On January 15, 2008, Apple added several new software features to the iPod Touch, including e-mail, location-smart maps, stocks, weather, notes, Web clips, a customizable main menu, and the ability to view rented iTunes movies. In light of the product's improved value, we've increased the overall rating of the iPod Touch from 8.3 to 8.7. We've also revised the content of this review to mention these additional features.

The iPod Classic is the latest revamping of Apple's iconic hard drive MP3 player, formerly known as the Video iPod or fifth-generation iPod. As Apple's only remaining high-capacity MP3 player, the iPod Classic comes in both 80GB ($249) and 160GB versions ($349), available in black or silver.

The iPod Classic is the latest revamping of Apple's iconic hard drive MP3 player, formerly known as the Video iPod or fifth-generation iPod. As Apple's only remaining high-capacity MP3 player, the iPod Classic comes in both 80GB ($249) and 160GB versions ($349), available in black or silver.

Now in its third generation, Apple's iPod Nano gets a substantial redesign to accommodate games and video playback. Despite its changes--and Apple made many--the iPod Nano is still one of the smallest, thinnest, and most exquisitely designed MP3 players on the market. It's also one of the most affordable, with a 4GB (silver) model offered for $149, and an 8GB (silver, black, red, green, or blue) model for $199. While the updated iPod Classic and the new iPod Touch are equally intriguing, the revamped Nano delivers the most bang for the buck.

Now in its third generation, Apple's iPod Nano gets a substantial redesign to accommodate games and video playback. Despite its changes--and Apple made many--the iPod Nano is still one of the smallest, thinnest, and most exquisitely designed MP3 players on the market. It's also one of the most affordable, with a 4GB (silver) model offered for $149, and an 8GB (silver, black, red, green, or blue) model for $199. While the updated iPod Classic and the new iPod Touch are equally intriguing, the revamped Nano delivers the most bang for the buck.

Apple iPod ShuffleIt's true: The second-generation iPod Shuffle (1GB) is the lowest-profile MP3 player we've laid eyes on. Apple may have been slow out of the gate, but the company has succeeded in launching perhaps the tiniest and simplest player on the market--and it sports a price tag to match: $79. The new Shuffle is appealing in its elementariness, too, but the itty-bitty device is far from perfect. Its screenless design means you get few navigational options and no extra features. And how small is too small?

That headline is my offhand way of mentioning that Creative just dropped Zen prices: You can now get the 8GB model for just $150, the same price as Apple's 4GB Nano. If that's your budget for a portable media player, which one should you choose?

We're not sure if it's a good sign for electronics to be aimed at such early ages, but Sony is introducing a pair of headphones designed for kids 8 and up. It actually makes good sense from a business standpoint, to get consumers hooked into buying your brand at the earliest possible age, kind of like the way tobacco companies try to do with cigarettes. And even at $15, they're bound to be better than the cheap 'phones that come with any kids' gadgets.

Apparently the Lego-iPod mashup that surfaced last year has tapped into a demand for other brick-like products, though we can't help but wonder if trademark complaints are in the offing. Yesterday, for example, Technabob passed along a selection of "Lego-esque media players" and matching stereo docks in various colors. And today, Akihabara News tells us of a "Lego-like USB key" that can be joined with other pieces to create a custom flash drive.

Because our communications policies are still mired in 20th century regulations tied to 19th century ideas concerning regulation of the new railroads, they are in dire need of a deregulatory overhaul. After all, even the railroads were deregulated a quarter century ago.