Choosing Between iPod Classic, Nano, and Shuffle
Deciding Which Apple MP3 Player Suits a Consumer’s Needs and Budget
Jul 11, 2009
These days, it seems that everyone has an MP3 player, whether an iPod or an equivalent.
Apple’s portable digital music player is the more popular choice among consumers, but there’s more to the decision than the consumer simply deciding to buy an iPod. So, before dropping the cash on any of the options out there, here’s what each type of offers to help make the right purchase.
The iPod Classic and Nano
Known simply as “the iPod” when it first hit stores back in 2001, “Classic” was added on in 2007 due to the numerous generations of the digital music player Apple released over the years. The current model offers 120 GB of storage or nearly 30,000 songs, and a fully-charged battery can withstand 36 hours of music playback, six hours for video. It will take about four hours to charge the battery to 100% capacity; within two hours, the device will be ready to go at 80% capacity.
According to Apple’s official site, the iPod Classic sells for $249 (USD), though prices may vary in store and at retail resellers.
The middle of the pack in the iPod family, the Nano was introduced in 2005. It offers consumers two formats to choose from – 8 GB or 16 GB; the former holds up to 2,000 songs while the latter has room for 4,000 tunes. The battery, which requires three hours to fully charge (or an hour and a half to reach 80%), can last for nearly 24 hours of music playback, versus four hours for videos.
Both sizes are available in a variety of colors, as well as classic grey and silver. The difference in price is a mere $50, with the 8 GB selling for $149 (USD) and the 16 GB at $199.
The Shuffle
Perfect for those on the go with minimal storage space on their way, the iPod shuffle is the smallest of the group. It’s been re-worked and upgraded over the years and now is stocked with 4 GB of memory and space for 1,000 songs. The battery can last for 10 hours of music playback and takes three hours to recharge to capacity, and only two hours to reach 80%.
Unlike the Classic and Nano, the Shuffle does not feature video playback. To compensate, Apple came up with a new feature called VoiceOver. With the simple press of a button, the user is given the song information as the music lowers. The feature will also share the name of the playlists on the player and, perhaps most importantly, let the user know when the battery needs to be recharged.
Available in silver or grey, the Shuffle sells for $79 (USD).
The iPod Touch
Similar in style to the iPhone, the Touch was introduced in September 2007. In addition to offering the same features as the Classic (music and video – including television shows – playback, games), users can also browse the Internet (rich HTML email, directions, YouTube, etc.). Navigation is as simple as its name; all that’s required is to touch the necessary area of the widescreen 3.5-inch display to select the desired option.
Available in black only, the three storage capacities - 8 GB, 16 GB, and 32 GB – can hold 1750, 3500, and 7000 songs and are priced at $229, $299 and $399, respectively. The battery life is identical to that of the Classic – 36 hours for music and six hours for video. Charging time is four hours to reach a full battery and a two-hour window to reach 80% capacity.
Other Digital Music Player Options
For those interested in MP3 players that aren't iPods, see what Microsoft and SanDisk have to offer.
