Is iPod Shuffle right for me?

[CDMforever]

In a bid to shed the post-xmas pounds ( yes it was only 4 months ago!) I thought I might once again try jogging/power walking but this time to make it less boring would listen to audio books which you can apparently download onto an iPod shuffle. I am a complete technophobe, DH not much better, so would appreciate some advice.

I had an Ipod 80gb classic, but it died about 2 months ago. I didn't want to shell out loads of money, so I bought a little shuffle as I listen to a lot of podcasts and I downloaded Robert Ullreys Couch to 5km podcasts as I wanted to start running.
It is OK. But, you can't exactly rewind it. With the podcasts, you can move forward a week, or back a week but you can't rewind or go forward within the podcast. Very annoying. I stuck with apple as I was too chicken to try another make as I have only ever used itunes... wish I had got more advice now or gone for a nano.

I'd go for the nano over the shuffle - bigger memory, easier to use, ie you can scroll through tunes/books, see what you are listening to, rewind etc etc. It's still very very small and portable.

Setting up an iTunes account is easy, as is downloading stuff.

Good luck with the fitness regime I did my first run tonight (3 miles!) in over 12 months, I have a mere 3 stone to shift Good idea re listening to audio books - might try that myself!

For what you want iPods are ridiculously pricey. A simple audio player for eBooks with all the proper controls and a basic display should be under £30. The iPod shuffle costs around £40 IIRC with no display and minimal controls. £110 for an iPod Nano to listen to ebooks is a ridiculous suggestion, unless you have money to burn.

You should be able to find a decent MP3 player from an obscure brand (e.g. Coby) for £20 or a better known brand (e.g. Sony) for £30. If you're prepared to wait for a deal, you should do better, e.g. there was a Philips MP3 player as an Ebay deal of the day for £15 a while back.