iPod - how do I decide which model to buy?

[*Shira*]

So, on the thread at finally getting an iPod - what features do *you* use? Rose asked about which iPod features you use. I have a slightly different question - which model should I buy if I decide to take the plunge?

I think I want a video-capable iPod. Not to watch big-studio Hollywood movies, but to either put on my own homemade belly dance video footage, or to put belly dance videos on.

Here are my questions:

• Which models of iPod can play video? Can the Nano? Can the touchscreen? I know the 80-gigabyte model can.
• Which models of iPod can you put a flash memory card into? Is it feasible to play back a movie from a flash memory card? Which model of flash memory does an iPod take - SD or something else?
• I've heard iPods don't import a DVD's menuing system, just its individual files of video footage. What are playlists like? Can they mimic what a DVD can do? Can you nest a playlist within a playlist?
• What file formats can you put onto a video iPod? Will MPEG2 work?
• Do YOU use your iPod to watch video?

[Safiyah]

Hmm...I don't have a video iPod (mine is old - not even a color screen! *gasp*) so I am not sure about your questions. I'm pretty sure they all play video now. The nano and touch have flash drive, but not the regular ones - those are hard drives. I was under the impression that you needed to buy videos on iTunes. There are hacks that can convert your video into the proper format but I of course haven't used them...but I would check out:

All things iPod, iPhone, iTunes and beyond | iLounge

They should be able to answer your questions - possibly just by browsing the forums and articles. This site has helped me a lot with problems I've had so I know these guys should be able to give you a recommendation.

[LarryH]

Shira -

Yes, the new Nano and touchscreen iPods can play video - the Nano is an awfully small screen, though. No iPod will accept any type of memory card. The programs that I have used to convert video into iPod format (which is an MPEG-4 or H.264 format) do not import the DVD menu system. I don't think you can nest a playlist within a playlist.

I have used my iPod to watch video - mine is a 60 gb "5th generation" which was the first model out that played video. I currently have some BDSS stuff on it, but I have sooooooo many CD's that I am running out of room.

The current iTouch is really cool but with only an internal flash memory of 16 gb it is way too small for me to consider purchasing. I am going to hold out for when Apple equips with iTouch with an internal hard drive - then I'll upgrade.

Larry

[rakgirl]

i think i'm going to get the classic. I think 20K songs should be sufficient. I mostly want to use it for classes and general use. I have a shuffle but I ran out of space long ago with that thing.

[*maria*]

I don't know the answers to most of your questions, however, I have the classic IPOD in black and I LOVE LOVE LOVE IT.
It is idiot-proof, which is what I need.
I am not a techie, and this is easy to use.
It plays videos, holds pics.
I just use it for music however.

[jenlindseys]

I just want to ask why IPOD? ipods have the least flexibility out of all the video players and they are the most expensive. I would recommend checking into your other options....unless you already know ipods and their systems....or are a frequent mac user.
You can buy a 30gb video player (not ipod) for around $120 where Ipods are over $200.

[Michelle75]

My hubby just got me the iPod shuffle. It's so TINY!!!! You just clip it on your collar or anywhere and it plays until my heart is content. It's the width of two of my fingers and 3/4 the length of a finger. Super tiny BUT you can still see all of the buttons clearly.

I've spent most of the day over on the itunes store shopping for music. I'm sad b/c they don't have fakkarouni or zay el hawa. Boo hisss!!!!

P.S. iPod shuffle doesn't play video. Sorry!!

[*Shira*]

Well, my husband bought me an iPod classic with 80 gigabytes and gave it to me early. Whee! I've loaded 51 songs on it so far.

Jenn, to answer your question of "Why iPod in particular?" my husband and I both listen to a lot of audio books, and that's definitely one use I'll make of my iPod. He already has a large library of audio books he has purchased online, and their licensing allows them to be listened to on 2 devices. Some are in an iPod-specific format. I'm not sure what that means yet, but I think it means they need to have some sort of password document on my hard disk that iTunes can recognize and load into my device. I think if I had gotten a device from a different manufacturer, I would not have been able to use his existing library of audio books.

[jenlindseys]

haha.. awesome! Well, Shira.... goodluck. You are going to have to load much much more than 51 songs to fill 80gb up!