I recently visited around 10 shops in my area trying to find a Blue 4Gb iPod mini as a Christmas present. I particularly didn't want the new nano as it seems just too small and fragile. I eventually found a national mobile phone retailer with stock - absolutely everywhere else had sold out of minis...

I would agree that the iPod mini was the most durable of all the iPods ever. It would be nice if Apple came to their senses and made future iPods from the same anodized metal the mini was in, rather than the soft plastic the nano is apparently made of. Somehow I doubt that will happen though.

As for the mini, I've been looking around for a 2nd gen mini or refurbed one from Apple for my wife. She needs something durable, as she tends to be rather hard on electronics. I gave her my original 1st generation 5GB iPod a while back, and she finally managed to kill it by getting salad dressing all over it (don't ask!) It still powers up as far as I can tell from the sound it makes, but the screen is DOA, which makes it kinda useless. If I ever got her the nano, it would be destroyed in a week, so that's out of the question. And she doesn't really want or need the full sized iPods, nor the shuffle.
So I figured I could get her the mini, and it would at least have a chance of lasting a while. But they aren't the easiest to find - testament to their popularity, I'm sure. The list provided in this article is a good place to start though. I hope to find one that fits both budget and taste in that list.

one word

FIREWIRE

(or is that two words??)

It's amazing. I work in Hospitals around AZ and alot of the anesthesiologists have them especially the mini. They carry that along with a speaker system to play music whenever they are providing anesthesia. It's nice because alot of doctors don't carry music with them or the patients request for a particular type of music to help them relax. The mini is the right size for the OR, although a fullsize iPod is okay too.

In reply to:<hr />
I work in Hospitals around AZ and alot of the anesthesiologists have them especially the mini. They carry that along with a speaker system to play music whenever they are providing anesthesia.

<hr />

That does sound innovative.

"Sir, it's time for your anesthesia."
"Are you gonna stick me with a needle?"
"No, sir, we're using the latest technology. Have you heard '101 Strings Performs the Hits of Celine Dion?' "
"Ummmm...uhhh, I never said I was afraid of needles..."
(click)
"You call this music?......Ohhhh...going numb.....losing...all feeling in my...can't...mind getting...foggy...ZZZZZZZ"
"Doctor, the patient is ready for the operation."