Complete iPod Buying Guide

Find the best iPod in your budget and compare iPod prices to find the lowest price

If you're in the market for an iPod, there are three basic steps to follow:

1. Understand which models and features are available
2. Choose the best iPod within your budget
3. Compare iPod prices to find the lowest price

Since Apple only produces a few iPod models, it should be relatively easy to choose the best one in your budget. Still, each model does come bundled with an array of different features, capabilities, and available accessories options. Consequently, it is important that you understand what you will get with each one.

When you are ready to buy an iPod, you will need to compare iPod prices to find the lowest price. Because thousands of online merchants offer iPods at varying prices, it can take you days to compare iPod prices and find the best deal on an iPod. Fortunately, this guide will help you become familiar with the different iPods available and compare iPod prices so you find the lowest price.

Step #1, Find the best iPod in your budget

iPod shuffle

512MB (120 songs - around $95.00)
1GB (240 songs - around $125.00)

The iPod shuffle is the most basic iPod that Apple has produced. That's not to say, however, that it does not do its job — it plays music from a very portable device at a low cost. The shuffle is offered at an extremely reasonable price ($95.00-$125.00), and gives the owner up to 240 songs with the 1GB model, which are shuffled at random when playing. There is no picture or video capability, and the owner has no control over which songs are played. So why choose a shuffle over more expensive models? It's cheap, different, and is great for those of us who don't care about the bells and whistles. If you like to listen to your favorite songs and don't want to pay more for features you'll never use, the shuffle is a great choice.

Compare iPod shuffle prices with the Dealio Comparison Shopping Toolbar.

Pros
Weight - it weighs about the same as a house key.
Size - it is barely larger than a pack of gum.
Versatility you can take it with you and forget you even have it.
Affordability - it is the cheapest iPod on the market.

Cons
You don't have control over the songs played (no play list or organization of songs).
The 1GB model won't hold your entire song collection.
There is no photo or video capability as found in other iPod models.

iPod nano

1GB (240 songs - around $143.00)
2GB (500 songs - around $188.00)
4GB (1,000 songs - around $245.00)

The iPod nano is the second least expensive iPod on the market, and it packs a great punch in terms of its size and storage capacity. The ipod nano weighs in at 1/4 of previous models, and there's no question it's the most fashionable iPod available. You can get the nano is white or black, and there are an abundance of features that set it apart from the shuffle and other discontinued models. Despite the nano's wafer thin frame, it still includes many features of a full-sized iPod, and its bright color screen displays rich colors when viewing photographs, playing games, or selecting songs.

Compare iPod nano prices with the Dealio Comparison Shopping Toolbar.

Pros
Weight - it's 1/4 the weight of full-sized iPods.
Size - it is barely larger than a pack of gum.
Versatility - You can take it with you and forget you even have it.
Its new features and style factor make up for the fact that it holds fewer songs than the iPod mini.

Cons
For the money, you get less storage capacity than the previous model iPod mini.
It has lower battery life compared to the previous model iPod mini.
It is not compatible with iPod mini accessories.
The case is prone to fingerprints and scratches.

iPod (with video)

30GB (7,500 songs - around $289.00)
60GB (15,000 songs - around $329.00)

Apple's fifth generation iPod comes complete with video playing ability and more song storage than any of its predecessors. For those who are new to iPods and want the best iPod money can buy, this model is your choice. Available in white or black, the new iPod stands apart from the nano for its ability to play video clips in two highly compressed formats: MPEG-4 or H.264. Considering that the iPod is more compact than previous models, it can hold a staggering 150 hours of movies, music videos, or video podcasts, as well as 15,000 songs and up to 25,000 compressed images.

Compare iPod prices with the Dealio Comparison Shopping Toolbar.

Pros
It has over 20 hours of playtime on the 60GB model.
It's is more compact than previous iPods.
The larger screen had better resolution and picture.
This is the best sounding iPod yet.
It includes an attractive protective case.

Cons
The screen is smaller than other competitors' models.
The video functionality is lacking.
It drops support for accessories used on other models.
It no longer includes a wall charger.
It lacks free software to convert existing videos.