Author Topic: MP3 player suggestions ... (Read 5881 times)

Mele · « **Reply #40 on:** July 12, 2009, 02:13:51 AM »

I have about 160GB of music... I'm the first one to admit I don't actively listen to all of it. I archive and collect soundtracks from lots of anime and video games, and I'm sort of anal about collecting all albums for any specific artist or series, so it just starts to add up. I'd say I tend to be over obsessive about my music collection sometimes, though. I've ensured most of my music has album art as well as proper tags.

Despite my large collection, I've come to the realization that at any given time I'm not going to be listening to more than ~10GB of music, so I've sort of decided against giant capacity Hard Drive based mp3 players. My ideal mp3 player is a flash unit of 8-20GB that does not require any sort of software to transfer music, but I'm stuck with my 30GB Zune for now. Might get a Sandisk in the future, but that's for another thread.

fohfoh · « **Reply #41 on:** July 12, 2009, 05:09:59 PM »

I find that I too don't listen to everything. However, My 8GB seems to be cutting it close (even though I have about 2GB free). I also realize tht of the albums I like to load, I listen to only a few songs, and thus end up deleting random entries of that album from time to time making for weird messy and fragmented albums.

psyren · « **Reply #42 on:** July 13, 2009, 02:38:48 AM »

What I love about the Cowon S9 is that it doesn't require any software to get up and running. You just plug it in and treat it like a flash drive.

AceHigh · « **Reply #43 on:** July 13, 2009, 06:51:30 AM »

I am going to buy a new mp3 player today. I always used my good old Creative... something (not sure what model it was supposed to be). What I want now is basically the same thing.

Very important feature that I need is exchangable batteries. I hate mp3 players that you have to recharge. And don't give me any good arguments about rechargable mp3 players being cheaper because at work I have an unlimited supply of batteries for free.

The thing is that in my hometown the only decent mp3 players they sell are all rechargable. "They are more popular" is what they said there. Now however I am in the middle of Berlin and I am sure they have a better selection of mp3 players, so II guess we will stroll down some shops to look for mp3 players.

Tatsujin · « **Reply #44 on:** July 13, 2009, 06:00:10 PM »

Quote from: Nanonanol on July 08, 2009, 12:56:44 AM

So, as of right now I am sporting a Zune 2 (80GB), and am getting incredibly sick of it. (And for those of you wondering why I got it - I had originally hoped to see some useful mods/hacks for it, such as being able to sync it with MediaMonkey, or sync in Linux, etc. - Unfortunately that has all gone in the completely wrong direction with the new firmware)

Anyway, I was thinking about getting a new mp3 player, and would appreciate some suggestions of mp3 players that fit the following criteria:

No Microsoft or Apple products (bad experiences with both)
Holds at least 60GB
Is reasonably priced (<$300)

I've looked into Archos, Cowon, and Creative products -
Archos 605 is reasonably priced, and has a nice amount of space
Cowon seems a bit expensive
Creative doesn't have anything over 32GB

o_O;; ... I use my PSP to listen to music and I can switch those small cards easily. They're cheap as hell, each one is 7 dollars for 2GB ... so you can imagine how cheap 32 and 60ish GB's are.

mgz · « **Reply #45 on:** July 13, 2009, 06:05:27 PM »

Quote from: AceHigh on July 13, 2009, 06:51:30 AM

I am going to buy a new mp3 player today. I always used my good old Creative... something (not sure what model it was supposed to be). What I want now is basically the same thing.

Very important feature that I need is exchangable batteries. I hate mp3 players that you have to recharge. And don't give me any good arguments about rechargable mp3 players being cheaper because at work I have an unlimited supply of batteries for free.

The thing is that in my hometown the only decent mp3 players they sell are all rechargable. "They are more popular" is what they said there. Now however I am in the middle of Berlin and I am sure they have a better selection of mp3 players, so II guess we will stroll down some shops to look for mp3 players.

i agree swappable batteries is a huge plus, its quite difficult to find though since most players dont use a regular battery since they are trying to make the player smaller, most store bought batteries waste lots of space.

