Secrets of the iPod and iTunes (Fifth Edition) [Electronic resources] نسخه متنی

Contents: iPod mini

The contents of the original iPod's box and that of the iPod mini are similar enough that I needn't go over the same ground in these next few pages. Rather, I'll take a moment or two to describe the difference between the contents of the two packages.

The CD Package

The iPod mini's User's Guide is a bit bulkier than the one included with the original iPod. Though not as comprehensive as this book, it's a useful guide for doing the obvious things and performing basic trouble shooting procedures, such as resetting the device.

The CD that accompanies the documentation includes versions of the iPod mini Software Updater, iTunes, and QuickTime for both Macintosh and Windows. Should you lose your documentation, never fear. Copies of the User's Guide can also be found on the disc.

Although the documentation and CD bundled with the mini I purchased a few weeks before writing this edition of the book don't reflect it, Apple should have standardized the documentation and CD that accompany all iPods by the time you read this. Apple's plan seems to be to issue a CD that covers all iPods and a paper User's Guide that outlines the basics of iPodding, leaving the specifics of each model to PDF files on the disc.

Something not mentioned in Apple's documentation but worth noting is that should you purchase a regular iPod or mini from the Apple Store and return it within 10 days, a 10% restocking fee applies (so yes, you can forget about buying one for the prom and returning it for a full refund the next day).

The Cables, Adapters, and Earbuds

Like the original, fourth-generation iPod and the iPod Photo, the iPod mini's box contains both a FireWire cable and a USB 2.0 cable. Each cable carries Apple's proprietary data/power connector on one end. As you might expect, the FireWire cable includes a 6-pin FireWire connector, and the USB 2.0 carries a standard USB 2.0 connector. Regrettably, those Windows users whose PCs sport a 4-pin FireWire connector and lack a USB 2.0 connector will have to seek out a 6-pin-to-4-pin FireWire adapter as one is not included in the box.

The mini's power adapter and earbuds are the same as those that ship with the original iPod.

The Belt Clip

Apple understands that most people would rather not have their $249 gold, silver, green, blue, or pink investment clatter to the ground. With that in mind, you'll find a spring-loaded, white plastic belt clip in the mini's box (Chapter 8 for case recommendations).

What's Missing

As with the fourth-generation iPod and iPod Photo, you'll find no remote control in the mini's box (and no Dock, either). You can purchase a remote control and Dock separately. Apple's $39 iPod Remote Control works with both the iPod mini and the original iPod (Figure 1.4). The fourth-generation iPod and iPod Photo's Dock is too roomy to fit the mini adequatelythough I've been able to use a mini with the Dock intended for the third-generation iPod. Apple has designed a Dock specifically for the mini. It, too, sells for $39.