MP3 player - anyone tried one of these?

[TTT]

http://www.neoseeker.com/resourcelink.html?rlid=85892

All you guys seem to talk about ipods a lot, but does anyone have any other recommendations for good flash memory players?

[fen2zla]

Those one's look pretty good.
I just bought the cheapest one I could find. It's 128MB and cost me about $80 Australian from DSE. But then again I wasn't looking for too much quality. All I wanted was something that I could take with me when I was jogging etc. I also didn't want to spend too much money on it in case it fell out of my pocket and broke. It does the job nicely.

[ericg]

I have a Creative MuVo Tx FM 256mb. Got it at wallmart for $100. It can also be used as portable storage device (can save any type of file to it). File transfer is easy - plug it in to a usb port and you are on your way. software isnt necessary.

[ryuage]

dont skimp, get the ipod :)

[Sinep]

I have an iRiver with 1gig of flash memory... I am more than satisfied with it. I like that it is flash memory, so the player is really small and that it comes with an armband which is sweet for when you go running or training.

[VasDeferens]

I have a Creative MuVo Tx FM 256mb. Got it at wallmart for $100. It can also be used as portable storage device (can save any type of file to it). File transfer is easy - plug it in to a usb port and you are on your way. software isnt necessary.

yup. muvo is a good choice.
iRiver has built in FM tuner and recorder.

[ectx]

I have an iPod. I love it...so much I run with a Nike PSA or Rio Sport (got rid of the PSA, then got a Sport for a gift and decided to keep it because I don't want my new iPod to go through the abuse I put my old iPod through). Both the PSA and the sport are rubberized and fairly durable. My PSA had about 128 mb, my Rio Sport has about 1/2 a gig. I can't wait for the Apple flashPod to come out in the spring. Anyhow, if you're using the flash player to work out I say go with something durable like the PSA or the Sport. They're meant to go jogging with and can handle your nostril dissolving sweat.

[ericg]

I have an iPod. I love it...so much I run with a Nike PSA or Rio Sport (got rid of the PSA, then got a Sport for a gift and decided to keep it because I don't want my new iPod to go through the abuse I put my old iPod through). Both the PSA and the sport are rubberized and fairly durable. My PSA had about 128 mb, my Rio Sport has about 1/2 a gig. I can't wait for the Apple flashPod to come out in the spring. Anyhow, if you're using the flash player to work out I say go with something durable like the PSA or the Sport. They're meant to go jogging with and can handle your nostril dissolving sweat.

Course you dont have to worry about that. It all gets absorbed by your hair. :alcoholic

[ectx]

Why's it always got to be about the hair? I say we pick on anthony instead...or better yet, elPietro.

[SteveEU]

I have an Acer 256mb player. Takes one AAA size battery and lasts for weeks. It cost £130...the only let down were the headphones, so i replaced them with sony fones...The original fones had a radio built in, but i didn't use it. Most of the stuff on UK commercial radio is crap anyway.

[theperfectbeast]

i agree with ryu...dont skimp, those things are over 100 dollars! for another hundred dollars you can get 15-20 GB in an iPod or a Dell DJ which i have. the iPod as well as the DJ have good armbands to use when working out or running. flash memory is cool if you dont want more than a few albums but id rather have a few hundred

[TTT]

Thanks for the replies people.

fen2zla: I'm thinking about getting a lower-priced one, not sure yet.

ericg: Does that creative machine support USB 2.0?

ryuage: I was certainly considering it. But the main thing I'd use it for is working out, and I don't think anything can come close to flash memory for size and shock-resistance.

Sinep: Do you think it's worth getting an armband? Can you use it when you're at the gym, or just for running? Of course, with my 30" arms, it could get a little bit tight :)

VasDef: I think the one I put the link to has a tuner too.

ectx: How's the sound on those Nike players?

SteveEU: Yeah I think the headphones that come with most players are probably sub-standard. I've got tons of spares though

perfectbeast: I have certainly thought about that. Flash memory is damned expensive per MB.

I'm going to wait till next year anyway, I think flash memory manufacturers are probably going to pull out all the stops so they can compete with the microdrives.
But thanks for all your opinions.

[Paul Stagg]

I've got a Rio Cali Sport. The headphones suck, but other than that, I like it.

[ericg]

TTT - im 99% sure it does.

go to: cnet.com - they have an aweomse amount of mp3 player reviews amongst other electronic items.

[TTT]

I've actually checked out that site already ericg. But thanks.

