The ipod mini 4GB and 6GB uses the scroll wheel from the earlier ipod models. But it has been modified with mechanical switches under the four printed labels. This gave rise to the name 'click wheel'.

It has a monochrome display, whilst later versions have introduced color displays.

Size is 3.6x2.0x0.5 inches with a weight of 3.6oz. The case is made of extruded aluminium (no seams) and the color is fixed into the metal during the anodizing process.

Battery life is about 8hrs, in the early version and 18hrs in the later model, but after 400 recharge cycles the Lithium Ion battery would only have about 80% capacity.

The ipod mini will sync with iTunes and iTunes Store. The supported audio formats are MP3, AAC/M4A, WAV, AIFF and Apple lossless.

THe mini came in four colors, silver, green, pink and blue. There was a gold color that was dropped from the range due to low demand.

• Syncs well with iTunes

• Excellent sound quality with the supplied ear buds.
• Three games: Brick, Parachute, and Solitaire
• Contact list and a calendar that will sync with Outlook

The mini uses a micro hard drive so is not really suitable for use in high physical stress situations. If you want to listen while you run then go for a flash based MP3 player like the ipod nano rather than the ipod mini.