Posted on 08/24/2012 9:08:35 PM PDT by This Just In
I have never owned an mp3 player. Everyone else in my family owns either an Apple or a Sony, but I have yet to invest in one of these electronic devices. Not that I have anything against mp3 players. I've been reading reviews and checking prices for years. I consider it quite an investment to purchase one of these pricey players. I am not about to cough up a large chunk of hard earned cash in order to invest in a device that would last about a year, or one which turns on (or off) at random.
I've discovered that if you buy cheap, you can expect cheap. I've also discovered that the choices aren't that cut and dry.
I don't care for the iPod's or the Sony my family uses. The devices are either too inconvenient or too small.
Here are the mp3 players I've been focusing on:
Apple iPod Nano
Apple iPod Classic
Samsung ZUNE
I've read reviews on other sites, but it's a waste of time to try and wade through the anti-Apple posters, anti-MS crowd, and the legitimate reviews.
I'm hoping Freepers will be able to provide an objective opinion concerning these mp3 players.
I am not interested in gaming features or wifi. I'm looking for simplicity of use in a device as well as quality.
I was going to say what Craigon said. I’m still using my 3rd gen Nano, and I like it better than my girlfriend’s new one. I mostly listen in the car, and it’s easier to operate than that tiny touchscreen would be.
One thing: if you get an iPod, you’ll have to use iTunes or some other management software to put music on it. The cheaper ones, I think, just work by dragging files to them like they’re a hard disk.
Would I be able to use the iPhone in my vehicle? This is a major selling point.
Relative to developments, you are in the dark ages. But ask around some more. I’ve given you an answer you will understand and will save you hundreds of dollars. You should thank me! :D
We use our iPod shuffle in the vehicle, and so it would seem logical to use the iPhone as well on the aux.
All I wanted was something to playback MP3’s and some radio. SanDisk’s Sansa Clip filled the bill for me. Under 60 bucks, it’s about the size of a matchbook.
A couple of months ago, the plastic clip on the back broke off, so I'm thinking of buying a new one, and the new model is called the "Clip Zip" (v1.1). It's about $39 from New Egg!
Mark
” I don’t download music anymore but purchase the cd then upload to the ipod”
That’s probably a good idea. Something I never thought about before but you can leave the cds to whoever you want when you die. After reading this article I see it’s not so easy with digital purchases.
Microsoft discontinued the Zune.
“You should thank me! :D”
I’ll pass on expressing any gratitude, and reserve the thank you’s for those mature and classy Freepers who deserve a salute for truly helpful advice and input.
Honestly? For me, I like getting something cheap, because I end up being scared sh*tless about breaking things, getting them wet (My son washed his Nano in his pants pocket), or stolen. I have a couple of generic no-name MP3 players that work well. Try them out with some quality name brand earphones before you buy one, or read the reviews.
I can adjust to whatever interface/ecosystem they use, that that doesnt bother me any more.
Costs have come down so far on "smart" and "smart enough" phones, that you can get a great mp3 player and phone in one these days for a good price. Shop around.
Buy this, now. Buy all that you can afford at that price. Keep a few, sell rest for profit. Crazy good deal.
“I appreciate the comment. I don’t wish to purchase a cheap mp3 player. it’s been our experience that they don’t last.”
I have a $20 Sony Mp3 player that I bought maybe 10 years ago. It holds 8 hours of my favorite music and has flown well over half a million miles with me around the world. It has been through europe on maybe 20+ trips and many trips to asia. The number of trips in the US is in the hundreds. If I want new songs, I just switch out the playlist from my laptop. I also keep music on my Android phone as a backup, but rarely use that. I like the Sony because it is extremely small and if I do lose it, I won’t be upset. Sometimes buying cheap is okay.
Several Freepers have mentioned that the Zune is “...a dead product”, and yet these devices are still on the market. My concern is that if I purchase the mp3 player, and for some reason I must return it, will I encounter problems in receiving a refund or replacement?
My children have inadvertently washed their iPods in the washing machine. After drying the devices out, the players work perfectly.
My better half’s Sony, on the other hand, took a dive in a puddle of mud. When the player was dropped it accidentally switched on. The device fried. We had to purchase another one (by request, not by my choice). I do not like the Sony. Not very user friendly. The SanDisks that I’ve read about seem too cheaply made.
Part of the problem is that with digital content, one doesn’t have the same rights as with print books and CDs. Customers own a license to use the digital files—but they don’t actually own them. Apple (US:AAPL) and Amazon.com (US:AMZN) grant “nontransferable” rights to use content, so if you buy the complete works of the Beatles on iTunes, you cannot give the White Album to your son and Abbey Road to your daughter. According to Amazon’s terms of use, “You do not acquire any ownership rights in the software or music content.” Apple limits the use of digital files to Apple devices used by the account holder.
We’ve bought two Sony’s. The first fell into the drink. The device switched on accidentally as it fell out of the case. I’ve used it, and found the player to be user-unfriendly. I’m sure it’s a matter of preference.
Sounds like you picked the winner.
That's a feature, not a bug.
I don't want to have to sign up for or learn to use iTunes or any other software other than the internet, the file system, and whatever player I'm using.
A fellow Freeper is asking for advice on mp3 players and wants to know about whether an Apple iPod or a Microsoft Zune would be a better choice. I could tell him Microsoft has just announced the end of life of the Zune product line, but... Would he believe me? What do you all think?
Swordmaker said:
“I could tell him Microsoft has just announced the end of life of the Zune product line, but... Would he believe me?”
After reading this a moment ago:
“Discontinuation of Zune hardware
On October 3, 2011, Microsoft announced the discontinuation of all Zune hardware, encouraging users to transition to Windows Phone. Later, the announcement was removed and a Zune Support Team member tweeted that the page was added to the website in error. Finally, despite previous denials, the original announcement of the Zune hardware’s discontinuation was restored to the Zune Support site.”
....the answer is yes.
Every iPhone has a full iPod built into it'll and can be used as a full fledged iPod mp3 player, movie and video player, and can be used with all iPod accessories including in your car.
Thanks, Swordmaker, for the helpful comment.
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