Another thing: Does anyone find they hit their players if they're in their pockets, while they're lifting weights/carrying weights around, etc? And on a scale of 1-10, how inconvenient do you guys find it to carry them around and lift with them in (plus have headphones in, cords dangling, etc.)? Do you put them in your pockets at all? And would you recommend players with those in-cord volume/track adjustment/display thingies? Or do those just get in the way?

[VasDeferens]

no problems at all. player in your shorts/pants pockets. the cable runs underneath your shirt to your headphones.

[ectx]

Thanks for the replies people.
ectx: How's the sound on those Nike players?


They're made by Phillips. The sound is pretty good, but not as good as the iPod's...but then again, the iPod has really good DA converters.... The headphones that come with it aren't bad, but an easy way to improve the sound is to buy better headphones.

Best of luck.

[ElPietro]

I must recommend the iRiver. Everyone talks features, but not sound quality. I've been very impressed with mine. Believe it's the 790T. Comes with really good headphones, 256 mb, and doesn't bother me while working out with it in my pocket.

Another thing that worried me that I thought was a problem with many mp3 players, was that the volume levels even at max might not be very loud. I don't think I've ever had mine past half volume and it's REALLY loud there. So you will definitely not be disappointed with the sound quality and volume levels if you get this one. One AA battery and they last a long time. Plus it has an FM tuner in case that is a requirement. Cheaper mp3 players generally don't come with that. Some gyms have tvs setup where you can tune in via FM, so that is something you might want to think about.

[TTT]

Ok, thanks guys...

Can't wait till boxing day to check out prices :)

[Sinep]

What ElPietro said.
For the armband, it is the absolute perfect accessory for working out, with it my mp3 player is never in the way. Like you said though, the only problem is sometime if my arms get too pumped then I have to move it toward my elbow to let my blood circulate. If your arms are bigger than 17-18 then it would be a problem. In any case there's always the neckstrap. I was originally gonna get an iPod but then I changed my mind because:
- armband
- battery life (40h vs 8h)
- smaller
- flash
- 1gig more than enough for me
- cheaper
- wanting to be like ElPietro

[TTT]

- wanting to be like ElPietro

:) Me too. :smoke:


By the way, I was joking about the arms. I doubt if mine would be 13". Haha

[TTT]

dont skimp, get the ipod :)


I've been hunting around post-Christmas. Ipods are still over $400 for the minis, something like $600 for the 20gb and $800 for the 40gb's. It's absolutely ridiculous - I've looked at the US and Canadian Apple websites and they're at least $100-$200 cheaper. I can't see how they can justify that much of a price difference with the approximately 0.8-0.9 exchange rate for the NZ-CAN dollar. So, I'm not too impressed with that.
Also, has anyone had any problems with the built-in batteries?
Some of those smaller flash players are starting to look good. Apart from the prices :)

[GMCtrk]

I've been hunting around post-Christmas. Ipods are still over $400 for the minis, something like $600 for the 20gb and $800 for the 40gb's. It's absolutely ridiculous - I've looked at the US and Canadian Apple websites and they're at least $100-$200 cheaper. I can't see how they can justify that much of a price difference with the approximately 0.8-0.9 exchange rate for the NZ-CAN dollar. So, I'm not too impressed with that.
Also, has anyone had any problems with the built-in batteries?
Some of those smaller flash players are starting to look good. Apart from the prices :)

WTF? I bought my mini in about august. Even got a nice student discount. Walked out the door for $229. Best decision I ever made. The IPOD is wonderful, the best thing about it is the build quality. This thing is so solid.

[ElPietro]

Built in battery I would consider to be a "con" as well. They eventually lose charge, and considering the notorious battery life I've already heard of on many of the hard drive players, I'd be somewhat reluctant in that sense.

TTT, I'm not sure where you are getting your price quotes from, iPod mini is $334 canadian pesos at futureshop, assuming you are in canada. If you are in the states then it would probably be under $300 right now.

Of course, wanting to be like me is the ultimate goal, so the path is clearly laid before you. ;)

[GMCtrk]

Built in battery I would consider to be a "con" as well. They eventually lose charge, and considering the notorious battery life I've already heard of on many of the hard drive players, I'd be somewhat reluctant in that sense.



Built in battery kicks ass! I use my mini every day and it still holds charge just as good as the day I bought it. All I have to do is plug the darn thing in at night. Never have to worry about buying expensive batteries every few days. Sure, eventually, the battery will have to be replaced. But by that time I probably will have bought a new mp3 player anyways due to the change in technology

[ElPietro]

Built in battery kicks ass! I use my mini every day and it still holds charge just as good as the day I bought it. All I have to do is plug the darn thing in at night. Never have to worry about buying expensive batteries every few days. Sure, eventually, the battery will have to be replaced. But by that time I probably will have bought a new mp3 player anyways due to the change in technology

Every few days? For $20 you can have two sets of rechargeables and a charger, so I don't see how this is an issue. But built in lithium or whatever type it takes do lose charge after a while, as do all batteries. Anyone with a cell phone can tell you that much anyway.

