iPod indecision

iPod... iPod... iPod... which iPod am I? iPod -- too big. iPod Nano -- too flimsy, too delicate, iPod shuffle -- no screen. "Nice song. What is it? Where's the screen!"

Another approach. Where will I use an iPod? I've been cycling with a little FM radio and the iPod would replace that. That means I don't need a screen. And it's gotta be tough enough to be placed in a pocket with keys, mobile phone, and coins. Am I a Shuffle?

I would also like to plug use it in the car. While no screen means no distraction from driving, it means that the passengers will all be saying "you should have gotten a Nano!"

... to which I should reply, "you get the nano if you want the screen! Driver no need screen!"

Shuffle with its cryptic user interface consisting of a repertoire of press/press-hold sequences and flashing/glowing LEDs is like the command line interface compared to the GUI on the Nano/iPod. I must say that appeals to me. No need to wade through menus and sub-menus. Know what you want and just preform the right sequence without looking. The spartan set of functionality on the shuffle makes this easy!

Not helping...

Next approach. The 2GB Nano will cost about $90 more than the 1GB Shuffle. What will I get for this $90?

• calendar / address book, blah blah (no need)
  
• music library browsing
  
• know what song is being played
  
• 1 GB more!
  
• faster recharge (about 1hr faster)
  

What additional intrinsic cost is there?

• less battery life if screen is used much (can you switch it off?)
  
• less pocket friendly.
  
• heavier (oh please.. just about 40 grams!)
  
• need to bring cable to link to USB port
  

I was going to buy the shuffle yesterday. But the Apple shop says I needed to buy online to get the education price. But that's the Apple shop on campus! Strange. I did buy my iBook there at education price.

Then at night, I decided that I'd buy the Nano. But in the morning, I changed my mind again. Argh.... this is driving me nuts! At this rate, I might be using the FM radio for quite awhile more!