I’ve always been an electronic gadget late bloomer. I tend to be a good couple of years behind everyone else when it comes to new technology adoption. The reasons are varied but most of the time it is due to one of the following: ignorance, stubbornness, perceived lack of need,  or lack of funds.

So when everyone I knew was running around with IPODs and MP3 players strapped to their bodies like they were miniature colostomy bags they needed in order to survive, I resisted the trend for all four of those reasons. Hell, it took me a couple years of  MP3’s existence to realize people weren’t talking about a new Star Wars movie character. What? R2D2 has a cousin? Does C-3PO know about this? Seriously folks, I am the technology straggler of all time!

So I came to the game late, and when I saw people wearing them during their workouts, I thought why oh why would I want to close myself off to the enchanting world and the beauty of the sounds that surround me?

Gym Dork. That’s why. When I switched to a new gym I found out what you gals have known all along. Mobile music devices are a license to ignore people that annoy you. Those little contraptions are a permission slip to be oblivious to anyone and everyone during that one sliver of time in your day when you want to enter your cocoon and not be bothered. I will don the electronic colostomy bag for that, any ol’ day! The inability to hear the Hulk Hogan - wannabe telling you with a perverted smile that you’ve got good “form” wink wink, while he’s watching your ass at the squat machine,  means you don’t have to respond or even acknowledge him. Wearing a Nano is essentially, a walking Do Not Disturb Sign!

Since we believe all of you deserve a little cocoon time, we are offering up our reviews of the latest and greatest portable music devices that we feel are best for wearing while working out. I’m including a pricing guide, because if you aren’t used to buying techno gadgets you may not have a clue what they run. (And because I like typing dollar signs). Mind you, I’m technology illiterate so I’m only giving you input based on my criteria for selection, which has very little to do with technical aspects. If you want the low down on technical minutia, check out this link at Ask The Editors:

F.A.T. Suzy’s Picks:

1. $$ First Generation IPOD  NANO - The people at IPOD can invent shorter and wider versions all they want; I’m still going to be a fan of my tall and skinny first love. It’s great because it is less cumbersome to wear on your arm than the wider ones, and buying a new style would require paying for another arm band. Other benefits are the screen that allows you to see the song titles so you can find the exact song you need  to get you through that last set of reps! 

2. $$$ Apple IPOD 20 GB, fourth generation GB means giga bytes, but in my mind it means Gazillion Billion. (Flash back to fourth grade) Okay, I’m back. In other words, it holds a lot of freaking songs. More than you’ll need for twenty workouts! I’m thinking an extreme distance runner like Michelle could get to Ethiopia and back without hearing a song twice with this thing. Personally though, I don’t like the width of it.

3.$$  MP3 4 GB Zune – Roughly the size of the first generation NANO, which appeals to me. Plus, it comes in many color choices. Variety is the spice of life! I like the pink!

F.A.T. Michelle’s Pick:

4. $ Apple 2GB Second Generation IPOD shuffle -  It is so tiny that it doesn’t get in the way. It clips onto a shirt or waist band which is a great option if you don’t like wearing the arm bands. It comes in all sorts of cute colors. She especially likes the pink of course!

Fit After Thirty Bonus Picks:

5. $$$ These items go under the what will they think of next category. This truly is like something out of Star Wars. The Oakley Thump Pro is a pair of sunglasses with the MP3 player and headphones built  in. These are perfect for anyone who cycles or for anyone wishing to look like a secret agent man while working out.

 6. $$ And for the swimmer: Finis SwiMP3, a waterproof player that uses bone-conduction  technology to relay sound waves to your ears. Can you say George Jetson and his boy Elroy! (And while you’re at it throw in daughter Judy, wife Jane, and Astro the dog) BONE CONDUCTION, people! I for one, don’t want my bones conducted, but knock yourselves out! My swimmer friend loves it!

7.$$$ Just when you thought Sony Walkman was synonymous with 80’s, watch out: Sony S2 Sports Walkman, is a cigar-shaped player with a built-in pedometer and the ability to calculate calories burned. And when I say cigar-shaped, it literally looks like you could smoke it!  It includes clip-on headphones reducing ear adjustments.

8. $  2GB RCA Jet, includes sport headphones, an FM tuner and both an arm- and wristband–all for just $65.

9. The Nike+iPod Sport Kit, is used with the IPOD NANO and has a Bluetooth pedometer and fitness tracking software for recording results.

There is no #10. Get over it.

The Wallet Buster Guide:

$    Budget Conscious option – Under $100.00

$$  Between $100.00 and $200.00

$$$ Over $200.00