Best iPod?

[DicedT]

I want to get an iPod for my wife. Doesn't need to have a camera or anything else. Just something convenient to wear that she can plug headphones in and listen to music while doing housework. Not iTunes, just songs that she can transfer from her computer (mostly MP3 files) to the device.

But there are so many iPods! iPod 4th Gen through iPod 7th Gen, iPod Nano, iPod Mini, iPod Shuffle. I don't need anything expensive or fancy. Just something that will do the job.

Suggestions?

[Staggerwing]

I would just get the cheapest iPod touch you can find regardless of generation. The touchscreen interface is just so much easier than any 'button only' MP3 player. You could also get her an older iPhone. It functions very much like an iPod Touch and, as a bonus, you can make calls with it (if you get a calling plan).

[DicedT]

Maybe I'm better off with an MP3 player?

[GDS_Starfury]

Yes you would be.  You can't use an ipod without itunes and itunes sucks.

[DicedT]

Think I'll get a Walkman.

[BanzaiCat]

You could get a Coby or a Sony brand MP3 player, but I believe both are Windows-based. I hate syncing crap through WMP to my Windows phone.

iTunes is a pain as Star said, but I got used to using it for not just music, but podcasts, shows, and other stuff.

[DicedT]

I decided to go with a Sony Walkman.

Michael

[bayonetbrant]

I've got an iPod Shuffle that I use at work and it works perfect for light listening and not having to manage a ton of playlists

I have a big capacity iPod that I use for travel / home / car

I know a lot of people aren't fans of iTunes, but I've never had a big problem with it.  As long as you're converting your own music and not buying too much through the iTunes store, you're fine, and it's reusable elsewhere with no problems

[airboy]

Sorry that this comment may be too late, but.....

I have a 160gb ipod that my wife gave me as a hand-me-down.  That much storage space is very useful if you listen to audio books - which can have huge files. 

[Staggerwing]

iPods are also good places to back up non-media files, saving you the trouble of trying to remember where you left that zip drive with your resume/CV.

[GDS_Starfury]

one of the bigger electronic mistakes was getting an ipod.  I should have got an mp3 player but at the time there werent any as capable as the satanic apple device.