The iPod shuffle, nano, classic, and touch suit different requirements. The storage capacities, battery lives, and prices answer some of these needs, but so do the features that make each iPod model distinctive. It's therefore worth considering the main characteristics of the models to confirm the one that's right for you.

The iPod shuffle is ideal if you want a tiny, discrete music player when you're on the go. Its built-in clip also means you can attach the shuffle securely to the outside of your clothes, or fasten it inside a pocket or bag.

Unlike the other iPods, the shuffle doesn't have a screen, but this needn't be a cause for concern. After all, if you're using the shuffle at work, on a crowded commuter train or bus, or around the house when you're busy, you may not have the chance to view what a screen can offer.

Furthermore, the shuffle may have the lowest storage capacity of the iPod range, but do you really need much more room? You can still load 240 songs on the 1GB model, and 500 on the 2GB. Even then, you can keep other music in your iTunes library and change songs, albums, artists and playlists as and when you want.

The stunning appearance and versatility of the iPod nano have made it the world's favourite music player. If you have a good-size music collection you want to carry with you, it'll store 2,000 or 4,000 songs, depending on whether you opt for the 8GB or 16GB version. The nano will also give you up to 24 hours music playback on just one battery charge.

The nano is about more than audio, however. Its two inch colour LCD screen lets you watch music videos, films, photos, and TV shows. You can also download films and TV shows from the Internet via iTunes, transfer them to your nano, and show them through your television with an appropriate cable.

Clearly the nano is for anyone who wants something more than just a music player. It's an incredibly compact and lightweight entertainment centre. It also has features that make it desirable for specific users. Games players, for example, appreciate the accelerometer. This device enables you to move the iPod nano to control on-screen characters and events.

A further bonus, this time for music lovers, comes in the form of Genius. When you activate Genius on iTunes and your iPod nano, you can ask it to automatically create playlists that match a favourite song and reflect your personal taste.

Other features of the iPod nano help the visually impaired. There's a larger font size you can set for the screen's menu lists. There's also Spoken Menus, an innovation that allows you to hear the menus as they appear. This means you can navigate almost all of your nano's features without needing to look at the screen.

The classic is the iPod that can hold just about anything the most committed lover of music and video can give it. With 120GB at your disposal, you can carry 30,000 songs in your pocket, or have 150 hours of films and TV. More than likely, you'll want a mix of these, but don't forget you also can add pictures, games, podcasts, and audiobooks.

This astonishing capability sets the classic apart. To take full advantage of it, however, you need a power source with stamina; a first class screen; and high quality audio. The classic has all of these.

The battery gives you up to 36 hours of music playback or 6 hours of video on just one charge. This is perfect for long journeys and holidays. What's more, you need only put the classic on charge for two hours to bring it back to 80% strength, and four hours for 100%.

The screen is a two and a half inch colour LCD with 320 x 240 pixel resolution. It provides images that are vivid and sharp, and further enhances them with an LED backlight.

Audio reproduction is precise and clear. This is exactly what all music lovers want, and is one reason why the classic is invaluable for many people. If your music collection has grown so large, for instance, that you're having trouble finding enough shelves for it, you can transfer your CDs to iTunes and from there to your classic. In this way, you can reduce your collection to a device that's half the size of a CD case without any loss of quality or enjoyment. If you invest in an iPod speaker system, you can also continue listening to your music aloud.

The iPod touch takes all that's great about the shuffle, nano and classic, and adds some unique extras.

One of these is the three and a half inch Multi-Touch screen. Not only does this provide more room to view the menus and videos, it replaces the click wheel. To control the features of the touch, you simply tap the screen and move your fingers across it. The screen also boasts impressive 3D graphics.

On the audio side, you can listen to the music or videos on your touch by connecting earphones or headphones. You can, however, put these to one side if you want and use the built-in speaker. This is convenient if circumstances are such that you cannot wear earphones, and you don't have a speaker system to hand.

Yet another great extra is the built-in Wi-Fi technology. This takes your iPod to another level of use, allowing you to connect to a wireless network. You can then browse the web, and retrieve and send emails.

The touch is therefore an iPod for anyone who wants the extra capabilities of cutting edge technology and Internet access. If this is what you're looking for, the touch is the perfect iPod. If not, the shuffle, nano, or classic will certainly provide what you need.