The iPod just keeps getting better. As if the previous version wasn't good enough, Apple has tweaked its fifth-generation iPod to produce the trendsetting digital audio player to which all other players aspire. It isn't perfect, but minor quibbles aside, the newest iPod demonstrates why it is the bestselling MP3 player on the market.

The iPod is available in white or black, and it comes with either 30GB (MSRP $249) or 80GB (MSRP $349) of memory, up from the previous version's top capacity of 60GB. The 80GB model has enough memory to hold 20,000 songs, up to 25,000 photos or up to 100 hours of video (depending on the size/bit rate of songs and the size of photos). The 30GB iPod is no slouch either, with enough room to hold 7,500 songs or 40 hours of video. Both versions still feature Apple's Click Wheel for effortless one-hand operation.

Regardless of the version you choose, the iPod will dazzle you with its 2-1/2-inch color LCD screen. Apple claims to have increased the screen's brightness by 60 percent, and while picture slideshows and video look great, watching movies on the small screen can be hard on the eyes. Nevertheless, for you video fans, there is an ever-increasing supply of music videos and favorite TV shows from Disney, NBC, ABC and other content providers for purchase from the iTunes online store.

The new iPod features some other welcome improvements. This fifth-generation update now offers gapless playback, so you can listen to your music without the annoying gaps between tracks. The iPod has also added a useful search function that brings up a virtual keyboard on the screen, making it much easier to locate a particular song, picture or video file.

Unfortunately, Apple still hasn't given the iPod an internal FM tuner, which limits its usefulness in certain situations. For example, many health clubs show sports or news programs on their overhead televisions and broadcast the audio over unused FM channels, and you won't be able to listen in with this digital audio player. There have also been numerous complaints about the iTunes 7 music management software, so until Apple works out the kinks, you may be in for some frustration.

The built-in battery will power the player for up to 20 hours of music playback or 6.5 hours of video. The iPod package includes a set of decent-sounding earbuds, a proprietary USB 2.0 cable, a dock adapter, a carrying case and a Quick Start Guide. The iTunes software can be downloaded for free from the Apple website.

With this updated fifth-generation version, Apple continues to show why the iPod remains the preeminent digital audio player.

Pros:  Simple operation, excellent playback performance, improved screen, new gapless playback and search
Cons:  No FM tuner, small screen makes extended video viewing difficult, problems with iTunes software

Warranty
1 year limited