Best mp3 players

[Raxo]

What are the best options for an mp3 player with over 20GB?

I'm looking to buy one but I don't know if there are other options beside the iPod and the Zune.

Also feel free to mention any smaller ones that are worth the money

[hzac]

Price range?

[Raxo]

Around $250 or lower

[hzac]

It really depends on what size you want (actual dimensions) aswell as at what features you want? If its just for music then There is no point getting something with a large screen and a fancy display.

[Mirrorman]

I love my creative zen. You can buy it up to 32gb. Plus you can put SD cards in it so it adds like 8gb at this moment or even more when they come up with better ones.
It has good quality sound, its as big as a credit card and really thin.
Don't have a bad word about it.
Although the 32gb one is around 280-300$ so I don't know if it fits for you.

[BlackHood]

I've played with the Archos machines, and they're massive, which is good for monies on a train, but not great for a portable MP3 player.

Having said that, I'm about to spend £200 on an iPod touch, simply because of its size, and the fact it has WiFi. At 16GB it will hold the music I have now along with about 10 films, it'll be tight, but I'd rather ditch say 10 albums out of the few hundred that I use regularly simply to have the piece of kit.

I guess its a simple Apple v. PC debate: apples are small and beautiful, but if you're not bothered about that, then Zune and Archos are just as good, without the emphasis on ergonomics.

To summarise that, iPod for form, anything else for function.

EDIT: Forgot about Creative, good quality machines. Sony, tend to try too hard to look good and end up with clunky controls.

[Matterialize]

I have a Creative Zen V Plus 4GB player, and I love it a lot. It's my lil' baby. Cost me about $120. Creative makes a tidy little MP3 player and I highly recommend them.

Frankly, I see people who own these massive 16, 32, 80, 120 gigabyte MP3 players and I can't imagine them ever filling it up. What's more, some people do, and then I can't imagine them listening to every song on the thing more than once. I've had my Zen for almost a year and I've only used about 1GB of its capacity. I kind of pity the people who buy these massive players just so they can rip every album they've ever come across in their entire lives. Big waste of money.

I would also avoid buying an MP3 player if you plan to use it for watching movies. Dunno about other people, but I like my movies on large screens (in the theatre, at people's houses, etc). When I've gone out and have my MP3 player with me, I'm generally going out for a reason and don't have time to waste squinting down at a tiny 3-inch screen for hours anyway.

[Raxo]

I don't plan to use an mp3 player for movie watching, mostly because I don't like watching movies too much.

I like having a big mp3 layer because I do listen to a whole lot of music. I like to have the ability to choose from my library. Everyday I feel like listening to a different album or switching between all the genres and shit. I've listened to every song in my library at least 10 times. I have around 36GB of music.

Right now I have a 2GB mp3 player that I bought for $25 so I really don't think the Creative Zen V Plus would be worth my money. $100 for 2GB more isn't too appealing, but a Creative Zen 32Gb for around $280 sounds very intriguing, alittle more than I can afford but it looks like a good deal.

I'm also not using $400 on an iPod Touch with a lot of features I won't use and less memory than I'm looking for.

[Matterialize]

What MP3 player do you currently have?

[Raxo]

I have a Coby MP300
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41RTxCcykwL._SL500_AA280_.jpg

My bro has a similar one with 1GB and a radio tuner for $21

Not the fanciest piece of hardware, but I saw it at a flea market and picked it up.

[Matterialize]

That's decent for twenty bucks, but the Zen V Plus has a kickass user interface like the iPod's, with scrollable menus and whatnot. You can customize how it looks, the menu colors, use your own custom background images, etc. You can play songs by playlist, artist, album, or just from the master track list. It also does play videos (although it's a bit pointless on this particular model) and it comes with a bunch of other shit like an FM radio and a voice recorder and a calendar/organizer and a clock and whoo fancy crap.

Well, I think it's definitely worth the money - not really for all the bells and whistles I listed up there, but mostly for the great user interface.

[Mr Anorexia]

Even though I've got a Zune, my 4g Creative Zen is still my little baby :hmm:(though I filled it easily FUCK YOU MATT)
http://www.mp3newswire.net/Graphics/6002/zenvplus.jpg
This is probably one of the best players I've had, and it's at a pretty good price. ($100-$120) It's small, and it can take a lot of shit. I highly recommend you get it.

[Beefynick]

I have a Sandisk Sansa e260 (4 GB) and I have no problems with it at all. I use it mainly when I am driving since I drive through states and never can get radio stations. The battery life on it is about 20 hours per charge.

