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.