Want buy IPOD for running, what are people buying these days- the shuffle? New @ Best Buy or used refurb @ Apple?

Garmin for GPS, iPod Shuffle for music.

The shuffle is the best device for serious runners. When you run 6 min/mi you really can't used the Nano and its touchscreen or even an iPhone. Also, due to its weight (or the lack thereof really) it doesn't move around, even at greater pace.

Bought a shuffle in 2008 or so (2nd gen - the one that looks very similar to the one they're selling right now). Still going strong, still over 10h battery life. Amazing device.

ipod. Do not get it wet, though. I've fried several of them.

Not sure if amazon links are allowed here. Anyway, if you're a heavy sweater, it may be worth it looking into these:

Waterfi Waterproof iPod Shuffle for Swimming (Silver)

(google it)

I never had a problem with mine but am not a heavy sweater.

Apple has a new model that will clip on to your garter belt.

Go as small and light as possible if you are a serious runner. I have an old Zen player that I still use. It is tiny and holds plenty of music. I guess it is closer to a Nano if you want an Apple product.

joho wrote:

Go as small and light as possible if you are a serious runner. I have an old Zen player that I still use. It is tiny and holds plenty of music. I guess it is closer to a Nano if you want an Apple product.

I wish people knew their sh*t.

joho recommends a player as light and small as possible (which is the right answer) and then he talks about Zen Player and Nano.

The Nano is great when you're running 8min/mi or slower but is not for serious runners.

Again, what you want is:

- light

- small

- can be used "blind" (no touchscreen)

--> iPod Shuffle

(I don't know of any competing products that are as small and light)

agree, the nano has been next to useless trying to use while running fast (not to mention a sweaty finger tip does not register well on the glass contact screen).

the only set back with the shuffle is you have to literally pushbutton through every recording to get to where you want? (correct?)

ideally i say the shuffle works its magic if you know how to quickly organize everything to the shuffle from laptop via usb (?)

thanks for the sweat/waterproof tip. the last thing i want is a loaded and organized device to get smoked.

funny to say, but i've been using a cheapo walmart muvo forever now with no sweat damage or rain issues. and it has been "soaked" at times after runs. it was $30 and does what you need it to do with file & folder ability. but i'm looking to "get with the times" now i guess.

I've gone thru several Shuffles, my girlfriend bought me a Nano a year or so ago. It's light, tiny, can fit in pocket or clipped on waist band. I turn it on, press "play" and leave it on "shuffle". If all you're going to do is run then there is no upside to the Nano.

I should note that I've brought two wet ipods back to life by putting them in a plastic ziploc bag with a few cups of dry rice grains (the rice absorbs the moisture). It doesn't always work, but it can.

Shuffle by far is the best for running. Buttons protrude so you can feel them without looking down while you're running. It's tiny and can clip to your waistband. It weighs so little and is so slim I often forget I have it clipped to my waistband. I can get in about a week of runs without having to charge it.

seriously... wrote:

I've gone thru several Shuffles, my girlfriend bought me a Nano a year or so ago. It's light, tiny, can fit in pocket or clipped on waist band.

You're talking about the last gen Nano. The current gen Nano is quite a bit bigger and doesn't clip on to anything.

Again: the answer is shuffle.

Sub240 wrote:

seriously... wrote:

I've gone thru several Shuffles, my girlfriend bought me a Nano a year or so ago. It's light, tiny, can fit in pocket or clipped on waist band.

You're talking about the last gen Nano. The current gen Nano is quite a bit bigger and doesn't clip on to anything.

Again: the answer is shuffle.

get the last generation nano. it's the one i use. it can clip to your waistband, but i keep mine in the little pocket in my running shorts. as for controls, get the headphones (if it doesn't come with them) with it built in. you just click twice for song forward, thrice for back, and you can adjust the volume. i got mine for $10 on amazon.

I have the last generation Nano which works fine as long as I wear something with a pocket. I found the Shuffle too frustrating because it's hard to set up what it will play, even before you start running. If you just have a bunch of songs and don't care what order they play in, the Shuffle would be fine.

For controlling it while running, I have some headphones with a button you can hit to play, pause, advance, etc.

You don't need the latest thing to be perfectly functional for running so I would find the best deal you can.

irobot wrote:

For controlling it while running, I have some headphones with a button you can hit to play, pause, advance, etc.

If you're talking about the original Apple headphones then "NO. They have the controls about neck height. Rather difficult to use while you're running fast. Much easier to use the physical buttons of the shuffle being clipped on to your waistband.

Nano over the Shuffle, for sure.

Oakley thumper glasses are pretty sweet if you're just looking for music. very unobtrusive. kind of make you look like a douche though...