[BunnySlippers]

Most of the non-Apple players going for $100 or less don't have even close to 512MB memory, don't include cool Apple software, and sound crappy.

I'm in the market for an iPod. When I went into the Mac store and tried one out (a 20 gig), it was INCREDIBLE sound quality. I already have iTunes on my Mac ... somewhere there's an iPod with my name on it.

Also, check out Bose's SoundDock for iPod. Another awesome music experience.

[SamAdams76]

Get the real iPod over the iPod Shuffle. I've had a 40GB version since September (I have a huge library of music so for most people, 20GB wil be plenty), and it is the best thing I ever did musicwise. My collection of over 1,000 CDs is now boxed up in the attic (destined for Ebay one of these days) and so all that CD clutter is now out of my long-suffering wife's living room. I simply have an iDock hooked up to my stereo and I can play my entire library on this incredible device.

The iPod shuffle looks like it might work out for those with a very limited music library or those who are physically active and don't want to risk pounding the pavement with a hard-drive based device like the iPod.

Otherwise, I see no reason to go with the iPod Shuffle. Even the price difference is not that great when you think about it. $149 will get you a 512MB Shuffle but for an extra $150, you can get that 20GB iPod and have 40 times the capacity with all the bells and whistles (for another $100 you get 80 times the capacity). To me, it's a no-brainer.

One of the little things I discovered recently that just amazes me about the iPod is that it keeps data on every song you play and transfers that data to iTunes so you always know what songs in your collection are getting the most play and when was the last time you heard it.

I live on playlists and select them based on the mood I'm in. The iPod Shuffle doesn't give you that option. All your songs are on a single playlist and you get what you get. So if at all possible, get the real iPod.

[freedumb2003]

Don't try to look for a deal -- you might find an iPod for $10 less.

It's like Bose -- just pay the $ at your nearby store.

I recommend the 40Gb iPod -- you get the charger and base that ake it close to worth the difference to the 20Gb.