Is iPod Shuffle Enough for Your Tween?

The varied styles of iPod for teenagers and tweens are significantly different in terms of space for music and other media.  The least expensive of the iPods is the shuffle, and while the price is attractive, at less than $50, you will want to evaluate the media storage needs of your tween. 

My tween son has used his Playstation for listening to music in the past couple of years, but had complained recently that he couldn't store very much music.  Money was stretched, and the iPod shuffle was in reach, so we picked out a blue shuffle, with 2GB storage space.  Following are the pros and cons of the iPod Shuffle for a Tween.

Space:  There is more space on the shuffle, but there are limits.  My son's shuffle holds around 300 songs , but the library of music available is much more than this.  He has to make choices, and that means more frequent synching of his iPod.  For the tween, it will take a little time to get used to how to handle iPod synching.  In all, my son is pleased that he has so much more music for listening on his portable device. 

Control:  The iPod Shuffle does just that:  shuffles.  Music is played in random order, and there are no screen controls to indicate what is being played.  There is software to update, which allows your tween to hear the artist and title of a song at the beginning.  My teenagers prefer their iPod Nanos, which have screens, and touchscreen interaction, for selecting playlists, songs, artists, and other activities.  The iPod shuffle, on the other hand, is much more limited in use. 

Cost:  The iPod Nano ranges from $135 to $165 for the most current generation, which is a reasonably good price for the 8 and 16 GB models, given that a couple of years ago, the 8 GB Nano was about $150, and the 16 GB model, nearly $200.  The iPod Shuffle, with 2 GB memory, is just under $50.

Colors:  Both Nano and Shuffle come in a variety of colors, which are great for tween interests.  This is also great for parents, in that it's easy to keep track of which device belongs to whom.  Shuffle is available in silver, blue, pink, green, or orange.  Nano is available in these same colors, and additionally, graphite.

Charging:  Shuffle charges through the earphone insert, and doesn't, therefore, dock with many of the devices that accomodate Nano.  Therefore, you will need to keep this in mind if you are searching for a speaker system to go along with your tween's iPod.

In all, the Shuffle was well received, as it was a huge improvement from the previous listening means.  In fact, my tween daughter has added Shuffle to her birthday wishlist, at this point. 

Tween iPod Choices: Nano vs. iPod Touch

Apple products are very much a favorite with tweens and teens, particularly in the last several years with the continued improvements to the top selling mp3 players, iPod and iPod touch.  There are many factors to take into consideration, as you consider which iPod to purchase for your tween, as both the iPod Nano, and the iPod touch, are quality devices.

Cost may be your deciding factor, as the Nano is the less expensive option of the two.  You can purchase the 8GB iPod nano for approximately $135, and the 16GB iPod nano for $165 (scroll over/click images below for current pricing at Amazon).

8GB iPod Nano

The iPod touch, meanwhile, ranges from $210 for the 8GB model, to $275 for the 32GB model, to $365 for a 64GB version.

32 GB iPod Touch

Cost not withstanding, some of the other considerations you may want to take into account, when it comes to an iPod for your tween, will be the use of the device.  While the iPod nano is less versatile than the iPod touch, this can be a great thing for a tween.  Most parents can appreciate a tween's desire to listen to music, and there is nothing quite so great as being able to create custom playlists, and to organize one's music his own way.  Nano is fantastic to this end.  So is iPod touch.  However, with tweens, it's good to limit the technology, to some degree.  While iPod touch has additional use as an internet browser, and has lots of games, calculator and dictionary apps, movie viewers, and even ereader apps, this all can be very distracting to the tween.

Tweens can be very undisciplined and disorganized.  I've raised several, and taught hundreds.  Parents really need to be in charge of technological access, and the disorganized tween will not improve with unrestricted access to a multi-use device.  As a parent, I prefer the Nano to the iPod touch, because my tweens can enjoy their music, and personalize their listening experiences, but don't cause me frustration in neglecting school work, and other responsibilities, as I feel they would if they had something more involved.

On the other hand, the older tween can make good use of the apps available for an iPod touch.  If your tween has demonstrated self-control, and the ability to manage his or her time well, the iPod touch is a versatile tool.  As a parent, if you decide to give your tween an iPod touch, be sure to continue supervising its use, and restrict the use of the iPod if grades slide, or chores are neglected.

Your tween will have his or her own preferences.  However, parental determinations will be the final deciding factor.  Emphasize responsibility, regardless, as an iPod is a significantly priced tool.

Read more about the various iPod choices, as they relate to tweens.