Which iPods are currently shipping? How many songs does each hold? What are the "pros and cons" of each?

The currently shipping iPod models are the "Sixth Generation" iPod classic, "Third Generation" iPod nano, "Second Generation" iPod shuffle, and the iPod touch.

In the above photo, the iPod touch, the iPod classic (6G), iPod nano (3G), and iPod shuffle (2G) stand side-by-side from left to right, respectively (Photo Credit: Apple, Inc).

The major differences between the current iPods are summarized below:

†The iPod nano (3G) is available in silver, blue, green, black, pink (starting January 22, 2008), as well as a (PRODUCT) RED (the 4 GB configuration only in silver). The iPod shuffle (2G) models introduced in late 2007 are available in silver, blue, green, purple and (PRODUCT) RED.

The above chart provides most of the "pros and cons" of each model compared to each other, but you may find the below summary to be useful as well.

iPod touch

Pros:

• Thin, sleek design.
• Clever multi-touch interface introduced with the iPhone.
• Wireless Internet (wi-fi) and useful applications.
• Cheaper than the iPhone.

Cons:

• Lower quality display than the iPhone.
• Maximum battery life of five hours for video playback may be inadequate for heavy users.
• No official "disk mode" (although hacks are available).
• More expensive than the iPod classic and iPod nano (3G) per megabyte of storage.

iPod classic

Pros:

• Largest capacity available, holds the most songs, photos, and video.
• Excellent battery life.
• Lowest cost per megabyte of storage.

Cons:

• Smaller display than the iPod touch.
• Improved interface pales in comparison to the iPod touch and iPhone.
• Incompatible with many previously released accessories including video and photo out accessories and the iPod Camera Connector.

iPod nano (Third Generation)

Pros:

• Adequate storage capacity for modest music collections.
• Solid battery life.
• Supports video, video out, photos, and games, as well as music.
• Relatively inexpensive.

Cons:

• Relatively small display.
• Some may find the "fat" proportions awkward or ugly compared to earlier iPod nano models.

iPod shuffle (Second Generation)

Pros:

• Extremely tiny, sleek design.
• Convenient clip to attach the iPod shuffle to a pocket or sleeve.
• Least expensive iPod model.

Cons:

• No display (and consequently, no support for photos, video, or games).
• Limited capacity.
• Most expensive iPod per megabyte.

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