Unlimited long distance $24.99/moiPod Central: iPod reviews and news
The iPod is everywhere, perhaps even in your pocket. If so, you've come to the right place. Our iPod Hot Topic page keeps you informed with full reviews of the iPod Touch, iPod Classic, iPod Nano, and iPod Shuffle. You'll also find all the best iPod accessories, latest iPod news, iPod videos, shopping advice, and some handy tips and tricks to get the most out of your iPod, no matter which version you've got. So what are you waiting for? Dig in to our full coverage and stay up to date!
iPod features
iPod vs. Zune
We put the Apple iPod Classic and the Microsoft Zune 80 through their paces, pitting the players head-to-head in five bone-shaking rounds. Read more
December 3, 2007Fully Equipped: Is Apple cashing in on iPod's missing feature?
Many people were hoping the new iPods would stream music wirelessly via Bluetooth. Was Apple's omission just a question of dollars and sense? Read more
November 8, 2007Apple iPod Touch accessories
Protect, empower, and unleash the full potential of your iPod Touch with these top-rated add-ons. Read more
October 24, 2007Apple iPod Nano accessories
Don't let its small size fool you. The iPod Nano is a powerful player, and you can make the most out of it with these accessories. Read more
October 19, 2007Apple iPod Classic accessories
CNET editors round up a variety of accessories that are made for the Apple iPod Classic. Check out skins, cases, speakers, and more! Read more
October 19, 2007iPod reviews
Apple iPod Touch
The bottom line: The iPod Touch is a beautiful product, inside and out. Unfortunately, its lean capacity keeps it from reigning as king of the iPods.
Apple iPod Touch 16GB |
Apple iPod Touch 8GB
Apple iPod Classic
The bottom line: The iPod Classic is a refinement of the formula that put the iPod on the map. Few can match its combination of storage capacity, battery life, and advanced user interface.
Apple iPod Classic 160GB |
Apple iPod Classic 80GB
Apple iPod Nano (third generation)
The bottom line: The shape may have changed, but Apple's relentless attention to detail remains. The third generation of the iPod Nano provides loads of entertainment for a down-to-earth price.
Apple iPod Nano 8GB |
Apple iPod Nano 4GB
Apple iPod Shuffle (second generation)
The bottom line: If you like your music playback simple and your device nearly invisible, the second-generation iPod Shuffle will suit you well. But absentminded users should steer clear of this easy-to-misplace player.
iPod blogs
The Macalope: An Apple blog
Part man, part Mac, and part antelope, the Macalope set forth on a quest to save his beloved platform.
iPod news
Study: Microfiber fabric makes own electricity
Georgia Tech scientists say "nanogenerator would be a simple and economical way to harvest energy from the physical movement." Read more
February 13, 2008Play.com to launch UK MP3 digital download store
PlayDigital will sell DRM-free music from EMI and indie labels that be played on all digital devices including iPods. Read more
February 13, 2008More high-tech invitations to take your mind off road
Safety experts say the influx of electronics is turning cars into sometimes chaotic--and distracting--moving family rooms.
The New York Times
Read more
Week in review: Yahoo in Microsoft's sights
The two companies give us a few clues on their prospective deal; Washington takes on file swapping at colleges; and iPhone storage grows. Read more
February 08, 2008iPod shopping
If you're looking for the ultimate blend of ease-of-use, beautiful design, seamless integration with car stereos and other components, and a wide array of accessories, then Apple's iPod is probably your best choice for an MP3 player. The latest generation of iPods has every target audience covered. The iPod Classic ($249 for 80GB version; $349 for 160GB version) is the best fit for those who want their entire music library with them at all times. The iPod Touch ($299 for 8GB version; $399 for 16GB version) is an iPhone without the phone, boasting the same wide-screen touch screen, Wi-Fi connectivity, and direct iTunes downloads as the superhyped handset. The third-generation iPod Nano ($149 for 4GB version; $199 for 8GB version) has a brand-new look and upgraded features, including video playback and built-in games. And the tiny, clip-on iPod Shuffle ($79 for 1GB) is now available in a rainbow of new colors for the fashion-conscious.
