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My 8 YO is getting an iPod for his birthday. He has been using a non-ipod player for about a year now, and I'm convinced that he will use it and enjoy it. He listens constantly to soundtrack music from Pirates of the Carribbean, Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, etc.
So... $99 will buy a 2 gb Nano or a 4 gb Mini from the Apple Store. My 10 YO has a mini, and I've been convinced how indestructible this thing is. He can stuff it in his backpack, knock it off the table, etc., and it continues to work fine.
So, for my 8 YO, get him the cool color, picture showing, newer technology Nano or the older, bigger (but larger capacity) and arguably much tougher Mini...
I know we could have a discussion about whether or not an 8 YO deserves an iPod. But for the sake of discussion, assume this one does, and weigh on in the model.
Thanks.
sam
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mini... for a VERY lucky 8 YO.
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First of all, I think it's great that your 8yo is listening to movie soundtracks, which are often very good classical music pieces and not the current pop junk on the radio. He will hopefully get a better appreciation for classical music which may benefit him as he gets older.
Second, the mini is certainly tougher on the exterior but it also has moveable parts with the hard drive vs the flash memory in the Nano. A nano with a good, protective case may be another option to consider. Also, will his 10yo sibling be jealous that he gets the newer technology? He has obviously seen the mini, has he had a chance to handle a nano? Which does he prefer?
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10 YO would be jealous - we've talked about it.
We are avid soundtrack collectors. We probably have at least 400. In addition, they are exposed to tons of classical music.
That being said, I'm very pleased my 10 YO is now filling his iPod with the "classics" - Yes, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Boston, etc.
I don't think space will be an issue - it is more the durability.
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My son just got a nano for his 8th birthday. He loves it (and loves making his older brother--who has a shuffle--jealous).
Myself, I have a mini. I would think if the mini were dropped bad things would happen. I don't worry about that as much with the nano.
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The Mini's hard drive is likely to die at some point (mine did). I replaced the hard drive with a CF card and now I have an indestructible machine.
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nano, but also buy a hard plastic clear case for it.
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I'd also go Nano with a good case.
jesse
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No minis left. i am in the same boat for my 8 year old daughter.
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[quote Schpark]No minis left. i am in the same boat for my 8 year old daughter.
The Apple Store (refurb section) has a lot of minis for $99 (as well as 2gb nanos for $99).
I started this discussion convinced I was going to get the Mini... but based on the above, I think I'll go with the Nano.
Thanks.
sam
