Reinventing the digital music market

It's as old as my niece. But much more popular. The trivia itself is awe inspiring. For example, on April 9, 2007, Apple sold it's 100,000,000th iPod. That's one to every 60 people in the world. Since it's birth in 2001, the iPod has dominated the digital music player market. It practically invented the personal digital music player niche. But most importantly, it has managed to stay in the market by scoring points for its sleek looks, usability, and clean design.

Now however, they are looked forward to. Like Harry Potter, hardcore fans of the iPod wait impatiently for the release of new models. But how many Potter fans can customize their Potter to the way they want it to be? Ranging from stickers, users can find painting, bling accessories, pouches and thousand and one things to make their iPod experience a totally unique one. And the current lineup is a bit of a confusing one, having four different models to choose from. Here, we look at them to see which one would suit you best.

iPod Shuffle - The tuk-tuk of the iPod world. As the nippy things from India get us from A to B in a jiffy, the Shuffle can play your music. Its appeal lies in its bare simplicity – just add music, and play. No fancy controls, no fancy buttons, just you and your music. Available in a handy 1GB which can store upto 240 songs. This is your ideal understated jogging music companion.

Recommended for: People who want to simply play music without complex controls to choose from. And for guys and girls who are generally broke.

iPod Nano –
Available in 2GB and 4GB models, this is the entry level in screened iPods. This can hold upto 24 hours of music, and can play videos, and store and view photos. The Nano is what it claims to be. It's small and nifty. The Nano is moving into fashion accessory territory. Wear it proudly, and play your music loud(ly).

Recommended for: People who are serious about their music, and want control over what and how they play, and more capacity.

iPod Touch -
The International Space Station of the iPod world. This little baby is technically more related to the much hyped about iPhone, than the iPod Classic. Packing a music player (obviously), video player, photo browser, and WiFi connectivity which allows you to watch YouTube videos, and surf the internet, this is quite a neat little package. Comes in 8GB and 16GB capacities. It's pretty pricey when you look at the features. But those looks, oh those killer looks!

Recommended for: Fashionistas who want to have the "in" thing, and tech geeks who want the "right now" thing, and Ards.

iPod Classic –
If this was a car, this would be a Toyota Corolla. Time proven formula of music, in a (now quite large, and techno – crammed) packaging. This is one of the best deals in town if you want a technically sound package to play your personal music. With capacities running upto a massive 160GB, which would allow you either 40,000 songs, or 200 hours of DVD quality video, this package is "a modern classic."

Recommended for: People with large media collections, hardcore downloaders. So, there we are. Four different media players. From the ideal jogging partner to a media companion for long haul flights, iPod has something for everyone.

But all of this comes along with one hassle – iTunes, if you want to upload music, you need iTunes. None of the plug and play ease you get with other players. For me, major drawback. But so many people are asking the question, what's all the hype about? Personally, I think the iPod is hot. I think the Touch is really hot. But it's not for me.

I have an Archos 404 (which I wrote about a while ago), and I personally would never buy an iPod. If you are interested in buying one, there are a couple of other products to look at. Creative has a series of great media players, from the Zen to the Zen Vision, and Microsoft has also come into the market with the Zune. Samsung is also in the entry level market, along with veteral Rio.

So it's a good shoparound. If you are buying an MP3 player, do your research, see what you want, and then buy one.

The iPod is a good product, no doubt about it. But some products out there, including the Creative ones, are better in some aspects. Ards, now you know what to get me this Christmas!