I've read about rick's podcasts and they sound like a great idea - but I don't have an ipod. I am considering buying an ipod - there are several versions with different features. I want to download RS podcasts and well as several others I see when I googled podcasts Italy. I want to buy an ipod that can hold all these podcasts and some music. How do I know what kind of ipod to buy?
I'm a 59yo nurse with limited tech skills.
kathy
Posted by
Johns Island, SC
172 posts
I assume since you are posting this you have a computer? If so, download itunes (for free) and start teaching yourself to download all the free podcasts and lisening to them on your computer. Learn to use the itunes program before you buy an ipod type player. If you get this far, then just go out and buy an ipod shuffle. Hooking it up and downloading from your computer once your at this point will be easy, trust me. If you are really into it at this point and have learnd to download video, you may wish to buy a regular ipod (nano or classic) vice the smaller shuffle, (shuffle is only audio).
Posted by
Northborough, MA
636 posts
Check out this recent post. And, especially if you're a newbie, I would avoid the Shuffle and go for the Nano (reasons explained in the other post). There is a significant difference in price, however.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
1317 posts
As recommended in the other thread, wait until Apple's conference on Sept. 9.
Then I would go to apple's store online and look at the refurbished ipods. The link can be difficult to find, I think it's usually halfway to two-thirds down the page on the lefthand side. These are used ipods that Apple has fixed up and they do come with a warranty, and are often about $50 cheaper than the brand new models.
You can also go to an Apple Store if there is one in your area. The techs there are very knowledgeable and helpful.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32214 posts
Kath,
While it may be beneficial to wait for the Sept. announcements, I doubt you'll see any significant price differences on I-Pods. The newer models (if any are announced) will probably be a bit pricey at the outset, so you might want to focus on existing models.
Here's a few thoughts to consider on the various models:
IPod Shuffle - IMO, don't bother. These are the "low end" models with limited features and memory. There's little room to "grow" with these if your needs change.
Ipod Classic -these will certainly fit the bill, however in my experience the hard drive models can be "problematic" at times and more subject to vibration problems. One of my sons lost a bunch of photos when the goofy thing went into "brain lock". I tried everything to recover the photos, but eventually a reformat was required.
IPod Nano -the new Nano versions would be a good choice, but I'd recommend the 8GB model if it fits your budget. Again, with music, podcasts and perhaps even a movie, it's nice to have the extra memory available. The screen is bit small for me (I'm in your "age group" as well).
IPod Touch -this is the model I'd recommend if your budget will allow. These models have a fantastic display (large!) which is great for the "over '50s" such as myself. There are additional features such as Wi-Fi that are useful when travelling. Again, I'd suggest as much memory as you can afford - I'm using the 16GB version, but would have bought the 32GB if it had been available (as usual, it was released just after my purchase).
I use a Mac (which includes I-Tunes) so I don't have any experience in using these with a PC. However, I know many people that use I-Tunes with PC's and this appears to operate much the same as on a Mac.
As you'll be using this for travel, don't forget a travel Charger. I use This product which has worked well.
Good luck!