5G vs. 5.5G iPod; what does the software update get you?

[microchip13]

So, as you may remember I'm in the market for an iPod, it's a matter of which one though.


The refurb 30 and 60 giggers are now down to $180 and $230, and I'm curious, what all changes through a software update and what doesn't change?

[Chupa Chupa]

Compatibility with the iTunes store e.g., games and movies. It doesn't add the search function (big rip if you ask me since it's hardly worth upgrading a 5G 30Gigger to a 5.5 30Gigger.

[microchip13]

So it does allow playing at 640x480?

I'm also assuming it doesn't get it longer battery life?

[Chupa Chupa]

Yep. You get the higher rez. I don't know if the battery life improvement is a software enchancement or improvement in battery tech.

[MGS_forgot_password]

They did say brighter screen on the new iPods, too.

[Robo]

So does this mean people can now rip via Handbrake at 640x480 instead of 320x240 when using h.264?

[RAMd®d]

Robo, I'd think so.

I don't see why the 'Pod would "care" where the 640x480/264 came from. I doubt that the DRM has any effect.

I think the 5G also gets a brightness control, though I'm sure there is no *addtional* brightness.

The 80 is the same size as the 60, so it may be that software does help battery life.

[microchip13]

So it's every feature except the more brightness, longer battery and searching?


I'm leaning towards the 30 gig refurb.