Which is the best MP3 player?

Puteq

Hi all, my brother is looking to buy an MP3 player for his g/f's birthday, and is wondering which one is best. I have looked at past threads here but they all seem to be somewhat old, and since something like this is always changing, and fast, I was wondering what is the latest info/advice you guys would have? Like for example I advised an iRiver, only to find they dont exist any more!?!

His stipulations are he wants something with big capacity that can play movies and photos too. Also of course battery life would be a consideration, which is why I would stay away from an iPod. Also he wouldn't want a player that is married to one particular computer (like the iPod does and a further reason why I think iPods suck).

so is there one easy answer? thanks

TempestSabre

Puteq wrote:

...so is there one easy answer? thanks

Yes. Its no.

PogMoThoin

What ever you do dont buy an ipod like most people. i'm sorry i did:mad:

Keedowah

and dont buy anything from Archos! I did - i could have thrown my money off a building - it would have been better.

RE*AC*TOR

Puteq wrote:

His stipulations are he wants something with big capacity that can play movies and photos too.

Best for playing videos would be the Creative Zen Vision M - 30 GB. Very nice player - i have one.



Only recommendation is to buy a plastic film type protector as they pick up scratches easily (as do ipods).

Puteq wrote:

Also of course battery life would be a consideration, which is why I would stay away from an iPod. Also he wouldn't want a player that is married to one particular computer (like the iPod does and a further reason why I think iPods suck).

for battery life and the ability to just plug it into any computer - the Cowon iAudio X5-L 30gb would be the business.



However, the movie playback is nowhere near as good. But it is at least in spirit the true successor to the iRivier H120 series.

It depends on how important movie playback is.

Rollo Tamasi

what's the price on the one above Reactor?
Also i heard that the Zen's have a tendency to frezze which requires the user to hit the reset button or take out the battery to get it back up and running

RE*AC*TOR

Rollo Tamasi wrote:

what's the price on the one above Reactor?
Also i heard that the Zen's have a tendency to frezze which requires the user to hit the reset button or take out the battery to get it back up and running

Komplett.ie have the Zen Vision M for €285 at the moment (great price).

However, the X5L is a whopping €399.

I haven't had any problems having to reset my creative (or otherwise) - I also had a zen touch - which I had no problems with, and my fianceé has a zen micro which she has no problems with.

I had a zen nx which gave me a few problems, but that was quite a while ago.

NiSmO

This post has been deleted.

Blowfish

NiSmO wrote:

This post has been deleted.

There is no chance you will get 13000 songs onto a 20gb hdd without them being of a pretty poor quality.

cormie

The best "MP3" player now and since its release, is the iRiver H140. You can't buy these from retail anymore and they don't have a colour screen so I don't think this is for you.

I would second the iAudio X5. I'm not too sure of the best place to get these at present, but try here or here.

Your brother may want to check out www.dapreview.com too:)

Blowfish

cormie wrote:

The best "MP3" player now and since its release, is the iRiver H140.

Seconded, although i'm probably biased as I have one.

Mutant_Fruit

Of the current crop, the ones of interest to you would be the iRiver H320/H340, the Creatize Zen Vision and the iAudio one.

Personally, i'm leaning towards a Creative M Vision for myself. My brother has one, and it's pretty slick. Only problem with it for me is that it doesn't support Ogg. It just does WMA and mp3

The iRiver is really nice, but doesn't have great playlist support, which is why i'm not really considering it. But i might try rockbox...

Cungi

I'd recommend this http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=311317

I have one and its never let me down. Good memory size, light, no need for poxy cables and about a third of the size of an ipod. Plays most music files and can be used as a pen drive/ usb key

My 2 cents:)

Reread post. Didnt see that you wanted video playback sorry.

cormie

Rockbox is the best firmware you'll ever use... probably.. I have it on my H140 and it's given the player a whole new life. There's some great things going on for the H3XX with it too. In fact, I totally forgot about the H3XX, it too is out of production but it should be easy enough to find on Ebay etc. It provides excellent playlist options, crossfading (once you use crossfading, you'll never want to go back), gapless playback and sooo much more, you can even play doom on the H3XX with it. Customisable backgrounds, everything you can think of. As far as I'm aware, they are also porting it to the iPod, if they have not already done so. Check out www.rockbox.org for more info, or www.misticriver.net for info for the iRiver ports.

Mutant_Fruit

I totally forgot about the H3XX, it too is out of production but it should be easy enough to find on Ebay etc.

What? Are iRiver going out of business? Or have they released a new product?

cormie

They definitely aren't going out of business. It seems they are trying to concentrate on the sleek, happy, fun type MP3 player for majority of the population rather than the technical music enthusiast lot that the likes of the H140 was designed for. Maybe they'll go back to their old ways, who knows?