I picked it up for about $200 when it first came out, but now it is around $120.

[patleeman]

I have a gen 1 zune and i like it a lot more than the ipods.

[Matterialize]

(though I filled it easily FUCK YOU MATT)


But 4GB is tiny D: I was talking about those huge capacity players.

Mine's not filled because I usually don't buy albums. I just download specific songs I hear and like.

[opn4bzns]

Frankly, I see people who own these massive 16, 32, 80, 120 gigabyte MP3 players and I can't imagine them ever filling it up. What's more, some people do, and then I can't imagine them listening to every song on the thing more than once. I've had my Zen for almost a year and I've only used about 1GB of its capacity. I kind of pity the people who buy these massive players just so they can rip every album they've ever come across in their entire lives. Big waste of money.

I think the reason people buy big players is that hard drive players are a lot cheaper than flash ones. An 8GB iPod Nano costs the same as a 30GB iPod (well, the last gen ones did, I haven't looked into the new ones), so unless you were really tight for physical space, you'd be pretty stupid to buy the 8GB.

[junglebunny]

I had an iPod and filled it up. Then I lost it I think. I'm getting a Zune.

I have a couple friends that have Zunes and they all piss their pants about how much better they are than iPods. I guess they're better, both are good.

[Loc]

I don't have a mp3 player,rather I have one of the Sony Ericcson walkman phones. It saves you having to carry multiple devices around and you can get up to 8gb memory card. Pretty logical if you ask me. I love it.

[BlakKohm]

I had an iPod and filled it up. Then I lost it I think. I'm getting a Zune.

I have a couple friends that have Zunes and they all piss their pants about how much better they are than iPods. I guess they're better, both are good.

Personally I like the Zune device more than the iPod, but iTumes kicks the Zune Marketplaces' ass, not so much because iTunes is that great, but the zune software is that bad, so much that I don't let my sister sync her zune with my computer.

[TheHighwaySong]

If my Creative Zen Vision: M were to break, I would most definitely get a Zune (as they don't make that model of Creative Zen's anymore :( )

But definitely look into Creative's products. Personally I got it because I just do not like working with the iTunes program. It annoys the fuck out of me. I can't fucking stand it. I just wanted a simple drag and drop mp3 player, (and syncing with WMP is a fucking breeze.)

Like Matt said, it has a very friendly interface as well and comes with alot of functions that you might actually put to use. There's a Creative product to please everyone.

EDIT: I guess I lied, they do still make ZEN Vision: M. Or at least, it's still listed in the Creative website (out of stock though) I guess they just don't sell it in major stores anymore :aaa:

[Red_headed_angel]

My friend got an MP3 which had was similar to the i-pod but cheaper and the i think you could get it in 20GB. It was called a giga-beat and did all mp3 and saved photos and videos and all that crap. Would you want one for playing videos as well or just the music?
Considered an Arcos?

[BKS]

I have the Creative Zen Sleek Photo, 20 GB I believe, and it suits me fine. It was around, 150 I think, but it's serving me good. Sleek, nice to look at, kinda useless with teh photos though.

[Shadow Fyre]

I personally have an 80GB Zune, I like the space, and because I have to go long distances a lot, I actually watch movies on it. (and no it's not hard to look at the screen) I like the zune because it has an awesome interface and the scroll pad (on the 2.0 80GB version) works very well, and I personally like to have a ton of space.

But, if you only want something to use for music, then get something from Creative, I used to have one of their MP3 players, and they're pretty solid and get the job done.

[PyroOwned]

This is the best mp4 player, even if you aren't personally looking for one, other people may be:

Click for picture. (http://www.reviewzine.com/images/mp3player/creative-zen-vision-m.jpg)
CREATIVE ZEN VISION M:
Stylish compact design (104x62x18.9mm) with easy vertical navigation.
30GB hard disk stores up to 15,000 songs* or 120 hours of video.
2.5-inch (51x39mm) screen displays images at 320x240, up to an amazing 262,144 colours!
Supports audio formats WMA (with DRM), MP3, WAV; video formats MPEG (1/2/4), DivX, XviD, WMV; picture format JPG (JPEG). Built-in FM radio and voice recorder.
Output to TV (via optional AV cable).
Battery playtimes up to 14 hours of music or 4 hours of video.

I have one, and the baby's lasted me for ever. Brilliant resistance to being dropped, amazing sound system, good bass setting, the whole lot.

