MP3 players.which do you use? and why?

[prophetik]

well? i'm looking into dropping several hundred dollars on a new, large mp3 player, so what do you all think?

i primarily want it for listening to music - so, super big screens don't really appeal to me. i also need in excess of 37 gigabytes. i'm also sick of paying a lot for an mp3 player that breaks soon after a get it - so it's gotta be durable.

you should also say what software runs it.

anyone got any ideas?

[Schwaltzvald]

I find myself relying on Insignia's products

For me I personally use the sports variety of mp3 players they have
http://www.insignia-products.com/pc-290-22-insignia-pilot-4gb-video-mp3-player-with-bluetooth-technology.aspx
This version is able to play videos but, like you, I have no plans to watch videos and it was just $125 for 4GB. Carries for me a nice small collection of my stuff to listen to during the day.

There's another version without video play back but with the 4GB of space
http://www.insignia-products.com/pc-275-22-insignia-4gb-bluetooth-mp3-player.aspx

I've beaten the shit out of it, dropped it on concrete, and besides the scuffing and occasional scratch it still plays just like the day I bought it.

Best buy carries it to my knowledge, considering thats where I got it.

I usually just chuck the software, but this one utilizes rhapsody for management of music files for putting it in the mp3player. More or less useful as it didn't fuck up my organization unlike the time I tried itunes....
:)!!

Edit: I just realized in a few hours, I misread your post; read it saying you didn't need in excess something like 37GB of space :lol:

If you want an mp3 player that has alot of space, go for the iPod Classic --> http://www.mp3.com/apple-ipod-classic-160gb/hardware/258/summary.html It supposedly holds about 200GB of music.

[Azul v2]

I would recommend the ipod touch, but you said 37 megabites, and alas, the touch is flash-memory based.

I've had the touch for 3 weeks now and I would recommend it to anybody. Best handheld media player by far.

[shikigami]

i have a creative zen micro, cheap but not that much storage (not that i need more than 6GB). however not very durable, i dropped it once and it kinda goes haywire every now and then.

[OA]

Get 37 ipod shuffles. Those things are indestructible.

[suzumebachi]

I USE NONE. unless you count my portable MP3 CD player. portable MP3 players are too damn expensive for what they are-- glorified walkmans that generate backround level noise radiation as you go about your business, whatever that business may be.

[Schwaltzvald]

portable MP3 players are too damn expensive for what they are-- glorified walkmans that generate backround level noise radiation as you go about your business, whatever that business may be.

The same could be said of all cheap cd players...

But enough talk~

HAVE AT YOU!

[atmuh]

shut up and get an ipod

[Magewout]

Creative Zen Vision:M 60 GB. I've got mine for 1.5 years, and the worst thing that ever happened was having to do a soft reset.

[Alpine Flame]

shut up and get an ipod

Naysay against the Apple omnilith. Now that that is done. Ipods are expensive, but quality products. Always go larger than what you think you need. 40 gig? Sounds about right. But how on earth did you fill 37 gigs?

[Bigfoot]

I'd get an ipod, but I can't stand the look of them and the interface.

So I'm getting a Zune when the new one comes out.

Stupid reason, I know.

[Avatar of Justice]

I'd get an ipod, but I can't stand the look of them and the interface.

So I'm getting a Zune when the new one comes out.

Stupid reason, I know.

That sounds like a completely logical reason not to buy something to me.

[The Mutericator]

Naysay against the Apple omnilith. Now that that is done. Ipods are expensive, but quality products. Always go larger than what you think you need. 40 gig? Sounds about right. But how on earth did you fill 37 gigs?

My audio folder is 38GB exactly. All the OCR's, game soundtracks and remix projects, anime OST's, personal mixes, popular music that I've ripped from CD's... it adds up eventually.

[shikigami]

But how on earth did you fill 37 gigs?

entire discographies of every band ever.

[Brithor]

Creative Zen VPlus 8gb.

Not nearly as big as the one you need, but it's a nice little thing. Does the same than an iPod and looks better :)

[Beoulve]

I have a black Asono player with 2gb flash memory. It's small and handy with a touch screen. The reason I have that player is because I won it on a POP Quiz, 1st prize! ^^ The sound isn't stellar, but it's ok.

[Kizyr]

Creative Zen Vision:M 60 GB. I've got mine for 1.5 years, and the worst thing that ever happened was having to do a soft reset.
Second vote for the Creative Zen Vision:M. I have the 30GB version, but it's the same interface, only less memory. Order it through Amazon.com and you'll probably be able to get it for $25-$50 less than the regular MRSP.

Anyway, the Zen Vision:M's interface takes a little bit to get used to, but after maybe 2-3 days of playing around with it, it gets intuitive. Plus you have extra playlist features, an FM tuner (and ability to record from radio), video playback (WMV only though), and a microphone.

Durability-wise, I've had no problems with mine so far. You might also want to get some $5 skins for it to keep it scratch-proof (http://www.bestskinsever.com/servlet/StoreFront). KF

[mattoco]

I bought a Zen Stone Plus 2GB to replace my old MuVo TX FM (which survived for two years before the USB connection flaked out) this summer, looking for durability, cost effectiveness ($50), and a player that was a Mass Storage Class device (meaning I could put music on it by drag and drop, without having to use proprietary or third party software).

