iPods

[excal]

I've come to realise that I need some company for the long train trips I now have to take to go to work. So, I'm considering the purchase of my first (yes, shock horror) iPod.

I'm just torn between two options - practicality or form factor. In other words - should I get a iPod classic or iPod nano?

My analysis is currently looking like this -

Pros for iPod nano:

- cheaper outlay cost (and iPhone in a year or two is a serious consideration)
- lighter / smaller
- colourful and better design
- uses an solid state drive (SSD), probably more resistant to being dropped
 
Cons for iPod nano:

- expensive per GB
- can't store as much as iPod Classic (I would like to use this as an external HDD without needing an external power source, but iPod nano would be a faster drive due to SSD)
- less functionality than the Classic
- screen size is pretty small compared to Classic

Personally, I'm not too fussed how much I spend on these as the prices are pretty close together (in the $200 - $400 range), but I am trying to maximise bang for buck in these hard economic times (lol). Basically, I just need some extra insights as to guide my decision (so, just reasons why I should go one way or the other) rather than just 'get this model, just because' ones.

[IntoTheNewWorld]

The market for the iPod classic and nano are pretty different. Does your music fill a 16 gb iPod nano? if not, I think it would be better to get the Nano and a dedicated external HDD. I don't think the transfer speeds of the Classic would be high compared to a dedicated solution. The Nano looks much better, and is so much smaller/lighter, for essentially same functionality as the Classic (smaller screen, but are you actually going to watch movies on it?). The market for the classic is dying out I think, as SSDs get bigger.

[excal]

The market for the iPod classic and nano are pretty different. Does your music fill a 16 gb iPod nano? if not, I think it would be better to get the Nano and a dedicated external HDD. I don't think the transfer speeds of the Classic would be high compared to a dedicated solution. The Nano looks much better, and is so much smaller/lighter, for essentially same functionality as the Classic (smaller screen, but are you actually going to watch movies on it?). The market for the classic is dying out I think, as SSDs get bigger.

I do have a dedicated external HDD, but I find it cumbersome to carry around (as it requires an external power supply). I'd also rather not have to fork out extra money for a 2.5" solution. Transfer speed isn't a particular concern - if I'm moving several gigs of data around, I'm sort of expecting a wait anyway (and go make a coffee).

But you're right, the nano's form factor does make it more attractive particularly for the way I'm going to use it predominantly (in-train entertainment).

[AppleThief]

I actually think the latest generation of Nanos are fugly (based on the ads; I've not seen one in person), but if your library fits on it, I'd go for that. If it doesn't fit, I'd go for the Classic, as it would save so much time letting it automatically sync rather than choosing what to put on (plus, you never know what song you might want/need!)

I'm not sure whether you need to be taking lightness into consideration. Classics aren't exactly going to weight you down...

[excal]

I actually think the latest generation of Nanos are fugly (based on the ads; I've not seen one in person), but if your library fits on it, I'd go for that. If it doesn't fit, I'd go for the Classic, as it would save so much time letting it automatically sync rather than choosing what to put on (plus, you never know what song you might want/need!)

I'm not sure whether you need to be taking lightness into consideration. Classics aren't exactly going to weight you down...

It's not really weight that's the issue, but the bulkiness. My wallet in the inside pocket of my suit jacket feels bulky enough...

[AppleXY]

why is it a shock horror :S

[excal]

why is it a shock horror :S

Because every man (and woman) and their dog (and cat) owns one

[IntoTheNewWorld]

why is it a shock horror :S

Because every man (and woman) and their dog (and cat) owns one

With good reason. The iPod is superior to every mp3 player on the market, even though (because?) it is locked to the bloated (yet conveniently very integrated) beast that is iTunes.

[costargh]

Worst thing about iPods imo are reliability. So many people I know have broken iPods that just become stuffed for no apparent reason. I still dont know why mine doesnt work and Ive been trying to get it to work for over 18 months.

[midas_touch]

I own a 16gb nano, and its awesome. The newest generation one looks much better than the previous fat nanos.

[excal]

I own a 16gb nano, and its awesome. The newest generation one looks much better than the previous fat nanos.

Now, to pick a colour

The thing is, the 16GB nano is almost the same price as the Classic.. =(

[excal]

My first iPod should be on its way...I've settled for a blue iPod nano, for those who wanted to know the outcome of all this.

[AppleXY]

iTunes isn't bloated. It's only takes up 20-70 (max) MB on OS X.


WMP 11 on the other hand -_-

[Eriny]

I have a classic. I think I would have gone with the nano if my music collection was smaller (not that it quite fits 120GB though), but I really like it. And it's good for back-ups. Now I just need to get movie/TV files which are compatible with the iPod.

[transgression]

How much did you get it for Excalibur?
I've never had an ipod as well (I borrow my brother's)