"If it ain't broke, don't fix it" does not apply in the world of MP3 players. No matter how great a portable player is, its manufacturer is constantly looking for ways to improve it. Apple is no exception. That's how we got the first generation of the iPod™ mini — it was a more colorful, smaller version of their phenomenally popular iPod.

Never used an iPod? Then you're probably wondering what all the hubbub is about. The iPod is arguably the most popular MP3 player available, thanks to its user-friendly interface, its spare, elegant look, and its seamless integration with Apple's much-loved iTunes® Music Store.

If you read the Advisor's review of the original iPod mini, you know it was a big hit as far as we were concerned. Now Apple has released a second-generation mini in two versions: 4GB and 6GB. We wondered, how have they improved this generation of the mini? And are two more gigs of memory worth the extra cost of the 6GB model ($50)? To find out, I tested a silver 6GB player.

Interface and controls
The second-generation iPod mini is more like the first-generation model than it is different. It can play all the same file formats, with the addition of Apple Lossless, a high-quality codec that preserves all the original track's sound quality. The interface is still a joy to use, and the Click Wheel is still a clever way of offering lots of functions using a small space. (My 14-year-old brother, upon using it for the first time, pronounced it "wicked.")

A few Menu items, like "Shuffle Songs," "Backlight," and "Now Playing," are more easily accessible on this iPod mini's slightly modified interface, because they appear on the top level of the Menu. This is a plus, since the new placement of these items doesn't complicate navigation. One Menu function new to the mini is the ability to speed up and slow down audiobook play — a handy feature if you want to listen to books in less time.

Colors
While the previous generation of the mini was available in five colors, the current mini comes in only four — blue, pink, green, and silver (gold is no longer available). But the new mini's colors are a bit brighter, and the "button" labels on the Click Wheel now match the player's finish, giving it a brighter, fresher look. I must confess, it was fun to walk around the neighborhood with this iPod— its color makes it slightly more conspicuous than the older model … perfect for showing off.

Along with silver, the iPod mini comes in eye-catching green, pink, and blue.

Charging and connections
The current iPod mini boasts longer battery life than the previous model: 18 hours between charges instead of eight. That's good news, since you can spend less time charging your iPod and more time listening to it. As far as computer connections go, the current mini includes only a USB 2.0 cable, omitting its predecessor's FireWire® interface. You also won't find an AC adapter/charger in the box with this model: it charges via its connection to your computer's USB 2.0 port.

I actually prefer this method to using a separate computer interface and charger — it's much simpler. And not having a FireWire cable in the box further simplifies setup, since I didn't have to wonder which interface to use. (But if you need to connect via FireWire, don't fret; a cable is available separately.)

The belt clip and optional accessories
The new iPod mini, like the original, includes a sturdy little belt clip. I used it to hold the player as I walked, and I never had to worry about the mini coming loose and falling to the ground (horrors!). If it had, though, chances are the aluminum body would have weathered the fall nicely.

If you're interested in buying separate accessories like a Dock, case, or in-line remote for your mini, you'll be happy to know that the player's compatible with virtually all the same products that worked with the first-generation mini. So there are already lots of cool gadgets out there to help you customize your iPod mini, listen to it in your car, hear it through your home stereo, and more.

Memory options: 6GB vs. 4GB
I mentioned in my review of the earlier iPod mini that I had a music library that occupied around 4.4 GB. Since then, my music library has grown to about 5GB. For me, the extra two gigs you get with the 6GB iPod mini would be well worth it — I'd be able to store all my songs, and still have room left over for adding around 18 more albums. And amazingly, the 6GB iPod mini is just as small and lightweight as the 4GB version!

But even if your music library takes up less than 4GB, consider this: the iPod mini can be used as an external hard drive to store text documents, photos, videos, or any other files that you want to back up or move from one computer to another (however, you can't view photos or watch videos on the mini's LCD). Six gigs is a pretty handy amount of storage to have on hand (literally) for that purpose. Keep your three- or four-gig music collection on the iPod mini, and use the extra storage space to back up and transfer files. For example, by my count, I could back up about 1,000 photos (at a 4-megapixel resolution) per gigabyte.

That said, people with truly gigantic music collections (i.e., people who own more music than I do) may benefit from a higher-capacity iPod. The current white iPods offer 20GB or more of storage. If you want to carry more than 6GB of music with you, and if you don't need the mini's smaller size or splashier colors, you should probably consider one of these "classic" iPod models.

"If it ain't broke … make it better"
Let's sum up the differences between the current iPod mini and its predecessor. The new version adds:

• playback of high-quality Apple Lossless files
• slightly easier navigation of its interface
• longer battery life
• simpler computer connectivity and charging
• a brighter finish

I don't see a downside to any of the features in that list!

As for the 6GB model, Apple has pulled off quite a feat in adding two gigabytes more memory without adding any extra bulk to the iPod mini's slight form. Plus, the extra 2 gigs are well worth the $50 price difference. All in all, the new iPod mini is definitely a winner.