So rechargable batteries = better cuz you can get one that is thin and long and manufacturer it.

But hot swapping batteries is nice

queenmetroid · « **Reply #46 on:** July 13, 2009, 08:35:32 PM »

OK, hot swapping is nice, but really, are you ever more than 5 feet away from an electrical outlet? I have an wall outlet USB adapter so I never run out of charge.

Additionally, hot swappable batteries would mean a player has less advanced features, and is flash based. That's a deal killer for me.

fohfoh · « **Reply #47 on:** July 14, 2009, 12:44:40 AM »

Quote from: queenmetroid on July 13, 2009, 08:35:32 PM

OK, hot swapping is nice, but really, are you ever more than 5 feet away from an electrical outlet? I have an wall outlet USB adapter so I never run out of charge.

Additionally, hot swappable batteries would mean a player has less advanced features, and is flash based. That's a deal killer for me.

You misunderstand. Ace has had his mp3 since the army days when he actually did not have access to wall sockets. He is used to that style and that is the style he continues to prefer.

What about this though, there's one of those chargers for the iPod that can have batteries placed inside for power. Is one of these available for the Cowon or other mp3s? That way he can have the hot swap capabilities yet the awesomeness of the small size (+the awesome music support iPod can't really support for him).

queenmetroid · « **Reply #48 on:** July 14, 2009, 01:18:47 AM »

Quote from: fohfoh on July 14, 2009, 12:44:40 AM

Quote from: queenmetroid on July 13, 2009, 08:35:32 PM
OK, hot swapping is nice, but really, are you ever more than 5 feet away from an electrical outlet? I have an wall outlet USB adapter so I never run out of charge.

Additionally, hot swappable batteries would mean a player has less advanced features, and is flash based. That's a deal killer for me.
You misunderstand. Ace has had his mp3 since the army days when he actually did not have access to wall sockets. He is used to that style and that is the style he continues to prefer.

What about this though, there's one of those chargers for the iPod that can have batteries placed inside for power. Is one of these available for the Cowon or other mp3s? That way he can have the hot swap capabilities yet the awesomeness of the small size (+the awesome music support iPod can't really support for him).

Yeah, that I can understand (my friend was in Iraq so I'd send him AAAs for his Creative player all the time) but I'd say most people don't have that problem, and are most likely in range of AC power/USB ports on a computer most of the time.

cubensis55 · « **Reply #49 on:** July 14, 2009, 01:27:25 AM »

Might I offer this as a suggestion?

iGramaphone
-The ultimate in portable audio devices.
-Weighing in at a mere 50 lbs, you'll be able to carry it with ease from location to location.
-Extended wax "memory sticks" will allow you to enjoy minutes-worth (yes MINUTES-worth) of sheer audio bliss!
-Worried about battery life? No problem! This self-powered unit has no need for those pesky disposable sources.
-Just crank the included "power stick" and bask in the glory of that pristine analog sound!

How much does a state-of-the-art audio player, such as this, cost?
It can bee all yours for only 20 easy payments of $79.99!
1-800-GRM-FONE, that's 1-800-GRM-FONE.

Call now!

Nanonanol · « **Reply #50 on:** July 14, 2009, 10:44:00 AM »

Well cubensis, that was one of the latest models that was giving me trouble. I was wavering between the iGramaphone, and iTurntable, and the Cowon D2.
From what I've read online, the iTurntable is a pretty kickass model - weighing it at only 20lbs + the weight of the receiver and speakers. It even beats the iGramaphone in terms of storage space, with swappable 33 1/3 rpm albums clocking it at under 1hr per album (lower capacity 45 and 78rpm albums are also available).

On top of that, from what the research I did on the iTurntable (commonly referred to as simply the iTable), is that it makes a great companion for jogging as well, due to its anti-skip technology. The only problem of course is that while jogging with the iTable, you have to be within cord's length of an electrical outlet.

Lucky however, I found something that would be a great compromise between the D2, iGramaphone, and iTable - combining all their awesome features of portability, storage space, and sytle.