Maximilian

How can the H140 be better than the (awesome) H320?

Puteq

very good people, thanks for all the words. I think he has decided on the Creative. mucho appreciated all the help

Oh yeah, and can I confirm with those of you who already have a Creative (he is getting the Creative Vision:M) that is does not suffer the problem with the iPod of when you sync it with a computer, it is stuck to that computer and can't be sync'd with another different computer without wiping it? Just want to be sure as it is the most annoying thing.

RE*AC*TOR

Puteq wrote:

very good people, thanks for all the words. I think he has decided on the Creative. mucho appreciated all the help

Oh yeah, and can I confirm with those of you who already have a Creative (he is getting the Creative Vision:M) that is does not suffer the problem with the iPod of when you sync it with a computer, it is stuck to that computer and can't be sync'd with another different computer without wiping it? Just want to be sure as it is the most annoying thing.

tell him to get something like this...

http://www.shieldzone.com/item_description/CREZENVISM.html


it will be worth the extra few pennies.

VeeGo

that is does not suffer the problem with the iPod of when you sync it with a computer, it is stuck to that computer and can't be sync'd with another different computer without wiping it?

Go to setings and uncheck sync option. iPod is great player if you know how to use it.

cormie

Maximilian wrote:

How can the H140 be better than the (awesome) H320?

Optical ports are a big plus for audio playback. Since rockbox has got onto the H3XX it's not far behind.

TempestSabre

Puteq wrote:

....problem with the iPod of when you sync it with a computer, it is stuck to that computer and can't be sync'd with another different computer without wiping it? Just want to be sure as it is the most annoying thing.

If you use software like MediaMonkey it doesn't do it either.

Puteq

VeeGo wrote:

Go to setings and uncheck sync option. iPod is great player if you know how to use it.

:eek: *inhale* I didnt know it was possible to switch this off, though I admit I never looked in any options to try, since I heard somewhere that it was Apples way or curbing piracy, since it prevented you from popping over to your mates house and copying all his music (which would be silly since there are many other methods of illegally transferring files is one was so inclined, and all this restriction would do is prevent someone with access to more than 1 PC from being able to use their iPod fully).

TempestSabre wrote:

If you use software like MediaMonkey it doesn't do it either.

Ah, I had an iPod years ago but stopped using it a long while ago, but I never knew of other options such as this. Thanks for the tip !

Cardinal

The Toshiba Gigabeat S is something that fits the description of what you're looking for. Check out this review at CNET out . I'm a happy iPod owner, but if I wasn't, I might be looking at this.

Only thing is you have to use it with windows XP, (or Vista I assume).

TempestSabre

The iPod has a lot of flaws. But overall (once you get to know it) its a decent player. The currently model finally sounds decent and the big screen is great for long tags. Most other players have a smaller screen, or scroll titles, which bugs me. I'm tempted to get one myself simply because of that.

4Xcut

I got the iAudio A2 there on the weekend and its amazing....bit big but sound, video, radio, recording everyis great

astrofool

For a girl it has to be an iPod (the image is as, if not more important than the functionality). If technically inclined, anything but an iPod

Cardinal

Astrofool, that is a ridiculous over simplification and generalisation. What, girls can't be technically minded? And iPod has nothing to offer to the technically inclined? I strongly disagree on both counts.

Mutant_Fruit

I don't understand the iPod bashing. It's a great little player. Fine, it is overpriced for the features it has, but it's the sleekest player you can get. Personally, i wouldn't get one. But ya can't call it crap.

TempestSabre

I don't get the iPod bashing either.

Puteq

astrofool wrote:

For a girl it has to be an iPod (the image is as, if not more important than the functionality). If technically inclined, anything but an iPod

LOL this caused a few disagreeing comments! Well to answer those who don't get the iPod bashing, I started off 100% in agreement with the above statement. Apple has spent tons on marketing and it has paid off by their player being no. 1. However I got an iPod (back in the days when it was the first MP3 player of its type, my previous MP3 player was 128MB!) and it was OK, but then along came the iRiver which beat the iPod in every way technically, however it never surpassed the iPod in market position because Apple had the marketing. So at least in that point in time, people who knew what they were doing got iRivers, and people who didn’t really know what they were doing but liked the image that was being sold by Apples massive marketing campaign went for the iPod. Having said that, the fact is my iPod is one of the first generation ones, I believe they have come a ways since then…

Now whether you generalise that women are more image conscious, and guy are more technically knowledgeable, I dare not speak on that, there are millions of other threads on boards about the 'men are from Omicron Persei 7, women are from Omicron Persei 9' argument !

