Have you every bought something, like a new car or new kitchen device, and months (or even years later), someone comes by and introduces you to a feature that you never knew existed?

Well, if this has ever happened to you; take heed: you aren't alone! There are so many features and gadgets and settings on today's modern devices, that it sometimes feels that you need to take a school course in gadgetology just to ensure that you're enjoying your item to its fullest capacity. So, in an effort to ensure that you're getting the most bang for your buck, let's take a look at some of the advantages of your iPod (whether you own it now, or are in the market to buy one).

Some of these advantages may seem very straightforward to you, while others might be an eye opener. Remember, too: you may not use a particular feature or advantage right now, but that doesn't mean the opportunity won't arise in the future for you to enjoy something new. After we've looked at the advantages of the iPod, our next section will explore various shortcuts and hints for you to further enjoy these marvels of modern technology.

Size Does Matter!

While you're obviously aware that your iPod can store your music for you while you're on the go, you might not be aware of just how much space there is to some of the new 4th generation iPods on the market right now. Current versions offer 20 gigabyte and 40 gigabyte storage capacities, which is enormous for most audiophiles. Of added convenience, the new iPods also offer a new music menu, and support for multiple playlists.

The Shuffle Feature

iPod's shuffle feature allows you to listen to music you've selected yourself, such as listening to a radio station that plays only the music you like. That's why Apple added the "Shuffle Songs" featurethis saves you from having to activate the shuffle in the iPod's settings menu and then browse through several levels just so you can select songs.

Not Just for Music'

The iPod was originally marketed as a device for listening to music; and this made sense, since that wonderful teenage demographic spends more than the other groups put together! Yet as the iPod has matured, so has its target market. The educational market has now caught on to the advantages offered by the iPod; and this is a driving reason why many people who might not otherwise buy an iPod are finding one in their pocket.

For example, take the case of Duke University in North Carolina. University officials provided 1,650 of the 20 GB iPods to freshmen. These sets of iPods came pre-loaded with campus information, orientation notes, and an academic calendar.

And here's the most interesting part: the Duke iPods adopted the format of the iTunes store so students can purchase academic materials, course outlines, language lessons, and yes of course: music. We look specifically at iTunes in the fourth section of this book. In addition, there's also the thriving audiobook market. We've come a long, long way from a binder full of tapes! Now, entire books can be downloaded onto an iPod, and enjoyed on the go.

These audiobooks include everything from young fiction to romance, from business books to self-help, and everything in between.

So if you're currently using your iPod just for musicor that's what you plan to do when you buy oneremember that it can indeed be used for so much more.