I just got an Ipod (thanks to those who chipped in their comments) and I feel I should warn potential purchasers about what they (potentially) are getting into.
It is NOT necessarily as simple as plugging in the Ipod and uploading songs from your computer. Take a look at Apple's homepage (under Ipods) and you'll find a messageboard filled with posts from people that can't get theirs to work.
The Ipod is like any other computer product; it is finicky. If it doesn't like your software, anti-virus, firewall, hardware, etc. it might not work.
Making matters worse, Apple only gives new Ipod purchasers ONE assistance call before charging for help. Interesting, since other Apple products get more assistance free of charge.
It took me all day to finally get mine up and running, and doing so required a little trick where you don't plug the Ipod in until the Windows screen first appears upon rebooting; that was the only way my system would detect the Ipod.
Others have also complained that the ITunes software suddenly stops detecting the Ipod and requires the software to be reinstalled.
I'm not trying to slam the Ipod at all; it looks to be a great product and I'm happy I finally got it working. But I feel for those parents out there who think they'll pick this up for the kids and that it will be an easy 1-2-3 setup. It might not be. Definitely schedule some free time to get it up and running for the first time (note: it takes 4 hours to charge the batteries initially so you won't be listening to music right off the bat).
Now you know. And knowing is half the battle!
It is NOT necessarily as simple as plugging in the Ipod and uploading songs from your computer. Take a look at Apple's homepage (under Ipods) and you'll find a messageboard filled with posts from people that can't get theirs to work.
The Ipod is like any other computer product; it is finicky. If it doesn't like your software, anti-virus, firewall, hardware, etc. it might not work.
Making matters worse, Apple only gives new Ipod purchasers ONE assistance call before charging for help. Interesting, since other Apple products get more assistance free of charge.
It took me all day to finally get mine up and running, and doing so required a little trick where you don't plug the Ipod in until the Windows screen first appears upon rebooting; that was the only way my system would detect the Ipod.
Others have also complained that the ITunes software suddenly stops detecting the Ipod and requires the software to be reinstalled.
I'm not trying to slam the Ipod at all; it looks to be a great product and I'm happy I finally got it working. But I feel for those parents out there who think they'll pick this up for the kids and that it will be an easy 1-2-3 setup. It might not be. Definitely schedule some free time to get it up and running for the first time (note: it takes 4 hours to charge the batteries initially so you won't be listening to music right off the bat).
Now you know. And knowing is half the battle!
