The Product: MP3 Player

Storage space is cheap and people are now utilizing MP3 devices for all of their media needs including music, photos, video and data.

Recommendation: Apple iPod Classic Review

Now that Apple has three other models of the iPod out, (Shuffle, Nano and Touch), they had to decide to label one as the mainstay Apple iPod which they have done with the iPod Classic. Known previously as the iPod Video, the "new’ iPod Classic features up to 160 GB of storage space, meaning it can hold up to 40,000 songs, 25,000 photos, 200 hours of video or your mix of the three. The device has slimmed down to only half an inch thick and features a new scratch resistant brushed metal casing that looks really sleek. The user interface has also seen a great improvement and now includes search, cover flow (seach by album covers) and cleaner graphics. The screen is also brighter and battery life has been improved over the iPod Video.

Another benefit of the video-enabled iPod’s is you can use them to keep your kids entertained while traveling on planes, trains or in the car. While not necessarily cheaper than a portable DVD player, purchasing an iPod Classic is like purchasing every portable media device you and your family could need. It also saves you from lugging around CD's and DVD's as more children's music, movies and tv shows are available on iTunes. Having scratched one to many DVD's, we use the IPod classic with our DVD player's input jack in the car and have found that to be a great option. Also, if you set up the iTrip Car Adapter, you can let your kids pick their favorite songs from the back seat.

Apple has done a fantastic job integrating their iTunes software with their Apple iPod lineup as well as releasing numerous iPod accessories that work really well with the devices. For those who haven’t used Apple iTunes before, the software is one of the best jukebox and music stores around. Once you connect your iPod Classic to your computer, an iTunes update will automatically sync up your device and update your playlist with your newest iTunes songs. Download iTunes now and find some of your favorite songs, movies and tv shows for use on your iPod.

Devil's Advocate:

Although the iPod Classic has a new scratch resistant front, the stainless steel backside will still scratch pretty easily as will the screen. Although stylish, the iPod is a far cry from the days of the yellow Sony Walkmans that could take a good beating. You will probably cringe the first time you put a scratch on it, but you can avoid this by purchasing one of the many available cases.