[RessXalcor]

I have one, and the baby's lasted me for ever. Brilliant resistance to being dropped, amazing sound system, good bass setting, the whole lot.

It plays more than MPeg4? FUCK THIS IM getting it.... I cant stand mp4

[BlackHood]

I know you're not a fan of the iPod, but having looked around I've had to decide between an iPod touch, and Archos, and the Archos has won out every time. Cheaper, More space, More functionality, nicer design, larger screen. If you decide to up your budget then well worth considering.

[Sarge51]

Before I had a Zune I had a 4 Gig Rio Player. They're small pretty cool shaped, no color screen, pretty basic. Mine was refurbished and only cost like 100 bucks. (As did my Zune before the one I have right now which was a 30 and now I have an 80.) I believe they stopped producing my Rio though, a long time ago actually. I don't even know if the company makes MP3 players anymore...

http://www.digitalnetworksna.com/images/rio/report/Carbon_main_prod.jpg

[Chaplin]

Man, I have a 30 gig iPod and I love it to death. Simple, easy, and I have an old 30 gig video which you can get now for 150 bucks.

[Jiggz]

I'm currently using a Philips GoGear 2GB MP3/MP4 Player.

http://img504.imageshack.us/img504/1156/lgogear3fh7.jpg

It's pretty cool, despite the relatively limited storage space. I've never used the video player, mostly because the conversion format is hard to find, and the supplied converter only works on a PC.

The music quality is pretty good, it's easy to navigate and good sturdy build quality. And for only around $85 it's good value for money.

[Blackflash]

WHAT MP3 PLAYER HAS THE BEST SQ!?!

[thsabbath]

iPod, because I am a Mac lover (even though I run on PC computers, because I can't afford a Mac), and it's more original. Zunes just are copies, and are more expensive

[Mitwang]

I'm currently using a Philips GoGear 2GB MP3/MP4 Player.

http://img504.imageshack.us/img504/1156/lgogear3fh7.jpg

It's pretty cool, despite the relatively limited storage space. I've never used the video player, mostly because the conversion format is hard to find, and the supplied converter only works on a PC.

The music quality is pretty good, it's easy to navigate and good sturdy build quality. And for only around $85 it's good value for money.

I think Rio got bought out by Sony like 2-3 years ago, so they don't make any more of those mp3 players.

[CharlieH]

This is the best mp4 player, even if you aren't personally looking for one, other people may be:

Click for picture. (http://www.reviewzine.com/images/mp3player/creative-zen-vision-m.jpg)


I have one, and the baby's lasted me for ever. Brilliant resistance to being dropped, amazing sound system, good bass setting, the whole lot.

I second this motion. I have the 30Gb version. Never had a problem with it at all. And it's well within your price range.

Also, for the people talking about why they have movies and stuff on there MP4 players and stuff, It's the best thing for long journeys where you won't have access to a normal T.V. I've filled my Zen up with films.

[Mr Anorexia]

I'm currently using a Philips GoGear 2GB MP3/MP4 Player.

http://img504.imageshack.us/img504/1156/lgogear3fh7.jpg

It's pretty cool, despite the relatively limited storage space. I've never used the video player, mostly because the conversion format is hard to find, and the supplied converter only works on a PC.

The music quality is pretty good, it's easy to navigate and good sturdy build quality. And for only around $85 it's good value for money.
Philips kind of sucks, though. Me and my brother both had Philips players a couple of years ago and they both had something go wrong with them. Mine wouldn't stop freezing and eventually it just wouldn't turn on anymore, and my brothers just froze constantly.

[Ace991]

iPod, because I am a Mac lover (even though I run on PC computers, because I can't afford a Mac), and it's more original. Zunes just are copies, and are more expensive

Right...
Zune 80g: $250
Ipod 80g: $250

I personally own an 80g Zune and bought it about the same time a friend of mine bought an Iphone, probably 3 months ago. Since then he has already had to send his in for repair while mine is running as well as it did the day I got it.

I find the Zune a lot more effective at doing what you want than an Ipod Classic. Its really easy to sort through thousands of songs, and really simple. Wireless sharing is awesome if you have friends that have Zunes. I know that you said you weren't really interested in video but one thing to point out with the Zune is that its small and easy control system allows for a screen almost twice the size in area of an Ipod's.

[SODA]

I want to get I nice fat zune for movies and music, but mostly to have as a portable harddrive like a giant thumb drive for bringing things I need with me.

