Apple iPod 3rd Generation White (30 GB) MP3 Player

This was purchased as a Christmas present for my youngest son (17). The iPod is a very popular .mp3 player and the latest generation has even more features.

PROS-Very compact and large storage capacity. Latest models have video and picture capability. Good battery life. Cost is about $100-$150 less than 60gb and 80gb models (Do you really have that much music?) Really slick looking design.

CONS-Not many but a few. Some may be considered nit-picky but here goes.

1. Controls take some getting used to. They don't work like you intuitively think they should. I realize that this is not a big thing.
2. For what you pay for these things, you'd think they could include a decent case.
3. What you don't hear and my biggest gripe is that, yes it has video capability - in APPLE format ONLY. It won't play .MPEGs or .AVIs or DVD formats. Not that this can't be gotten around, but you have to jump through some hoops to do it.
4. Finally, you have to load it from iTunes. Again not a real big thing but annoying.

Overall, I think it is great. Once you understand a few ground rules, you will have an absolute BLAST with the iPod no matter what model you choose.