iPod Classic | iPod Touch | iPod Nano | iPod Shuffle Do not try to buy iPod before you read here…

The iPod mini is by far one of the most popular devices in the iPod family. I get to speak directly with our customers on a daily basis, and it’s amazing how many people want to get a new iPod mini battery for their player and to extend their playtimes well-beyond the original stock battery that Apple put inside the unit.

What makes the iPod mini so special?

Well, one of the first things that you notice about the iPod mini are all the bright colors they come in. You can find an iPod mini in gold, silver, green, blue, and perhaps the most popular color, pink (the ScrollWheel and top and bottom end caps are white). Of course, you can always snatch a 2nd Generation iPod nano in a bevy of bright colors, but they have far less storage then a 1st or 2nd Generation iPod mini does.

And this leads me to my second point: the 4GB or 6GB hard drive inside an iPod mini generally provides more than enough storage for the average music listener.

Third, the iPod mini is a durable animal. The outer shell is made of metal and, although it can get scratched up if you are not careful, it can take a beating and still protect the internal components.

Fourth, while the iPod mini battery inside the unit will eventually degrade over time, it is user-replaceable if you know what you are doing. Just make sure you find a third-party vendor that provides good, detailed instructions and the proper tools to safely complete the job. ipodjuice.com is the category killer here, and you can check them out at www.ipodjuice.com for more information.

Next, although in my experience I would say that there are slightly more female owners of the iPod mini than male. It’s hard to put a finger on it, but the iPod mini’s popularity seems to cut across a gender and a wide range of ages.

Finally, the iPod mini is just the right size: smaller than a new iPod Video and more manageable than a iPod nano, the mini is perfect for long runs and bicycle rides. It works great when clipped to an armband or you can simply tuck it away in your pocket.