Apple's iPod range is the biggest name in portable media players. They look cool, sound great and are simple to use. Since its release, the iPod has been the must have MP3 player around the world.
A wide range of iPod accessories is available - armbands, in-car add ons, cases, docks and speakers, cables and connectors.
There are many different iPods and designs to choose from. Most are available in a range of colours, capacities and styles. Here is a run down on different types of iPods on the market today:
iPod Shuffle
The Shuffle is the smallest member of the iPod family. The latest Shuffle is the most compact yet, only 45.2 mm in height and 17.5mm wide! It also features a built-in clip that can attach to your clothes, making it the perfect player if you want to listen to tunes whilst you exercise.
Despite the minimal size, the Shuffle has an impressive 4GB memory allowing you store up to 1000 songs! It also gets around the lack of a screen by actually speaking to you. It can inform you of the song title and artist and the playlist name. Playback controls are found on the headphones for added convenience and battery life is a generous 10 hours.
The Shuffle is a compact, cool and clever way to listen to music on the move.
iPod Nano
The Nano is smaller than the iPod Classic and larger than the Shuffle. It's a compact, contemporary and fun to use. The Nano comes with a 2 inch wide screen colour display that's great for watching video, viewing photos and that allows for easy navigation through the music library.
The Nano is currently available in 8G, which stores about 2000 songs, and a 16GB version that stores about 4000 songs. Both have a battery life of up to 24 hours of audio playback and 4 hours of video playback. Both versions are available in a range of colours.
The Nano is a flash based player making it ideal for using on the move or exercising in the gym.
iPod Classic
The traditional iPod is a great way to enjoy all your digital media on the go. Its massive 120GB hard disc drive can store your entire music, video and photo collection. The Classic can store up to 30,000 songs, 150 hours of video or 25,000 photos. It is available in black or white colours. The battery offers up to 20 hours of audio playback or 6 hours of video playback between charges. A 2.5 inch colour display allows you to enjoy video and photos as well as navigation through the menu functions. Choosing your tracks has never been easier thanks to Cover Flow, Genius mode and Click Shuffle.
The latest iPod Classic even allows you to play a range of games that have been designed specifically for the device's user interface.
The Classic is thin, light and tough. This old favourite has never been so good.
iPod Touch
The iPod Touch is the latest and coolest portable media player technology from Apple. It is much more than a media player; it is a touch screen web browser, mini games console and a personal organiser as well. The Touch is available in 8GB, 16GB and 32GB versions and the battery offers up to 36 hours audio playback or 6 hours of video playback.
The Touch has a 3.5", 480-by-320 widescreen touch-screen display. Perfect for watching video and browsing web content. The built in Wi-Fi connection allows you to surf the net so you can download music, TV shows and movies from ITunes, check your Facebook and find your way using Google maps. The device responds to your movement when playing games, much like a Nintendo Wii controller.
If you love your gadgets and you love your media on the go, the iPod touch is the portable media player you.