I have one of the early 10GB Mac versions before the Windows versions came out, but I actually use it with my Windows laptop for synchronising with some software that I bought.
I'm considering buying the latest 40GB version (or persuade the fiancee to buy it for me as a Chrimbo present).
Yes - a beautiful little machine. I'd go for the biggest you can afford.
When the 3rd generation came out Apple released 15 and 30gb flavours. You can pick up new and boxed 30gb ones for about £250 on eBay - that'd be my route to iPod heaven. Big saving on the £400 for the 40gb in the shops.
Had been told not to get 10Gb and in my mind wanted 'the daddy' anyway so tracked down a Brand new, latest gen 40Gb (mac & pc) one on ebay for £325 inc postage..!
Retail anywhere else inc Tottenham Ct Rd is about £399 and there's not much discounting going on at all (Apple can't make 'em quick enough apparently..) so was a bit dubious about giving someone all that money in advance, but took the chance, and THE NEXT DAY it arrived by Spec Del..
It looks the nuts even in the packaging..
I'm a bit of an ebay believer but you can find 10Gb for Approx £250 & 20Gb for £285.
Knowing you live in London, if you want the details of the seller pm me as you can even collect them from him direct in Deptford..
And NO..it's not me in disguise touting for trade...
I've got a 30gB one and can honestly say it's the best gadget buy of my life! If you've got a mac you can also take advantage of the AAC compression (basically mp4) which means you can get even more track s on it and at better quality. The only depressing thing is I've put 2000 songs on it and don't know if there is another 5000 that I like! Will take some time to fill it up. Also doubles as a portable firewire hard drive (very useful) and looks so cool everyone on the train regards you with serious envy. The headphones that come with it are good, but am upgrading to a big pair of Sony cans as the little in-ear ones get a bit irritating.
If you can wait till next year, Sony are bringing out a direct competitor to the ipod, but rumour has it the prices will be mad, like starting at $60!!
Basically it's a hard drive with a few buttons and a display panel on it. Latest version comes in 10, 20 and 40GB sizes so you can get a lot of music on them.
And being designed and made by apple it's a fantastically looking product.
I have just seen the Apple ipod and would very much like the 40Gb version for Christmas. I promise I have been a very good boy this year (apart from calling Dwayne a pompous twat - does that count as being bad?) and will be an even better boy next year.
Its a portable jukebox no bigger than a packet of fags that holds over 2000 tunes. You can also now buy some kit that will plug it into your stereo at home.