[Jiggz]

Philips kind of sucks, though. Me and my brother both had Philips players a couple of years ago and they both had something go wrong with them. Mine wouldn't stop freezing and eventually it just wouldn't turn on anymore, and my brothers just froze constantly.

I haven't had any problems with mine. But then again, I don't use it all that often. It doesn't have that pick up and go ease of use that other MP3 players have. It takes a good minute to start up.

[Kaleb]

I want to get I nice fat zune for movies and music, but mostly to have as a portable harddrive like a giant thumb drive for bringing things I need with me.

Why not just get a big fat Jump drive? Yeah the combination is simpler to pack around but still? Like and 8gig?

[TheHighwaySong]

I want to get I nice fat zune for movies and music, but mostly to have as a portable harddrive like a giant thumb drive for bringing things I need with me.
Do the new Zunes give you the ability to use it as an external hard drive? The reason I ultimately chose to get the Creative ZEN was because the first generation Zune's (30gb) didn't let you use it as a hard drive unless you hacked it.

[RessXalcor]

iPod, because I am a Mac lover (even though I run on PC computers, because I can't afford a Mac), and it's more original. Zunes just are copies, and are more expensive

You kinda need to change that, last time I checked retards paid 300+ something dollars just for an 8 gig ipod with a touchscreen, and don't get me started with the Iphone(Which my brother owned 5 times in less than a month, he had to keep returning it because of problems). So you have stated that Macs are expensive, and Zunes are more expensive than Ipods. Apple items tend to be severely expensive, and stupidly useless. How much is the Mac air?
I'd rather own a zune, even though it doesn't contain any annoying music trivia games. Besides I love the radio function, since I listen to the radio constantly

[Gryphon]

http://ipods.techfresh.net/wp-content/uploads/2006/09/ipod-shuffle-2nd-generation.jpg

I enjoy the iPod shuffle, it only holds about 200 songs, which means It'll be filled only with songs I actually would listen to all the time, rather than having 382145639486452 songs on it and only listen to maybe 50. It was only around 80 dollars where I bought it which is a damn good price if you ask me. It's definitely the best MP3 player I've had yet, but I want to buy a Zune once it makes it's way to Canada.

Oh, and most people would complain about how they can't see the name of the song they're listening to cause there's no screen on the shuffle. Last time I checked, and MP3 player is used to listen to music with. If you wanna watch videos and read while listening to music, then buy a video iPod or something. I only need to listen to music so the shuffle is ideal. Plus I dance and workout and it easily just clips onto my shirt, belt loop, or pocket so it doesn't get in the way or fall out of my pocket like a brick if I'm on the treadmill or soemthing, you know?

[junglebunny]

iPod Shuffles are for poor people.

USER WAS PUT IN TIMEOUT FOR THIS POST. (http://forums.explosm.net/eventlog.php)
Reason: Hey, you calling me poor?

[Benjaman]

I have a Sony Walkman. It has 4gb, so I usually don't get random build up of songs I don't actually listen to. It is also capable of playing very good-quality video. I like it, and I believe it's only around $150-200.

[thisiswhoiam]

If your spending around 250 even though you mentioned you didn't like it I have the ipod classic 80 gigabytes for 250 and it holds 20000 songs and i love it

[Raxo]

The reason I didn't want to buy an iPod Classic was because I know several people who've had it be very bad. It was slow, froze, and not in any way better the iPod video, in most cases people said it was worse. I'm now considering buying a video since someone in this thread mentioned how cheap a 30gb one is.

So know I wonder what's a better buy,a 5.5 generation iPod Video 30GB for around $150, an 80GB Zune for $270
or a Creative Zen 32GB for around $300?

I'm talking in terms of how long it will last, the sound quality, user interface, and putting music on it. The iPod is cheap, the Zune is huge, and you guys convinced me to at least look at the Zen. so which is better long term? In comparison to each other.

Also the iPod shuffles are good for doing activity and do recommend them for such people who work out constantly.

[thisiswhoiam]

The reason I didn't want to buy an iPod Classic was because I know several people who've had it be very bad. It was slow, froze, and not in any way better the iPod video, in most cases people said it was worse. I'm now considering buying a video since someone in this thread mentioned how cheap a 30gb one is.

So know I wonder what's a better buy,a 5.5 generation iPod Video 30GB for around $150, an 80GB Zune for $270
or a Creative Zen 32GB for around $300?