MrJones

I had a 30 gigabyte creative zen micro and it was brilliant but then some scumbag went
and stole it. :mad:

cormie

iPod has come a long way indeed, but there are still better players out there, as there has always been and cheaper too.

One big selling point for me is a file tree navigation mode. Everyone seems to think iPod navigation is easy, maybe easy, but personally I can't stand it. Browsing by Genre/Album etc is just a painus in the anus for me. I much prefer to just have file tree, I know where everything is and I know whats in a specific folder. This can be solved by putting rockbox on the iPod though so this isn't such a big deal any more. There's still cheaper and technically better devices to put rockbox on however, the H3XX for example.

It's been the same since MP3 players have been around really, iPod is good, but there are better and cheaper players out there.

digitaldeath

I recommend the iPod. First of all, if you are comfortable with iTunes, or if you use it on a regular basis already, the iPod is the most logical solution. iTunes and the iPod just work so well together. I sync everything from my desktop including photos, podcasts etc. I just plug my iPod into my computer, wait a few minutes and it's all up to date with everything on my desktop computer.
I have played with an iRiver in the past, but I find the iPod's user interface (UI) and whole lot better.
If you're using a Mac - get an iPod, if not, it ultimately comes down to what you can afford.

Digi.

TempestSabre

I huge feature that sells the iPods is the slick and smart playlists and clever synching. No other player is as sophisticated at doing this. The UI is also incredibly elegant. Personally I prefer filetree aswell but theres no denying how great the iPod is a player once you look past the marketing. Another big advantage is the vast array of accessories like docks, remotes, wireless remotes, etc etc. Thats no small advantage if you want to use your iPod/MP3player as a home HiFi. Especially a wireless remote thats a killer feature. Sound quality of the 5G iPod is a good as the rest now. Better if you use the line out. So I don't know "technically" how other players are better. Unless you mean they simply have more features. Which is the only advantage I see. Oh and the warranty. Cowons have a 2yr warranty which is v.important for DAP's IMO.

RE*AC*TOR

You guys are nuts, yes the iPod has its good features, and it is actually getting better - but its not 95% of the market good.

That's why people have a problem, also because its being sold as a fashion icon. Its the Apple lifestlye that people are buying into. Its moronic.

Its not hard to see why people have a dislike for the brand. The mp3 players over the years created by Creative and Iriver and Rio and Cowon have all at various points sported features well beyond ipod's reach, but they didn't sell as well because they weren't marketed with hip looking silouhettes on colourful backgrounds.

TempestSabre

Whats the problem with wanting something that looks decent? Same with TV, Cars, clothes, anything really. Product design is important! Why buy something as ugly as a brick if you don't have to.

Blowfish

TempestSabre wrote:

Whats the problem with wanting something that looks decent? Same with TV, Cars, clothes, anything really. Product design is important! Why buy something as ugly as a brick if you don't have to.

Well for me with anything electronic, i'd definitely take the one where they spent most of the design time inproving the features and functionality over the one where the spent most of the time designing the case.

RE*AC*TOR

TempestSabre wrote:

Whats the problem with wanting something that looks decent? Same with TV, Cars, clothes, anything really. Product design is important! Why buy something as ugly as a brick if you don't have to.

Ugly as a brick?

ghost26ie

TempestSabre wrote:

I huge feature that sells the iPods is the slick and smart playlists and clever synching.

i can get that in any creative for a whole lot less. Ipods mainly sell on facts that Apple had U2 endorse one and because they do everybody needs to get one. they do it to hide the fact that the battery life in them sucks which is one of its main problems.

TempestSabre

I like those players myself. I could however pick servious faults with them all. But that would be just missing the point though. The 5G iPod is just slicker in the hand. I don't see whats wrong with people buying something they find visually appealing. I know someone with a 30gb 5G iPod and they only have about 10 albums on it @ 128k. They love it. End of story. Show them a H1xx and they wouldn't want to know.

cormie

You can't compare buying clothes for style compared to buying an mp3 player for style. Clothes or people clothing, clothing is for 2 main things, comfort and style. MP3 players are for one main thing. Playing music. If I want an mp3 player, I'm going to buy the best one for playing music. There's no way I will sacrifice the features on players such as an iRiver for the inferior iPod, when I don't consider the style of either to be important at all. For something that will either be in your pocket/bag or lying beside your bed when in use, I don't think style comes into play at all. You see, iPod is "fashion". Fashion and style are a completely different thing. Many other MP3 players have style too, but iPods are now fashion accessories. Fair play to apple, they are selling to millions of people, even people with no interest in music and a lot of people who don't even know what an MP3 is.. even if they have an iPod.

