If you have not heard of the iPod, you may not be living on the same planet as the rest of us. The iPod is a MP3 player introduced by Apple in 2001. It is considered the most well-known and highest selling MP3 player in history. There are currently four types of iPods on the market now: The Shuffle, the Nano, the Classic and the iTouch. The iTouch serves as a compromise for those who cannot afford, or do not want, the iPhone.

The iPod can be used on multiple operating systems and serves as an all-in-one multimedia device. iPods, with the exception of the Shuffle, can play music, videos and more. The iTouch can connect to Wi-Fi connections, download applications for different purposes and allow you to purchase content at will from the iTunes Music Store. Each iPod has different pros and cons to using it. By taking the time to learn the most about every model, you can determine which iPod is the right fit for you.

The iTunes Music Store serves as the first stop shop for music and other content for iPod devices. The software is required to use the iPod and mange multimedia on the device. iTunes is free to use and must be downloaded directly from Apple's web site when you purchase a new iPod. All new iPods come with a placeholder clip, headphones, the USB cable and a brief overview guide of the device.  A full manual and downloads can be found at Apple's web site for each model.

iPod Shuffle

The iPod Shuffle is the smallest of iPods. They now come in one GB and 2 GB models and in a variety of colors. They were introduced in January of 2006 and is now on its second generation model. It is a smaller unit, replacing the longer size the first generation Shuffle utilized. Now, the Shuffle is no bigger than a standalone pink eraser.

Basically, the Shuffle randomizes your music so you have no real control over what songs are played. You can "shuffle" through songs so if you do not want to listen to something, you can skip ahead. The Shuffle serves as a compromise for users who may not be ready for something as big as the Nano or Classic.

iPod Nano

The iPod Nano is the middle ground between the Shuffle and the Classic model. It was released in 2005 and is now on its fourth generation model. It comes in a variety of colors and two sizes: Eight GB and 16 GB. The Nano replaced the previous iPod Mini which was discontinued.

The Nano utilizes flash memory to store music and other media. The fourth generation model has a wider screen that can be tilted sideways to scroll through album covers similar to the iTouch. It can store music, photos and videos, as well as playback podcasts. The new Nano is a bit smaller than the third generation model and a bit lighter, too. The Nano serves for those who are purchasing their first iPod and want more from the unit than the Shuffle offers.

iPod Classic

The iPod Classic replaced the iPod Photo and Video models in 2007. It is the sixth generation version of the actual iPod itself. The Classic model utilizes a hard drive for storage capacity and can play music, photos and videos, as well as podcasts. The Classic can also have basic games installed on it, be used as an address book and can be utilized as a basic portable hard drive.

The Classic comes in a single 120 GB model. It comes in silver or black. There are some limited edition versions available via Apple's web site throughout the year. They can also, with all other iPod models except the Shuffle, be engraved in certain cases. This generally is done via Apple themselves. The iPod Classic is designed for those audiophiles who have a lot of music, enjoy watching videos on the go or might want to use the device in more than one way.

iTouch

The iTouch serves as an all-in-one alternative to the iPhone. It basically has the same functions as the iPhone without the phone part built-in. It utilizes a Wi-Fi connection so you can connect to the Internet and browse. You can also access YouTube and the iTunes Music Store to download content directly to the device on the go. It was launched in 2007 and comes in eight GB, 16 GB or 32 GB models. It is currently on its second generation model.

The second generation iTouch was released in September 2008. New features for the device include support for Nike+, external volume controls and built-in speakers for playback when headphones are not inserted. This version also comes with the necessary software required to download applications to the device. Older versions must purchase the required patch for $9.99 to download those applications.

The Apple iTouch serves as a compromise for those who may not want to invest in the iPhone. They may not want to leave their current service provider or they may not even care much for the hype surrounding the iPhone. Since the iTouch offers a Wi-Fi connection, as long as the user is on the go near an open network connection, they can check their e-mail, purchase new tunes or browse the Internet at will. They can download applications, games and other features to use on the device as an all-in-one portable multimedia unit.

Finding the right iPod for your needs is relatively easy. Before you make the purchase, decide how you want to use the iPod. Each iPod has a different purpose. Make sure you know exactly how you want to use it, where you want to use it and whether or not you plan to use it long term. All these questions can determine which iPod is the best for you.

If you are buying for a child, a Shuffle or Nano would be the best fit. The Shuffle is designed for all ages, but its small size and limited space capabilities are ideal for children, those working out to the same music or folks with very small music collections. The Nano, on the other hand, can still be beneficial to children who might enjoy watching movies on car rides, listening to music on the bus or just want a smaller MP3 player in their life. A Nano can also be beneficial to older folks who may just be getting into the technology for the first time and anybody in between can benefit from the middle ground of the iPod collection.

The iPod Classic is designed for those with a large music or multimedia collection. The larger screen allows for better playback of videos. The sheer storage space of the classic, a whopping 120 GB of hard drive space, allows for audiophile to store the music they value the most and bring it with them no matter where they go. The Classic is larger in size and a bit more delicate due to the hard drive inside and is not necessarily the best choice for first time MP3 player buyers.

The iTouch is a cheaper alternative to those who want some of the features of the iPhone but do not want to switch to AT&T for cell phone service. Since the iTouch offers full touch screen capability, along with storage for music, movies and more, it serves as the perfect all-in-one device for those out and about. Apple's iTouch is easy to learn how to use and is the exception the Classic; if you are just looking to get involved in the MP3 player world, the iTouch is a great way to learn how to use one along with investing in the new touch screen technology craze.

What else do you need to enjoy your new iPod?

Remember that half your iPod purchase is the device itself and the other half is what you bring home to enjoy it even more. Accessories are an important concept for MP3 players nowadays. Since most people just come home with the iPod, they do not realize they can get more out of the device than just its initial uses.

The most important accessory to come home with the day of purchase is a case for your iPod. No matter which one you bring home, you want to protect it as much as you can. A case is the best way to do this. Most places will have a variety of cases for you to choose from. So, take the time and choose one wisely.

Other accessories to choose from include car adapters, wall chargers, FM transmitters or even home docks. All of these have a different use and can be explained in further detail during your purchase. Depending on what you want out of your iPod, you may come home with more than you thought to use the device. Take the time to find the right accessories from the start, and you will not be disappointed in your new iPod. You will be getting the most out of it from the start.