The latest version of the Apple iPod shuffle is a unique beast indeed.

Apple CEO Steve Jobs famously declared it the world’s smallest MP3 player when it was launched at the end of 2007, and that claim can’t be far from the truth.

The iPod shuffle is truly tiny. It’s much smaller and slimmer than a box of matches, and comes with a clip design so you can easily attach it to your clothes when you’re exercising, your pocket, bag or anywhere else you want to stash it.

Naturally, because of its smaller size, the shuffle holds less music than its big brothers in the iPod family, including the ever-popular nano. It holds just 1GB of music only (no video or pictures because there is no display screen).

If you’re a hardcore music fan who likes to have a multitude of songs and albums stored on your MP3 player, then this isn’t the device for you. But if you only want to have up to approximately 100 or so tracks at any one time, it’s an affordable option. You might also like the shuffle as a second MP3 player for exercise or the gym.

Some users may find it a little difficult to use, given that there is no screen, just a few (small) buttons. This can be hard to get used to if you’ve previously used a fully fledged player. But you don’t actually need the screen here as you can’t select songs - you can skip, reverse, play in order or shuffle and that’s it.

To make it additionally appealing, the iPod shuffle comes in a range of eye-catching hues so you can make a fashion statement when it’s clipped onto your clothes.

Click here to find offers on Apple iPods near you.

By Caroline Warnes

If you like your MP3 players small (think of the Apple iPod shuffle to get an idea of how small we’re talking here), then the Creative Zen Stone Plus is an affordable alternative.

The smallest Creative Zen yet offers 2GB of storage for your music - more than the iPod shuffle - and comes with options to either play or shuffle your music, known on the Creative player as ‘random’. The Creative Zen Stone comes in a range of funky colours - including black, white, blue and pink - that will appeal to the fashion-conscious amongst us, as will the range of option accessories including skins, armbands and keychains.

It does weigh in slightly heavier than the iPod shuffle, however given that the difference is a measly 3.5 grams, you’re unlikely to notice the extra weight.

The good news is that the Creative Zen Stone retails for roughly the same price as the iPod shuffle, so you’ve got more of a chance of picking up a bargain!

Click here to find offers on MP3 players near you.

By Caroline Warnes

The third-generation Apple iPod nano arrived on the scene with little fanfare in early September of 2007. Apple has announced so many exciting products in recent times (such as the iPhone) that an update to the popular nano range seems tame by comparison.

In actual fact, this third-generation of nano players is pretty exciting. The one key improvement is that you can now watch video on your nano. Of course, watching video on a two-inch screen is not ideal, but for something to keep you occupied on the bus or train on the way to work, it will definitely do.

Another new feature is the inclusion of Cover Flow, which allows you to rummage through your music collection using the cover artwork - visually, it’s similar to flicking through your album library.

Other bonuses include improved battery life - Apple claims 24 hours for music and five hours for video - and value for money (the smallest model in the current range is 4GB and retails for the same price as the 2GB model in the old range).

In the 8GB capacity you can choose from silver, black, blue, green and red, while the 4GB model comes in silver only.

Click here to find offers on the Apple iPods near you.

By Caroline Warnes

If you’re one of the multitude of Australians who owns an Apple iPod, then news of the range of products from H20 Audio is likely to be music to your ears.

The manufacturer produces an effective and affordable range of waterproof cases and headphones for the different iPod families, as well as some MP3 players. A brand new addition to the series is the H20 Audio iS2, also known as the waterproof casing for the 2nd Generation iPod shuffle (that’s the tiny iPod that clips onto your clothes).

The iS2 not only protects your iPod shuffle from random splashes while you’re lying on the beach, it actually allows you to take your player into the water. It’s waterproof at up to three metres, so you can take it surfing, swimming or on other watersports with you.

It comes with a control pad on the outside of the case so you can control the iPod while it’s locked away and an armband is included.

If you have a different variety of iPod, check out the H2O Audio website to see if there’s a product for you.

By Caroline Warnes