Apple likes to keep it simple. Go looking for an ipod, either online or in a store and you’ll find 3 models, iPod, the iPod nano, and the iPod shuffle. Though they all look kinda the same, they are three very different devices. So let’s take a look at them and see if we can find the right one for you! Once you have your ipod, all you need then are some accessories to glamour it up.

>

iPod with Video

This is simply the “iPod” and comes with 30GB and 60GB memory and and two color options, white/chrome and black/chrome. This ipod has everything ever offered by the all the models that went before it: peerless digital music playback, digital photo display, basic voice recording, basic personal organizer functions, and simple 2D games — all accessible from a fabulous user interface. The latest model also has digital video playback. Everything is stored on a tiny, shock-mounted hard disk and synchronizes with the included iTunes software on your Mac or PC. Connection is via the included USB 2.0 cable for both syncing and charging the battery. Current iPods can all charge via FireWire connection to either a Mac or PC but can no longer synchronize your media files. The 30GB iPod ($299) should be your choice if you want to have the most fun with your personal media and have a moderate library of audio, photo, and video files you want to carry around with you. If you have heaps of media files, then get the ever-so-slightly thicker 60GB model ($399), the coolest iPod when only the coolest will do. The iPod is thin, but not impossibly thin. For that you’ll need a…

iPod nano

The iPod nano is the replacement for last year’s iPod mini. This “ultra thin” device h solid state flash memory in either 1GB ($149), 2GB ($199) or 4GB ($249) capacity instead of a mini hard drive. The nano has a cute color screen that’s ideal for browsing songs and displaying album art but not particulalry good for displaying photos . The ipod nano won’t play videos either so if video is your thing, this is probably not the best option for you. Another drawback for some is that the nano can’t handle voice recording, so you won’t be using it to record your daily diary entires!! If you’re an active person who likes to travel light and doesn’t need to carry your humongous media library around with you, this is a great choice. This lead us on to the …

iPod shuffle

The ipod shuffle was Apple’s attempt to kill the competition at the lower end of the mp3 player market. You either love it or you hate it! On the plus side, they are tiny and cheap! But on the down side, they have no display screen and tiny capacity (512MB-1GB). If you just want a device that plays you songlist randomly while you’re sleeping on a long bus journey the shuffle is the ipod for you!

This Old iPod

The old chunky monochrome iPod from 2001! Most people wouldn’t opt for this model with better choices on the market. They suck on battery power but will cost you about half the price of a new model! Remember you’ll have to cost in your replacement battery, which you WILL need at some point. Best advice on this one is don’t buy anything older than fouth-gen with clickwheel. You’ll probably become frustrated with any previous iPod’s limitations: bulkier, short battery life, lack of photo/video playback, lack of color, and its complete absence of any coolness.

Now all you’ve got to do is go shopping Enjoy!