I know this isn't anything to do with the great american sports car. But my Daughter turns 16 this week. Besides wanting the Vette for her Birthday present, she wants an I-Pod. Sorry, but I am totally ignorant to these little apple wonders. Can someone please school me on what I need to buy to get my little princess what she wants.
I know there is also a video I-Pod. Do I need accessories? Does it come with headphones? Do need have to buy a USB to download songs, or does it come with one? Just need to set her up so she doesn't need anuthing else for a while. Storage, memory cards? Please help an old dinosuar out.

 

I don't have an I-Pod, but I do have the Microsoft version called Zune. So, I can tell you that it does come with the USB and headphones. The I-Pod should come with the same thing also otherwise how would they make more money off selling I-Tunes. By the way, that is not the only way to get music on the I-Pod.

 

a lot will depend on what she wants from the iPod.

Here is a page from the apple website comparing the different models:
http://www.apple.com/ipod/whichipod/

some people prefer the really small ones (physical size) as they are easy to carry around and tiny but they don't hold as much memory and number of songs. The small ones use a flash memory to store songs.

The larger units (not that they are really large, just on a comparative basis) have actual harddrives in them, have larger memories, and hold more songs, video's, etc.

They all come with the earplugs to listen to them and the cable to connect to the computer to transfer songs onto the unit.

There are other accesories availabe from both Apple and aftermarket vendors depending on what she wants, such as cases, external docking stations with larger speakers, etc, etc but everything that is needed and required to actually use the unit comes with it.

 

An Ipod Nano 8GB (third generation) should do the trick. Do a Google search for prices, probably about $150.00. ITunes is but one on-line source of music. Or you can simply transfer songs from your current CDs. And yes there is a myriad of accessories but earphones come with the unit.

 

My wife had bought me a Sansa 2GB two years ago. Love it. Holds about 20 CDs. I like this one because it has a built in FM receiver. IF I had to do it again, I'd probably bo with the new verison of the Nano IPOD. The after market accessories is huge for the IPOD product line to the point new car stereos have inputs for them as well as room stereos. Get the most GBs you can afford.

 

Why not take her to the Apple store and get exactly what she wants?

 

Don't forget the I-tunes gift card

 

You may consider an i-phone(wife has one). It has the cell phone of course, plus it plays videos and music & who knows what else it does. Take her to the outlet where they sell this stuff (wife got hers at the AT&T store) and see what they have

I have the Zune 4GB as all I wanted was the music feature, much smaller than the i-phone

 

My daughter Ursula sells them and knows exactly what she would need. She said take her to the local Apple store. Barrys suggestion of the I phone was also affirmed by Ursula. About the Vette for her birthday both of my daughters were driving C-4`s when they were 16 in high school. One sells Apple the other is an associate Esquire in a Law firm for the past 3 years. I guess Vettes and Apples go together. I`m sure your daughter deserves both..

 

Thanks a lot for your input on this post. I wasn't sure if I would really get help. And so diverse in the replies. The common sense part of me is on board with the suggestion of taking her down to the fruit store and just getting it done. But my better half has some other (the ipod is MY present to her on the big one-six B-day) things in the works as well, and wants the whole thing to be a secret of sorts. So, I am in a pickle there.
I went on-line and saw the "Classic" for $249, and the nano for $149. I think the "Mini" is $199. I am wondering, haven't checked, if she can have an i-phone with our Verizon service. My wife seems to think ot is "Plan, and Service" specific right now. Guess I'll check into it. Again, thanks a ton for your suggestions. Her B-day is on the 9th, so it's crunch time. I'm sure you will all be on pins and needles over this, so I will post what devise I went with so you all can sleep again at night.

 

the iPhone requires service from AT&T.

I love technology and love gadgets and love Apple products (I will ONLY own Mac computers and yes, I've used Macs and Windows for years which is why I choose Macs) but in my opinion a 16yo doesn't need an iPhone.
If a teenager needs a phone let them have a basic phone only and if she wants an iPod give her an iPod. Honestly, does a 16yo really need an iPhone to be in constant contact with email, have internet connection every single place she goes, and everything else? Especially at that age when she will be driving soon I have horror thoughts of 16yo's trying to drive with the distraction not only of friends in the car but also gadgets like iPhones that she will answer while driving, text friends while driving, try to read email while driving, try to look up stuff ion the internet while driving, etc.
Not to mention the distractions while she is in school, in classes, etc.
Let her wait until she is back at home to get emails, browse the internet, etc.

In the meantime, with an iPod she can listen to her music and it will make her happy.

just my unsolicited opinion..........

 

If you're not getting her the iPhone, she'll want the iPod Touch. They come with several different amounts of memory. Get the most memory for which you have the funds.

DC

 

I'm with you Barry! Although I am trying to be a hip Dad here. I didn't allow her to have a Cell phone (on the Wife and I's plan of course) until last year. And have had to fight her tooth and nail for all the other little "Must Have's" that a Sophmore so desperatly needs these days.
Holy Crap!!! All I cared about when I was a sophmore was girls and Football. or was it football and girls...anyway. I just can't believe how technology has turned people into dependent creatures. And this Texting phenom...I mean give me a Freakin Break!!! Just call the damn person if want to say that your butt itches
Oh well. The wife and I were just talking about it and will probably go with the Nano. She doesn't need to have an iphone...to be sure! But I want to let her enjoy her 16th, and these days (as opposed to mine in 1976) that means techno everything. But I truly belive these iphones are going to be evil for all these teens. As Barry stated, and I emphasize. Why do these kids these days...HAVE TO...check their emails right now, and have internet capability, period....while they're driving?!?!?! Ok, I'm done. No need to turn this into some geo political thing. It's about my Daughter, and I would give her anything.....Within reason

 

go with the itouch My girl have loved it since the day I gave it to her.

 

There are other alternatives

I have used a SMT5600 cell phone for several years thru Cingular and what is now AT&T.

The "I" products from Apple seem to be great other than the battery problems.
This 5600 cell phone has a 4 gig memory card, plays full length dvd's (screen is less than 1/8" smaller than a video ipod), or mpg's or whatever, can store and play hundreds and hundreds or songs in full stereo, just plug the memory card into computer and do whatever with it, including it acting like another drive. And has all that text and internet capabilities.
I never did subscribe to the text mail or internet so that is a non issue. It is not mandatory and your monthly fee shows it.
It is basically a Windows Smart Phone and there are many newer models available. You don't have to carry more than one item.

Hope she has a great bday.

 

Come on Dad...just get her the Vette.!!

 

They come with everything you "need", but will only charge off the computer. A 110v or car charger are nice additions.

 

The Girl wants an iPod so you better get her one. I know I hate when I say I want something and then somebody gets me the equivalent of what I asked for but not what I wanted.

Ask her to tell you exactly what she wants and then go buy it for her.

It is like asking for a C5 Vette shirt and getting a Camaro Shirt, after all it is still a shirt right?