Determining the correct iPod size

I am heavily considering buying a Second Gen. iPod Nano. I have put off buying one for a long time, each time thinking that I just didn't need one. They seem to be down to a cheap enough price point that I'm once again looking. The following are prices from the Apple Canada store (as of November 6th, 2006), with student discounts:

  • 2GB - 500 Songs - $169.00
  • 4GB - 1000 Songs - $229.00
  • 8GB - 2000 Songs - $299.00

My music collection currently totals about 1500 songs, and has for the last 6 months. I do see it increasing, but probably not much past the 2500 song mark. The amount that songs get played is as follows:

  • 0 times played - 50 Songs
  • 1 time played - 83 Songs
  • 2 times played - 135 Songs
  • 3 times played - 183 Songs

I'm not sure what constitutes a "play" in iTunes, but I believe it has to go from start to finish. So most likely about 500 songs I regularly skip when they come up in the rotation. That leaves 1000 songs that I theoretically want to hear.

The opportunity cost question is thus: Does the convenience of having all my music available to me all the time outweigh the additional price? In 3 months will I wish that I had gone with the 8 Gig over the 4? Your input on the matter is more than welcome. Justifying your recommendation is not necessary (it's not CS245 here folks).

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