When researching to buy DH an MP3, I read about so many file compatibility problems with anything other than an apple. (And since then have heard stories first hand as well, like brother in-law who can't download anything, he can only copy CDs).

So I got DH the 30 GB video and he loves it. He travels a lot for work to Europe and China, so he likes that he can watch tv shows on it when the laptop battery dies on the flight. He can also store back up copies of word and excel files, just in case. When we went on vacation in Europe, we got the camera connector so I could download my pictures to his ipod, no extra memory cards needed, there was plenty of room on his ipod (despite hundreds of copied CDs on there). He runs with the big honkin thing either in the arm band, or in the MP3 pocket in his shorts, no problems skipping.

I have the 4 GB nano and I love it. Nice and small, fits on my arm with the band for running and at the gym, but still holds a lot so I don't have to erase and reload all the time like I think I would do with a shuffle. I can also listen to audiobooks on mine, they don't take up too much room, which is great when I take the bus, or for listening to in the car with the radio transmitter.

If you just want to load a workout play list, the shuffle might be a good option, but I also travel (domestically), so I like having a wide variety at any given time to listen to.