I-pod/MP3 pro's & con's ?

One more point to consider. The issue with iPods and other hard drive devices is ONLY a problem at high altitudes if you turn it on. If you leave it off, there is no likelihood of damage to the hard drive. Since you probably won't be spending weeks at high altitudes and can probably survive for a couple of days without music or storing photos (especially if you use SD cards), you can still safely bring an iPod or other hard drive device with you.

Ruth

good point ruth. My ipod is often sitting forlorn while I am loitering above 4000m.

is it just ipods and creative harddrive players that get problems above 3000 metres? what about regular laptops and pocket PCs?