I'm talking in terms of how long it will last, the sound quality, user interface, and putting music on it. The iPod is cheap, the Zune is huge, and you guys convinced me to at least look at the Zen. so which is better long term? In comparison to each other.

Also the iPod shuffles are good for doing activity and do recommend them for such people who work out constantly.


im gonna say out of those choices 30gb ipod video it is just more convenient with itunes and buying accesories lie docking stations

[Gryphon]

Also the iPod shuffles are good for doing activity and do recommend them for such people who work out constantly.

Exactly my point as well, good man Raxo. Good man.

[thisiswhoiam]

If i got an ipod shuffle i would lose it it s way too small and not nearly enough memory

[GrapefruitMovin]

One mp3 player that I would not suggest is the Phillips Go Gear series i have one its an 8gb and got for around $150 last year so I'm assuming it will be cheaper if there new model hasn't come out. Reasons why I dislike it the touch sensitive controls are too sensitive from time to time and you can often skip over a song you want to listen to very easily. The firmware on the Go Gear lags incredibly epically when you get to maxim capacity. What bothered me the most is from time to time the mp3 player will erase the entire hard drive which can be very annoying when you are not near your computer. http://www.pacificgeek.com/productimages/xl/HDD1830.jpg

[NVM]

Your best bet is the 30or80GB Ipod video.

Me and a couple of friends own these and none of them have had any problems. Mine is still in almost new condition, not to mention I picked it up for 60 bucks.

[Couch]

Apologies for the thread necro (as I didn't think this warranted yet another thread about MP3 players), but my iPod Video (30GB) is finally crapping out on me and I'm going to find myself in need of an upgrade sometime soon. I was lookin' at the 32GB Creative Zen (Linky Linky (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8891531&productCategoryId=abcat0201010&type=product&tab=1&id=1211587312847#productdetail)), and was just wonderin' if anyone's got any personal experience with this particular device and if they could make any recommendations.

[Lissa]

Get the Zen X-Fi. Just came out.

http://www.epizenter.net/e107_images/newspost_images/zxfius.jpg

* Capacity: 8, 16, and 32GB with SD expansion slot
* Display: 2.5" with 16.7 million colors and 320 x 240 resolution
* Audio: MP3, WMA, AAC (unprotected), WAV, and Audible
* Video: WMV, MPEG4-SP, Divx 4/5, Xvid, and MJPEG
* Built-in X-Fi technology with two effects (Crystallizer and Expand)
* Built-in Wi-Fi for instant messaging (Yahoo! and Windows Live!) and wireless streaming
* FM Tuner and Voice Recorder
* Built-in Speaker
* Premium quality earphones included (ep-830)
* Battery Life: 36 hours for Audio, 5 hours for Video
* Dimensions: 83mm x 55mm x 12.8mm (original ZEN was 83mm x 55mm x 11.3mm)

- epizenter.net

[Mirrorman]

Whoa, I so want the Zen X-Fi now:wail: . I have the regular zen though, its pretty good and I'm pretty sure its alot cheaper than the X-Fi.
Edit- I was mistaken, since the 16gb is 199$ on amazon, that cheaper since I got my 8gb zen for 250$ :indiff: .

[Couch]

Actually yeah, I ended up getting the 16GB X-Fi plus two 8GB SDHC memory cards (cheaper than buying the 32GB version :fmita:). It's great, and I'm lovin' it so far. After having a number of iPods over the years, I can safely say this blows each and every one of 'em out of the water.

[Prawnatron]

Four people in my family have had iPods and they have all broken, so we started getting creative zens and they are as reliable as you are gonna get. Yeah I must admit that they don't have as many features as an iPod, but who cares, you want an MP3 player to play music.

[MistyTehMoose]

I had a 60gig iPod photo that lasted me four years before it conked out. I''m getting a new 80gig because it is definitely the best value for money and they are easy to use.

[Mirrorman]

Four people in my family have had iPods and they have all broken, so we started getting creative zens and they are as reliable as you are gonna get. Yeah I must admit that they don't have as many features as an iPod, but who cares, you want an MP3 player to play music.

Yeah, my mom has a 80gig Ipod she doesnt even ever use. It has games like fucking solitaire. Who wants to play games on their mp3 player :indiff: .

[opn4bzns]

Yeah, my mom has a 80gig Ipod she doesnt even ever use. It has games like fucking solitaire. Who wants to play games on their mp3 player :indiff: .

