[SassyPants]

Basically...which one should i get?

One of the issues i have with the ipod is whether or not it's too big/heavy to run with. Can i strap it to my arm or soemthing and go running, and not really notice it there? or should i just do that with the mini?

I think i might need the space that the ipod offers, but can i manage if i just get the mini, and use some of my HD space to store extra music? dunno if that's practical or not...

[Randman]

Get a shuffle if you plan to run with it.

[wilsonng]

If you run around a lot, the shuffle is the best. But if you want a little more space, get the 4GB or 6GB iPod Mini with the armband.

People have learned to exercise with one of the full iPods but you'll never be able to listen to all that music that is stored on the full iPods.

I've had the first generation iPod forever now. I still carry it once in a while but I do like the iPod Mini for workouts.

I might think about the shuffle if it comes in 2GB or 4GB configurations. I tend to like my music at 192 AAC. I have an older Mac with USB1.1 so transcoding music to 128 AAC plus downloading via USB 1.1 is not my idea of fun when I'm used to firewire transfer speeds.

[TerryJ]

Right now I have a 30GB iPod Photo and a 6GB mini sitting on my desk. I am so liking the size and outer case of the mini, I think I'm going to sell my full size iPod and just hang with the mini for the time being. I love the photo and screen, but I still kind of cringe at the constant fingerprints and the paranoi of scratches and marks whereas the mini always looks great with it's aluminum anodized shell. I know, get a silicone case... I have had those before and while they do offer good protection I don''t really like them at all. They add bulk to the iPod, hide it's good looks in some toy-looking jelly skin, no useful belt clip but worst of all they stick to everything such as lint.
I think it would be a great move if Apple were to release a full size iPod with the mini's type of shell. It would make for a much more durable (aesthetically at least) product with just as much 'wow' factor.

[crooner]

I'm fortunate in that I'm one of those people who simply doesn’t ever gain weight, despite my awful eating habits and utter lack of healthy activity. Sure, my arteries my be hardening as I type this, but I still look DAMN good. So I have obliviously never exercised with my iPod.

You see, I'm a professional entertainer - singer - and as an entertainer you learn to live by the "better to look good than feel good" credo. My teeth? All caps. Spent $25K on them years ago and now have to get a bunch replaced. That’s gonna be another $8-10K.

I know...

But, every time I perform at least one person comments on how perfect my teeth are. What does this have to do with your question? I’ll tell ya...

I don't exercise, so I can only theorize that the Shuffle would be the best bet. It definitely won't ever get in the way or weigh you down unevenly to one side. That being said, if you need the extra room and a screen, for the love of God, then a Mini is the way to go. They're still small enough to be active with and there are several companies that make active wear apparel designed to hold the Mini.

I have a 40GB color (once known as a "photo" model, way, way back) and while I love the ability to have photos as well as a large collection of music, I cannot imagine trying to exercise (if I ever did) with it. It's just too big for that.

Heck... if they ever release a Mini with a color screen I'd grab one faster than you can say, "Crooner was obviously drunk outa his mind when he wrote this ridiculously long, babbling post."

What can I say, I had a few pops after singing five hours of romantic standards tonight only to wind up talking with a wonderful girl who works at the place I sing at who unfortunately has a wonderful boyfriend. Another great one bites the dust.
Gotta go get more ice.
Please forgive me for what I’m sure to regret and or edit when I’m sober.

Oh... and get a Mini. A silver one.

[mitchell_pgh]

Why I purchased an iPod mini or why the iPod mini was the correct choice for me

- I liked the small size. (I didn't feel the regular iPod was shirt pocket compatable)
- 6GB was big enough for me.
- Less expensive. (I didn't want to break it 6 months down the road and burn $400)

[wilsonng]

The iPod 20GB has a charger included. The iPod Mini doesn't include a charger. It's a bummer since you can't charge the iPod while your computer is sleeping or off.

So the charger or a dock will probably have to be included in your purchase.

If you're a very active person or want to work out with the iPod, I think the iPod Mini or the Shuffle is still the best bet.

I still prefer the iPod Mini over the iPod because of its size. I bought an iPod to be an audio player not a digital photo wallet.

I have some friends who have the color iPod but they have never taken it out to look at photos or hook it up to a TV for a slideshow. So, while the capacity is nice, I also agree with mitchell_pgh that 6GBs is big enough.

Here's another article to look at:
http://www.ipodlounge.com/index.php/...ineup-and-you/

[SassyPants]

will it be wierd to have an ipod, AND an ipod shuffle?

[Randman]

I have a 60GB iPod photo and a 1Gb iPod shuffle and I use them both frequently. The shuffle is perfect for the gym or while out. The iPod is great at home and on the road and flying.

[SoBayJake]

Originally Posted by SassyPants

will it be wierd to have an ipod, AND an ipod shuffle?

I'm thinking of doing the same. I just upgraded to a 30 GB "Photo" iPod (since they can be had for roughly $310 now). I have a 40 GB non-color, which I'll be selling.

I upgraded to the iPod Photo since I'll be taking an international trip, and wanted to be able to download digital camera pix, view photos, maybe even use TV Out if it works where I'm going, and for the better battery life.

I'm thinking of getting a shuffle for exercise, short trips in the car, etc.

-Jake