The world was forever changed on October 23, 2001, the day Apple released the first iPods. There were other MP3 players and digital music players for sale before then, but the Apple iPod revolutionized the industry. It wasn't long before you started seeing those little white iPod ear buds almost everywhere (especially if you got within a few blocks of a college campus). Now the world of iPods and MP3 players is constantly changing, with new, updated digital audio devices being released all the time. This iPod buying guide will give you some basic information to help you make a wise purchase, even in the midst of all the latest releases.
Before you go shopping for an iPod, you need to know that memory storage capacities are measured in bytes. More bytes equal more space to hold all of your songs. A megabyte (MB) is 1 million bytes. A gigabyte (GB) is 1 billion bytes. You won't see any iPods with less than 1GB of storage anymore.
The iPods with fewer gigabytes of storage use what is known as flash memory, which uses no moving parts to store songs. iPods with more gigabytes use hard drives, which have moving parts and may be more susceptible to damage or skipping during playback when jolted around during exercise.
It's a generational thing!Apple is constantly changing the iPod. Since its inception, new models have been introduced and updates to those models have come quickly. That's why you will probably see "1st generation," "2nd generation," and so on while you're shopping. Basically, the later the generation, the more advanced the iPod. As all models haven't been in production for the same amount of time, what equals the latest generation will vary from model to model.
If the direction of the digital audio player market stays the same, these iPods will always be changing in features, capacity, size, etc. However, the models will probably keep the same names and basic defining features.
This is the smallest and least complicated iPod available on the market and features a built-in clip, which lets you easily attach it to your clothes or bags. iPod shuffles don't have a view screen like all other iPods, though. You load your music and organize your playlist through a computer. The iPod shuffle has controls for skipping forward/back, play/pause and stop. So if you don't need a lot of bells and whistles but still want something small and fun, get yourself an iPod shuffle.
Latest generation (2nd)The latest generation iPod shuffle is tiny, about half as wide as a credit card and less than 1/2 inch thick (including the mounting clip). They come with 1GB (about 240 songs) or 2GB (about 500 songs) of flash memory and a 12-hour battery. In addition to holding and playing music, they can also store other data files you may need to transfer. You can get iPod shuffles in a variety of bright colors.
Next in size, capacity and features, is the iPod nano. This iPod is still very small and light, but features a color view screen. It does not have a built-in clip, like the iPod shuffle, but you can buy many inexpensive accessories to adapt it to your clothing and activities.
Latest generation (3rd)The iPod nano is just over 2 inches wide, 2.75 inches tall and is just a quarter-inch thick! This iPod is currently available with 4GB (about 1,000 songs) or 8GB (about 2,000 songs) of flash memory, with several color options available. Like the previous generation, the 3rd Generation iPod nano allows you to store and view photos. However, it now stores and plays videos, too! The iPod nano's battery should provide you with up to 24 hours of music playback.
The original iPod has come a long way since it was first introduced, but its larger size, color screen and capacity are what continue to make it classic. iPod classics are larger and heavier than iPod nanos, so they usually aren't the first choice of those who want something to accompany their workouts. This is due to the fact that they use hard drives instead of flash memory. iPod classics are designed for true music and video enthusiasts.
Latest generation (6th)Most people would have a difficult time filling a 6th Generation iPod classic completely. They are available with capacities of 80GB or 160GB. All iPod classics are 2.4 inches wide and 4.1 inches tall. However, the two different memory capacities make for two different thicknesses (80GB: 0.41 inches; 160BG: 0.53 inches). The 80GB iPod classic's battery will play up to 30 hours of music and five hours of video, with the 160GB model playing 40 hours and seven hours, respectively. You can choose one in black or silver.
What puts the touch in the iPod touch? It's the touch screen, of course. With the release of the revolutionary iPhone, Apple decided to base an iPod on the same format. It is through touching icons and dragging them to their appropriate place on the screen that you control the iPod. That means almost the whole iPod touch is covered with a color screen. What really sets the iPod touch apart, however, is its wireless networking capabilities, which enables you to access the Internet in the palm of your hand!
Latest generation (1st)You can purchase an iPod touch with a capacity of 8GB, 16GB or 32GB. All utilize flash memory and allow you to play music and view videos and photos. The iPod utilizes 802.11b/g wireless networking technology (the most common form), so you can connect to the same wireless networks your computers use. It measures 4.3 inches tall, 2.4 inches wide and only 0.31 inches thick. With that size, you enjoy a 3.5-inch widescreen touch display. Its battery should last for up to 22 hours of music playback and five hours of video playback. iPod touches are available in one color--sleek, shiny black.
Where can I get music for my iPod?
There are plenty of online music stores on the Web. Most people who have iPods shop at Apple's iTunes. In fact, songs bought on iTunes can only be played on an iPod, because they are the only digital audio player compatible with the copyright-protected songs saved in the AAC format used by iTunes. However, if you want to shop at other online music stores, iPods will be compatible with their formats, too.
Another option would be to purchase CDs and use your computer to transfer the music from them to your iPod. As long as you keep the songs for yourself and don't distribute them to all your friends, you're keeping things legal.
What kind of batteries do iPods use?
All iPods are powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. These batteries must be charged through the computer and will usually last three or four years. Check out Overstock.com for great deals on special battery chargers for computer-free charging.
How do I connect the iPod to my computer?
iPods connect to computers through the USB ports. All of the appropriate cables and connectors will be included with your iPod when you purchase it.
Are iPods only compatible with Macs?
No, you can also use a PC to charge the battery as well as load music, images and videos. You will just need to install the free Apple iTunes software (the version for PCs is available for download at the iTunes site).
Can I listen to the music on my iPod without headphones?
There is quite a variety of iPod speakers on the market. You can get anything from small iPod speakers for the bathroom to full-fledged iPod stereo systems. Also called iPod docking stations, some are portable, while others are made to stay in your bedroom or living room. Overstock.com offers you some great discounts on all kinds of iPod speakers.
You can also purchase an FM transmitter that broadcasts a radio signal to your car or home stereo. These great iPod accessories connect to any type of iPod through the headphone jack. They eliminate the unsightly, distracting wires you would have with a cassette adapter while providing a clear sound through your stereo system.
Can I use different earphones with an iPod?
You do not have to use the earphones that come with the iPod. All iPods feature a standard stereo mini-jack port, so you can practically use any headphones you like. They might not match in color, but no one will hold it against you.
New iPods don't always have to be new (or expensive, for that matter)
If you want to save money on a quality digital music player, you should think about getting a refurbished iPod. Now, when you hear "refurbished iPod," don't think "cheap iPod." It has been lightly used or demoed before being factory reconditioned to like-new condition. Nobody will know it was a discount iPod because it looks and performs like a brand new one. Overstock.com has a variety of refurbished iPods at great prices.
Personalize your iPod
It seems like everybody has an iPod these days, so make yours unique with Overstock.com's selection of MP3 player and iPod accessories. It's easy to do. You'll like our many fun, colorful iPod cases and iPod skins for all models. Get an iPod arm band and for your workouts and an iPod car charger for trips where you won't have your computer.
Get yourself some more comfortable headphones
Often, the headphones included with iPods are not the most comfortable. Overstock.com's electronics store carries a wide variety of headphones, so you're bound to find something that tickles your fancy. You can even get some noise isolating headphones or wraparound buds that stay on while you bounce around working out.
Join the digital music revolution with one of the latest iPods from Overstock.com! With such a great selection of digital music players and accessories, you'll have no problem fitting in with the crowd. You'll stand out at the same time, though, because you saved so much money at your online outlet.