Unless you're being sarcastic, a lot of people. iTunes has downloadable games for $6 each which are quite popular. I used to play brick and solitaire all the time when I had an iPod.

[Mirrorman]

I wasn't. And wow. I guess I have more reasonable things to do with my money.

[opn4bzns]

I wasn't. And wow. I guess I have more reasonable things to do with my money.

Why is spending less than half the price of a movie ticket for, potentially, hours of entertainment anywhere you can take an ipod unreasonable?

[Mirrorman]

I'm sorry, I just don't get it, if I wanted to play silly little games, I'd play them on my computer, not pay 6$ for them to play them on my ipod, which has one button that makes it boring to play things with. I'm not gonna go on with this, I'd rather not get a TO.

[TheHighwaySong]

That's not the 80gb competitor I was looking for :frown: But it still looks pretty cool! I wonder how the Windows Live messenger works.

EDIT: Ooh, there's one without the LAN for 50 dollars less.
Ah nevermind, it's only 8gb.

[Ivan]

The reason I didn't want to buy an iPod Classic was because I know several people who've had it be very bad. It was slow, froze, and not in any way better the iPod video, in most cases people said it was worse.

I concur, I replaced my 5th generation iPod (white, 30GB) with an iPod touch, and it was actually a rather bad decision. I still believe the 5th gen was the best iPod.

I also think that calling the iPod a mere "MP3 player" is an understatement, it's more of a multimedia player considering it's video and game capabilities.

[MistyTehMoose]

Why in the world would you spend $400 on something with 8gig and a touch screen? Christ.

I just got a new iPod classic, 80 gig. I am trying to drain the battery before I charge it, and its still playing after four hours :S

[Mirrorman]

I concur, I replaced my 5th generation iPod (white, 30GB) with an iPod touch, and it was actually a rather bad decision. I still believe the 5th gen was the best iPod.

I also think that calling the iPod a mere "MP3 player" is an understatement, it's more of a multimedia player considering it's video and game capabilities.

I don't know, my creative zen plays videos and radio, I still call it a mp3 player, not a multimedia player.

[OoooF4LiFe]

I also think that calling the iPod a mere "MP3 player" is an understatement, it's more of a multimedia player considering it's video and game capabilities.

Well then your multimedia player blows cock, in the grand spectrum of electronics.

[AnOddRant]

Wow, i just looked at the zen xi-fi and it looks sexy. I was thinking about getting a zune but zen looks like a better buy.

[OoooF4LiFe]

The X-Fi is like a palm-pilot for people trying to look important. Chances are pretty good that whoever would be interested in a speaker that will blow out and another palm-gadget to instant message on, already has a phone that performs the same functions. Probably with better perks.

It's like everyone's trying to make the new "all in one" gadget, and everyone's making a half-assed product in every respect just to make money. Worse yet, is your buying it.

[Lissa]

Actually, I'd say the X-Fi is for anyone who wants the superb X-Fi sound with a couple extra nice features. Not many phones can substitute for a non-half-assed MP3 player.

[Couch]

Actually, I'd say the X-Fi is for anyone who wants the superb X-Fi sound with a couple extra nice features. Not many phones can substitute for a non-half-assed MP3 player.

As an owner of an X-Fi I'd have to agree. It's really a great player, much better than the half a dozen iPods I've owned over the years, and the extra features do come in handy.

[opn4bzns]

Why in the world would you spend $400 on something with 8gig and a touch screen? Christ.

So you could use the internet anywhere where there's wifi and all the apps from the app store, as well as the screen being excellent for videos.
That and the excellent visual design don't justify the $400 pricetag, but it's a pretty neat little device.

[Ivan]

Why in the world would you spend $400 on something with 8gig and a touch screen? Christ.

I just got a new iPod classic, 80 gig. I am trying to drain the battery before I charge it, and its still playing after four hours :S

Have you used an iPod touch before? It's almost a miniature computer; although it's definitely overpriced when you consider the storage and that the touch screen seems like the main gimmick, it's still incredibly well put together (even if, as I've stated, it isn't the best iPod that's been available). Mobile Safari and Mail are incredible, as is the YouTube app (mainly because viewing YouTube in the Safari browser is quite unbearable). I've only just started using the iTunes Wi Fi store, but it's great for when I can't get to the computer. It's also got the nicest screen out of any iPod, and looks great to watch videos on. The best thing about the software update that just came out is the App Store, so that third party apps can be officially installed onto the iPod. There's a lot of really good apps; games, social networking (mobile versions of MySpace, Facebook, etc, so you don't have to screw around with zooming and scrolling around in Safari just to find something), one I really like allows you to control iTunes on the computer (yes, it defeats the purpose of the Apple remote that came with my computer, but it's handy considering it has a screen and means I don't have to move through different windows on the computer to see what track I want to listen to). Even using one for ten minutes doesn't do it justice, there's just so much you can use it for, and in the eight months I've had it I'm still only just finding certain features on it.

