Originally Posted by sancheeez:
“I get 10 hours from my Cowon A2, which has been around longer than the touch. I wouldn't want to go backwards. I suppose you could argue it's a bigger device but it's the same size as the Archos 6 series and it also has far better batterly life than those so it's obviously doing something right.”
There you go. You said it yourself. It's a "bigger device."
And the comparison was against the iPod.
Originally Posted by sancheeez:
“Also, user feedback on sites like macroumers seems to be more in line with the batter life being over-quoted ... which happens with most companies.”
Without going back to read what I wrote I believe I said fairly accurate and my iPods have been.
Originally Posted by sancheeez:
“I wouldn't say so.”
You are obviously a big fan of it so that isn't surprising.
Originally Posted by sancheeez:
“If it's so niche, why do most DVD players include it these days?”
Many DVD players also have capabilities for different formats and features that few people ever use.
Viewed objectively, it is a niche format. Apple recognises that.
Originally Posted by sancheeez:
“My issue is more that I can't just plug it into any old PC I feel like, drop some content on, and then play it.”
That should only concern people that wish to deal in the illegal sharing of music.
Other than for music, and as I said, if you want compact mass storage then an MP3 player should be your last choice.
Originally Posted by sancheeez:
“Mind you, at least with the classic style iPod, you could use it as a storage device, even if you couldn't actually play any content applied this way. Not ideal - useless to me - but better than nothing. Would I be right in thinking the Touch doesn't allow this mode?”
As I already said why would you want to use an mp3 player as a mass storage device when inexpensive and much smaller thumb drives are a much better option?
Originally Posted by sancheeez:
“Why should I have to? Apple used to include a mains plug/adapter ..... not any more though. I got all the cables, plugs, adapters, straps and carry cases I could need in the box with my A2. I'd rather get them than not ..... wouldn't you?”
So they "used to," but now they don't. Big deal. Their devices also continue to get cheaper per gig than the previous generations. If you don't want to buy a product because it doesn't come with an inexpensive mains charger then don't. That's a rather silly reason not to though.
Apple also realises most people do not charge through a mains charger. If you care about the environment then that's a good reason not to include them.
Originally Posted by sancheeez:
“Many devices may not comes with all the wires and cables you need (Apple and Archos spring to mind) but there are plenty that do. My latest phone did (Nokia in case you're interested) ..... for instance.”
No, I am not really interested only because when most people buy an iPod they get everything they are typically going to need. I also wouldn't base my purchasing or opinion on such a device on whether it comes with inexpensive and little used accessories, as in the case of a mains charger with an mp3 player.
Originally Posted by sancheeez:
“You didn't answer the question.”
If I recall correctly, I only posted once in this thread so no one could have posed a question to me.
What is your question?
Originally Posted by sancheeez:
“Do you *have* to use the Apple one or do third party ones work (again, the one I use with my A2 came with the device but a generic cable would also work)?
As for cheap, having just looked at the Apple store, they want £28 each for the component or composite cables! In book, a cable like that costs a fiver tops ..... it's just a generic AV cable for gods sake! This is assuming you get the dock with the device, if you don't .... add that to the shopping list as well!”
Here's one for $15.
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.d...013~r.51692638
Originally Posted by sancheeez:
“I should add, Apple are possibly not even the worst for this sort of thing (although they're pretty bad). Archos have gone down this route in recent years as well. If you buy a 6 series Archos PMP, you need to spend a fortune on accessories and plug-ins to get the most out of it.
The OP wanted "Cons of the iPod Touch".
For me all the above are cons. Maybe not to you, but to me they are.”
For most people, and those objective, they would not be cons. That's my point.
Originally Posted by sancheeez:
“I answered the question the thread was raised for. You simply came in and started arguing with the points I made!”
I'm simply injecting reality, objectivity and common sense so the OP is not misled.
Originally Posted by sancheeez:
“If the iPod touch had 10+ hours battery life for video, DivX support and total freedom of movement between devices with no requirement for syncing software, I'd buy one like a shot! (I could forgive the lack of included cabling if the other three points didn't exist)
But it doesn't. So I didn't.
It's quite simple really.”
Not when you start comparing a "bigger" device to a smaller device and expect the smaller one to have the same battery life. Other capabilities you mention are niche requirements or Apple would not have been as successful as they still are.
Originally Posted by sancheeez:
“People want devices for different reasons and purposes. Therefore some devices will suit some people better than others. Good as the iPod Touch is, it doesn't suit everyone.”
It suits the vast majority of users out there otherwise they would not be so successful. Using that kind of logic would clearly point out that your requirements are niche. See?