How to Buy an iPod

Tips for buying an iPod

1. When Apple first started selling iPods, there were two basic choices that essentially differed in the amount of songs they could store and their physical size. Today, seven storage choices await music lovers. You should choose your iPod based on what you can afford to spend and the amount of storage you want.
2. The least expensive, and lightest, IPod is the iPod Shuffle. About the size of a pack of gum, the iPod Shuffle comes in two versions-one can store 120 songs and the other can store 240 songs. Play the songs you've downloaded in the order they are listed or play them randomly with the-what else-shuffle option.
3. The storage capacities, and the price, jump with the iPod Minis. These iPods can hold either 1000 or 1500 songs. Unlike the Shuffle, the iPod Mini has a screen that displays operation options as well as the title and artist for each song. The iPod Mini is also the only iPod to come in a choice of colors.
4. The powerhouse of the iPod collection is simply called the iPod. It stores up to 5,000 songs. What most people do not realize, though, is that the iPod can also store computer files and will play audio files besides songs, such as lecture notes and language recordings. Accessories even allow you to record your voice.
5. The biggest iPod available right now is the iPod Photo. This little machine comes in two storage sizes-you can store 7,500 songs on the iPod Photo with the smaller capacity, or 15,000 songs on the larger one. The iPod Photo, of course, also stores photographs-up to 25,000 of them. This iPod is a jukebox and a photo album. It is also the most expensive iPod model.
6. The world of iPod includes a galaxy of accessories. You can find ports that transfer your downloaded music to home or car stereos. There are file organizing accessories and all sorts of carrying cases. Apple sells some iPod accessories, but most are manufactured and sold by other companies. Ask your authorized iPod dealer what is available.

Caution

The major complaint against iPods in the past has been that the batteries need recharging and replacing too often. And the batteries are specific to iPods, which allows them to be priced at a premium. Before you buy your iPod, find out the expected length of time between battery recharging that you can expect for the model you choose. Also investigate the overall length of battery life and the cost of iPod battery replacement.

Where to buy an iPod

Pick up an iPod at one of these reliable Web retailers--

Go to the source at Apple. Find feature descriptions and technical specifications for every iPod model.

Tweeter can set you up with any iPod model, as well as several iPod accessories.

JR.com not only has an iPod store, but it also sells over 200 accessories, books and warranties for new iPods.