By all accounts the Stone is a tough player to break unintentionally, and I am not disappointed with the interface (as it is very similar to my MuVo) or the output. The size is nowhere near 30GB, but I quite honestly don't need to have that much music on me at one time.

I found the anythingbutipod.com website to be particularly useful in finding a replacement player; specifically the user input that can be found in the forums.

[A-RoN]

RCA Lyra, simply because it's affordable. I also prefer using the PSP to play mp3s but I'm switching to iPod after I save money.

[anosou]

I had a 40GB early generation iPod. It broke down. I hate it :)
iPod Shuffle is what I have now, and it's love.
Sure, I have 60GB of music but I fill it up with different stuff everyday, and shuffle.

[Soma]

I've had 2 ipods. A 3rd generation (i think?) 15 gig and a 30 gig Ipod video. My first one broke and wouldn't charge anymore so i ordered one of those replacement batteries off ebay, and that worked for a couple months but then it died again. The ipod video is really nice, it doesn't do much other than play music and videos but that's all i need it to do. I've thought about getting a zune before my i already have an ipod and at the end of the day they both just play music. The ipod might not be anything flashy but it gets the job done. (at least until it dies and apple wants to charge you 300 bucks for a new battery)

[MechaFone]

I'm on my first, and it's total crap. You think I could have -some- quality for 75 bucks. It's an ilo, two gigs. Barely enough to hold one freakin' work day of music.

[jmr]

I'm on my first, and it's total crap. You think I could have -some- quality for 75 bucks. It's an ilo, two gigs. Barely enough to hold one freakin' work day of music.2 gigs not enough for a workday's worth of music? I've got an iRiver iFP-899, which is only one gig, and I can squeeze upwards of 280 songs on it. I currently have 283 songs (19h:52m), which I think would be more than enough for a workday. I just swap out songs as I get tired of them, so I constantly have a fresh playlist. (I convert everything to q3 or q4 OGG Vorbis, which doesn't sound all that bad for the filesize.)

As for why I use the iFP: Well, the OGG support, for one. Plus, it's got an FM tuner/recorder, a decent built-in microphone, and a line-in/external mic input. It's damn useful for instances where lugging around recording equipment isn't an option. The pre-programed eq. presets, and the ability to set your own is a pretty neat option as well.

EDIT:The battery's in the process of dying, though, so I'll need to crack it open and perform battery-replacement surgery before too long.

Another reason why I like my iRiver: it runs on a standard AA battery. I'm using an old, modified Kodak battery pack and charger, and I get a good weeks worth of use on a single charge.

[Ab56 v2 aka Ash]

iPod is a piece of shit for videos.

[Dark_T_Zeratul]

My mp3 player is Soundwave (http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/product.aspx?product=TAK10695&mode=retail).

[supremespleen]

I've got a little 1 gig Sandisk that I stole from my mom. It's nice cos it's small, flash memory, and cheaper. That way if I lose it or it gets broken or someth' it isn't the end of the world.
Plus, I don't need any sort of program to transfer files, I just drag and drop via Windows Explorer.

[Toast]

Sandisk Sansa e280 all the way. Add Rockbox on top of that for better ebook support and you've got it.

[Moseph]

I'm using a 40GB Toshiba Gigabeat that I got on eBay for $60. I've got Rockbox running on it instead of the original firmware, so I can play ogg and FLAC files (downside: Rockbox isn't all that intuitive to use). The battery's in the process of dying, though, so I'll need to crack it open and perform battery-replacement surgery before too long.

[Armoured Priest]

I have a 1GB iPod shuffle. The On/Off button broke, and now its a glorified USB flash drive.

bought an RCA pearl something or other.. has 512 MB of flash memory and a slot for a Mini Pro Duo memory card for expansion and USB plugin for file transfer. This thing cost me 30 USD, and seems capable of taking quite the beating. It does use batteries though (1 AAA=15 hrs of play time at a decent volume level. I intend to invest in rechargables).

[Soma]

iPod is a piece of shit for videos.
QFE. though it's not horrible for video podcasts. i catch diggnation or the 1up show occasionally while I'm on the go. I wouldn't recommend watching any TV shows or anime on it.

[Bahamut]

iPod is a piece of shit for videos.

'Tis true, I remember getting like 30 - 45 min for videos on my 1st gen iPod Video.

I've bought a 20 GB 4th gen iPod, 1st gen iPod Video, and 1st gen iPod Nano. The 4th gen died in under an year (also have had it sent numerous times for various bugs such as permafreezes) - the battery life dove rapidly too, netting less than 5 hours too. The iPod Video had similar problems with the battery life, although I don't know how low it would've went because it got stolen one day during a workout at the gym. The Nano I gave away because I got sick of portable music players, and I hardly used it (it was free though!).

