Why don't they make a dedicated iPod just for...

Sorry - should have clarified... Primarily to listen with headphones. However, I would like the ability to plug it into my home system for low level listening, parties, etc.

Just because it says "video" doesn't mean you have to use it for that purpose.

Right - but I feel like I'm paying for something that I won't be using. Also, isn't it possible that an all audio version would have a better DAC than an audio/video version?

Thanks again!

Apple did have one like that, the 4th gen 40GB wheel click model. I bought one a couple years ago and use it just as you mentioned. However, that unit had hard drive problems which I can verify. The unit will just freeze and you have to wait for the battery to drain before you can use it again.

Since then, Apple has taken the multi-use approach. It makes sense, since it seems the unstoppable trend world-wide is towards small, portable multi-communication/entertainment devices.

We music only lovers are a minority.

Right - but I feel like I'm paying for something that I won't be using. Also, isn't it possible that an all audio version would have a better DAC than an audio/video version?

Holy cow, where to begin? You're paying for a 30/60 GB hard drive. When you buy a hard drive for your computer, do you look around for one that CAN'T be used for things you don't need???

As for the DAC, get over it. Really, really good DAC chips cost less than $1 apiece when purchased in the quantities that Apple does. And the DAC in the iPod is a really, really good DAC. Don't take my word for it. Take John Atkinson's: "The iPod's measured behavior is better than many CD players."