ipod battery life: which to buy?

[Crimson Raccoon]

Hi, I'm buying an iMac and with the student deals I can get a 4GB iPod Nano for $50 or the 30GB iPod for $90, as I'm sure you all know. This is a great deal and I am very excited, but I need help deciding which of these two to get.

Initially I wanted the 30GB iPod, because it seems like a vastly superiour deal: 8 times the memory for less than twice the price. But I've heard some things concerning battery life on the 30GB iPod, that it doesn't really last the advertised 14 hours, even if you're just playing music. As far as music playback is concerned, which iPod will have a longer battery?

Also, I understand the nano uses a flash drive, while the video iPod uses a harddrive. I heard this is bad when jogging or moving around, as the needle in the video iPod can scratch the disc and damage it. Is this really a serious factor? Which of the two types of iPods are more durable overall?

I want an iPod mainly for music use, so between these two, which would anyone recommend? I am just divided on it; the extra 26 GBs are such a big difference, but I'm afraid the battery life and durability won't be as good as the nano. Any advice?

 

[Kardashian]

Nothing lasts its reported battery life. But after using the Nano and owning 2 30GB and 60GB iPods - I think the latter is the best choice.

The Nanos are way due an upgrade, so I wouldn't touch them - for the price - they are a rip off.

Yes, the iPod itself is due an upgrade, however, Apple have only placed the 60GB on their ''kill'' list - the 30GB is still, in their eyes, a product well worth making. (According to MR - well, thats where I read about the 60GB being cancelled.)

I think with the next iPod revision, the 60GB will be scrapped, and a new Video iPod will be introduced in its place. Keeping the 30GB primarly for music, with video capability, and ?GB Video model for Video with music capability.

Personally, I would get the 30GB Video.. in white. Black scratches like a bitch.

Edit: If you intend to jog or cycle - theres a very large chance you will damage an iPod over prolonged use - due to its HD instead of Flash. Flash can be used for more or less any sport, other than swimming - the normal iPod isn't exactly 'fragile' - people have dropped them numerous amounts of times and still work, its just advised that you 'dont' - but thats advised with anything.