depending on how many songs you think you need...I did just purchase an mp3 for about 24$. I think it was 256 mb, holds up to 120 songs, would that be enough? Thing i finally figured out how to get the music on the one I bought a year ago and actually get it to work so now really don't need the new one. What I liked about the new one is it was one that just plugs into the USB port so no wires. Oh well, I have a co worker who said she's buy it from me for her son, so i won't have wasted the money. So there are mp3's that don't cost alot. The Ipod shuffle is about $80 I have a daughter who got one, but she bought hers before the shrunk them, now there really tiny so easier to lose I would think.