I bought my daughter an iPod Mini a year or so ago and it never leaves her side. It integrates perfectly with the iTunes on my home computer, sorts by folders of artists, is totally reliable given the hammering it gets (as mentioned by Lancashire Lad above) and has an excellent sound.

I agree with NormanD though about the theft issue. My daughter (then 17) and 5'2" was mugged last summer in the city centre by a bunch of four yobbos who snatched her iPod and ran off. Being rendered totally incandescent, her normally shy disposition turned to one of a raging bull and she ran after them and caught up and snatched it back. The torrent of high-speed and high-volume abuse and personal deprecation they were then subjected to caused these big brave lads to turn tail and run off empty-handed. Whilst being intensely proud of my "have-a-go" newly-feisty daughter it does, however, illustrate an important personal security risk of wearing such a fashionable device.

Peace

moo