IPOD UPDATE: Boy, if you want a lot of email, forget writing about the war — ask people about iPods! My earlier post asking for advice produced more email than, I think, any other post I’ve made. And there were a lot of arguments for everything from the 4GB iPod mini to the 60 GB iPod Photo.

On reflection, though I think I’m most persuaded by the advice of Todd Steed:

I’m O/C about such gadgets so I went ahead and got the 40G I-pod. Six months later it’s not full. I’m up to about 23. Based on that- and the fact I’ve downloaded stuff on it all time- I’d say get the 20.

I sometimes store things on it, files, etc.- and use it as an alarm clock on the road. I love it.

I think sometimes I enjoy downloading things on it more than actually listening to some of the things I’ve put on. For example, I have about six books on there. When will I listen?

By the time I get to 40G, yet ANOTHER model will be out- so don’t get the 40g. Don’t get the mini, it slips out of your hands.

I’ve got big hands, so that’s a point. Anyhow, I think I’m going to order the 20GB iPod after all, in light of this advice and its appealing price point — only $50 more than the mini. And I’ll probably buy some better headphones, though these, which somebody recommended, are probably overkill. Next question: Is there a reason to prefer the Apple version over the HP version? Er, besides the fact that if I want one before Christmas I’ll probably have to buy the HP?