Well, it depends on how much music and where you will be mostly using it. If you travel a lot, and need the battery life,, but don't neccersarily need a lot of space get a mini(the 6gig I would suggest). But if you want the space get the ipod. I woulnd't reccommend the photo on an economic resaoning. You will be spending a lot more for the photo, for what? color and you can see pictures? That is what laptops are for. But if you absolutely neeed the extra space and have a lot of money get the ipod photo. You just gotta say to your self...what will I be using this for/ when?
edit: Sorry, I just re-read your post. I would go for the regular iPod. I have had no problems with it. And I see no use for the photo...other then it being kinda good looking(the color screen that is). However the photo's are considerably bulker.