MP3 Player Recommendations

[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"

[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!

[bcipam]

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.

Not certain what you mean by having difficulty loading MP3's to an iPod or other MP3. All the devices need the proper software or server to load software. For instance if I have an iPod I use iTunes. By registering on iTunes I am able to use that software to download all by other stored songs. It first goes into the My Music on ITunes and then I can load it on my iPod. If you use a Rio or something else, you load your songs into a server such as Yahoo Music Machine and same process - first into the software then into the machine.

I first used Yahoo Music and had alot of songs stored there. To save money and not have to repurchase the music, I downloaded it all onto a CD and then I loaded the CD onto iTunes. From iTunes I got the music into my iPod. Couple of steps but not hard. By doing that you actually save .10 cents a song.

[uforgot]

I haven't had any trouble loading music mp3s on my ipod, but I AM having trouble loading an mp3 audio book as one long track. You can take regular audiobooks, (the ones with about 8 cds), load a cd, and then connect the tracks so each cd loads as one track. I can't get the mp3 audiobook to do it....yet. It's a puzzle I'll figure out one of these days. Oh, and here's another audiobook tip, transfer them to itunes using the AAC encoder and transfer it at 64 kbps. That's half of what you use for music, and you don't notice a difference and the files are very very small.

Oh, I just love this stuff...

[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.