iPod Buying Guide
from Overstock.comThe world was forever changed on October 23, 2001. That was the day Apple released the first iPods. Oh sure, 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 the difference between megabytes (MB) and gigabytes (GB). Memory storage capacities are measured in bytes. More bytes equal more space to hold all of your songs. A megabyte is 1 million bytes. A gigabyte is 1 billion bytes. You probably won't see too many iPods with less than 1GB of storage, but it's still good to know the difference.
There are several different models of iPods on the market. If the current pattern in the digital audio player market continues, these will always be changing in features, capacity, size, etc. However, the models will probably keep the same names and defining features. There are also plenty of cheap iPod knockoffs out there, so you should buy from reputable sellers who will always make the distinction between true iPods and look-alikes.
iPod shuffle
This is the smallest and least complicated iPod available on the market. 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). iPod shuffles don't have a view screen like all other iPods. You load your music and organize your playlist through the computer. The iPod shuffle has controls for skipping forward/back, play/pause and stop.
The latest iPod shuffles have 1GB of flash memory, which averages out to about 240 songs. That's quite impressive for something so small. Plus, you can get iPod shuffles in a variety of bright colors. So, if you don't need a lot of bells and whistles but still want something small and fun, get yourself an iPod shuffle.
iPod nano
Next in size, capacity and features, you have the iPod nano. This iPod is still very small, only about .25 inch thick, 3.5 inches tall and 1.6 inches wide. It also features a color view screen, allowing you to view photos and album covers.
The iPod nano is currently available in 2GB, 4GB and 8GB versions, with several color options available. Because it uses flash memory without any movable parts, this iPod is great for working out. The iPod nano's battery should provide you with up to 24 hours of music playback.
iPod
First, there was the iPod, for listening to music. Then there was the iPod photo that let you save and view photos. Then there was the iPod video, which also allowed you to play videos. Now they are all combined in what's again known as a plain ol' iPod. There's nothing plain about it, however. With a capacity of up to 80GB, you can store an almost endless supply of music, photos and videos. Some people will still refer to them as iPod videos or video iPods, but the official name from Apple is just iPod.
iPods are larger and heavier than iPod nanos. This is due to the fact that, in order to have higher memory capacities, iPods use hard drives. Hard drives mean moving parts and added weight, which make the iPod nano or shuffle probably better for accompanying intense workouts. iPods have lithium-ion batteries which will last for anywhere from 14 hours of music playback (3.5 hours of video playback) for the 30GB model to 20 hours (6.5 of video) for the 80GB model.
What about the iPod's battery?
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.
Where can I get music?
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.
What if I want to listen to my iPod without the 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, 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.
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 for 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 armband 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.