But what if you forget to plug it in? Or what if something happens to your charger or you lose it? Conventional or rechargeable batteries can be bought anywhere, so there is some more flexibility there.

Type of battery isn't THAT big of an issue, I'd say how long it goes without requiring charge is more important. On that front flash players will generally win out every time. But it's still not a huge issue.

[Gyno Rhino]

Anybody want an iPod???

20GB storage capacity, in box, unopened.

Got one for Xmas - have no use for it.

[ElPietro]

Why don't you return it and get full refund cash dumbass! Xmas time many stores will take it back sans receipt. I'm pretty sure walmart will.

[Gyno Rhino]

If you know of any place I can get cash back, lemmie know. Will WalMart really just take it back and give a cash refund? Every store I know of will give store credit.

[ElPietro]

I'm almost 100% sure. I know a guy last year on my hockey team that won a digital camera in some draw, and he went I believe to walmart and got cash value for it when returned.

Try places like walmart or bestbuy. I don't even think you have to even lean on them.

[ectx]

Built in battery I would consider to be a "con" as well. They eventually lose charge, and considering the notorious battery life I've already heard of on many of the hard drive players, I'd be somewhat reluctant in that sense.

TTT, I'm not sure where you are getting your price quotes from, iPod mini is $334 canadian pesos at futureshop, assuming you are in canada. If you are in the states then it would probably be under $300 right now.

Of course, wanting to be like me is the ultimate goal, so the path is clearly laid before you. ;)


price is from apple.com Under Educational Pricing. It's $229 US. $249 is there non-ed. pricing.

Also the mini and iPod are set louder than most MP3 players...partly because Steve Jobs is a little deaf and asked the iPod team to make the MP3 player louder.

[Rik-s]

Check this out, i personally found it quite interesting.... http://news.com.com/HMV+taps+Microsoft+for+help+with+music+service/2100-1027_3-5501032.html?part=rss&tag=5501032&subj=news.1027.20

[TTT]

Built in battery I would consider to be a "con" as well. They eventually lose charge, and considering the notorious battery life I've already heard of on many of the hard drive players, I'd be somewhat reluctant in that sense.

TTT, I'm not sure where you are getting your price quotes from, iPod mini is $334 canadian pesos at futureshop, assuming you are in canada. If you are in the states then it would probably be under $300 right now.

Of course, wanting to be like me is the ultimate goal, so the path is clearly laid before you. ;)

I'm in New Zealand, but I am going to be heading back to Canada next year.... the only problem with that is, I think I'd have to buy another power adaptor to charge it over here (because we use 240V) so that would probably pretty much cancel out the price difference.... but those figures were not typos for the prices :)

[TTT]

Check this out, i personally found it quite interesting.... http://news.com.com/HMV+taps+Microsoft+for+help+with+music+service/2100-1027_3-5501032.html?part=rss&tag=5501032&subj=news.1027.20

Thanks for that, that was interesting.
And it was another point I forgot to ask about - do any of you use online music stores? And have you had any problems with compatibility?
If I already have a whole bunch of MP3's on my computer, (not bought from stores), I can use those on an iPod or another player right?

[GMCtrk]

price is from apple.com Under Educational Pricing. It's $229 US. $249 is there non-ed. pricing.

Also the mini and iPod are set louder than most MP3 players...partly because Steve Jobs is a little deaf and asked the iPod team to make the MP3 player louder.

thats interesting, I always thought the mini was too quiet, but I never take it over 50% volume anyways :cool:

[Gyno Rhino]

I'm almost 100% sure. I know a guy last year on my hockey team that won a digital camera in some draw, and he went I believe to walmart and got cash value for it when returned.

Try places like walmart or bestbuy. I don't even think you have to even lean on them.

No dice.

[TTT]

Sell it on ebay!

[Gyno Rhino]

That's the plan, mate. I'd prefer to have an established seller sell it, though - they draw higher prices and less scammers.

[Sinep]

FYI, a recent press release says iRiver will attempt to gain more market share of MP3 players by significantly reducing the price of their player.

[TTT]

Ok, thanks. I got an iPod mini though :) I just decided, what the he11.

[Sinep]

Ok fine. Don't come crying to us later. ;) jk Either way you couldn't go wrong.