"Ever since Apple introduced the iPod to the world in 2001, sales have flourished, sending competitors packing. The sleek musical devices can be seen everywhere. De Anza College students are enjoying all four types of iPods: the Standard, Mini, Shuffle and Nano. Among the sea of white headphones at the Hinson Center, many were divided when it came to their iPod choice.

"Technology is amazing," Kentaro Fuchi said as he slipped off his headphones His iPod is his closest companion while he chugs through his grueling chemistry homework. Fuchi mainly listens to Japanese music on his iPod shuffle and is so happy that he can conveniently listen to his music everywhere. Although the shuffle doesn’t hold as many songs as the other models, it is smaller and more convenient to carry.

Film student Jared Rodriquez has a mini 6 gig iPod. He likes to listen to progressive metal, jazz, punk and 80’s music. The mini works perfectly for Rodriquez. "It all depends on who you are and what you are doing when you pick out which iPod is best for you," said Rodriquez.

Johnny Huynh is the owner of a 20 gig iPod and enjoys all the music he can store on it. Huynh listens to hip hop, R & B and jazz. "I like that I can play music and videos all on one MP3 player," said Huynh.

If light weight and convenience are important to you, then you may want to go for the iPod Shuffl e or the Nano. You won’t be able to store as many songs, but you won’t have to carry as much either, if size matters to your individual needs. If you want your whole CD collection in the palm of your hand, than the Standard or the Mini is for you. Unfortunately, Apple is no longer making the Mini.

First year student Joel Beyrer is the proud owner of a 40 gig iPod that he is not ashamed to admit it was a Christmas present from his grandmother. Beyrer listens mainly to classic rock but he also enjoys ScreemO music-hard core and death core. "When studying I like classical music, Beethoven and Mozart."

If 15,000 songs isn’t a good enough case for the iPod, Stepanie Morales sums it up, "I don’t have to worry about my CD player getting crushed."

Have you joined the white-wire cult?

For those of you who haven’t been keeping track, here’s a recap of the various media players offered by Cupertino-based Apple Computer. If you’re in the market for one, this should help you decide. Bad credit? No credit? No problem! (And no, they’re not paying us).

iPod video
The latest generation of iPods can play over 150 hours of full-color video on its 2.5 inch TFT screen (320 x 240 pixels). Comes in white or black, 30 or 60 GB (15,000 or 30,000 songs).

iPod shuffle
Don’t need to carry your entire music collection with you? The Shuffle plugs directly into a USB drive and carries up to one GB of songs. No screen means only random playback.

iPod photo
The new standard. Small enough to fit in a change pocket — but substantial enough to hold a 60 GB hard drive (approx. 30,000 songs). Its 220 x 176 pixel color screen plays games and displays album art, too.

iPod mini
The Mini was introduced in 2004, but has already been phased out due to the release of the Nano. Still, it has enough heft to not snap in half and offers a larger capacity than the Nano (6GB).

iPod nano
Fascinated by small objects? Is the Mini not compact enough for your needs? The Nano is scarcely the size of a business card but still manages to fit up to 4 GB (2,000 songs) into its tiny frame.