(click to show/hide)

Proin Drakenzol · « **Reply #51 on:** July 14, 2009, 11:46:32 AM »

Quote from: Nanonanol on July 14, 2009, 10:44:00 AM

Well cubensis, that was one of the latest models that was giving me trouble. I was wavering between the iGramaphone, and iTurntable, and the Cowon D2.
From what I've read online, the iTurntable is a pretty kickass model - weighing it at only 20lbs + the weight of the receiver and speakers. It even beats the iGramaphone in terms of storage space, with swappable 33 1/3 rpm albums clocking it at under 1hr per album (lower capacity 45 and 78rpm albums are also available).

On top of that, from what the research I did on the iTurntable (commonly referred to as simply the iTable), is that it makes a great companion for jogging as well, due to its anti-skip technology. The only problem of course is that while jogging with the iTable, you have to be within cord's length of an electrical outlet.

Lucky however, I found something that would be a great compromise between the D2, iGramaphone, and iTable - combining all their awesome features of portability, storage space, and sytle.

(click to show/hide)

The iBox
Crank powered to ensure for maximum playing time.
It also features your granmother's favorite tune and plays it over, and over, and over again.
Super portable, and no need for headphones, or even speakers.

See, I prefer higher audio quality in my media players, which is why I suggest this player

The iBowl.

[NOTE]The Hollywood Bowl has actually been renovated and the semi-dome has a different shape to provide for better acoustics. Concerts there are truly awesome, in the full and original meaning of that word.

psyren · « **Reply #52 on:** July 14, 2009, 12:33:55 PM »

I prefer this, personally:

The iPlayItMyselfLive.
The amount of music you can put in it is only limited by the space in your brain and your imagination.

AceHigh · « **Reply #53 on:** July 14, 2009, 01:12:15 PM »

Quote from: queenmetroid on July 14, 2009, 01:18:47 AM

Quote from: fohfoh on July 14, 2009, 12:44:40 AM
Quote from: queenmetroid on July 13, 2009, 08:35:32 PM
OK, hot swapping is nice, but really, are you ever more than 5 feet away from an electrical outlet? I have an wall outlet USB adapter so I never run out of charge.

Additionally, hot swappable batteries would mean a player has less advanced features, and is flash based. That's a deal killer for me.
You misunderstand. Ace has had his mp3 since the army days when he actually did not have access to wall sockets. He is used to that style and that is the style he continues to prefer.

What about this though, there's one of those chargers for the iPod that can have batteries placed inside for power. Is one of these available for the Cowon or other mp3s? That way he can have the hot swap capabilities yet the awesomeness of the small size (+the awesome music support iPod can't really support for him).

Yeah, that I can understand (my friend was in Iraq so I'd send him AAAs for his Creative player all the time) but I'd say most people don't have that problem, and are most likely in range of AC power/USB ports on a computer most of the time.

Haha, some people here know me too well. I see what you mean, of course the place where I work has tons of outlets and computers. However that means that I would either have to have a charger in my pocket at all times or a mini USB cable. And charging via USB would most likely mean that you can't use it at the same time, no?

Anyway, the conclusion I came to is that even in Berlin you won't find a good mp3 player with tripple A batteries, so I bought one with mini USB instead. However if I then later go out charge in the middle of a work day especially if I am running the pick and place assembly line, then the whole workplace will crash and burn.

cubensis55 · « **Reply #54 on:** July 14, 2009, 01:59:36 PM »

Quote from: psyren on July 14, 2009, 12:33:55 PM

I prefer this, personally:
(click to show/hide)
The iPlayItMyselfLive.
The amount of music you can put in it is only limited by the space in your brain and your imagination.

Ah yes, but the sound quality could be a major issue for most users (and their neighbors)...

Nanonanol · « **Reply #55 on:** July 14, 2009, 04:10:39 PM »

Quote from: cubensis55 on July 14, 2009, 01:59:36 PM

Quote from: psyren on July 14, 2009, 12:33:55 PM
I prefer this, personally:
(click to show/hide)
The iPlayItMyselfLive.
The amount of music you can put in it is only limited by the space in your brain and your imagination.
Ah yes, but the sound quality could be a major issue for most users (and their neighbors)...

