74 replies to this topic

[elvenrunelord]

Would the Ipod be your first choice when thinking about a mp3 player? What are some good alternatives if you avoid apple for some reason?

[Xav]

In short, no. I think the main reason people buy iPods is for the brand name, and the popularity. Sure, the click wheel is nice, but there are cheaper, better MP3 players out there.

It's worth noting that I know for a fact that the iPod earphones supplied are of the worst quality possible. At least buy a decent pair of earphones, and then sound quality should be very good. However, other players can do this as well. Take a look at some review magazines for good models to look into. But don't buy an iPod if you can help it - it's simply a waste of money.

[WingedPanther]

iPod would be about my last choice for an MP3 player. The only advantage of it that I can see is its integration with iTunes. If all you want to do is play MP3s, than almost any MP3 player will do the job. My wife got a Create Zen and is extremely happy with it.

[Chewie]

Zune IMO.

[Xav]

WingedPanther said:

iPod would be about my last choice for an MP3 player.

Agreed.

WingedPanther said:

The only advantage of it that I can see is its integration with iTunes.

Agreed. And iTunes has no advantages over other media players, except compatibility with iPods. Which defeats the purpose if you don't want an iPod.

WingedPanther said:

If all you want to do is play MP3s, than almost any MP3 player will do the job.

I don't entirely agree with this. It depends on how much of a music enthusiast you are. For someone with no ear for good sound quality, then any cheap MP3 player will probably do. If you are a music lover or a fusspot (or both), then lots of MP3 players produce awful sound quality, even with the EQ tweaked.

Therefore, it's worth reading reviews of MP3 players for sound quality, as the right audio circuitry can really bring out a piece of music, or instead spoil it completely. Poorly designed menus, unresponsive/badly designed buttons and ugly appearances all play a part in the ranking of an MP3 player as well, so it's worth considering these things when purchasing an MP3 player.

[TcM]

Nope. first thing I'd think of is an mp4 player.

[Xav]

An iPod is an MP4 player, in that it plays video as well. Whether you get an MP3 or an MP4, there are still better options than the iPod.

[Chewie]

Zune plays Mp4's!! =] And is a lot nicer IMO, as well as a bigger screen I believe!

[Xav]

OK, OK. How much is the Zune?

[TcM]

Xav said:

An iPod is an MP4 player, in that it plays video as well. Whether you get an MP3 or an MP4, there are still better options than the iPod.

No, an ipod is NOT an mp4 player.. it can play mp4 videos, but it's not an mp4 player.. with mp4 players I mean something like http://www.dabbledoo...ll/Shiro_VJ.JPG

XaNaX said:

Zune plays Mp4's!! =] And is a lot nicer IMO, as well as a bigger screen I believe!

Nah, that is too big just to play some mp3's! I already have a PPC.. which is already enough in my pocket.

[Xav]

TcM said:

No, an ipod is NOT an mp4 player.. it can play mp4 videos, but it's not an mp4 player.. http://www.dabbledoo...ll/Shiro_VJ.JPG

What makes the iPod any different from other MP4 players?

[TcM]

What makes an MSI Laptop different from an HP Laptop?

I think you can figure out the answer.