Filed under: iPod Family, Surveys and Polls
How many iPods is too many?

You may think it's strange that I own eight iPods, but this MSNBC story tells me I'm not alone in thinking that there's no such thing as "too many iPods."
As the story points out, different iPods are better suited for different purposes - much like shoes.
My iPod (video) is more useful to me as a portable, digital photo album and video device, as well as for backup of my whole iTunes library, but less useful for every day music listening since it's bulkier than my iPod nano. While my iPod shuffle is better suited for the gym and my iPod photo is best for road trips since most of my car accessories work with it. What do I do with the rest of my iPods? I received my Crystalmini as a gift, and it only leaves the house for special occasions. My original 5GB iPod has a 20hr battery in it, but the scrollwheel is a bit wonky so it doesn't get much use. My 20GB 3rd Gen iPod never brought me much joy and it now used mostly as a portable hard drive. My other iPod shuffle is now on permanent loan to hubby. And honestly, other iPods come and go all the time. When a new iPod comes out, I buy it and try it out and yes - even take it apart. I have to. It's my job to know what's inside so I can better support them when my clients buy them.
But enough about my own iPod menagerie... as iPods become more and more ubiquitous, I bet many of you have more than one and probably have even more of them in your future. So tell me, how many iPods do you currently have, and what are you using them for?

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Adrian vG said 11:41AM on 12-28-2006
Uhm.... two, one nano which I use and one 1G iPod which is in a drawer somewhere...
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Electric Sheep said 11:41AM on 12-28-2006
I have one iPod--an original 5-year-old 1st gen. I use it nesrly every day for playing music.
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error said 1:45PM on 12-28-2006
I currently own three (3) iPods:
iPod shuffle (1st generation, 1 GB)
= for high ranked evergreens, only songs I know...
iPod nano (2nd generation, 4 GB)
= for fresh, hot and new tunes, don't know every song so I need a display, needs to be small cause I use it on my bike, while walking or shopping.
iPod (6th generation, 60 GB)
= old and new tunes, videos and photos - I only use it inside or during trips and holidays.
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kevin said 11:49AM on 12-28-2006
"When a new iPod comes out, I buy it and try it out and yes - even take it apart. I have to. It's my job to know what's inside so I can better support them when my clients buy them."
Laurie, what is your job? iPod tech support?
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Jay said 11:49AM on 12-28-2006
I too have the fully functional first generation iPod that is proudly displayed in the living room. I just ordered a Nano with the Sports kit. I am going to give away my Shuffle once I get the Nano.
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Billy K said 11:52AM on 12-28-2006
I use my 5G for watching video (obvs.) and to continuously add new songs and playlists that I've tested and I know I like.
My 4G is for auditioning entire albums that I may or may not care for. If I like one, I move it to the 5G.
I have a 3G I don't use much any more, but it's mostlyloaded with DJing songs (haven't done that much lately).
And my shuffle is for the gym or to bring along in case my main iPod's battery dies on a trip.
Had a mini for a while, too. Never found a real use for it.
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Laurie said 11:56AM on 12-28-2006
@ Kevin - not just iPod support. Apple support and service in general :)
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Proton said 12:29PM on 12-28-2006
I have 2
3G 20 gig my first ipod. I have lot of respect to it. As it made me spl among my frnds. Now being used to back up my entire library.
The new baby is my 2nd gen nano 8GB Black beauty. I love it and use it daily.
Waiting for the fullscreen true video ipod. I m in line for it.
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Bill said 12:19PM on 12-28-2006
How is it I am surviving with... not one iPod? Heavens...
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Brandon Hays said 12:25PM on 12-28-2006
I thought it was just me! I have 7. I have a 1st gen (running Linux and for posterity), 3rd and 4th gens sit in each car full-time, a 5th gen 60gb in my backpack, a 1st gen Nano, 2nd gen Nano, and another 5th gen 30gb.
Now, I can't justify buying more, but I sure am eyeing the red 8gb Nano...
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phlavor said 12:31PM on 12-28-2006
Eight iPods? That's crazy.
In my household I have:
1. 60gb 5th gen for me
2. 60gb 5th gen for my girlfriend
3. 10gb 3rd gen for my son(formally my girlfriend's)
4. 10gb 2nd gen sitting in a drawer
5. 512mb 1st gen shuffle given to me as a gift from a friend on the iPod team
6. 1gb 2nd gen shuffle which my son received as a gift but wants to sell off for a nano
OK, yeah I have six, but that's between 3 people.
