There has been a lot of talk online about the iPod Photo ever since Apple announced it on October 26th, 2004. But, as quickly as you could say "iPod," there were rants all over the web about the limitations of the new iPod Photo as a photo storage device, as well as its larger size. I immediately ordered one so that I could take a first-hand look at this product, knowing that it will inevitably be a hot item this holiday season. This review will look at the iPod Photo from two functionality standpoints; As a photo storage/player device, and as an all around multimedia device (Music, Photos, and Slideshows). If you are considering getting an MP3 player or a photo/media device sometime soon then I recommend reading further.

While the iPod Photo is slightly larger (.18") than the standard iPod, it feels great when you hold it in your hand. It is about the same size as the iRiver iHP-120 MP3 Jukebox, and the Palm Treo 600 Phone (sans the antenna), maybe even a bit thinner.

While it is not an ultra-compact, 2-inch square, MP3 player that you wear on an armband when you workout, the extra size will hopefully get you to treat it with the respect that any device with a 40 or 60 Gigabyte hard drive and 2.0-inch color LCD should be treated. Would shaving a 1/4-inch off the unit make a difference? Maybe, but who really cares. The unit is light and sleek nonetheless.

You cannot help having a love/hate opinion about its looks. The piano-like white face of the iPod Photo gives it a very rich look and feel. Women (and some men) will appreciate the mirror-like finish that surrounds the remainder of the iPod. However, everyone will hate the way the finish reveals fingerprints, scratches, and smudges. This has been a problem with all the iPod units and has not seemed to hurt sales. The iPod line is the number one line of MP3 players on the market.

The small "getting started" paper booklet covers everything you need to know to get your iPod Photo charged and synced. It also covers basic operation of the iPod Photo for those who have never used the innovative click-wheel design to navigate. You are able to charge the iPod Photo either by connecting it directly to your computers USB 2.0 or Firewire (6-pin) port, or by plugging it in to the wall using the AC adapter which fits on one end of the firewire cable.
* If you connect the iPod to a 4-pin firewire port (optional adapter required), like those found on many notebooks, the iPod will not charge from this port.

It is important to charge the iPod Photo completely prior to syncing it with your PC or Mac and iTunes 4.7. This is especially true if you have a large music collection, since the iPod Photo will not charge and sync at the same time. Once iTunes is finished syncing your music and photographs, the unit will automatically start charging again.

I am very impressed with the out-of-box experience, which helps to get things off to a good start. Is the iPod Photo for you? Continue reading to find out.

Apple has always been aware of the "warm and fuzzy" feeling that opening a new technology product should give you, and the iPod Photo is no exception. The iPod arrives in a beautiful box with a full color outer sleeve. The sleeve slides off to reveal a black box which unfolds like a thick book, revealing the iPod Photo and its contents.

• Apple iPod Photo
• 6-pin to iPod Photo Firewire Cable
• USB 2.0 to iPod Photo Cable
• 3.5mm to RCA Video and Stereo Audio Cable
• Apple iPod Photo Docking Cradle
• AC Power Adapter with folding prongs
• Apple iPod Software CD with iTunes 4.7
• Apple Matching Stereo Ear Buds