Hi all,
This place is HUGE so I dont really know what forum to post in, this one seemed like the most logical one to post in though.


I'm considering getting an mp3 player.
Would like one for around the $300 mark if possible, maybe abit more.

Main things I would want are:

1. High storage capacity
2. Good playback Life
3. Easy to use/navigate a LOT of songs.

Any suggestions and ideas are greatfully welcomed.

I was thinking iPod but your paying there just for the name, there are alot of other players with more capacity etc so I was looking for feedback from people who knew what they were talking about


Thanks Guys!!

I bought a Creative Zen Xtra about two weeks ago. The 30 GB version cost me $220. I am happy with it. Amongst all other MP3 players, this one has the best sound quality. We have discussed this player here and here. The biggest advantage is thereplaceable battery. Plus the cost is way lower than the competition. Take a look at these posts and decide for yourself. Bye.

The best thing about Creative is their support

Although I can wholeheartedly recommend the Jukebox Zen NX as well (read my post on the thread rohangc linked to), I'm not so sure about this:



Do you have any measurements which support this statement? Sure, I've read it too, in multiple reviews even, but always without any backing whatsoever. I actually saw only one serious test so far (like, a *scientific* test, as opposed to someone plugging his earbuds back and forth a few times and deciding that that one sounded a bit more "open"). But that test (c't magazine, 19/03) suggested that the quality is much more dependent on the headphones you use, than the player. It's true that the Creative Jukebox delivered slightly better results than the iPod (iRiver's are even better), but those differences are tiny enough that in all probability you won't be able to notice them, especially not during normal portable use.

Hiya,
Just checked it out a bit and it sounds quite good, one thing I didn't like is that you have to use it's own software for it?
I was hoping for one that you could just plug into a USB drive and it'd show up as a drive in explorer?

Dont any of these do this?

Yes, indeed, all the Iriver IHP's do, and they will soon release the iHP-300 (40-gig capacity)

The ethernet port on the Rio Karma (docking station) implies that it would meet that criteria...but whether it actually does...??

xen-uno

Wahey
Nice to see you X,

Thanks for the info!

You too Nila

The Archos players also show up as drives in Explorer. AFAIK, the iPod does, too, but it won't play music you transfer to it via Explorer (not sure whether this is true or whether there's a workaround).
The fact that this doesn't work with the Creative Jukebox is indeed a bit unfortunate. After you install the software it does show up as a drive in Explorer, though, so you don't really have to *use* the software, only install it (but you have to use the software to put music on it; that software is bloated and ugly but surprisingly easy to use, looking at Creative's track record).

Sorry. I didn't mean to mislead anyone. I had read that the sound quality of the Nomad Zen was the best on HA. I am sorry. I have no means of conducting any comprehensive tests, since I possess only one player. Can somebody actually conduct proper tests and tell us which player is the best?

This seems like a great deal for you.

The ihp is probably the most feature-packed hd player on the market today. Just go to www.iriveramerica.com to see all its features.

dj_digital

iPod with 15 gig drive = $300

I would go for this.

I only hope they support AAC anytime soon...

I'd go for a 15GB or 20GB iPod. Many people whine about their battery-capacity (8hrs), but it does 8hrs. Creative's Zen NX (30GB) is rated to 14hrs from the factory, but a pal's Zen NX (30GB) battery lasts like approx. half of that, around 7-8hrs, so it's the same.

A new battery for the iPod (3rd gen) also costs $49 from www.ipodbattery.com, and is easy to replace. The iPod is also smaller, much nicer to look at, and generally just feels more complete and better.

I think the Zen line is a nice product. Creative support does stink but if you get the player for around $220 then buy notmad explorer from red chair software, your headaches will go away. I have the usb 2.0 zen, it works fine as a player but with the poor support from creative I had to find an alternative. Fortunately, red chair was there. I believe they support most of the other devices, ipod, karma, etc. with the exception of the iriver line. Bang for buck, creative wins in my opinion aside from the customer service. Extended warranties also always help.

HDD mp3 players are for fags who want to walk with 0.3 kg more weight
and it works without power supply to little
the best is iRiver iFP-395 (i owe one) (compact flash 512 mb, up to 20 hours from 1 alcaline battery)

Or people like me, going on a month long trip to India where I can buy batteries in the little villages I will be in but cant pop into non-existant internet cafe's to add more music.

Different players for different needs dude.

And if your talking real playback time, then you want a panasonic slimline mp3 cd player - 120 hours playback!

Now THAT is playback time!

Rio Karma is exactly what you are looking for

In that case you should think about getting a player that runs off AA or AAA batteries. A solid state one like the Digitalway MPIO FL-100 or the GEM DIVA (plays AAC).

Fairy

Gem Diva looked cool, but it doesn't support .mp4/.m4a formats, only raw .aac .. which is sad..

Rio Karma?

http://www.digitalnetworksna.com/shop/_tem...odel=220&cat=53