If you have spent the past year drooling over the iPod and cursing Apple for making it Mac-only, wipe your mouth and give thanks. Realising that Windows users aren't going to buy a Mac just to use an MP3 player, Apple has finally seen sense and released a Windows version of its plaudit-winning music machine.

The Windows iPod is functionally identical to the Mac version. Therefore it's about the size of a tobacco tin and has a sleek, high-tech appeal possessed by no other gadget we have ever seen. Handle it carefully though, as the chrome and plastic case picks up nicks and scratches with a little too much ease for our liking.

Being an Apple product, the iPod is extremely simple to use. A large scroll wheel with a central button is used for navigation and four buttons around the outside control playback. There's also a 'hold' switch on the top, a FireWire port and a headphone socket that can be used with or without the wired remote control supplied with 10GB and 20GB iPods.

Non-music files can be dragged-and-dropped to the iPod in My Computer, since it functions as an ordinary external hard disk. MP3s, however, have to be copied using the supplied MusicMatch software and while it's quick (10GB in around 20 minutes), it's far from simple.

It's a shame Apple didn't produce its own Windows iPod application rather than modify someone else's. If you are happy to make your own arrangements for ripping music CDs, there's a utility called EphPod that is much easier to use. Better still, it's a free download from www.ephpod.com.

So is the iPod the best MP3 player available? Yes, if you don't mind paying a small premium and are prepared to suffer the envious glances from everyone around you. The MusicMatch software is a disappointment that's easily fixed, but the case's good looks compromise durability.

DETAILS
Price:
5GB - £259
10GB - £329
20GB - £399

Contact: Apple 0800 783 4846
www.apple.com