Best mp3 player/ipod for 9 yo boy

[mikamah]

My ds is turning 9 and all he wants is an ipod. He's like one that takes video, and he'd love the Ipod touch, but I don't think I want him to have the internet access yet, and I've heard the touch screens are pretty fragile, and he's a rough an tumble kid.
The old Ipod nano's look good, but there's also many mp3 players that may be just as good, and much cheaper.

Does anyone have any experience with them, or suggestions?
Thank you.

 

[woodkins]

My 8yr old dd has a nano (not the one that takes videos) and an ipod touch. She much prefers the touch and uses it alot more. She isn't the most delicate child and it has held up for over a yr. We did get her a silicone case to help protect it. Check out the refurbs on apple.com they come with the same warranty as brand new and the case/screen and headphones come brand new. We have both as refurbs from them and are happy with both.

 

[mdmetromom]

We also buy refurbished direct from apple. For my daughter's 7th birthday, we got her the 5th generation Nano (has the video camera.) It was only $99 refurbished and she loves it. Comes in tons of colors.

 

[Plumeria9]

I have to vote for the Apple iPod Nano also. I have the 5th gen (w/ video capability) and sold my 2nd gen Nano to DD9. She loves it, but wants mine. I still love mine, so I'm not willing to sell it to her yet! Not sure about that new Nano, the little square thing, but I'm sure it's cool too.

 

[sksjasams]

When my DS12 was in 4th grade "everyone" (except him) got an ipod nano for Christmas. I'm sure it wasn't everyone, but it was a lot of kids in his class.
Just one year later, in 5th grade they all got (or wanted) ipod touches. My DS saved his money and bought himself the touch. All but one of his friends have the touch.
I was very glad that I hadn't spent the money on a Nano.
My tip to you is not to be short-sighted in your purchase.

 

[Lovin' Disney]

Call me crazy, but I won't pay extra just for the "iPod" name. We bought DS8 the Archos 8GB Mp3/Mp4 player, which has a slot for a micro SD card so he can load the rest of his CD collection onto it. He loves it!

 

[luvmy3]

My dses (7 & 10) are getting 5th gen. nanos for Christmas. My ds 10 has talked about the touch but he isn't getting one this year, he doesn't need all the functions of it, the nano is the perfect starter ipod IMHO.

 

[Zoesmama03]

My brother got my 7 year old dd a Sansa at Best Buy. It works great for her. Can put movies(gotta convert them or something) and mp3s. Its not touch screen though. The nice thing it uses cards so its expandable.

I saw a touch screen that is more affordable at Big Lots. I'm not sure if it would not have Internet since you are avoiding it but I do know the Sansa doesn't.

 

[shinysparklybubbles]

Look into getting him an otterbox case. They are awesome. I have an iphone4 and I let my 21 month old use my phone only because of the case.

 

[mikamah]

Thanks for all the advice.

We are going to go checkout the non-apple mp3 players, and see what he thinks. And if we don't go with one of them, I'll get the older Ipod nano. I like the refurb idea. It sounds like a win-win.

Hi Melissa! How are things with you? Hope all is well.