If iPods were really that good though, because of the market position Apple holds, if they were the best, do you think we would have ever heard of any competitors? The only reason we know of the competitors is because they are better and cheaper. There is a very good reason the H1XX/H3XX had the number 1 sales position on the likes of amp3.co.uk for so long. It wouldn't be wrong to say that internet users and those who choose to buy things online rather than in the high streets, would have a better knowledge of technology for MP3 players in general. A better knowledge means a better decision on what to buy.

Yes, the ipod has a lot of accessories, this is both a good and a bad thing. A lot of the accessories for iPod come with other mp3 players. Radio, remotes etc. And the iPod remote is terrible, How can you navigate through 10,000 tracks without a display? And it still sells:rolleyes:

Again, the reason we know of other brands when iPod have such a strong market position, is because there are better options.

threetwentynine

I love my brick.

TempestSabre

ghost26ie wrote:

i can get that in any creative for a whole lot less. Ipods mainly sell on facts that Apple had U2 endorse one and because they do everybody needs to get one. they do it to hide the fact that the battery life in them sucks which is one of its main problems.

If that was true you'd expect the U2 model to be the most popular. I've owned creative players, synch and playlists are nothing like as slick in creatives apps or WMP. Mind you I use mediamonkey with all my players anyway.

Blowfish

TempestSabre wrote:

The 5G iPod is just slicker in the hand. I don't see whats wrong with people buying something they find visually appealing. I know someone with a 30gb 5G iPod and they only have about 10 albums on it @ 128k. They love it. End of story. Show them a H1xx and they wouldn't want to know.

Which is exactly proving the point everyone here is saying. The technically minded people will go with something with better features, the non-technically minded people will go for the looks of the ipod.

cormie

TempestSabre wrote:

I like those players myself. I could however pick servious faults with them all.

Pick some serious faults with the H1XX.. I dare ya:D

I know someone with a 30gb 5G iPod and they only have about 10 albums on it @ 128k. They love it. End of story. Show them a H1xx and they wouldn't want to know.

This is what I was talking about in the above post, people buy them as a fashion accessory. I mean a 30GB player when you have 10 albums and probably no interest in music or getting any more albums. I mean what's the point? 10 albums could fit on a flash player which would have cost about 1/4 of what they paid for the 30GB. They love it because it's a fashion accessory, and yes, a pretty cool one at that. If they want to spend €400 on a fashion accessory, fair enough, but I know I'd much rather spend €400 on a better MP3 player and have a bit left over too.

Mutant_Fruit

I'm the proud owner of a Rio Karma (first screenshot features above), and if i could buy a new one, i would! I found it much better than the Creative Zen original i had before. Unfortunately they went out of business last year, but the rights to their stuff were bought by Sigmatel, so we might finally see the Karma 2

TempestSabre

cormie wrote:

Pick some serious faults with the H1XX.. I dare ya:D...

Its not made anymore. Thats a pretty big one. Compared to a 5G iPod its huuuge! No wireless remote for use at home. Doesn't charge on USB. Lots of HD failures reported, which is expected with a HD DAP, but when you're out of warranty? I don't know how good tags are with rockbox and smart playlist. I suspect not great. Looks like a 70's toy.

As for non technically minded using an iPod. Theres tons of HiFi'ers use iPods with a portable dock, line out and a portable amp. Loads of them over on Head-Fi. You can even get an HiFi mod done on it. http://www.redwineaudio.com/iMod.html.

Lots of people hate the iPod simply because its popular.

ghost26ie

TempestSabre wrote:

I like those players myself. I could however pick servious faults with them all. But that would be just missing the point though. The 5G iPod is just slicker in the hand. I don't see whats wrong with people buying something they find visually appealing. I know someone with a 30gb 5G iPod and they only have about 10 albums on it @ 128k. They love it. End of story. Show them a H1xx and they wouldn't want to know.

there is nothing wrong buying something that is visually appealing, but paying more money for it, when you can buy something which will do the same job for less, and still looks good, thats where i have a problem.

cormie

The Karma was the first player I heard gapless on. It's such a nice feature. I never thought gapless was an important feature at all. On the iRiver forums, some people kicked up such a fuss about it being promised and not delivered in the firmware upgrades. All I was interested in was OTF playlists, gapless didn't interest me at all. Until I heard it. It would now be a big deciding factor in the purchase of an MP3 player. RockBox put gapless and OTF playlists on my iRiver but I still think the Karma is a cool little player and I think the gapless/fading feature may be slightly better on it. I haven't compared the two but from what I remember, the Karma one was really nice.

TempestSabre

Well thats another point they don't do the same job. For example how many MP3 players can you buy a wireless remote for? Heres a hint theres one for some of the Zens. (Creative Wireless Remote I200)