I want to carry as much music and video as possible.

If you like having a large selection in your media library, then an iPod classic would best suit your needs. These players come with either an 80GB or 160GB hard drives that can store massive amounts of content. A 160GB iPod classic can store up to 200 hours of video, or 2,666 hours of near-CD quality music (128 kbps; for more on audio bitrates, see our MP3 bitrate chart). That's over eight days of video, or over 15 weeks of music.

I want an iPod that looks cool and distinctive.

When you hear the word "iPod," do you still picture the "classic" white player — rectangular with gently curved edges, a large round Click Wheel, and big, bright LCD? If so, you're not alone; its easily recognizable design has become the iPod's signature.

But what if that's just not your style? iPod classics are now available in black; the iPod nano is available in a variety of colors and the iPod shuffle is an even smaller, lower-capacity version that eschews an LCD screen in favor of compactness. Both the iPod nano and the shuffle use flash memory instead of a hard drive to store songs and, in the case of the nano, photos and videos as well.

The newest addition to the line, the iPod touch, is closely modeled on the popular iPhone, and features the same touch-sensitive widescreen display. If you're going for the "wow" factor, the iPod touch may be the best choice for you.

I need the smallest iPod available, so it doesn't get in my way.

No iPod could really be considered bulky or awkward — the "heaviest" model weighs just 5.7 ounces — but if you're going to be moving around a lot while you listen, you may want a player that's compact and lightweight, even by iPod standards. The iPod nano certainly fits the bill, weighing in at a mere 1.14 ounces, and sized small enough to fit into the coin pocket on a pair of jeans. But if you really want the smallest iPod out there, get an iPod shuffle. It weighs less than an ounce (.55 oz) and is smaller than a pack of gum.

I'm tough on an MP3 player — I need the most rugged iPod I can find.

If you'll be walking or hiking with your iPod — or if you have a tendency to drop things — worries about scuffing the player's case could be well-founded. Consider getting a separate case for maximum protection.

To take your iPod jogging or to the gym, you may want to consider an iPod nano or shuffle. They both have flash memory, which is totally skip-free. While the other iPods have 25-minute skip protection that make them nearly immune to skipping, the iPod nano and shuffle will never skip. Even an hour-long run is no problem for these little guys.

I want to view photos on my iPod.

With the exception of the iPod shuffle (which doesn't have a screen), all current iPod models come equipped with a color LCD and can hold anywhere from 3,500 to 25,000 photos. iTunes® software lets you manage and transfer photos to the player, and even organize slideshows. Let friends see your photos on the player's LCD, or use its supplied cable to connect it to a TV for viewing.

I want to watch videos on my iPod.

Any of the iPod models with a screen will play videos — which give you all kinds of options. The iPod nanos can hold up to 8 hours of video, so you could have a selection of your favorite TV show episodes, a movie or two and some music videos always on hand. The 80GB and 160GB iPod classics can hold over four and eight weeks worth of video respectively, and have slightly larger screens than the iPod nanos. Although their storage capacities are more modest than those of the iPod classics, the 8GB and 16GB iPod touches offer the best viewing experience with a 3.5" widescreen LCD display.

I want to surf the Internet with my iPod.

For wireless web surfing, there's only one choice: the iPod touch. The iPod touch features wireless connectivity that lets you go online through almost any open Wi-Fi® hotspot. The player includes a built-in Safari web browser and a virtual keypad, so you can do Internet searches and surf online pretty much as you would with a PC or a laptop. Apple also includes some dedicated widgets to make navigation easier — one takes you directly to YouTube, for example. Another gives you access to the iTunes Wireless Store where you can purchase and download music directly to your iPod touch.

I don't have much money to spend on an iPod.

The most budget-friendly option is the iPod shuffle at just $79. If you want an iPod that give you both audio and video playback, the 4GB iPod nano runs about $149.