Journal: News & Comment

How to review

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Before I begin, and for no reason related to this post at all, I'd just like to say that Doug Bowman has provided a butt-kicking example of why modern standards-based web design is a good idea.

Okay. On to business. I appreciate detailed review articles. The iPodlounge goes beyond that this week, with new user and power user versions of its review of Apple's new fourth-generation iPod music player.

The new user article isn't a condensed or dumbed-down version of the power user one—it's an entirely separate, equally long piece, tailored for a difference audience. The first article reviews the new iPods from the perspective of someone who does not yet own a digital music player, or at least not an iPod yet; the second from the point of view of someone who already has an iPod and wonders what's new, and whether an upgrade is worthwhile.

If you're in the market for an iPod (which I only am in dreamland, so far), read both articles, and the iPod history summary too—it is remarkably comprehensive, including side-by-side diagrams showing how the iPod models have changed over three years, sales graphs, and even photos of how the packaging and included accessores have evolved.

Finish up with the iPod mini new user and power user reviews, and you're about as informed as you can be about Apple's iPod product line without having held one of the devices in your hand.

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