Opinions on MP3 Players

[GeekShadow]

There are some MP3 players who need to do an update and if you are PAL user you will get two channels...

err not...

MP3 player you mean Music player ! Because nowadays alls players play more than mp3 format

 

[Psyfira]

The main drawback for my player (that Zen V Plus) is that you actually do need extra software, it doesn't support UMS. MTP is teh suck... I just use Winamp for now, but I still don't like it.

Actually that's a very good point, my Zen Micro is like that too. I use the MTP firmware (enables the player to use drag and drop in Explorer for Windows XP SP2, think Vista supports it now but don't quote me on that) and I must say that I've never had any problems with it.

Note that on the Zen product page, if you click on "how to" it shows that the player will still use Creative Mediasource software. The question is what else will it support (MTP/UMS) that you can use instead?

 

[FAST6191]

My opinion on mp3 players: I really dislike ipods: I have tried countless alternative (free) software packages as well as the official one and then there is the battery thing on the older ones (a project vs two aa's out and two more in) but I would disregard my opinion here as I really do not care for music players in general (I have a PC here and I am too paranoid about ninjas/idiots when outside to listen to anything).

One thing I do find mildly amusing though is: "I do not like having itunes mess with my stuff" gets a response along the lines of suck it up, should I suggest patching a rom really is not that bothersome chances are something along the lines of pff n00b will be uttered.

 

[DjFIL]

The new Zen is really nice. My step-mom has the last video zen player... it's quite nice. But... I'm an Apple junkie, so my opinion is to get an iPod. But I will say iTunes for Windows isn't the best (i do find it lot slower and clunkier then on OS X), on OS X it's awesome. I don't use the iTunes store though... all my downloads are purchased from beatport.com (drm free electronica music for dj's) or they are dj mixes from various sources (dj demo sets, torrents of radio recordings, etc).

 

[Hanafuda]

well, someone has to say it despite the inevitable flames ... the Zune has excellent sound quality (better than ipod) and works like a friggin' charm. Available for a good price, too. I've dealt with the ipod before and prefer the Zune's interface, control, display ... pretty much everything about it. Battery life could be a bit better, but its ok unless you want to play lots and lots of video. It's also tough as hell and doesn't really need a case. One of the best purchases I made this year.


really.

 

[Nocturno]

I don´t know you but the new Creative Zen looks pretty good to me, I was thinking on buying an iRiver Clix 2nd gen or a cowon iAudio7, but now i think I´m gonna wait for the creative zen..

 

[Sinkhead]

well, someone has to say it despite the inevitable flames ... the Zune has excellent sound quality (better than ipod) and works like a friggin' charm. Available for a good price, too. I've dealt with the ipod before and prefer the Zune's interface, control, display ... pretty much everything about it. Battery life could be a bit better, but its ok unless you want to play lots and lots of video. It's also tough as hell and doesn't really need a case. One of the best purchases I made this year.


really.

I agree that the Zune may be a decent player, but it looks icky

- Sam

 

[Hanafuda]

well, someone has to say it despite the inevitable flames ... the Zune has excellent sound quality (better than ipod) and works like a friggin' charm. Available for a good price, too. I've dealt with the ipod before and prefer the Zune's interface, control, display ... pretty much everything about it. Battery life could be a bit better, but its ok unless you want to play lots and lots of video. It's also tough as hell and doesn't really need a case. One of the best purchases I made this year.


really.

I agree that the Zune may be a decent player, but it looks icky

- Sam

true, its not as sleek looking as an ipod. but on the other hand, most ipods end up wrapped up in a thick rubber skin, so what difference does that make?

 

[Sinkhead]

Mmm, you have a point. But I don't really want a Zune, they're quite big...

- Sam

 

[adams89]

Zen loooks awful for me... about Zune... no comment... brick... iPod is the best option.

 

[Sinkhead]

I've decided, definatly no iPods. I don't like the software you have to use. In regard to copying songs to the Zen, I got this email back from customer support

With regard to the issue that you are having, we understand that you
need to know if the Creative Zen needs no complicated driver
installation.

That is correct. Just plug the player into any Windows XP or Vista
computer and you can start transferring music to the player immediately.
All the features will be made available for the player.

- Sam

 

[jerm27]

i got a toshiba gigabeat thingo it is 60 gb plays wmv movies pics songs & has an fm radio i got it for $350 au + its got a bigger screen then an ipod

 

[Hanafuda]

Zen loooks awful for me... about Zune... no comment... brick... iPod is the best option.

lay a Zune on a table and then lay an ipod wrapped in some silicone skin next to it, and see if you still say brick. In any case I put sound quality well above the miniscule size differences between the various players. I've A/B'd the current gen ipod against a variety of players and just didn't like what I heard. There are maniacs at head-fi.org who put hundreds into line-out cables and separate amps to get decent sound from the ipod, but the Zune is gaining popularity there FAST because its signal straight from the headphone jack is so clean.

jerm, cheers on the Toshiba Gigabeat ... nice player. It's basically the Zune with different firmware. Very solid hardware. If I could blow all kinds of cash I'd import the Kenwood 30GB player from Japan, but excepting that I think the Toshiba/Zune and the Cowon X5 put out the best sound quality.

As for the new Zen, I'm interested in giving it a try, but I haven't been impressed with the sound from any of the flash-based players yet. The current ipod nano sounds like music in a tin can. (my teenager's got one, but after I got my player he wants a Zune now too)

Anyway, pick any player that you like ... then you've got to deal with picking out some ear/headphones. That's a whole other can of worms. I use these (pic) ... AudioTechnica ES7 ... most of the time. Most people want earphones though ... take a look at Jay's "D-jays" - they ranked VERY nicely at ipodlounge.

 

[Sinkhead]

Nice headphones, but I can't spend £100 on them... I'll have a look at the earphones, but I do prefer headphones.

Thanks
- Sam

 

[leetdude_007]

I'm waiting for apple's next move with their iPod. There's a small chance they'll add wifi internet to it or even widgets, but it wouldn't encourage people to get an iPhone.

 

[Hanafuda]

Nice headphones, but I can't spend £100 on them... I'll have a look at the earphones, but I do prefer headphones.

Thanks
- Sam

If you need something portable and cheap in a headphone, look at the Sennheiser PX100. Collapses down into an included case that's the size of a sunglasses case. Decent sound too, although its an open headphone which means outside noise can get in more than with a closed set.

edit: the Audio-Technica ES7's really are worth it.

 

[TLSpartan]

THis is the one I got. Its preety good. I would recommend one of these as it looks much better DX. Hope this helps

 

[Pigwooly]

I have an iPod and not a single track or video on there has any DRM on it so you don't have to worry about that unless your dumb enough to buy DRM restricted music, but that Zen thing looks pretty cool and Apple is turning into a frightening music monopolizer so I vote for the Zen.

 

[tetsuya]

Those are some nice head phone but 100+$!!

 

[OSW]

Man, i need some good quality earphones, but i'm not willing to go more than $60 AUD. Is there something reasonable available within my budget?