For those unfamiliar with its capacity, the iPod stores about 1,000 mp3 files and automatically arranges them so that one can browse through artists, albums, playlists or songs. The machine, a sleek chrome and plastic creation the size of a deck of cards, connects to any Mac with Firewire ports to ensure quick transfers using free software. Once on the go, the iPod’s battery lasts over ten hours and is recharged when connected to the computer.

Like any product, the iPod does have its faults. It doesn’t offer an equalizer (a feature commonly included on other mp3 players), and the headphones included by Apple fail to emphasize the bass frequencies. Furthermore, converting a whole CD to mp3 format can take up to twenty minutes, so uploading your secret Bon Jovi stash without access to a Napster-like service may take some time.

Fortunately, the iPod can be updated for free on apple.com, so many of these problems may disappear over time. Hopefully, the $400 price tag will diminish as well.