Need a New MP3 Player

Karuto

Karuto

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Well, after I accidentally discombobulated my old MP3 player, I need to get myself a new one. I've been looking all over the place, but there's so many models out, I can't seem to find out which one would be for the best. See, I used to own an iPod Video, and some of my favorite features included the ability to use it as a hard drive, the ability to hold lots of music, and even watch video (I used to watch episodes of Family Guy while on the bus to work). But I bought this way back in the summer of 2006. Since then, there have been a lot of models out. I'm not looking to spend any more than, say, $200, although if there's something really great that's slightly above, I wouldn't mind the plunge. I have $25 in gift cards at Best Buy and $40 at WalMart, so maybe that will help.

If you guys have any suggestions, I would love to hear it. Please provide a description of how this would help me in particular. Thank you for your help! It's been torture without an MP3 player around when I'm training. ;)
 
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Well, I went from an Ipod Classic to Zune (30 gig) and I love it. You can search around the web for deals on it (sorry, I don't know of any current deals, but one is bound to come up sooner or later). It can be used as a HDD with a registry hack... or software if you google it. The video is even better since it's widescreen :D I got mine for about a 100 used, but I've heard of it being 79 new~
 
well, if you like watching videos get the zune 80 gig. Your $40 walmart GC might work at sams clubs which usually has zunes/ipod 80 gb for $238. So for 200+tax you have a solid mp3 player. The zune is great for videos. I have a zune 30 gb and got it for under $100! For the price it can't be beat. Get either a Zune 80 gb if you need the memory, or just get a Zune 30, well worth the price.
 
Yeah, I'm definitely considering the Zune, although I am a multi-OS user (for college), so I tend to use Leopard more than Windows. I'm hoping to find an alternative to the iPod, though. Any chance of getting Zune to work on a Mac? :D

Currently looking at the Zune, iPod, Creative Zen, and Ibiza Rhapsody as my choices.

EDIT: Oh, and what type of video does the Zune support? I get tired of converting video all the time, although I had to deal with that on my iPod so it may not be that big a deal...
 
i'd go with a zune, either 30 (cheaper) or 80. My nano hasn't left my ihome alarm clock (the big old one that doesn't have the flip up speakers) since i got my zune 30gb. the creative zen is another nice one as far as the older models go, i havn't played with the newier ones. zune supports media player format, and if you convert your mp3 to zune (changes the icon tag to zune logo), media and other programs can still play/read the files with no problem, unlike the damn itunes and friggin quicktime-bad programs! (any program that screws with my porn sucks!)as far as storage goes, i have 212 songs, 240 pics, 65 10-15 mintue videos, and both full conan movies on it, and only using 8.7 gigs out of 30 :)
 
I actually just went on this adventure after my Toshiba Gigabeat died (2 weeks ago). I finally got a Zune 80 after much consideration. All accounts I heard said it was worth the extra bit of cash over the 30. It looks nicer, feels better, and has a better display imo. On the downside, you probably will have to do video converting (mp4, wmv only) and the software for it sucks (but what mp3 software doesn't?). With a bit of reg edit, you can use it as a external hard drive, but otherwise you won't be. If you primarily use a mac, you might want to stick with an iPod. I personally hate the mac products for my personal use (I see their advantages, it's just not for me), so I avoid those. Either way, if shopping at best buy, pick up the 10% off coupon for use.

I've always heard good things about the Zen, but no personal experience.
 
For all the functions you've mentioned, I'd highly recommend the Cowon A3 or A2, if you can find it. It's a bit pricy, but the function and the beautiful screen make it all worth it.
If not that, the Creative Vision W is a pretty nice device too.
Both the devices have widescreen displays, perfect for watching videos. The Cowon is known for its good battery life and video support. It's also a robust mp3 player too.
The creative is decent as well, and you'll probably be more likely to find that in stores than the Cowon.
I believe both can double as storage devices, too.
 
Well, like I said, my budget is strictly $200, since I am a college student and I like to keep a cap on things that aren't completely necessary (hey, I've gone a few months without one atm). The Cowon does look nice, but the 4GB model costs the same as an 8GB model. If I was going after video more than audio, I would definitely seriously consider it, but for the moment, I'm leaning much more strongly towards the audio and storage side. They definitely have some great reviews, though.

And actually, I just realized that I messed up my wording above. I'm actually using Vista more than Leopard, but I kind of want the option open. It's not really that necessary, since I can just switch over in a snap. I'm just looking for the best deal out there right now. Are there any going on that I should be paying attention to? I'm really liking the Creative Zen, and I saw a 30GB refurbished model going for $120 this morning, but it sold out before I could snatch one up. :(
 
I got it. Well, the cheapest I've been able to find the Creatives are $230 new at Circuit City. Everywhere else hoves above that price, surprisingly.
 
Loved the hell out of my Creative Vision M. I'd suggest that if you could still find one. Bought a Zune this past week actually in a trade and it had some internal issues so I had to get the money back, BUT I played around with the software trying to get it to work, and it's easily the worst software for a major product that I EVER had to use. The player itself seems nice, but damn...the software...damn...
 
Go for the Cowon D2 for around $150 or so.

It uses an internal hard drive of 2, 4 or 8gb, but it also has an SD slot so it's easy to expand to 20gb.

52 hours of playback

Touchscreen capabilities (flash games, notepad, etc)

No 3rd party service (iTunes) needed

Line in or Voice Recording

Videos and Pictures

Text reader

FM Radio (also recordable)

--> You won't regret owning a D2. My iPod owning buddies remain envious.
 
Cheaper alternative with a nice screen is the Meizu. Think Newegg has the best prices with rebate on the 4GB versions and free shipping at times.
 
[quote name='rhymenoceros']I got it. Well, the cheapest I've been able to find the Creatives are $230 new at Circuit City. Everywhere else hoves above that price, surprisingly.[/quote]

I'd also like to echo on that note that you should check your local Circuit City
for open box models or clearance displays as the associate can move OOP displays to OB which would drop the cost. Since I work there I just this week got an open box 4 gb zune for 85 and it was straight return, never been turned on. We also have several of those creative models for like 170-200 open box. Just thought I'd throw that out there.

bill123
 
I agree that you should go with Zune 30 or 80 - I got the 30 during the last Christmas sales and love it - I've got over 600 songs on it, 20 videos, and a bunch of podcasts and have only used 7gb so far

Good luck with your decision
 
Unfortunately, there are no Circuit City stores inside the state of Iowa, so I'll just have to check to see if they ever stock them online.

Now I only wish the Creative Zen W was still around! This is a hard decision -- I'm very conservative when it comes to spending anything over $50, so it's worse when it's up to $200. lol

EDIT: w00t! I just bit on an auction on eBay. I got a white 80GB iPod Classic for $157 total (with shipping)!!! I hope this is a good deal. :D
 
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