OOPS!
I meant to type:
Microsoft ZUNE.
Apologies.
Don’t know about iPhone, but Android phones can be used without mobile phone service. I ditched my cheap mp3 player after I got my Samsung Galaxy S2 from my mobile provider for free.
ARM 11
You can use an iPhone as an mp3 player without cell service. You can use the wireless function and chat, check email, and surf the net.
I went from an iPod classic to and iPod touch to an iPhone.
My iPhone is also my iPod. I LOVE it. Depending on the size of the memory chip it will hold thousands of songs. Quite simply, best thing ever. I listen to it all the time. Can hook it into external speakers or headphones. Great stuff.
An ipod is an iphone without wireless talk. An iphone can be used for Skype calling without a cell plan. Apple mobile devices have been eclipsed by android devices. I think you’re too cheap for either of these options. Get a virginmobile LG android smartphone for $50 and a $35 plan. This can be your music player, as well, but you should get a $50 Sandisk miniplayer. Someone who has been as hesitant as you to adopt technology should just stay out of the pursuit altogether.
Now I use it for a thumb drive.
Apple products are more expensive and you can get by with less expensive products. But no popups, trojan viruses, no incessant software updates and I don't have to pay Mcaffe and Symantic and the computer repair guys every year and photoshop works like a dream on this platform which is my main reason for owning a computer. One of the great things still about America is that people can choose where to spend their money. Apple, Microsoft, Linux.
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.
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
Microsoft discontinued the Zune.
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.
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?
The best listening package for music mp3's and audiobooks at any price. Beats the iStuff seven ways from Sunday.
I wouldn't even consider any player for which Rockbox can't be installed. Freepmail me if you want more info.
Sure, however it would be cost effective to buy the iPod Touch, in most cases.
I’ve had the same iPod for five years. Still love it.
I’ve got a Samsung p3, love it. Lasted a couple of years already showing no signs of issues.
The big thing to do is come up with your list of musts and wants, then go to cnet.com and read up. My musts were: addressable like a flash drive, multiple playlists, 30GB. It’s that first one that was big, Apple and Zune are both strongly tied to their software for loading and unloading, maybe it’s good, maybe it’s bad, but even if it’s good it won’t be as good as handloading with explorer which allows me to organize my way. That knocked the big dogs right out of the running.
But your priorities might be different. That’s where cnet comes into play. I check them out for all my serious electronic purchases and always come out the other side happy.
I’ve had a second generation 1 GB iPod Shuffle for several years, and it still works great. I want to say it was $50 brand new...
I also have a Slick branded 2 GB player with video functions that’s a year or two newer; I got it as a Christmas gift. Also works pretty well, a little easier to get music loaded but the battery life is considerably shorter. Still, the sound is decent and for a player I know ran about $30, the battery life isn’t shameful.