Apple iPod 5 GB

As one of lifes essentials, hours of music at your fingertips, games and an ultra-chic image. The beauty of an ipod, is the ability to use itunes, this allows you to be signed upto a weekly newsletter, recieving a free download a week ( itunes free download of the week, however the range of music offered from week to week is quite refreshing and occassionally offers some real gems), and having a diverse library of music helpfully divided into subsections. Perhaps the best aspect is the celebrity playlists, allowing you to listen to what your favourite artist is listening to. Although its library does not cover everything you could wish for, it can be supplemented by programs such as Ares.

How large a memory do you need?
It has taken me a year to fill the 4 GB capacity and has not left me wanting for more. By the time you have run out of space there's music that your willing to take off, however this does not mean losing it completely as it remains on your computer. If you are fanatic about music and own hundreds of cds that you frequently listen to then I would recommend spending the extra money and getting a bigger memory ipod. However if you have a fairly normal number of cd's or songs on your computer, bearing in mind 4GB will allow 1000 songs to be held at one time, an ipod mini is quite adequate.

Essentials for the essential
I would recomend getting a case, as they are very easily scratched; a good set of headphones, as the original ones leave you wanting for sound quality despite the kudos they give with their chic white appearance. I would also recommend a battery pack for the 4GB mini ipod, and any ipod before the 4th generation as battery life is devastatingly poor.

I hope this is useful, and that you enjoy the delights of your ipod.