How well does the Ipod (with HDD) perform while working out? Or should I go with the nano?

I have a 30GB video and do a lot of jogging with it... it hasn't skipped at all. Of course, there's always a possibilty it will skip since there's moving parts inside the hard drive... but they're rated to withstand a lot of stress. Nanos have solid state memory, which has no moving parts and will never skip what-so-ever. I would go with the video for its price per gigabyte advantage, but it's really up to your music library size because neither of 'em skip.

You want to go with the nano. not because of the skip factor, but because if you are exercising, movement will cause more stress on a regular iPod.

Keep in mind that there is a disc spinning inside and every time you jostle it around, it will do more damage to the iPod.

If you insist on getting a 30 or 60, be sure to get an AppleCare Protection Plan (it will save you *** and make the person you buy it from happy)

As far as skip protection goes, they work equally well. I have a brand new 60gb video, and i've dropped that ting from about 4 feet, and it doesnt skip on impact. BAsically theres no way to make em skip. The nano has the size advantage, as its so small and light, its much less obtrusive if you wanted to put it on your arm or something, but beyone that they're the same.

If your workouts are strenuous, you should go with the nano. Not only are you freed from the risk of it skipping, but it will be smaller and easier to carry. Make sure to get an appropriate carrying case for it, too.

My 3rd gen hasn't skipped yet, but I don't run very much with it.