We are going to Europe this summer and I am interested in getting MP3 players for my kids for the flight and for times that we are stuck in line or long car rides. Looking for recommendations for players that are under $100, can hold at least 100+ songs, and are somewhat durable.

I got my daughter an ipod shuffle when she turned 5. It conveniently hangs around her neck, so it doesn't get lost (until I take the tiny thing and drop it in my big bag). More important, I got some children's headphones (she's too small for earbuds) which have been great, although a little bulky.

I'd go for an ipod nano. Then install the Apple firmware that has the volume limitation built in. With a nano she can even put some pictures on it. Price difference between a shuffle and a 1Gv nano isn't that much, and the nano will last her many years...

I would say it depends on the age.

5-11: shuffle. This is about the most minimal investment one can make, and at that age, the possibility of losing it is fairly high. Plus, fewer buttons and easier to navigate for small hands. Get it inscribed with their name/phone # just in case (free when you order at the Apple Store).

12+: Shuffle or Nano, depending on the kid. If kid is still losing/breaking things, shuffle. If they are able to take care of it (these are more delicate with the LCD etc), nano. I think it's also beneficial to get these inscribed. There some aftermarket lanyards available, including one by Apple that has built-in earbuds that would help to keep it attached to the kid.

If you want to keep them entertained for long periods, you might consider a Video iPod. You could then load up lots of cartoons/kids movies on to it for the flight. I think this would be too much to spend for a kid, but perhaps you could get it for yourself and have them use it for the trip. If you have multiple kids to entertain, you could get a headphone splitter so that they could both watch.

You'd probably also want to get a case to protect the ipod(s) from falls, contents of bags/pockets/etc. To find which accessories would be best for you, reviews of all things iPod are located at http://www.ilounge.com.

Have a good trip!

Got the shuffle from my 9 year old daughter. It's basically indestructible.

-David

In that vein, I've heard multiple reports of the Shuffles going through the washing machine and surviving -- at least once. I know someone who washed theirs twice, and, unfortunately, it didn't survive the second time.



This, I think, would be the types of things a pocket-sized electronic device would fall victim to in the hands of a human still growing up. (either kid human or "adult" human!) It's nice to see that the Shuffle holds up quite well.

The Nano, OTOH, I doubt would fare as well.

I also support the Ipod Shuffle not only because it is indestructable, but also because it is the easiest mp3 player to use.

Another option is the Lexar MP3 player

http://www.lexar.com/mp3/LDP200.html

Currently $19.95 at J & R and it uses an SD card (not included) and runs on one AAAbattery. I've had one for a couple of years, and it is very compact and easy to use

Exactly what I was thinking although that particular player's a lot cheaper than the one I was thinking about! IMO go for a cheap SD player and a 1GB SD card which can be had from NewEgg for around $30. Or, if you want to give 'em more capacity, for about the price of a 1 gig Nano they can have a 4 gig Lexar player.