"Turn down the music!" This order has been heard way too many times since the 1950s rock-and-roll era began. Avoid the hassle and enjoy the music as loud as you want it with a personal listening device: the iPod. Apple, the creator of iPod, has made finding the perfect style a breeze. Just make the choice!
iPod Models
Choose from full-size iPods such as the iPod Classic with fully functional features, all the way down to the tiny iPod shuffle, designed for ultimate portability. The full-size iPods feature a huge hard drive, usually either 30GB or 80 GB. These also allow users to create a photo slide show, or to pay games, videos, or music. If storage size is important, these full-size iPods are ideal for users who want a Cadillac model.
The iPod nano is another great choice, featuring color screens and a choice of 4 or 8 GB memory. These pocket-sized models offer more portability than full-size iPods, and are excellent for athletic training or exercise routines. These use flash memory, so there is no risk of hard drive problems with intense exercise or activity. These are also excellent for users who commute each day by bus or train.
For the ultimate in compact portability, choose the iPod shuffle. This tiny model can be clipped onto clothes. The iPod shuffle only offers 1GB of storage, which equals about 240 songs. Although the battery life is typically long, users can't choose a song order; the iPod will play them in a random order. Or, make use of cell phone technology with the iPhone. These phones include touchscreen iPods as well as a 3-1/2" screen that allows users to enjoy movies, music, and video, and many games and other applications purchased rom the iPod App Store.
The iPod iTunes Store
In order to play music, hear audiobooks, or watch videos, users have to transfer files from a desktop computer or laptop to their iPods. iPods are sold with a software application called Apple iTunes that is already installed. This application is designed to help users organize their files or transfer music. The most updated version of this application is also available for free downloading from the Apple website.
This application allows users to download music from the iTunes store. Songs are sold for $.99, while albums cost as little as $9.99. The downloads from this store are sold in AAC format, which limits file sharing and song copying. The purpose of this is to help prevent the piracy of music on the Internet. Users who keep an eye out for regular promotions in the iTunes newsletter can easily snag free music for iPods. Promotion codes can often be obtained from the iTunes fan page on Facebook too.
Buy Used iPods
While some users can't wait for the latest and greatest version of the new iPod, others choose to purchase previously sold models from friends or online sites to save on cost. Nearly every size, color, and style of iPod imaginable has been sold at one time or another. For example, full-sized Video iPods are often purchased used. These feature storage availability of 30 to 80 GB. The models sold in 2006 allow users to play games as well as videos.
The iPod shuffle has been around since 2005. This tiny white model is sold with 512 MB or 1GB memory. The iPod mini has been around even longer. The 4GB iPod mini was released in 2004 and features hard drive storage. Available in a variety of colors, the newer version, the second-generation iPod mini was released in a limited edition in 2005 featuring brightly colored shells and a longer-lasting battery. And in 2004, Apple offered users the ability to upgrade a music player with the capacity for photo slide shows with the iPod photo. The iPod photo is equipped with a color screen, a scroll wheel for control, and a hard drive storage of either 20GB or 40GB.
First generation iPods have been around since November 2001. These models offered users 5 GB of hard drive storage. They only played music, featured a download port at the top, and used a click wheel design for accessing functions and features. These were replaced by the second-generation iPod, which offered a touch wheel control. These were also the first iPods that were compatible with both Mac and PC computers as well as Apples. Second-generation iPods offer either 10 or 20 GB of storage.
The third-generation iPod was released by Apple in 2003. These iPods offer touch button controls, a slim connecting cable that supports USB connection, and either 30 or 40 GB of storage.
Bright pink, red, green, purple, yellow, black or white - the choice is yours. Opt for models with storage capacities from 4 GB to 80 GB. For music lovers and ebook listeners, the iPod has it all - just choose the one with the right features - and the right price!