I pre-ordered my wife a pink iPod Mini™ just after you were allowed to. I was hoping it would arrive before our 5th wedding anniversary, which is at the end of August. I was a little worried, however, that with all the stories about Apple having problems supplying the demand, I might not get it in time. Well, it was shipped on the official international release date, July 24th. I watched it travel with FedEx from Shanghai, China, through Anchorage, Alaska, to Memphis, Tennessee, then on to Winnipeg, Manitoba, through Vancouver, British Columbia, arriving here in Victoria, today. Halfway around the world in just 5 days, not bad. I couldn't wait until the end of August, plus there were some major issues in trying to keep it a secret, so I gave it to her early.
Anyway, the thing is just so freakin' cool, I just don't see how anyone could make a better digital music player. Sure, it is a little bit pricey, but man do you get what you pay for. It is remarkably compact, the new click wheel is a joy to use, the screen is a little bit small but readable, and the sound is awesome. I've tried some of smaller flash-memory based players and sure, they are smaller but they look like crap next to the Mini. I really wasn't expecting to like it that much, being that we already have a 1st generation iPod, but I wouldn't be ashamed to be seen with this orchid coloured gadget attached to my hip with the included belt clip.
Once again Apple has surpassed my expectations and by now my expectations are getting pretty high. How long can they keep it up?