[Toast]

I have a 1GB iPod shuffle. The On/Off button broke, and now its a glorified USB flash drive.

bought an RCA pearl something or other.. has 512 MB of flash memory and a slot for a Mini Pro Duo memory card for expansion and USB plugin for file transfer. This thing cost me 30 USD, and seems capable of taking quite the beating. It does use batteries though (1 AAA=15 hrs of play time at a decent volume level. I intend to invest in rechargables).

Good choice on the RCA. I've had a K@zoo and Lyra before and both were great players.

[7-kurgan-d]

I've got a little 1 gig Sandisk that I stole from my mom. It's nice cos it's small, flash memory, and cheaper. That way if I lose it or it gets broken or someth' it isn't the end of the world.
Plus, I don't need any sort of program to transfer files, I just drag and drop via Windows Explorer.

That what I want with my next mp3 player purchase. Drag and drop to Windows Explorer. Right now I have iPod shuffle first generation.(yes I know there are program that let you drag and drop on your iPod. I kind of don't like them though.)

I like iPod shuffle but man I just want to drop my songs 123 and go. Not go through i-tunes.

supremespleen does Sandisk flash mp3 player have it where you can double click the play button, and goes back to first listed song just like the iPod shuffle. If so I'm sold.

All so would anybody know are there other mp3 player that do drag and drop to Windows Explorer I'm sure there are. Folks here mention what mp3 player they use but didn't really mention if it did drag drop thingy.

[DuskyFerret]

I seriously recommend you stay away from anything by Creative.

I've got a Creative Zen Neeon 4GB and, well I never thought it possible that an mp3 player could freeze....but it can. Seriously! I'm taking it out for a jog and the bloody thing freezes and becomes inoperable until you wait til the batteries run out and recharge it again. I don't know if it's just me, but that thing is a pain in the ass.

[OverCoat]

http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/4721/h910de4.jpg
Like some others here, I have a Zen Vision M, 60 GB. And yeah, I need all them gigabutts.

I upgraded from my 40 GB Nomad Jukebox Zen Xtra, which was a tad more durable and actually had a removable battery, but the headphone jack broke. and since the thing was almost full I was like "eh I'll get a new one." It's unfortunate that there are no jukebox players this size with removable batteries anymore? It's still amazing though, and the video quality is stunning, considering the small size of the screen.

edit: also, you wanted to know what software runs it? Well, it can sync with Windows Media Player or you can upload to the Zen with Creative's own thing. I would normally not like using WMP but they made it really easy. All you do is hit F3 to search for new shit, then hit a "sync" button and then it just finishes. GG

[Toast]

That what I want with my next mp3 player purchase. Drag and drop to Windows Explorer. Right now I have iPod shuffle first generation.(yes I know there are program that let you drag and drop on your iPod. I kind of don't like them though.)

I like iPod shuffle but man I just want to drop my songs 123 and go. Not go through i-tunes.

supremespleen does Sandisk flash mp3 player have it where you can double click the play button, and goes back to first listed song just like the iPod shuffle. If so I'm sold.

All so would anybody know are there other mp3 player that do drag and drop to Windows Explorer I'm sure there are. Folks here mention what mp3 player they use but didn't really mention if it did drag drop thingy.

Sandisk Sansa supports drag and drop and the battery is removable, but there's 4 screws to unscrew. OverCoat, do you mean the battery just clips on?

[OverCoat]

Sandisk Sansa supports drag and drop and the battery is removable, but there's 4 screws to unscrew. OverCoat, do you mean the battery just clips on?

In the new Zen there is no removable batteries, but in the Nomad Jukebox, you could pop the [metal!] front off and take out the battery. Some proprietary thing, but at least it was replaceable.

[Toast]

In the new Zen there is no removable batteries, but in the Nomad Jukebox, you could pop the [metal!] front off and take out the battery. Some proprietary thing, but at least it was replaceable.

Ok, that is like the Sansa, except with screws instead of snaps. That was actually a pretty major selling point for me when I found I could get replacement batteries online for about 20 USD.

[Imagist]

iAudio X5 60GB, as long as you don't mind somewhat poor video playback (it was, after all, one of the first portable audio players to incorporate video). Also, you might want to install Rockbox, particularly if you have a lot of ogg vorbis or FLAC.

[Magewout]

Second vote for the Creative Zen Vision:M. I have the 30GB version, but it's the same interface, only less memory. Order it through Amazon.com and you'll probably be able to get it for $25-$50 less than the regular MRSP.

Anyway, the Zen Vision:M's interface takes a little bit to get used to, but after maybe 2-3 days of playing around with it, it gets intuitive. Plus you have extra playlist features, an FM tuner (and ability to record from radio), video playback (WMV only though), and a microphone.

Durability-wise, I've had no problems with mine so far. You might also want to get some $5 skins for it to keep it scratch-proof (http://www.bestskinsever.com/servlet/StoreFront). KF
I thought the Zen supports DivX/xVid as well. I've got quite some South Park episodes on mine :P

[prophetik]

there's a lot of good discussion in this thread. i'm gonna do some research of my own with the ideas that people have posted and see what i find.

37 gigs of music isn't that hard when you've got ruckus. i mean, dj sets that are four hours long are like 300 megs themselves, and i've got a LOT of those.

thanks for everyone's input.