Looking for a way to justify an iPod under the tree? That’s easy, once you know what an iPod can do.

Any iPod can sync to your computer and act as a backup or transfer device (size is your only limit), but for the greatest flexibility, you’ll want the real thing—the granddaddy eponymous iPod rather than its smaller siblings the iPod Shuffle or the iPod Nano.

Hear It
It starts out simple—built-in calendars, contacts, and other extras are convenient. No mouse to worry about—the click wheel on the front is the sole navigation tool.

Beyond tunes, there is plenty of information available to fill your listening needs. Download historic speeches (www.americanrhetoric.com), audio books (www.audible.com), family history podcasts (www.eogn.com or www.genealogyguys.com). Look for downloadable language lessons and brush up on French or German. Pick up a transmitting device and shuck the earbuds in favor of listening through a car (or other) stereo.

Say It
You can also use your iPod as a recording device. Whether your iPod is older generation or brand-new, you can find a microphone like the iTalk or the XtremeMac Micro Memo Digital Voice Recorder that lets you record oral interviews and other sounds directly to your iPod. Transfer the data back to your computer whenever it’s convenient.

Watch It
Depending on the model, an iPod can hold up to 25,000 photos. To get photos to your iPod, drag and drop them via photo software or iTunes or invest in a gadget like the iPod Camera Connector that lets you forego the computer and load images directly from camera to iPod.

Roll It
Twenty years ago, my father transferred his old Super 8 film to video. I recently moved the videos to DVD, and I dropped a few of them on my iPod. I never knew that watching my parents cut their wedding cake at their 1945 wedding could be so astonishing until I realized I could do so whenever and wherever I wanted with my iPod.

Import video files like you do photo files. If you don’t want everyone crowding around the tiny iPod screen, plug the iPod into a computer for playback through iTunes or find an accessory option that lets you transmit—either via cables or otherwise—the images to a television screen. You and your iPod will be the hit of the party, or at least the
family reunion.

Laura G. Prescott can be reached at www.lauraprescott.com.