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iPod Central: iPod reviews and news

iPod

The iPod is everywhere, perhaps even in your pocket. And if not, maybe you're ready to get one with the recent launch of the updated iPod Classic, the fourth-generation iPod Nano, the newly shaded iPod Shuffle, or the price-reduced iPod Touch. Our iPod resource page keeps you informed with the latest news, photos, and videos of the new players, as well as helpful reviews as soon as we write them. If you're hanging onto an older iPod, check below for information on the best accessories, as well as some handy tips for getting the most out of your iPod.

Latest iPod news and blog posts

iPod features

iPod vs. Zune

We put the Apple iPod Nano and the Microsoft Zune through their paces, pitting the players head-to-head in five bone-shaking rounds. Read more

Apple iPod Touch accessories

Protect, empower, and unleash the full potential of your iPod Touch with these top-rated add-ons. Read more

July 21, 2008

Apple 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

July 25, 2008

Apple 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

July 22, 2008

iPod reviews

Apple iPod Touch (second generation)

Apple iPod Touch (second generation)

The biggest news with Apple's second-generation iPod Touch is its drastically reduced price. The 8GB version of the iPod Touch is now $229, the 16GB is $299, and the 32GB is $399. On the hardware end of things, we're happy to see that the new iPod Touch is thinner than its predecessor and includes a built-in speaker and a volume switch.

Apple iPod Touch 32GB | Apple iPod Touch 16GB | Apple iPod Touch 8GB

Apple iPod Nano 8GB

Apple iPod Nano (fourth generation)

Looking at the fourth-gen Nano, it seems like last year's squarish design was just an awkward, forgettable phase in the Nano's development. This year, Apple has set the Nano back on track with the thinnest, lightest design yet, and features that are hard to ignore.

Apple iPod Touch 16GB | Apple iPod Touch 8GB

Apple iPod Classic

Apple iPod Classic (second generation)

The iPod Classic refines the formula that put the iPod on the map. Few devices can match its combination of storage capacity, battery life, and intuitive user interface.

Apple iPod Classic 120GB

Apple iPod Shuffle (second generation)

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.

Apple iPod Shuffle 1GB

iPod Touch news from iPhone Atlas

iPod downloads

iPod 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 1280GB) is the best fit for those who want their entire music library with them at all times. The iPod Touch ($229 for 8GB version; $299 for 16GB version; $399 for 32GB version) is an iPhone without the phone, boasting the same wide-screen touch screen, Wi-Fi connectivity, games, and direct iTunes downloads as the superhyped handset. The fourth-generation iPod Nano ($149 for 8GB version; $199 for 16GB version) has a brand-new look and upgraded features, including Genius playlists. And the tiny, clip-on iPod Shuffle ($49 for 1GB; $69 for 2GB) is available in a rainbow of new colors for the fashion-conscious.

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, 2007

Best 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

3 out of 10 Poor
"great design, terrible video performance" I bought mine today from the Apple store in Raleigh, NC. Basically I agree with the CNET review. It's a great device. Or at... Read more

by lstockett (see profile), 09/20/2007

10 out of 10 Perfect
"HOW CAN YOU RATE THIS YET - ITS NOT EVEN OUT!" I get so tired of people rating a product when they don't even have one in their hands. This isn't a rate by what you have... Read more

by firefinder24 (see profile), 09/08/2007

9 out of 10 Spectacular
"iPod Touch is tops for 16 GB MP3 Models" For everyone without an iphone (really if you have an iPhone and want one of these, you really must have a spending problem) and... Read more

by RonaldJr18 (see profile), 09/07/2007

8 out of 10 Excellent
"Almost perfect..." I have to admit right now, I am annoyed at all the zune and other 'non-iPod' fanboys. Their ratings have completely messed up... Read more

by donwright (see profile), 11/18/2007

6 out of 10 Good
"Excellent product, but hear me out for "6" rating, also helpful tip for buying a non defective touch" First let me say this: I love my touch and it is an excellent product. However I had to to buy and return THREE touches before... Read more

by trx1701 (see profile), 12/02/2007

Very good

7.6

out of 10
Average User Rating

Learn about iPods

Apple's 2008 line of iPod MP3 players offers improved value and some beautiful new designs.

The iPod Touch has slimmed down its design and its price, which starts at $229 for 8GB, $299 for 16GB, and $399 for 32GB. Just like the original iPod Touch, the second-generation model includes many of the same features as the popular Apple iPhone, including music, videos, photos, games, Wi-Fi, e-mail, and more.

The slim, flash-based iPod Nano also got a dramatic overhaul. The fourth-generation Nano's design has returned to the candy bar form that made the original Nano a hit. At $149 for the 8GB version and $199 for the 16GB version, the Nano may be the best deal of the new crop of iPods.

Apple also refined their iPod Classic slightly, discontinuing the chunky 160GB model and offering a new 120GB model for the same price as last year's 80GB version ($249). Like the new Nano, it also includes Apple's new Genius playlist feature and support for voice recordings.

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: $49 for the 1GB player and $69 for the 2GB model.


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iPod pictures

Apple iPod Touch

Photos: 2008 Apple iPods

Steve Jobs always marks the fall with new iPod announcements, and September 2008 is no exception. Check out this year's slide show for photos and details on the new iPod Classic, iPod Nano, iPod Shuffle, and iPod Touch.

Apple iPod Touch

Photos: Apple iPod Touch

Apple's iPod Touch puts the multimedia capabilities of the iPhone into a lighter, leaner package. Available in 8GB, 16GB and 32GB capacities, the iPod Touch has drop-dead looks and a graphic user interface that's ahead of its time.

iPod Nano (third generation)

Photos: iPod Nano (fourth generation)

The slim, flash-based iPod Nano has returned to the candy bar form that made the original Nano a runaway hit. The iPod Nano is offered in more color options than ever before, with an attractive price of $149 for 8GB and $199 for 16GB.

Apple iPod Classic

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.

iPod videos

Apple's newest iPod Touch

Apple's newest iPod Touch

Steve Jobs shows off the next-generation iPod Touch, calling it the "funnest" iPod.

Apple's newest iPod Nano

Apple's newest iPod Nano

Apple CEO Steve Jobs announces the latest iPod Nano. It's thinner and has a new interface much like the iPod Touch.

Apple's newest iPod Classic

Apple's newest iPod Classic

Steve Jobs shows off the newest version of the oldest iPod.

Apple iPod Nano (fourth-generation)

Apple iPod Nano (fourth-generation)

Apple's fourth-generation iPod Nano returns to its slender form and offers new features such as Genius playlists, voice recording, and shake shuffle.

New software updates for the iPod Touch, iPhone

New software updates for the iPod Touch, iPhone

At an event at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in downtown San Francisco, Apple CEO Steve Jobs discusses new software upgrades for the iPhone and iPod Touch. iPod Touch owners who paid to update to OS X 2.0 will get a free update to 2.1. The new 2.1 software applies to the iPhone as well.

Apple iPod Touch

Apple iPod Touch

Apple's second-generation iPod Touch is even slimmer and offers new features such as Genius playlists and a built in speaker.

Apple iPod Classic

Apple iPod Classic

Donald Bell takes a first look at the updates made to the Apple iPod Classic.

Load your iPod with podcasts

MP3 Insider
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.

Free music for your iPod

CNET Download.com Music
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.