For most college students, not only is an iPod a music player, it’s also a status symbol. There are other players out there, but time and time again people plunk down a nice wad of cash as a premium to own these Apple products. Why? They have a sleek, sexy design that still hasn’t been matched by competitors. In terms of features, though, they do what pretty much any other music player does with the added burden of FairPlay DRM if you buy from the iTunes Music Store. I know some people are dead set on buying an iPod, and so I have written this no nonsense, no BS post to steer you in the direction of the iPod that holds the best value for you.

The iPod Touch - Right off the bat, I’m going to recommend the 16 GB variety. The only reason you should really be interested in this model is if you plan to view movies on it. If that’s the case, 8 GB will not cut it. Along with movies, you’ll be able to hold a decent amount of songs. You’ll also have access to the web via Safari and the iTunes Music Store through the wifi connection. This iPod, essentially, is for those who need a mix of many different kinds of media. This iPod is not for those with insanely large music collections, those who want to listen to music while running, or those who don’t have $399 to spend.

The iPod Classic - This is, in my opinion, the best iPod value out there. This iPod model is less than two years old, has been upgraded to 80 GB of space and now has CoverFlow - all for $249. It can do most of the things that the iPod Touch can, minus web browsing and wireless iTMS purchases. Movies on the Classic will be a bit hard to watch on the small screen, but you can always use a video-out cable to plug the iPod into a TV. If you’ll be watching a lot of video on the move, this iPod might not be as enjoyable to you as the Touch. What this iPod will do, however, is hold a ridiculous amount of music. If you’re someone with a large music collection, here’s your winner.

The iPod Nano - Runners, here you go. If you absolutely must have an iPod, this newly designed Nano is the one you want. The new Nano can do CoverFlow and movies on top of its given talent, music. Those who want to watch movies might best be served going a different direction, however, since the screen is small and the player only offers 8 GB of space. This iPod will work for people who don’t listen to a lot of music, have a small music collection, or need something to jog with. I will absolutely, positively not recommend the iPod Shuffle, as I believe it is a huge ripoff. I’d sooner point you to the Creative Zen Stone, which retails for half the price and looks cooler. It isn’t an iPod, but when your music player is the size of a quarter, who really cares?

I hope you found these mini-breakdowns of the current iPods useful. If you have any questions or would like to add anything, hit up the comments below.