Which MP3 player?

[The Stimulator]

As we're about to enter the modern age with a new Baehr intercom system, we were looking at replacing my old cassette tape fed Walkman with something a little more swept up, but which will probably only be used for music.

I like the idea of a small Sony model, the NW-A608 which comes with a 50 hour battery life, 2gB flash memory (which should hold planty of music for us) and FM radio. Downside is that the software with it seems pretty poor, but as we won't be changing the loaded music every week that may not be such an issue. The small size of the unit and the lack of moving parts appeal to me (plus I have to say the Sony brand name), but I was after other options - for instance, need I be concerned at all about getting a player which uses a hard drive for storage?

Any inputs gratefully received.

Iain

 

[Bigtwin]

Went through this process last week (see thread).
Considered the Sony, but you have to convert all files into their format to play them - tedious and slow. Even the new ones that claim to be MP3 compatible!

Long story short, looked at them all, then went for the iPod. Why? It works simply, the accessories are everywhere, and I don't need more than 8 hours playtime between charges. Got a mint 20gb with all the bits and bobs inc. dock for £100 from fleabay - result - very pleased with it.

And RAM (top of page) do the mounts - sorted.

Asked about HD probs - people seem to use them no probs on the bike. Just don't leave it rattling around in the pannier. Of course, if you don't need more than a gig of storage - get a solid state one - Creative do a 1gb MuVo for £70 with radio - I have a 256 one - it's great, but I wanted more storage so I can use it with the HiFi instead of having all those CDs cluttering up the lounge, plus I am a fan of taking talking books on long car journeys.

 

[Yoda]

I've got an iRiver 20gb hard-drive unit. It lived for year and a half in the FJR and now lives under the seat on the 12GS next to the Starcom (and yes - it is bloody cramped under there).

Rather than tie it firmly down it sits in the tool-tray slot on a bed of bubble-wrap.

The iRiver has the benefit of having a Remote, so that's clipped on the headstock. The buttons are way too small to operate on the move, but I have about 1,500 tracks on there and, with the unit set on 'Shuffle', every journey is a musical mystery tour.

I've configured a 12v supply triggered off the ignition, and that has a 5v take-off for the MP3 and satnav units.

If I forget to switch it off, then eventually it runs itself down but then gets recharged next time the bike is running.

Edit: Forgot to add that no special software is required on the PC. The device takes ordinary MP3 files (produced courtesy of FreeRip) and when plugged in with the USB it shows as an extra drive so you can drag'n'drop in Windows Explorer.