Apple's New iPod - Evolutionary, not Revolutionary

You'll quickly notice that the thin form factor of the new iPod didn't allow Apple to place a Firewire port on the unit itself. Instead, Apple put a thin proprietary connector on the bottom of the unit that connects to a cable with a Firewire connector on the other end. As we mentioned before, the new iPod is designed for both Apple/Windows operation, instead of offering two separate SKUs. You can use the Firewire interface on either Apple or Windows platforms, however Apple also outfitted the new iPod with a USB 2.0 controller for Windows users that don't have a Firewire port.

This USB controller can be found on the iPod motherboard

Although USB 2.0 support is enabled right out of the box, you need a special cable to actually gain a USB 2.0 interface. You can buy this cable from Apple for $40 and is a three connector cable; the first connector is the proprietary iPod interface, then in the middle of the cable you have a 6-pin Firewire connector and finally at the other end you have a USB connector. The reason for the inclusion of a Firewire connector on the USB cable is so that you can still use the iPod's AC adaptor, which features a Firewire-style connector. In theory you could also use an older USB 1.0 interface with the iPod although at 12Mbps, it would take quite a while to transfer files to your iPod.

We'd recommend sticking with the Firewire interface if possible, mainly because the iPod will charge its battery off of your Firewire port whereas it won't do the same off of the USB interface. Instead of spending $40 on the USB 2.0 cable, spend the $40 on a Firewire card for your PC if you don't have one.

The new slim iPod interface connector

With the new connector at the bottom of the iPod, Apple also introduced a new docking station for the iPod to make it more at home on your desk. You can simply sit the iPod in its cradle and it will connect to your computer and begin charging (assuming you're using the Firewire interface).

The iPod docking station

The cradle also features an 1/8" unpowered line-out jack, so you can even directly connect your iPod to your stereo or a pair of powered speakers.

The cradle comes with all 15/30GB units, you have to purchase it separately with the 10GB iPod. Is it worth it? It definitely makes for a cleaner desk, if you're the type of person that appreciates a desk with less clutter then it is useful. The line-out is an added bonus, as your iPod can now become more than just a portable MP3 player while sitting in its cradle. Apple sells the cradle for $40, which may not be worth it just for the cleaner desk - it is an added perk for the 15/30GB owners though as it comes with the bundle.

New iPod headphones (right) vs old iPod headphones (left)

Some users complained that the iPod's headphones were a little too large, so with the new iPod Apple bundled headphones with slightly smaller earbuds. The difference is noticeable, and if you thought that the previous earbuds were a little too big then these will feel just right. Compared to most earbud headphones, the new iPod comes with a set that are about the same size as most common earbuds as opposed to being noticeably larger.