Is the iPod Overrated?

I think the iPod is way overrated. I go to the gym and I see all these people walking around with them strapped to their arms because they think its some sort of status symbol to have one. I'll give props to Apple's marketing department, but, being a person that knows a decent amount about technology and other devices that are available, I'd never buy an ipod. I prefer my minidisc player anyway, its much more cost effective and I can carry 5 hours of music per disc. The sony software blows and I wish it integrated with Windows better but oh well the thing was cheap and the battery lasts forever

The main function of the ipod of course is to be a able to listen to music. But you can get (some you pay for some are free) applications that make it do so much more. Such as become a navigation system, it can store all of your cards that you have to cary such as for sam's club and such. They are always coming out with new applications, so really the possiblities are endless of what you can do with it. Down load itunes for free and check it out.

Like anything from Apple it is overrated but well marketed and designed.

I think they are worth the "investment". Even though it is a tiny screen, it displays quite nicely, making movie watching fairly nice. They seem to be well constructed. I know many kids (younger than teens) who own them and have had no problems.

I'm assuming you do mean the iPod, and not the iPhone.

The iPod is overrated. The shear number of mp3 players out there means that whatever you want one to do, there are a dozen that do it, and most of them are probably cheaper and easier to use than the iPod.

To me, the fact that you can't replace the battery, and they decided not to put a power button on it, are deal breakers. Technology should adapt to you, not you to technology.

That being said, there are now a literal ton of things that interact specifically with the iPod. Cars have dedicated iPod cables, stereos have dedicated iPod docks, there are batteries that plug into just the iPod. So, if you want cool technology, but have no interest in learning about technology, the iPod is a good way to go. All you have to do is throw money at it and you get things that work together.

A point in the iPod's favor is that by now pretty much everyone knows how to work the thing. The same can't be said for whatever random mp3 player you pick up because they all have different buttons and menu layouts.

If you get one, I suggest a used one, and just listen to music on it. You can also use it as a portable storage device for transfering non-music files.

I think it is a bit over rated, whenever I talk about it with apple fanboys, they get very defensive about their ipods.. I got the Zune 30 when it first came out, and quite enjoyed it. Every year they seem to update the firmware completely for it, unlike the ipod, but I've heard that some places let you trade in your old ipod for a new one at a very low price, but I haven't been able to confirm this..

No its not overrated.
And what will you use it for?
A:You can use it for Photos,some have the function for watching videos on it and you can listen to music on it.

You can use it like a personal assistant. Notes, books, Calendar etc. All-in-one.

i have many ipods. it dominates the mp3 scene. the itunes store integration has made apple billions i believe.

it is iconic successful a lifestyle and even status symbol. the recent design have been evolutionary, but the initial concept amazed people.

my first mp3 played only had 32mb and cost several hundred dollars in 19999. much has changed in ten years.

ipods are primarily for listening to music. i am enamored with using my touch as a remote control for my HTPC setup.

to save a little money checkout out apples online store and get a refurb. thanks for considering my thoughts.

It is not overrated. It's like a portable entertainment system. You can take your music and/or videos with you where ever you go. Take it in the car, the gym, hotels, airplanes.

I never listen to the radio in the car because there's no telling what will be said and the kids hear everything. I use the ipod then I know exactly what will be said.

A friend of mine is a dj and used to carry tons of albums then cds around. I got him an ipod a few years ago and it's great as a mobile music system, Load all the music you may need and off you go.

You don't have to get a large one if you just want some music to go. I have the original shuffle that holds 1 gig and I use it for the gym and the car. I save the nicer ipod for places where it's not likely to get broken.