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Tranzfers.com very kindly sent me a brand new Apple iPod Classic 120GB bedecked in a shiny silver coat. I’m pretty happy with that - a result.

It has led to one small problem, however, which is the recurrence of something that I like to call Windows Vista Purgatory. This is a state where you cannot install a new program without restarting your system, the only problem being that when said system restarts, it fails, and restores itself back to the time before you installed that program. This happens with Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (which I would assume is vital) and it happens with iTunes too…

So it was time to pull the old laptop out of semi-retirement. Actually, the old laptop isn’t semi-retired at all - its on almost permanent standby and is, in fact, used every day as a result.

Anyhow, enough griping about Microsoft’s inability to release a stable product to market, what of this new deluxe iPod classic.

I was holding out for an iPod Touch, I hasten to add, but when someone offers you a free iPod Classic, or horse, you don’t go checking its dental hygene. No. You rip their arms off before the offer is withdrawn.

So the iPod Classic I received.

First impressions being what they are, it was pretty good that Apple despatched the thing to me within 2 days, and used a proper courier (I get all sorts here) who actually telephoned to ask where we are. One point to note is that they WILL NOT leave iPods with a neighbour, so make sure you’re around on delivery day, or they’ll be taking your new iPod back to base with them, leaving you with your fingers in your ears humming your favourite tunes because you forgot to read the important details section somewhere.

Also, while we are on first impressions, the box, and indeed the whole packaging affair with an iPod was done extremely beautifully. They present your iPod to you on a little layer of foam. In fact, its in a small box, on a layer of foam, and this small box is placed inside a bigger box which contains an air cushion. I actually thought that perhaps it was an afront to such a mollycoddled piece of gadgetry to take it out and cover it in fingerprints.

Fingerprints are what you’ll see if you opt for the old silver - and lots of ‘em - as its shiny as a new penny. Also, you’ll come to realise that your hands are not, in fact, dry, but are actually huge fountains of grease that tarnish everything they touch. But no matter, you can just while away your hours polisihing your iPod on the train, like some people polish their glasses. Hey, you bought an Apple, you probably want its children too, right?

That’s not a dig, by the way, I’m merely pointing out that we are so accustomed to products being slightly less than good that when we get an Apple, which is well designed AND works, its like the holy grail. We tell everyone. They look at us like we’re scum for being so enamoured with a piece of equipment. Then THEY buy an Apple, and the whole sorry cycle begins again.

A bit like the early days of MSDOS, only less glitchy.

So the iPod Classic looks great and holds a LOT of data (120GB is ten times that old laptop that I’m using to write this very piece!), but what can it do?

• Store and play videos (long ones too!)
• Store and play more MP3s than I could possibly want to listen to at one moment;
• Has a great twirly menu, and makes a cool clicking sound when you use it.
• Works with iTunes so you can download new music fast.
• iTunes can also copy all your old CDs and anything else you can get a line into your computer with (even casettes or LPs!)

Unless, that is, you happen to have Windows Vista…

You can buy New Apple iPod Classic 120GB from the following:

• Amazon UK £162
• Amazon USA $238.54
• Direct From Apple UK - £179 - My choice!

I’ll add some pictures here when I can get the “big computer” switched on long enough to get at them