But for the greater capacity of the 20G, and the smaller size of the Mini, are there any advantages, disadvantages, functionality differences between the two. I know the Shuffle is coming out, but that is a different matter.
Thanks.
I decided on the mini due to it’s size/weight and the fact that I would probably be using it in association with sporting activities eg. pre/ post event, stretching, warm up etc and therefore I don’t need more than 4 Gb. Point of fact I got it at New Year and have been downloading like crazy and have only used 1 Gb.
Footnote: I would love a 1Gb shuffle when it comes out. Even smaller, even lighter.
I’ve got a Mini, and if I were to do it all over again, would probably get a 20/40gig unit. The dif in size is negligible, and it would be nice to put everything on one player. No complaints about the Mini, other than memory, which isn’t really a complaint, more of a realization.
I have a 20 gig… and I’m actually thinking of swapping it back for a mini… I like how you can run with it, (which i find doesn’t work so well with the regular)…
aside from that… they’re both awsome
-david
I guess the question is what’s the main purpose.
For me, I really wanted to able to strap it on my arm, bring it on every run, and run to each playlist. So for me the Mini made sense. So far I have been using it for 6 months and it’s almost filled up. But I’m also sick of listening to a lot of the music on it. So I will just delete and refill with new stuff. Doesn’t seem like a big deal.
My kids have minis. It’s an assume piece of equipment. Somehow Apple put some magic into the design so that you just can’t help picking it up and using it. I have a rio mp3 and the mini is in a completely different universe in terms of usability.
Mini pros - smaller, probably slightly easier to workout with. Cons - 4 gigs is alot of space but many people can fill it up so you won’t have everything with you at all times.
I orginally thought I wanted a mini of my own to workout with but my vision of possible uses is expanding so now I’m thinking I want all my cds available to play in the car, on a plane or to play in my office through some speakers. I’m now leaning towards a 20 gig.
There’s only about a 3-4oz weight difference between the mini and the 20g. Only about $50 more. But way more storage. Go with the 20g. Frank
If you disregard the physical size and the storage space of each unit, there really is no real difference between the mini and the 20G. If you are choosing only between the 20G and the mini I would say go with the 20G because of the huge capacity difference. However if something like “running with it strapped to your arm” is important, forget them both and just get the 1G Shuffle. As far as working out goes, the Shuffle definately beats them all.
For running and cycling I might go with the new Shuffle.
There’s no disk and therefore no skip.
It’s also ony $99.
If it’s not inconvenient to reload different music this sounds good.
I have the 20G with a Mareware Sport Jacket. I haven’t used it much on the bike since I didn’t get it until the fall with the exception of trainer rides (has saved my sanity!) Worked well on a couple of rides (MB and tri). Have had some minor difficulties with it on the run; froze a couple of times or will reset its self depending on how much pounding on the down hills. I’m a fairly small guy and the unit tends to slip down my arm where it moves more.
I got all 3 kids the mini for Christmas and have toyed with the idea of stealing one for a run to see how it works compared to the 20G. Haven’t to date.
Bottom line: either one will work
Get the 20gb AND a shuffle
I have had them all (waiting for the shuffle) and love my 40GB for all my pictures / music on it.
But want something with no drive (mini is still Hard Drive based) for running / biking.
Frankly I want a $99 device with me at events / training in case I loose it, or it gets damaged…
just my 2 cents
Get the 20gb AND a shuffle
Bought the 20Gig today. Will also get the Shuffle but will go with the 1Gig.
Now–next question . I did not buy, but was offered a warranty for another like $27 bucks. They said–if the battery goes, it will cost you $150.00. Anybody had any problems where buying a CompUSA warranty would make sense? I have never bought one of those. That’s when the salesman stops talking to you.
I think you made the right decision. I got the mini with the thought of also training with it, but I’m constantly running into the “too many songs to sync” problem, so I’m returning it to get a 20g and then a 1g shuffle for training.
Bought the 40 GB a couple of weeks ago, been using it for running and have been unimpressed with the freezing and even worse the battery life, the site states 12 hours , so far the most I have had is 6 hours, anyone else have a problem with the battery life??
6 hours?! Is your backlite on all the time? I’ve heard running causes battery life to drop because it has to spin up the hard drive more often, but most people seem to be getting around 12 hours with normal use.
The battery on mine is fairly cold sensitive. I had a no battery message on mine. I stuck it down my shirt and warmed it up and listened to it for 2-3 more hours.