[opn4bzns]

mainly because viewing YouTube in the Safari browser is quite unbearable

Doesn't Safari mobile lack flash, meaning that it's not only unbearable, it's impossible?

[Ivan]

Indeed it does lack flash, which is an enormous pain. Even if it did have it, though, viewing YouTube would be awful considering the layout of the main site.

[MistyTehMoose]

I understand the perks, but it nowhere near justifies the huge cost.

[OoooF4LiFe]

Like I said before, I would call it a feature-lacking palm pilot before I call it an MP3 player. I rate an MP3 player based on music. Video is a perk, but only if your looking for it. Radio is a plus.

I don't need my MP3 player to look up my stocks and save cutsie pictures so I can look at them at work.

[Ivan]

I will say the audio quality itself is a major downside, there is such a reduction in quality when compared to the 5th gen iPods.

[opn4bzns]

I understand the perks, but it nowhere near justifies the huge cost.

Well, it is an Apple product. The rest of the iPods are reasonably priced, but given how much more expensive Macs are than PCs, it's surprising they all aren't more.

[MistyTehMoose]

Well, it is an Apple product. The rest of the iPods are reasonably priced, but given how much more expensive Macs are than PCs, it's surprising they all aren't more.

My Mac was relatively cheap. I have a macbook and it was $1700AU, which compared to other laptops with similar specs was quite reasonable. I don't believe apple overprices any more then Microsoft does. The reason PCs are cheaper is because we can buy the components and make it ourselves. There's also the fact that Macs use exclusive hardware and stuff.

[opn4bzns]

My Mac was relatively cheap. I have a macbook and it was $1700AU, which compared to other laptops with similar specs was quite reasonable. I don't believe apple overprices any more then Microsoft does. The reason PCs are cheaper is because we can buy the components and make it ourselves. There's also the fact that Macs use exclusive hardware and stuff.

Well, comparing the way Apple prices things with the way Microsoft do is a bit weird as Apple are primarily a hardware company, and Microsoft don't make computers at all, but let's compare a Macbook like yours with a Dell, since they're pretty much your average prebuilt PCs.

(all prices are au$)
Macbook: $1,729.00
2.1ghz Intel Core2 Duo cpu
1280x800 lcd
2gb ram
160gb HD

Dell Insprion 1525: $936
2.1ghz Intel Core2 Duo cpu
1280x800 lcd
2gb ram
160gb HD

Given the specs are practically identical, I'd say the Mac costing nearly $800 more counts as overpriced.
Edit: Apple don't use exclusive hardware anymore, they haven't since they stopped using G5 processors. The only exclusive things are the admittedly excellent designs and OS X.

[Ivan]

I paid $1598 for my 20" iMac. Considering my last computer was a PC with 512MB of RAM (a pain to run Windows XP on, IMO) and an 80GB hard drive, I wasn't bothered paying 'extra' for something that had 250GB hard drive and twice as much memory, as well as the great designs and OS X like mentioned.

My Mac was relatively cheap. I have a macbook and it was $1700AU, which compared to other laptops with similar specs was quite reasonable.

My sister's 17" laptop cost barely the price of a bottom of the line MacBook.

[Derelict]

I only use my MP3 player in my car for music when I'm driving. I don't understand all these people who use them to watch movies. Like Matterialize I like to watch my films on screens over a couple inches wide. However, unlike Matterialize, I actually filled all 16gb of my Creative Zen and have listened to every song at least three times. It's more interesting on a long drive hearing something different for six hours, as opposed to listening to the same hour of music again and again.
The Creative Zen I have was $175 at the time but I don't know how much they are now (got it for Christmas). I really like it, and I haven't had a single problem with it yet. Definitely recommend it.

[MistyTehMoose]

Well, comparing the way Apple prices things with the way Microsoft do is a bit weird as Apple are primarily a hardware company, and Microsoft don't make computers at all, but let's compare a Macbook like yours with a Dell, since they're pretty much your average prebuilt PCs.

