Fiona’s Review Blog

I was given an iPod Video 30 MB for my birthday in July 06, even though I had no great burning desire for one. It took me a while to embrace it, and I only began to gradually. The device itself is definitely cool and the wheel is a fantastic method of navigation.

I was amazed that they didn’t include a 3-pin power plug with it, I’d to bloody well buy that separately, how stingy is that?

Then I’d to figure out iTunes, I didn’t find it easy at first to navigate for new music, and I still don’t use it to buy music. I’ve mainly used iTunes to import CDs I already have. But, being a radio fan, where I’ve really enjoyed my iPod is in finding and downloading podcasts, especially BBC World Service documentaries and others from The Guardian.

I’ve also got extra bits of kit for the iPod over the last few months, one thing to look out for (in the small print), which generation is your iPod? Some accessories are compatible only with some generations. The iPod Video is Fifth Generation, check out here for a list.

3-pin power plug (www.apple.com/ie).They even manage to make a plug look funky.

Silicon skin for the iPod (A present). It’s so easy to scratch the iPod, if you want to protect it the silicon skins are a good bet, if a bit pricey.

Belkin TuneCast II FM Transmitter (Freebie from bro-in-law).. Great idea. You find a frequency on your radio that’s unused and you can tune the Belkin to that. So when you start up the iPod it outputs to the radio. Works well if you’re in a fixed location or only traveling locally, but not as effective on a long journey, local radio stations may be using your frequency, and it’s too much of a pain to retune.

iTalk Pro Voice recorder
iTalk’s twin built-in mics record directly to your iPod. Excellent recording quality. Part of my planned project to record my parents’ stories.

Logic3 iStation speaker system. A lovely sleek bit of kit (I bought it in black), and great sound too. The kit folds flat, you slide a button to pop out the docking section. When you’ve docked the iPod and plugged in the speakers the iPod begins to charge. And the speakers work off batteries.

Knitted ethnic bag from Peru, bought recently to keep all my iPod bits and pieces together - although that was before I got the speaker kit, may have to upgrade!