The 5th generation Apple iPod(a.k.a the video iPod) is an excellent audio player, with either 30 or 80 GB of storage in its current form. For many people, including myself, the real draw of this player was the video capabilities that seperated it from prior models. There are now many portable devices that can play video, but no other device can tap into the wide range of TV shows and movies available on the iTunes Store. Additionally, there is a wide range of free video programming available as video podcasts (the Diggnation podcast is a personal favorite).

Watching certainly adds another dimension to the iPod, but it brings with it new challenges. In order to maintiain the iPod’s slim profile, Apple had to make some sacrifices, and the most noticable in this series is the battery life. Watching video can quickly turn your iPod from a capable portable multimedia device into a useless paperweight.

I typically watch video on the iPod while riding the subway. Upon reaching home, my typical strategy was to “switch off” the iPod by turning on the hold switch on the top of the device. This proved to be a mistake, and a common one made by iPod users.

Bottom line: to save battery life, turn off your iPod by holding down the “play” button when you are done using it. The screen will switch off and you will stop burning valuable energy.