I had originally ordered a black 30G from the online Apple store, but was becoming irritated that it was stuck in "processing order."
So today while sitting in the computer lab between classes browsing the internet, I came across some people who claimed the Ipods were available at brick and mortar Apple stores. I called my local Apple Store (in Columbus, OH) and sure enough they had the 30GB versions in stock. I immediately canceled my online order and made the trek to down the Apple store.
I walked in there set on buying a black Ipod but after seeing both versions side by side, I couldn't help but feel the white version was cosmetically superior. Previously I had envisioned the black ipod to be this jet black color that seemed to almost absorb the light around it and shimmer with a sexy gleam. Silly yes, but it sure looks that way in Apple's advertisements. Alas in reality it was just plain ol' black, and a bit lackluster at that.
So I did a quick, precursory test with my e4cs searching for any glaring flaws (like my late 30GB Photo). When I found none (note: it was a very quick test, my parking meter only had 3 minutes!) I bought it and headed on home.
The packaging is pretty minimal, it's like a box a PC game comes in. Inside is just the Ipod, earbuds, USB cord, dock adapter (piece of plastic so you can fit the thinner 5G into older docks), a cheap case, and the installation software. A note on the case: it really is cheap. I'm almost hesitant to put the Ipod inside it as I have a nagging suspicion the inside liner will scratch the Ipod to hell and back. I'd like to imagine Apple buit it with some thought, but somehow I think Steve Jobs threw it in just to appease all the people yelling (and rightly so) about how scratchable the Nano is.
SQ impressions to come.
p.s. apparently the Ipod does support recording, but no mic is included. It will probably be an accessory at added expense.
