How to Compare iPods

IPods may be the most revolutionary gadget of the 21st century. Most MP3 players do not even compare to the solid design and ease of use found in iPods. With three basic models to choose from (iPod Shuffle, iPod Nano and iPod) and a variety of memory sizes and colors, it can be a bit overwhelming to choose the right model for your needs.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Determine a budget. Cost is a major factor when making any purchase, and iPods range drastically. Because Apple is famous for not allowing discounting, iPod prices will be the same at every retailer.

2. Decide if your iPod needs to play video. Most iPods do not. If it does not need to play video, does it need to have a screen at all? The iPod Shuffle, the cheapest model, is not equipped with a screen.

3. Predict how the iPod will be used and how much memory it will need. According to Apple, the iPod holds about 1,000 songs for every 4 gigabytes of memory. Photographs take up a little less (about 3,000 snapshots per gigabyte), while video requires the most memory, with the 80 GB iPod capable of holding up to 100 hours of video.

4. Select the iPod within your budget that best meets the other requirements. All iPods use the same software, so this is not an issue.

Tips & Warnings

• At the bottom of the column on the left side of the Apple Store home page is a link to Refurbished iPods, which come straight from Apple and carry the normal warranty at a discount.

Resources

• Apple's website includes information on all iPods and is the source for downloading the free iTunes media player and management software.
• The online Apple store is the direct link to the Apple online retailer and source for refurbished iPods.