I'm going to have to agree with cubensis on this one, if I got an iPlayItMyselfLive, my music would probably consist of whatever I can play on a cheap $10 plastic recorder (or sing, but that would most likely be 100 times worse). So, for the sake of my own sanity, and the well-being of other people, I think iPlayItMyselfLive isn't much of an option.

queenmetroid · « **Reply #56 on:** July 14, 2009, 07:19:04 PM »

Quote from: AceHigh

Haha, some people here know me too well. I see what you mean, of course the place where I work has tons of outlets and computers. However that means that I would either have to have a charger in my pocket at all times or a mini USB cable. And charging via USB would most likely mean that you can't use it at the same time, no?

Actually, my Zune can be plugged in/charging at the same time, you just have to close the software. I suppose that's one (minor) advantage of not having mass storage support.

Quote from: AceHigh

Anyway, the conclusion I came to is that even in Berlin you won't find a good mp3 player with tripple A batteries, so I bought one with mini USB instead. However if I then later go out charge in the middle of a work day especially if I am running the pick and place assembly line, then the whole workplace will crash and burn.

Oh, I guess you have to actually work at your job, so you do need a portable player. Me...not so much. xD

kyanwan · « **Reply #57 on:** July 14, 2009, 07:30:16 PM »

The players that lack software packages are the best ones IMO.

Sandisk players, aka - Sansa - have worked great for me.

IMO - the really huge players are just a pain in the ass. How long do you listen to the damn thing? 300 hours a stretch? No. Then if you have a million tunes on it - how managable is it? Do you really want to store 120-200gb of music on a damn player, and need to reload that all or whatever?

8gb is perfectly fine for me. I started with mp3 players when the old Rio players were out. I was livin' with 256mb.

Now that was management - and I did ok.

Personally - I love the little Sansa players. Nice, cheap, and they've even got custom firmwares.

Easy to use and all.

That cowon player looks nice. Only thing I don't like: touchscreens. I've got this thing for touchscreens.

Like - disgusting fingerprints smeared all over the screen. I have little tolerance for that. ( and with these people touting "design" - I'm afraid of the price tag. )

queenmetroid · « **Reply #58 on:** July 14, 2009, 07:36:45 PM »

Quote from: kyanwan on July 14, 2009, 07:30:16 PM

The players that lack software packages are the best ones IMO.

Sandisk players, aka - Sansa - have worked great for me.

IMO - the really huge players are just a pain in the ass. How long do you listen to the damn thing? 300 hours a stretch? No. Then if you have a million tunes on it - how managable is it? Do you really want to store 120-200gb of music on a damn player, and need to reload that all or whatever?

8gb is perfectly fine for me. I started with mp3 players when the old Rio players were out. I was livin' with 256mb.

Now that was management - and I did ok.

Personally - I love the little Sansa players. Nice, cheap, and they've even got custom firmwares.

Easy to use and all.

That cowon player looks nice. Only thing I don't like: touchscreens. I've got this thing for touchscreens.

Like - disgusting fingerprints smeared all over the screen. I have little tolerance for that. ( and with these people touting "design" - I'm afraid of the price tag. )

I agree with you on the touch screen part. Those things tick me off like you wouldn't believe. (Nintendo and Apple, I'm looking at YOU.) As for having a lot of space, I say why not? I love to have a couple dozen anime episodes with me for when I get bored, and it's not feasible to carry around a laptop. Yes, some people may *just* want to listen to music, but I want movies, and flash based players tend to be small, have small screens, and small capacities. (Unless you want to pay a mint.)

sdedalus83 · « **Reply #59 on:** July 14, 2009, 07:38:22 PM »

Nanonanol - check out the pandora.

It's about the size of a ds, supports virtually all audio and video formats, has gaming controls, a keyboard, bluetooth, wifi, real usb host capability, a 4.3" wvga touchscreen, and emulators for pretty much any console prior to the n64. The dual sdhc slots give you 64gb of potential built in storage. And the usb host slot would let you plug in any standard usb storage.