Which MP3 player do I buy

[MikeP]

Some years ago, when my Sony Walkman CD player finally went belly-up, I joined the MP3 world and decided that I'd not join the herd by steering clear of Apple.

The thing I bought, though highly recommended by the anti-Apple brigade, never worked properly and after attempts at resolving the issue, I got my money back.

Some wise and gentle advice from St Eptoe along the lines of, "Stop being a twat. The reason why the iPod sells is because it works" was all I needed.

I've been happy with it. It's a Classic and although it doesn't like being mounted on the handle bars etc, it has always functioned without a problem in a tank bag.

iTunes? Frustrating at first because of the seemingly quirky way it works compared to Windows etc. Transferring all of my music on CD was painless and occasional iTunes purchases have been trouble-free.

 

[Simon_h]

ipod classic, 160GB.
I've got about 12000 songs on mine, mostly in lossless format rather than mp3 so better quality, and 19GB to spare which is good as I've got quite a few more to add yet.
It will easily play all day long and I keep mine inside my jacket so it's safe from knocks and rain.

I would buy another if need be. I've had a few different players but this one is by far the best I've tried.
Hopefully it will last until they bring out a 320GB solid state player at a reasonable price (i.e. a good few years hence).

Ditto the above. I've got a 160gb classic and have a backup of the family photos on there, about 80-90 films and all my music. I've then got an 8gb mini ipod for going to the gym or running.

I can't stand the fact that Apple have such a large chunk of the market...but I think Ipods are great. I only charge my mini ipod every couple of weeks.

 

[bowser]

There are any number of programs for putting music on and off the ipod without using itunes, I use either sharepod or media monkey.

Sharepod is a little program that sits on the ipod harddrive and is great if you just want to move a track on or off.
Media monkey is a great program you can easily modify mp3 tags, add artwork etc.
And you never have to go near I tunes.

 

[walrus]

+1 for zen - much cheaper than ipod, less restricted in choice of music formats, better sound quality, drag and drop music couldn't be easier. itunes is a nightmare world to get involved in - it's a no brainer.

 

[bowser]

+1 for zen - much cheaper than ipod, less restricted in choice of music formats, better sound quality, drag and drop music couldn't be easier. itunes is a nightmare world to get involved in - it's a no brainer.

You are right much larger format range, but almost anything you want is in mp3 anyway, you can drag and drop with sharepod or similar so no problem there anyway.
The advantage of the ipod is that it is available anywhere, there is far greater range acessories, cases etc and the operating system of the ipod is so much better than any other in use in anyother device. As steptoe said there is a good reason that it outsells all of the other mp3 players out there.

 

[Lord Snooty]

If you are a computer numpty,(and you are ) the iPod Nano is the one

So does the Nano also receive radio then?

 

[Mutley]

According to their website yes

I have no idea how well the radio will perform on a bike, mine is far too old for stuff like a radio

I'm suggesting you get a iPod because they just work, like all things Apple. The interface between iTunes and the iPod is really simple and there isn't any messing about with formats and stuff. Sure there are cheaper alternatives and some may be better at some things but even The Gadget Show still rates iPods as the best overall package

 

[Lord Snooty]

According to their website yes

I have no idea how well the radio will perform on a bike, mine is far too old for stuff like a radio

I'm suggesting you get a iPod because they just work, like all things Apple. The interface between iTunes and the iPod is really simple and there isn't any messing about with formats and stuff. Sure there are cheaper alternatives and some may be better at some things but even The Gadget Show still rates iPods as the best overall package

Thanks Howie, do these Nano things automatically retune the radio when on the move?

 

[walrus]

You are right much larger format range, but almost anything you want is in mp3 anyway, you can drag and drop with sharepod or similar so no problem there anyway.
The advantage of the ipod is that it is available anywhere, there is far greater range acessories, cases etc and the operating system of the ipod is so much better than any other in use in anyother device. As steptoe said there is a good reason that it outsells all of the other mp3 players out there.

Agreed, they work and are well made. But that is also true of Sony, creative, cowon ... the list goes on. Marketing and fashion have a lot do with their popularity. You missed two, in my opinion killer, points price and sound quality. Not that sound quality is a clincher on the bike but I assume it will also be used in more peaceful surroundings. Anyway - loads of good advice to pick from so OP will make an informed choice.

 

[Mutley]

Thanks Howie, do these Nano things automatically retune the radio when on the move?

No idea matey, sorry