Think a while before Buying an iPod

So you are thinking of buying an iPod? After all, having thousands of songs, films, games and contacts tucked in a 2×2 inch slick box is sure smart! Apple has launched different versions of iPods over the years - iPod Touch, iPod Classic, iPod nano and iPod shuffle. The iPod that you choose to buy would depend solely on your need or the need of the person, whom you may want to gift it to. Let's first look at the basic features of each.

iPod Touch
Memory: Available from 8 GB - 16 GB
Colour Options: Black
Price: USD 259 - USD 359

iPod Classic
Memory: Up to USD160 GB
Colour Options: Black and silver
Price: Starts @ USD 249

iPod nano
Memory: 4 GB and 8 GB
Colour Options: Silver, green, blue, pink and red
Price: USD 150 - USD 200

iPod shuffle
Memory: Flash memory 512 MB or 1 GB
Colour Options: Silver, green, blue, pink and orange
Price: USD 79

You can visit apple website (http://www.apple.com/) for detailed information on the features of each. However, what you would probably not get are the drawbacks of having an iPod and how to address those should you decide to buy one.

1. iPod batteries don't last very long. The battery for an iPod is not the readily available AA or AAA type. If you are off for a camping trek and do not have a laptop with you (which you probably wouldn't!), then you can leave your iPod at home since you need a computer to charge it.

2. iTune is the only music programme that is compatible with iPod. You cannot have your windows media files loaded directly in to your iPod. You will need to convert those into iTune. The iTune software is however, available free in the apple website.

3. iPods do not support multiple iTune libraries in your computer. Thus, you will need to manually update your iPod every time that you want to add new songs or delete old ones from a computer with multiple iTune libraries. This could get time consuming but that's the only solution.

4. You cannot delete a song directly from your iPod. You will need to connect it to a computer to edit the playlists.

5. iPods aren't made to add extra memory to them. Therefore, if you are into heavy song listening, then buy an iPod with higher memory.

6. If you want to listen to your iPod songs aloud, you will need to buy speakers. iPod compatible speakers are readily available in the market these days that come from famous companies like Bose Speakers.

7. The iTune music begins at USD 1.00 for each song. The plus point is that you get all the latest songs and films to download to your iPod from iTunes.

8. iPod is a rather sophisticated device and hence, commands great care from its user. Be careful not to drop it.

9. Lastly, the price tag could also be hindrance. Nevertheless, if you want an iPod, then you want one and no other music player can fulfill that desire.