Figuring out which iPod is best for you, or the person you’re giving it to as a present, isn’t just a matter of price and color. You need to understand your needs and how you expect to use the iPod in order to make sure you buy the right model. Once you figure that out, you should generally buy the most capable iPod you can afford, since you’ll get the longest life from it and be able to store the most music and video. Here are a few things to consider about each iPod, before your buy. Knowing which kind of user you or your gift recipient are will help you make the right decision.
iPod Shuffle
Great for
- Runners and other exercisers
- Budget gifts
- People who want to conceal their iPod during use
- Small music collections
Avoid if:
- You want to do anything with a screen – video, pictures, be able to see the songs on your iPod when using it
- You have a lot of songs to store
- The user isn't very comfortable on the computer. The "play-all-the-way-through or shuffle" nature of the iPod Shuffle can confuse some users
Price: US$49
iPod nano
Great for:
- First-time users
- People who don’t want to weigh themselves down
- Medium-sized music collections
- Exercisers who want more song choices and don't mind a little extra weight
- People who want a colorful iPod
- Those who want to enjoy FM radio as well as their music collection
Avoid if:
- You have a lot of songs, or expect to get more, and want them on your iPod
- Taking video with your iPod is important to you
Price range: US$149
iPod touch
Great For:
- People who love the latest and greatest
- iPhone fans who don't want a new cell phone
- Movie lovers
- Gamers and people who want to enjoy the App Store
- Practically everyone
Avoid if:
- You're an exerciser
- If you want to use the Internet wherever you go, not just on Wi-Fi networks
Price range: $199-$399
iPod Classic
Great for:
- Large music collections
- All multimedia – songs, videos, photos
- Storing lots of other files
- First-time users
Avoid if you:
- Are budget conscious
- Are an exerciser concerned about weighing yourself down
- Want to run apps
- Want to play games, use the web, take video, or any other advanced features
Price range: $249
