MP3 Player Recommendations

[mudgirl]

I am ready to buy an MP3 player, and I wondered if I could solicite some opinions from anyone here who owns one? I am leaning toward the iPod, just because it seems to have the biggest memory for what you pay. But, I've read that flash players are better for people who want to listen to music while they're working out because they don't skip. I'm figuring that my indoor workouts (which is when I would use the MP3 player) usually consist of riding my bike on the trainer, using an elliptical, lifting weights, maybe walking on the treadmill (but not jogging); generally fairly non-impact activities that *probably* wouldn't cause a hard drive player to skip. So, I'm just wondering what other people's experiences have been with these?

[IFjane]

I have an ipod & it does fine for me. I have used it on the trainer many times, the elliptical & doing weight training. I even use it for some low-impact aerobic warmups and have had no problem with it skipping. Hope this helps!

-jane

[KnottedYet]

Don't forget about the iPod Shuffle, which is a flash player. The new ones hold 1gb, but you can find old ones (126mb or 512mb) for $25-$50 depending where you look.

http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPL...d&mco=A6951E92 If you order a new iPod from the online AppleStore you can get your name or whatever engraved on it for free. AppleStore sells refurbished 512mb Shuffles, but you can't get them engraved (they're plastic.)

If I lost a $25 used Shuffle I would cry a lot less than if I lost a beautiful $300 new iPod. We tend to lose things in my household...

[IFjane]

You have a point, Knotted! However, my ipod generally stays in my house so unless the cats hide it I probably won't lose it.

[KnottedYet]

SKnot managed to lose his camera-cell phone, 6 (SIX) jackets, a ton of Gameboy games, and his bassoon. The bassoon was found again. Kid hasn't yet lost his 126mb iPod Shuffle. And that would be the easier thing to replace!

Now everything I buy, I first ask myself, "Now, if this gets lost..."

[Bad JuJu]

You might also consider the iPod Nano, a sort of middle stage between the full-sized iPod and the shuffle. It has flash memory like the shuffle, but also has the display (though small) and most of the features of the "big" iPod, but a nice compact size. You can get a lanyard with earphones incorporated, which is nice to use when you're on the move. Also handy for downloading audiobooks for travel. Though the screen is small, you can also load photos onto it, as well as other data.

I got mine for Christmas of 2005 and I use it all the time. Apple will also engrave something on the back of the Nano just like the full-sized iPod. On the back of mine, I have the last line of James Joyce's novel Ulysses: Molly Bloom in full climactic mode: "Yes, I said yes I will yes"

[bcipam]

You really can't beat the Apple products - I have the iPod mini, shuffle and nano. The software support is excellent and easy to use and there are lot sof after market add-ins that support the iPod.

Also good is the Rio and iRiver - both supported by great music sites like Yahoo Music and HP Music. Note at those sites downloads are only .89 cents compared with .99 cents at iTunes.

I love my iPods and use them everywhere - the new shuffle is incredible small and would easily fit into a pocket and tucked into your sport bra.

[KSH]

You might also consider the iPod Nano, a sort of middle stage between the full-sized iPod and the shuffle. It has flash memory like the shuffle, but also has the display (though small) and most of the features of the "big" iPod, but a nice compact size. You can get a lanyard with earphones incorporated, which is nice to use when you're on the move. Also handy for downloading audiobooks for travel. Though the screen is small, you can also load photos onto it, as well as other data.

I have an iPod Nano. Been running with it for 6 months, no issues.

The 2nd generation of Nano's have a larger memory and brighter display.

Also, keep in mind that unless you get an iPod, it's a hassle to get MP3's loaded on to the iPod. You have to have some sort of program to convert them over.

I don't know all the technical details, but my techy boyfriend swore he would NOT get an iPod. After he learned how much of a hassle it would be to load songs on other MP3 players, he got a Nano.

[KnottedYet]

And if you buy the 4gb iPod Nano Red ($199) or 8gb iPod Nano Red, ($249) they donate some $$ to AIDS programs. (and the Red can be engraved for free just like the Shuffle, full-size iPod, and other Nanos)

http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPL...&nclm=iPodnano

I am just astounded by how much STUFF the new iPods can hold and do! I didn't know the Nano could do pictures and stuff now! Wow!

But if SKnot or I lost one....

[Hub]

I have a Zen Nano 1Gig and love it. Non- apple!

[bouncybouncy]

Get the iPhone...then you have it ALL in one device! I would love to have an iPhone but they only support Cingular which I am not on...but I am sure soon enough they will expand there choices...and I heard the prices will drop soon too...woohoo! *dreaming*

DH has a Sansa...and loves it!!!

http://www.sandisk.com/Products/Cata...3_Players.aspx

about the size of the nano i think...his mother has one too...3-4 months and no issues!

[massbikebabe]

My little brother gave me a 30g IPOD for Christmas and I just love it. I love that I can use audiobooks in there as well. Seems to me there is a hold button on top of mine for when you exercising. I have never had to use it. I am glad that he got me an Apple product, they started this revolution so in my opinion they are tried and true. Same reason I use Palm Pilot instead of Blackberry.




karen

[MomOnBike]

I have the Creative Zen V. The silly thing has turned into my constant companion. It is small, simple, and, so far, bullet-proof (No, not literally, sillies). Non-Apple, 'cause I have an unreasoning dislike of Apple products. No, I don't know where it came from.

My only real advice is to get as much memory as you can afford - or somewhat more than you can afford. You won't regret the extra space.

[Bluetree]

I'm a loser, too!
Umm... I mean I tend to lose things like sunglasses, keys, iPods etc.
I have a Nano but I use my Gen-1 and 2 Shuffles when working out. Not so upsetting if I drop a dumbell on it, or forget it in a locker...

I actually had a friend's lab nearly swallow my first shuffle... had to put it out of his throat gently by the ear cable/cord so it wouldn't go all the way down his gullet. Wiped off the dog spit, it worked fine!

[Tuckervill]

I just got an Ipod Nano for my birthday, and I LOVE it, and I didn't think I would be that interested in it.

Both dh and ds have Shuffles, but I didn't like anything about not being able to see what was playing. I tried to use my son's Shuffle and it was totally confusing. Plus, I couldn't figure out how to rewind it.

My favorite part is being able to get This American Life podcasted for free every week!

Karen