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LittleJoe said 12:38PM on 12-28-2006
None.
My first and only iPod (20gb 3rd gen) met its end with a face full of anger hammer.
Since then Ive been iPod free.
Nothing like spending $400 on an iPod... only to have a better, bigger, color-screened, click-wheeled, cheaper iPod come out a few months later.
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JB said 6:42PM on 12-28-2006
I currently only have a 8GB black nano and a 30gb 5th Gen Black iPod but over the years I have purchased a total of 11 iPods for various reasons. None of which is due to the fact that any of them broke on me.
Sheesh 11... thats alot of iPods
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Bill I said 12:47PM on 12-28-2006
I have 3:
- 2G 1GB iPod shuffle
- 1G 512MB iPod shuffle
- 4G 20GB iPod
My wife has 2:
- 1G 1GB iPod shuffle
- 4G 20GB iPod
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LD said 12:49PM on 12-28-2006
Just two. My original 512MB Shuffle which was perfect for working out. Then I bought the 1st gen Nano because it was too awesome. Since the Nike+ came out I've replaced my Shuffle with the Nano for workouts. The Nano goes everywhere, gym, car, house. I'll eventually get a video iPod but not until the screen is much larger (and more scratch proof), like the fakes that we see.
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Woz said 12:56PM on 12-28-2006
I have a rather decadant 5 iPods. I did have 6, but I gave one to my brother in law.
In order of purchase: -
30Gb 3rd Gen. I bought this with my first Powerbook (which I've still got too (1GHz 17"), as well as my second (1.67GHz 17"); got a 2.33GHz 17" MacBook now - I'm not very good at goodbyes) when I first switched. This is the one I gave to my brother in law.
60Gb 4th Gen (Photo). Mostly acts as a backup for iTunes and iPhoto these days, although used in the car on longer journeys as I haven't ever replaced my old car accesories.
1Gb Shuffle (1st Gen) Used out on my bike sometimes, but primarily as a memory stick these days.
4Gb Nano (1st Gen White). Sat on the shelf waiting to be eBay'd one day, if I get anything for it - it's scratched to hell.
60Gb 5th Gen (Video White). This is my main 'big' iPod and travels around with me to work, holidays, and longer journeys, but has now mostly been replaced for day to day use by....
8Gb Nano (2nd Gen Black). This is my main day to day iPod. It travels everywhere with me and despite this has so far managed to remain scratch free. Everyone should get one of these - they're nigh on perfect.
I don't suppose I should include my wife's 20Gb 3rd Gen, or 60Gb 5th Gen (Black) :-)
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Debbie said 1:00PM on 12-28-2006
I have a nano (white 4GG) which I only use with my Nike+ sport kit
5G 60GB ipod (black) which I use for everything else but mostly to listen to podcasts in the car.
My husband has newer nano (8GB black) and older iPod (40GB?)
One son with white nano (2GB) because he lost his iPod (40GB)
Other son - iPod (40GB) and green nano (4GB)
Daughter - pink mini
That's alot but they all get used!
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Jack said 1:03PM on 12-28-2006
3 ipods, all recieved for christmas this year.
1 shuffle
1 blue nano
1 black nano
My first ipod(s). I was going to return all three, but I am starting to run more, so the shuffle could come in handy, though the black nano would work with the nike sports kit; and the blue one is like a piece of jewelry gorgeous...ok fine, I'm keeping them. Of course if I keep the nano(s), Steve will come out with the nano-phone in a couple weeks, which I've been waiting for.
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douard said 1:13PM on 12-28-2006
I have a Zune — so what?
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James said 1:24PM on 12-28-2006
We have 7 in our house:
I have:
1. Original 5GB: Not really in use these days, but it still works and looks great.
2. Blue 1G mini: Used to use it for running, but now I use the Nano w/Nike+. I think the mini is in a glove compartment somewhere.
3. 1GB 1G Shuffle: Spare flash drive these days -- one of many since now I have a 4G geek stick.
4. Black 1G Nano: Used for workouts with Nike+
5. 5G 60GB iPod: Large music/photo/podcast collections for trips
My wife:
1. 1G pink mini: Used around the house
2. 1G white nano: Workout iPod
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