avoid the iPod shuffle at all costs..

my fiancee has the mini. i like it, though i'm not entirely comfortable with the thought of a portable harddrive that will get knocked around. the battery life could be a bit better i think (and this is the 2nd gen with the longer battery life).

if i were looking to buy one right now, i would consider the nano, if
1) it were the 2nd generation nano
2) it didn't scratch to shit so easily
3) it weren't so expensive

but anyway, you can hear about the ipod from anyone. if you want to be more thorough in your research, try: http://www.anythingbutipod.com

you will likely be pleased that there are plenty more options out there than many would lead you to believe.