HP Unleashes Its New iPod.

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Author: Frakes, Dan

A Tale of Two Pods

Apple iPod from HP--an HP-branded version of Apple's wildly popular digital music player. The company announced plans to release the player back in January, and began selling it a few months after Apple introduced its 4G, Click Wheel iPod. HP's release left many consumers--especially those using Windows-based PCs--wondering whether they should buy the Apple model or HP's version. What makes them different? Read on for all the details.

In terms of hardware, the Apple and HP iPods are identical--if you buy an iPod, you're getting an iPod. The included accessories are also the same: earbuds, AC adapter, FireWire cable, USB 2.0 cable, and (with the 40GB model) iPod dock. In fact, without the retail packaging to tip you off, the only way to tell the difference between the two versions is a small HP logo on the back of the HP iPod (just above the Apple logo, which is still there). And no matter whom you buy from, a 20GB iPod costs $299, and a 40GB model costs $399.

Both iPods also use Apple's acclaimed iTunes software to encode, purchase, manage, and play music on your computer, and to sync music between your computer and your portable player. The CD included in the box with HP-branded iPods provides only the Windows version--an Apple iPod includes both Mac and Windows iTunes and iPod software. You can still download both versions for free from Apple, however.

If the brightly colored iPod pictured on this page makes you think HP sells iPods in anything other than white, think again. That's an HP Tattoo, which allows you to skin your iPod with removable, wraparound stickers. Although only HP is selling them (along with the paper to print your own), Tattoos will fit any 4G iPod--even those from Apple.

The differences between the two models begin to surface when you look at support and additional software. In terms of support, Apple-branded iPods include a one-year warranty, but only 90 days of free phone support; the company further restricts those terms in that all repairs after the first six months entail a $30 shipping and handling fee--and the free phone support applies only to a single incident within the first 90 days after purchase. HP, on the other hand, provides a full year of both hardware warranty and phone support, with toll-free technical support available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. HP also provides out-of-warranty support via e-mail. As for in-person support, Apple iPod users can visit Apple retail stores for assistance; HP iPod users can visit authorized service centers such as Best Buy and CompUSA.

Apple and HP iPod after-sale services also differ in terms of focus and expertise. HP's technical support focuses on Windows users, while Apple will continue to support both platforms. However, HP expects its Windows support to surpass Apple's, mainly due to the company's "breadth of knowledge on the Windows platform," according to a spokesperson. In fact, many HP support personnel have already gone through iPod- and iTunes-focused training. On the other hand, HP will not support an HP iPod running on a Mac--you'll need to stick with Apple for that.

HP has also attempted to improve the iPod experience for Windows users through better Windows-focused documentation. The box includes a handy setup poster, which visually demonstrates how to set up your iPod, how to rip music to iTunes, and how to download music to the iPod, and HP designed its user guides for Windows users. Apple's instructions cover both platforms.

Apple provides three support options for out-of-warranty iPods. The $59 AppleCare Protection Plan for iPod extends the iPod's warranty to two full years for both hardware and phone support. When your Apple iPod is no longer covered under warranty (standard or AppleCare), a $99 battery-replacement service is available if your iPod battery will no longer hold a charge. Finally, for a fee of $249, users can replace out-of-warranty iPods that require hardware service for any other issue. HP says these options are also available for the HP-branded iPod, but customers will need to purchase and take advantage of them through HP rather than Apple. In addition, a company representative said that later this year HP will offer accidental-damage coverage f or HP-branded iPods; this will defend against "unexpected spills and damage."

In addition to the included iTunes software, HP has added its HP Tunes application, which works for those customers who own an HP Media Center PC. Whereas the iTunes app provides what HP calls the "two-foot experience"--a music interface that works only when you're sitting in front of your computer--HP Tunes allows for a ten-foot experience. Using HP Tunes and the HP Media Center's remote, you can control your music from across the room. HP Tunes also allows you to access the iTunes music library of another computer on your local network. (Note that if you have an HP Media Center, you can use HP Tunes even if you buy an Apple-branded iPod.)

HP began selling its iPod in mid-September, about two months after Apple's 4G iPod hit the shelves. But HP has emphasized its wider retail presence, noting that its iPods will be available in many more stores than Apple's iPods--so it should be easier than ever to find an iPod.

Windows users--especially those with HP computers--should take a close look at HP's version of the iPod. It's safe to say that you can expect HP to be more experienced when it comes to troubleshooting software problems with Windows PCs, and the company's better warranty is hard to pass up.

If you're a Mac user, stick with the original. There's really no reason to buy an HP iPod--it may have a better warranty, but you won't be able to call HP for technical support. And when it comes to software, drivers, and computer hardware, Apple is far better equipped to support Mac users.

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By Dan Frakes