iPod Nano v. Touch v. Classic


A quick take: which new iPod represents the best value equation?

With the new nano, you get a 4GB ($149) or 8GB model ($199), with revamped colors and a new, smaller design.

But for a cool-iPhone-look, you can't beat iPod touch, which combines the iPhone's touch screen with built-in wi-fi for direct downloads from iTunes, Google Search and the ability to watch YouTube videos. That 3.5" widescreen is also a big temptation which also probably contributes to the premium price: $299 for the 8GB and $399 for the 16GB model. That's iPhone territory, so you may as well buy an iPhone, for which Touch is also available.

Finally, there's the iPod Classic, now beginning to feel just like a good old Mac Classic. But the iPod is cutting edge, not old tech. The biggest temptation is the capacity: 80GB for a mere $249 and 160GB for $399. That's serious storage (more than ever went into any factory PowerBook). 200,000 songs, in fact.

Yes, you've got to factor in battery life - clearly, the flash-driven models are the real performers in this respect, but 40 hours of music/7 hours of video on the 160GB Classic is good by any measure.

I'd plump for the Classic for the storage. But we'd bet that the Touch (especially the 8 gigger) will sell up a storm.