March 30, 2006  
Blogger Helen said...

Dave and Blogdog,

Thanks for the tip, the iPod I bought came with a case but I might pick up a better one.

5:04 PM, March 30, 2006  
Blogger BlogDog said...

I forgot to ask - black or white?

5:09 PM, March 30, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

What FM transmitter are you using?

5:12 PM, March 30, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

This is Way off topic, but this is the topic that brought me to this site. I've heard it said that everyone has a twin somewhere...well apparently my little sister's twin was involved in the killing of a family of picknickers. When I clicked over here I was confused as to how a picture of sis happened to be here, then I clicked and read. A little bit creepy.

5:19 PM, March 30, 2006  
Blogger Helen said...

Blogdog,

It's white.

Matt,

The FM transmitter is a Belkin.

Anonymous:

That is weird. I assume you are talking about Karen Howell, one of the killers of the Lillelid family. I hope your sister is the good twin.

5:33 PM, March 30, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Instead of fiddling with FM, you might want to splurge and get an iPod car installation. Various third party manufacturers, like Buslink, sell after market adapters that you can buy at places like Circuit City. It connects to your car radio in such a way that the radio takes over controlling the iPod. So instead of fiddling with the ipod's controls while you're driving, you use the radio controls. The main benefits are the sound is flawless, no static and your iPod gets recharged while you're driving.

5:36 PM, March 30, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I love to hear my Ipod (60gig photo) on the car. I'm always listening podcasts lately:

1) Yours and Glenn's Podcast
2) Powerline's
3) Cato Instute(very interesting ones lately);
4) Nature Magazine weekly podcast.

I'm looking for something closer to Philosophy, though I haven't found nothing really good.

6:02 PM, March 30, 2006  
Blogger jlbussey said...

I have this case for my nano:
http://www.jr.com/JRProductPage.process?Product=4070719
It works very well and I'm happy with it except that it conducts static electricity a little too well - I've had a static discharge freeze my nano several times. It's always reset just fine though, so I've never lost anything.

I'm thinking of getting this one because it's so wet around here:
http://www.otterbox.com/products/ipod_cases/ipod_nano_case/
Maybe it'll be a little better with the static too.

6:54 PM, March 30, 2006  
Blogger The 73rd Virgin said...

any truth to the rumor that everytime you connect your ipod to itunes that it deletes all your non-itunes downloads, such as ripped cds, cassettes, lp's etc?

My daughter wants an mp3 player and I'm worried about getting her something that is so vendor specific.

9:11 PM, March 30, 2006  
Blogger Eric said...

I thought I was well balanced, but the test says I'm "seriously nerdy." I'm too cheap for Ipods, though, and I bought a used Creative Nomad Zen.

10:05 PM, March 30, 2006  
Blogger DADvocate said...

I'm still in the last century. Just barely though, scored a 29.

I don't like headphones, ear buds, etc. that block out the real world. Maybe I'm a little paranoid and want to hear who's sneaking up on me. I rarely listen to music anymore except in the car. When I'm at work I prefer to simply work without the distraction. I realize I'm different in this respect. Everyone else in my department listens to music, etc. while working. I might listen one hour in a month, max.

While I'm a computer programmer, I'm definitely not enthralled with technology. I enjoy it because programming is like figuring out a giant brainteaser and it pays the bills.

11:37 PM, March 30, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Ma'am,

Regardless of your use or non-use of a case, I suggest putting a small strip of clear packing-type tape over the screen, similar to the film you can buy for a PDA. It will keep the screen from getting scratched when inserting it or removing it from a case or cover, and shouldn't be noticeable while it's in the case.

Just a thought.

4:10 AM, March 31, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

IPod is really new tech for oldies... listening to stuff such as the Platters, Danny and the Jr's, Buddy Holly, early Kingston Trio now that is heaven.

Opps, I think I just dated myself.

6:03 AM, March 31, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Enjoy your nano, Dr. Helen! I bought my iPod 4GB Mini late last summer (a few months before the nanos came out) and believe it to be the best money I ever spent. Being a music junkie (all types) I only wish I'd gotten one sooner. Now I look forward to my workouts, and roadtrips are more fun because I don't have to keep scanning for a decent station. I have a cassette adaptor for my car that works pretty well. The biggest problem is deciding which song to listen to first.
Cheers!

12:49 PM, March 31, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

All FM transmitters stink because their transmit power is limited by the government. USA Spec offers an input kit for many vehicles that plugs into the car's stereo (back under the dash, so most folks need professional installation) and plays the iPod through the CD player. My wife and I both had them installed in our Ford Explorers, and they work great. You just have to decide where you want the cable to come out from under the dash.

12:56 PM, March 31, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Congratulations on the new iPod. I got a free 4G Mini last summer when I bought a new Mac. I hadn't planned to buy one, but I *love* it! I even had fun burning mix CDs for my parents.

The default music format is fine for popular music, but I do notice the sound is compromised in classical music, especially where there's a singer and an orchestra. Even so, I am listening to a lot more music than I have in a long time.

Now I'm an addict, and am waiting to afford one with more capacity.

1:56 PM, March 31, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Only problem with the various iPods is that sound quality isnt of audiophie quality. Mostly becasue the little amplifier inside theiPod is not sufficientlyly powerful. I recently tried a small portable amp made for portable music players made by a company called "Headroom", and the quality of the sound improves significantly.

3:11 PM, March 31, 2006  
Blogger Robert said...

This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

4:18 PM, April 02, 2006  
Blogger Robert said...

Audiobooks are great fun on an iPod. Listen while you exercise, commute, or sort your socks. Extensive libraries of bookmarking-ready files can be downloaded from Audible.com (as low as $9.56 per book credit with a subscription plan, which includes either WSJ or NYT daily) and the iTunes Music Store. You can also create bookmarking files from CD's MP3's (you can make an mp3 bookmark on newer iPods) and Cassette tapes.

You can even convert the library electronic wma downloads to iPod files by using inexpensive software available on internet. Google something like "High speed digital dubbing to mp3"and you will find it at or near top of the search. The Orwellian Digital Millenium Copyright Act prohibts even telling people how to do this.

Go to iLounge Books and Spoken Word Forum for guides on how to do most of these conversions -- except for the library downloads, for which you are on your own. The guides are stickies at the top of the forum.

4:25 PM, April 02, 2006  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

For once, a post I like!!

But then again, I have Apple stock.

If you're like me and you have loads and loads of CD's (and know your collection will continue to grow), the 30 or 60 Gig IPod is great. No more schlepping my massive collection around in my car. Everything is on the IPod!

11:38 PM, April 03, 2006  
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