iPoll results: iPod owners' raves, rants, pans

(Credit: Steve Guttenberg)

Not that I ever doubted your commitment, but you guys really love your iPods. Thanks to all who responded to last week's poll, here's what I learned.

First, Apple must be doing something right, more than three-quarters of the folks who responded own more than one iPod. Families seem to accumulate little armies of iPods--they pass from spouse to spouse to the kids--and from adult children back to their parents. So the average number was probably three 'Pods per family. Some people have actually lost count and don't know for sure how many they've owned. One guy proudly announced he has 26 iPods. And sure, I heard from more than few souls happy to remain iPod-less. Zune owners are the most vocal about their avoidance of all things Apple.

I was surprised just how few people mentioned video--only a handful cited ever watching movies or TV shows. So despite the technology advances, iPods are still mostly music players. Sure, my poll is a small survey. But if it turns out to be true that almost nobody watches video on their Pods, I'd be happy about that.

I gather most iPods don't last very long--two or three years is about it. Battery-related problems are the most common ailment, followed by screen and hard drive issues. I'm part of the small group still happily using their first and only iPod. A lot of you buy refurbished iPods to save some bucks.

KSC75, cheap but great-sounding headphones from Koss

(Credit: Koss)

Amazingly enough, barely anyone mentioned headphones. I wonder if I should take that to mean that most of you guys are still using the earbuds that came with your iPods. Say it ain't so!

Quick, check out Koss' awesome KSC75 headphones that go for $14 on Amazon. It's amazingly good for the money. But if you're any sort of audiophile wait for my high-end Klipsch headphone review coming next week--it may be the best ever in-ear headphone I've used with my iPod. By the way, iPod speakers were a more popular upgrade than headphones.

Repairs are common, but most of you seem perfectly happy with Apple's service, though I wondered about the guy who burned through nine(!!!) iPods in a row--all suffered hard drive failures. Hmmm!?!

Small as they are, it's no wonder people's iPods get lost or stolen. Maybe Steve Jobs should come up with a GPS for his next-generation models. Many just get old and die. You all take these mishaps in stride and happily trade up to the latest and greatest Pods. And so it goes.

[Fantastipotamus]

Ahh, I didn't see anything questioning which headphones we use, so I didn't mention mine.

I'm no audiophile by any means (don't have deep enough pockets), but I paid $120 for a pair of Etymotic Research ER-6i's, and they're fantastic with one beef, and that is a lack of low-end. This is diminished by using a headphone amp, or the preset EQ on the ipod itself (though this decreases battery life -- what doesn't?) however.

I also have a pair of Sennheiser 280Pros for use at home due to the long cord and moderate weight, and they sound fantastic. The only hangup with these is that they don't see much use, due to the fact that I don't listen to my ipod much at home. Oh well.

I do see a lot of folks still sporting the earbuds, though. However, to be honest, if they get most of their music as itunes downloads, then who's to say that anything beyond those headphones are even necessary?

[dirty55409]

Hey Steve, you should have titled it, iPoll: How many fanboys can I get to brag about their Ipod collection. lol it's all love just giving you guff :P

[Colie Brice]

Rich guys will buy themselves multiple ipods, yet I wonder how many actually go on itunes and support indie music?

[Frank Gillespie]

My first I-pod was a 6Gig...PUrchased @ BB as an open Box . When it quit, I sent it in under the 3 year extended Warranty WHICH i HAD PAID BIG $'S FOR and they (I have this in Writing !!!) sent it back with the statement that I had dunked it in water !!!!! so they would not warranty it , or replace it , or honor my 3 year extended Warranty !!!!!

I almost got Phisical at the store 3 times with different Geeks and Managers . I have been looking for a class action suite ever since................

Frank Gillespie
Houston Texas

My first Pods were Archos 2G and 6GIG

then the 6G disaster I-pod

then a 20Gig Gen3 or 4 which was replaced afert 6 trips to the Repair center

then a 30 Gi g which worked perfectly Gen 5 which I gave away

now a 60 Gig which so far is bullet proof

This has not been a very happy ride !!!

[mcd0234]

I didn't think of it at the time when I responded to your poll, but the earphones were the very first thing I got rid of when I got an iPod because they do sound absolutely terrible - not to mention uncomfortable, although many are to me so perhaps I have strange ears.

I bought a pair of Sure e3c, I think that was its name, I remember them costing about $150 at the time and I've been very happy with them and still use them and its been over 4 years now. I prefer listening to music on them than through the rather expensive speakers I have on my desk (although as you've been pointing out recently, expensive they may be, but they are still small - I've looked and looked for a good set of speakers for my Mac but to no avail, there is nothing decent at all which I find amazing as there must be a market). The only thing I don't like about the Sure in ear phones is the constant nuisance of having to buy new foam/plastic tips and wax guards as they are not that easy to get, though i've found a good supplier now. I am thinking about getting custom made earphones from Ultimate Ears.

[Dr. Jo Briggs]

I have a generation four iPod and a shuffle. Although I have some music on my iPod, it mostly contains lectures from seminars or non fiction work oriented books. Because I drive about a hour a day to work and back, I listen using the connection thru my car radio. Don't like the ear plugs (also bad for driving). Unfortunately, when I use the shuffle, I use the ear plugs while working out.