As I said when I reviewed the original version of the 5G iPod, I'm still not convinced that I'll be watching a lot of video on it. But when I do I enjoy the extra brightness the updated model's screen offers. I watched an episode of Alfred Hitchcock Presents on both the first and second gen 5G iPods and the screen on the latest model is appreciably crisper. The new iPod features brightness control allowing you change the brightness, a nice touch.
As in its first incarnation, the 5G iPod sports a 2.5-inch color screen that can display album artwork and photos, and play video including music videos, video podcasts, home movies, TV shows and now movies (you'll need iTunes 7 for some of these features).
The new 5G iPod has all the bells and whistles of its predecessor, such as the click wheel and the ability to view its content on a television via optional Apple accessories. It supports H.264 and MPEG-4 video in .m4v, .mp4, and .mov formats. QuickTime Pro’s Export dialog box offers a Movie to iPod (320x240) option that exports videos in the H.264 .m4v file format compatible with the new iPods. (Note that you need QuickTime Pro 7.x and the $29 pro version, not the freebie.)
As I complained when the 5G iPod first debuted, I lament the lack of Apple’s Remote port from earlier iPods; it allowed you to use accessories such as FM transmitters, microphones, and remote controls. And if you want to charge your iPod from something besides your computer’s USB 2.0 port, you'll need a $29 optional iPod USB Power Adapter. As for FireWire, if you have a FW cable, you can use it to charge, but not sync, your iPod.
I won't be watching the Lost Season 2 DVD collection on the iPod, but I'll continue to add "vodcasts," music videos and other short films to my portable collection. All the iPods are nifty devices. But whether you're watching short or long form videos, the brighter screen on the revved 5G iPod makes it more enjoyable. Perhaps as enjoyable as viewing video on such a small screen can be. I wouldn't ditch my current 5G iPod and buy a new one unless I were indeed watching lots of video while on the go.
The new iPods are available through the [url=http://www.apple.com]Apple Store[/url],Apple's retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers. Both are available in black or white and come with redesigned earbud headphones and a USB 2.0 cable. Optional accessories for the new iPod include: Universal Dock ($39), Apple Remote ($29), Apple iPod AV cable ($19), the iPod Camera Connector ($29) and a new, more compact, iPod USB power adapter ($29). The iPod requires a Mac with a USB 2.0 port and Mac OS X version 10.3.9 or later and iTunes 7.0 or later; or a Windows PC with a USB 2.0 port and Windows 2000 (Service Pack 4), Windows XP Home or Professional (Service Pack 2) and iTunes 7.0 or later. Internet access is required and a broadband connection is recommended.
Macsimum rating: 8 out of 10
