In September, Apple performed the now-yearly ritual of updating its iPod lineup in anticipation of the upcoming holiday season. Why? Apple sold 22.7 million iPods in the previous holiday quarter, compared with 21.2 million iPods in the two quarters that followed—combined. In other words, now’s the time that people love to buy Apple’s digital music players.

Are your loved ones starting to leave magazine ads, scissor-clipped photos, and crayon-scrawled images of this year’s crop of iPods in obvious places around the house? Are you looking to join the fun or upgrade your older iPod? If so, we’re here to help you sort out which iPod is the right one for you or that special holiday someone.

iPod shuffle

The iPod shuffle has always been about economy and ultimate portability and that’s never been more true than it is today. Available in 2GB ( Macworld rated 3 out of 5 mice ) and 4GB ( Macworld rated 3 out of 5 mice ) capacities for $59 (Get best current price) and $79 (Get best current price), respectively, the third-generation (3G) iPod shuffle is a little larger and twice as thick as a piece of Dentyne gum. That 2GB and 4GB capacity buys you 500 and 1000 four-minute 128kbps AAC songs—more than enough music to get you through the most vigorous workout. It’s available in a brushed aluminum finish in silver, black, blue, green, and pink.

Because it weighs next to nothing, clips to clothing, and is so tiny that it won’t get in the way, the gym is one of the most appropriate places for this diminutive iPod. Another is in your kid’s holiday stocking. Because the shuffle has no moving parts to damage and costs little more than a console video game, it’s a kid-appropriate gift. If it’s lost, stolen, or goes through the wash, you’ll have a measure of regret, but a measure commensurate only with the shuffle’s size and price—not much-bigger-bucks iPod touch regret.

A downside for some people is the shuffle’s lack of on-iPod controls. This iPod requires you to navigate and change the volume on the device by pushing buttons on the controller integrated into the right earbud cord. For those who typically press Play and get on with things, this isn’t an issue. For others who want to more freely navigate through the iPod’s music library, it can be a chore. Worse yet, if you lose or damage the included headset, Apple asks $29 for a replacement. Thankfully, the 3G iPod shuffle supports third-party headphone adapters such as Belkin’s $20 Headphone Adapter With Remote For iPod Shuffle. (Get best current price.) With such an adapter you can use any headphones you like with the shuffle—a significant advantage given that many people don’t care for the fit and sound of the included earbuds.

Best for: Athletes (and wanna-be athletes); kids; those who like to press play and go about their business; anyone seeking a spare, kick-around iPod.

Not for: People looking for easy navigation of their music library; those wanting to carry lots of music; or individuals desiring an iPod on which to watch videos.

For more Mac news, visit Macworld. Story copyright Mac Publishing, LLC.

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