iPods
iPod accessories
iPod alternatives
Alternatives to the iPod Nano
If you love the size of the Nano but want more features in your MP3 player, there's a handful of worthy alternatives. Jasmine France rounds up some small players that have goodies such as built-in FM radios, user-definable EQ settings, and booming sound. Read more
September 14, 2007Best five MP3 players
Our digital music editors have listened to a lot of MP3 players, and these five make the sweetest music. What's at the top of Donald Bell's list? Read more
Top hard-drive MP3 players
If storage capacity is at the top of your list when it comes to choosing an MP3 player, take a look at this list. More manufacturers are making the jump to lower-capacity flash players, but there are still several options in the high-capacity player realm. Read more
Top ultracompact MP3 players
Small is the new big. If you're looking for a player to take to the gym, slip in your shirt pocket, or listen to without it skipping, these flash-based players will do the trick. Read more
iPod tips and tricks
How to export song lists from iTunes
Want to document everything you've got in your iTunes library? Here's an easy way to do it. Read more
Use your iPod as a hard drive
Your music player can do more than just store tunes. Use it as a backup device, too. Read more
Get music off your iPod
Liberate your music from the clutches of your iPod. Veronica Belmont shows you how. Read more
Maximize your iPod's battery life
So goes your battery, so goes your iPod. Give it a longer life with these tips. Read more
Play back iPod videos on your TV
Wouldn't that video look better on a big screen? Sure. Here's how to super-size it. Read more
Two iPods, two libraries, one computer
Are you a multi-iPod household with one computer and several music collections? Keep 'em separate but equal with this advice. Read more
CNET's MP3 players forum
CNET's forum on MP3 players is the best source for help, troubleshooting tips, and buying advice from a community of experts. Discussions include the iPod, iPod Nano, Creative Zen Vision:M, Zune, iRiver Clix, Archos PVP, Rockbox, audiobooks, and podcasts.
Latest discussions
Most popular discussions
CNET's digital music forum
CNET's forum on digital music is the best source for help, troubleshooting tips, and advice from a community of experts. Discussions include CD burning, music software, converting audio files, recording music, and online music stores.
Latest discussions
Most popular discussions
User opinions for iPod Touch
by lstockett (see profile), 09/20/2007
by firefinder24 (see profile), 09/08/2007
by RonaldJr18 (see profile), 09/07/2007
by donwright (see profile), 11/18/2007
by trx1701 (see profile), 12/02/2007
Learn about iPods
After a few generations of mostly cosmetic upgrades, Apple's iPod line is back with some radical new designs and models for the 2007 holiday season.
The scene-stealer at Apple's "Beat Goes On" event in San Francisco on September 5, 2007, was the brand-new iPod Touch. The iPhone lookalike boasts the same wide-screen touch screen, networking features, and direct-from-iTunes Wi-Fi downloads as Apple's slim semi-smart phone. It just doesn't have a phone (or the service charges, for that matter). The iPod Touch sells for $299 for the 8GB version and $399 for the 16GB version.
The slim, flash-based iPod Nano also got a dramatic overhaul. In addition to a wider frame and a larger, brighter screen, the new Nano is the first with video playback capabilities. At $149 for the 4GB version and $199 for the 8GB version, the Nano may be the best deal of the new crop of iPods.
Apple also unveiled a high-capacity version of the familiar iPod design. Renamed the iPod Classic, the new generation of the hard-drive player has a whopping 160GB version ($349), as well as a roomy 80GB version ($249). Like the new Nano, it also has a revamped interface that displays the track menu and album art on a split screen.
And finally, the bite-size iPod Shuffle is now available in a boatload of new colors. The price is still as tiny as its size: $79 for the 1GB player.
Free music for your iPod
Sure, you could pay 99 cents a track on iTunes. Or you could just get that music for free. CNET Download.com has more than 75,000 free and legal MP3s, and they're all a click away. Save some money and feed your ears.
iPod pictures
Photos: Apple iPod Touch
Apple's iPod Touch puts the multimedia capabilities of the iPhone into a lighter, leaner package. Available in 8GB and 16GB capacities, the iPod Touch has drop-dead looks and a graphic user interface that's ahead of its time.
Photos: iPod Nano (third generation)
Apple's latest version of their iPod Nano has been completely overhauled, inside and out. Cosmetically, the Nano is now shorter and wider, with a larger screen capable of video playback. Internally, the Nano now runs a new, more graphically rich interface that supports games, videos, and a new Cover Flow mode for browsing music by album artwork.
Photos: Apple iPod Classic
Apple's original iPod becomes a Classic and gets a cosmetic touch-up; an upgraded, image-centric user interface; and a capacious new hard-drive option.
Photos: New Apple iPods
The least exciting of the bunch is the Shuffle, for which there is a simple color refresh, while the most dramatic is the new Nano, which is shorter and squatter than its predecessor and now supports video.
Load your iPod with podcasts
Changes are swift in the new age of MP3 and digital audio. Stay in the loop each week as Jasmine and Donald discuss the latest digital music (and video) news, hardware, software, and media services, and address reader calls and e-mail.
Buzz Out Loud
Buzz Out Loud is CNET's daily "podcast of indeterminate length," featuring Tom Merritt and Molly Wood's entertaining, sometimes caustic, and always skeptical take on technology news.
Music Sessions from Studio C
This weekly podcast features performances and interviews with our favorite artists and bands, ranging from hip-hop MC Planet Asia to indie up-and-comers Street to Nowhere and country songwriter Jim Lauderdale.
News.com Daily Tech News
Get the top technology news in a snappy broadcast every weekday, covering everything from privacy to processors, iPods to Intel.
CNET Podcast Central
Welcome to CNET Podcast Central, the home for all of CNET's podcasts. To subscribe to any of our podcasts, you'll need an RSS (Really Simple Syndication) reader that supports podcast reception or software designed to subscribe to podcasts, such as iPodder or iTunes.