(all prices are au$)
Macbook: $1,729.00
2.1ghz Intel Core2 Duo cpu
1280x800 lcd
2gb ram
160gb HD

Dell Insprion 1525: $936
2.1ghz Intel Core2 Duo cpu
1280x800 lcd
2gb ram
160gb HD

Given the specs are practically identical, I'd say the Mac costing nearly $800 more counts as overpriced.
Edit: Apple don't use exclusive hardware anymore, they haven't since they stopped using G5 processors. The only exclusive things are the admittedly excellent designs and OS X.
I hate Dell, but I am willing to concede defeat in that area.

The iPods are still fairly priced, except for the iPod touch.

[chiko23]

My sony walkman is 2gb not alot but its an mp4 with FM radio and pictures, although its was hard to find the right video format its worth the 70$. Or not.

http://i.walmartimages.com/i/p/00/02/72/42/72/0002724272181_AV_500X500.jpg

[Lissa]

Sony Walkmans are expensive. :frown:

I returned my NWZ-A829 which was 16GB and $300 (although it had Bluetooth) so I could get a 32GB Zen X-Fi for the same price. While the walkman does sound spectacular, I'm going to say Creative wins this time in both sound quality and money value.

[Christoffason]

I've had an 8GB Zen for over a year now, the quality and reliability is excellent in it. The only problem I've had is that i get bored of it, and it feels cheap.

Does anyone know what the music capacity of the iPhone is? I happen to need a new mp3 player AND a new phone! Could this be my dream ticket or just a show off posing waste of money and time???

[opn4bzns]

I've had an 8GB Zen for over a year now, the quality and reliability is excellent in it. The only problem I've had is that i get bored of it, and it feels cheap.

Does anyone know what the music capacity of the iPhone is? I happen to need a new mp3 player AND a new phone! Could this be my dream ticket or just a show off posing waste of money and time???

8 or 16gb. The two models are the same except for storage size and colour. The 16gb comes in black and white, the 8gb just black.

[Matterialize]

It's more interesting on a long drive hearing something different for six hours, as opposed to listening to the same hour of music again and again.

My ZEN is almost half-full at 1.9 gigs of music, or 385 songs. At an average of, let's say, three and a half minutes per song:

385 songs x 3.5 minutes = 1347.5 minutes
1347.5 minutes / 60 = 22.45 hours of music


Like I said, though, it's just because I was a giant social recluse when I was a liddle 'un, and the only albums I really knew were the ones my brother bought. So I tend to only put specific songs on my ZEN. I've only actually ripped two albums on to it out of my whole music collection.


Anyway, my ZEN V Plus started freezing a shitload but it's probably due to the fact it's been dropped on hard concrete and pavement numerous times. I bought the 4gb Creative ZEN (http://gadget-gifts.net/wp-content/uploads/ifa2007_creative_zen.jpg) back in April and it is awesome. The screen is the same size as that of the iPod Classic, but the player itself is much smaller and thinner.

[Ercoledi]

More love for Creative mp3 players, right here.

I've had a Zen Microphoto (8gb) for the best bit of two years: no freezing, no lagging, no nothing. While it may not be the prettiest thing ever, it works damn well.

That said, I might upgrade soon. Probably to the X-Fi. Seems to be getting a lot of love.

[chiko23]

Sony Walkmans are expensive. :frown:

I returned my NWZ-A829 which was 16GB and $300 (although it had Bluetooth) so I could get a 32GB Zen X-Fi for the same price. While the walkman does sound spectacular, I'm going to say Creative wins this time in both sound quality and money value.


yeah okay, your probly right, ha.

[mohaas05]

Before i got an ipod i used to have some old crappy korean mp3 player. It was pretty durable though. I left it in the wash twice and it worked like a charm.

[BlakKohm]

Before i got an ipod i used to have some old crappy korean mp3 player. It was pretty durable though. I left it in the wash twice and it worked like a charm.

For a crappy mp3 player, i'd say that's pretty damn decent.

[TheHighwaySong]

Before i got an ipod i used to have some old crappy korean mp3 player. It was pretty durable though. I left it in the wash twice and it worked like a charm.
Creative was founded in Singapore :hmm:

[mohaas05]

It wasn't creative, it was some other company...like DMK or some other acronym like that.

[SpamMeHarder]

My mp3 player has terrible grammar. I laugh at it.

Though I smashed the screen in and it works the same it always has. (Pretty well.)