iPod - Features, Accessories, Prices and more

An iPod is a trademark-ed palm sized electronic device developed by Apple Inc that stores data which is mainly music for many people. Marketed as from 10 November 2001, iPods have become world famous since then and most people now own one of them. Seeing the classic mp3 players as bulky, Apple started to work on the line of iPods which would be more user friendly and stylish. This must have been the best ever idea because the sale of these devices have dominated the mp3 player sales in the United States for quite some time. The iPod evolves over time as per the need of the user so as to add more options, increase overall storage capacity and make it easier to use. The iPod family currently consists of the iPod shuffle, the iPod nano, the iPod classic and the iPod touch. They are available in most hardware stores in Mauritius as well as iShops.

iPod Shuffle
Small and compactly designed, the iPod shuffle is the pioneer of the series. It has been cutely designed for the ease of the user and carrying. Ranging in colour from pink to white, blue, orange and green, the device has a clip part where pockets are not available. The large central control pad allows the users to play their music as they like, while the shuffle button plays songs randomly if the right order is not preferred. The new iPod shuffles have a capacity of 2GB, a battery life of up to 15 hours and even a button that tells you which song is being played when pressed. Price - Rs2,500.

iPod Nano
Redesigned to the size of an iPod shuffle, the new iPod nano totally rocks in its seven sleek and smooth colour palette. The device uses touch screen technology with a resolution of 240x240 pixel that can be customised to the user’s taste; it has a storage capacity of up to 16 GB and a battery life of 24 hours. Additional components include built in FM radio, photos, podcasts and audiobooks. It can be easily plugged into stereos that are compatible with iPod technology. The 5th generation 8GB iPod nano is at Rs5,670 while the 16GB one is at Rs8,370.

iPod Classic
With a capacity of 160GB, the iPod classic lets you be the DJ wherever you are. In black or silver, the bigger sized iPod fits your hand perfectly; the large central control allows you to browse through your songs, photos, videos, TV shows, radio etc. It comes with three games namely iQuiz, Vortex and Klondike; other games can be easily downloaded to your iPod. It can hold up to 36 hours for songs and 6 hours for videos. Price – Rs10,470.

iPod Touch
The iPod touch is the latest technology in the iPod line. With its wide screen and high definition screen, the iPod touch is an all in one device. In its sleek and black model, the iPod touch allows you to stay connected with your loved ones via FaceTime; this application allows real time video calls in landscape or portrait mode whether you are houses away or miles apart. It has a storage capacity of 8GB, 32GB or 64 GB meaning that you carry your iTune library with you wherever you are. Applications include movies, photos, videos, games, ebooks, audiobooks, safari web browser, maps and all the stuff that you want to add. The audio playback lasts up to 40 hours while videos last for 7 hours. With a back and a front camera, the iPod touch is even more fun. Price – 8GB: Rs9,700, 32GB: Rs12,600, 64GB: Rs16,600.

Accessories
The most indispensable accessory you need for an iPod is of course the earphones. New ear bud iPod earphones/headsets can cancel out all noise around and even accompany you during your dip. With docks, iPods can be linked to external hardware such as the television, stereo or home theatre, very practical indeed for watching movies or having a blast at home. To keep your iPod bruise free, you can opt for a casing that will protect it from all unwanted scratches. Power accessories allow you to recharge your iPod without the need to connect to a PC. Speakers are also available so that you can listen to your music without the earphones; they include a dock for recharging as the tunes are let loose. Additionally you can go for car accessories for your iPod if your car does not have inbuilt ones.