IPod Mini Compatibility with USB 1.1 (Please help!)

Question

Hello. I'm turning 21 in a few days and am away at college... my parents, while divorced, decided to join forces to buy me a really nice gift for my 21st birthday... a brand new iPod Mini. My mom attempted to get me a Nano, she tells me, but they were out and the salesperson said this one actually held more music for about the same price, so she did the right thing in my opinion.
Anyway, I for whatever reason instantly had the worry that this iPod won't work with my computer. I don't have a lot of money so when I was a freshman in college I purchased a Dell for $500 which is still my computer right now. It has a USB 1.1 port. I run iTunes already as my music browser so I'm not worried about the program not working... I am simply concerned that when I receive the gift in the coming days that I won't be able to use it with my computer because of the older USB port. I've read stuff on the net that says that USB 1.1 WILL work, others have said it won't.
So does anyone have a sraight answer? Will my iPod Nano be usable using my circa 2002 Dell Dimension Desktop with USB 1.1? Anything on this would be greatly appreciated. I hope it works... my parents don't exactly have $250 to throw around for something I can't use.
Thank you so much for reading, hope to hear from some of you soon! -Colin Moriarty

Answer 1

Welcome to Apple Discussions.
I would say USB 1.1 should work, but there is no absolute guarantee it will. The iPod nano should also work with USB 1.1, but again there is no absolute guarantee. If it works, the transfer speed will be slow but I believe you are prepared for this.
Stop worrying, Colin, for the time being. If you have any problems with your new gift, post back and we will try to help.
Meanwhile, I use my 2 iPod minis with Firewire, and both work perfectly. So if you have problems in the future you may consider switching to Firewire (by getting a Firewire PCI card and a Firewire iPod cable).