MP3 players - is it enough

[baltimoron]

Well, for me, its just how fast and efficient everything is. It's a bit different though, since I have a mac. From what I percieve, iTunes make their own coding that is faster and more effecient. With a FireWire setup like I currently have, it took me about 5 minutes to load up 3100 songs. Pretty cool, huh? I also like that you can get iTunes a long with it, which provides good quality music LEGALLY. The interface is set up nicely, and unline archos, there are no features on the iPod which I do not know the significance, nor do I use. But furthermore, I LOVE how iPods make it so easy to load up audiobooks. I listen to Pimsleur's "Quick and Easy Japanese" every day while riding the bus around town. I like that you can program it to read faster and slower, and you can only get those said audiobooks (for REALLY cheap too!!) on iTunes.

There really is something behind the great marketing façade… iPods are the real deal.

 

[alcina]

That's interesting about the audiobooks...how much are they, can I ask? And is Itunes free - thought I read somewhere that for some function on the Ipod you had to also purchase a bit of software? Geeesh, I've read so much I am getting confused.

 

[baltimoron]

OK, so I was half right about the Pimsleur Part. With the Pimsleur, they let you buy them by the chapter for about US$9 each. That's cheaper than buying a whole set of them at a bookstore for like, US$30.00. Now I am looking now, and it seems that some books are abridged, and some are not. The abridged versions run about 9-15 dollars, while the whole ones can price as much as a real book.

I am under the impression that one does not have to buy iTunes, but that might not be the case. See, I got my iTunes with my Mac, so this might be a good question for a Windows loser… Now songs cost about $0.99 each, but sometimes they have freebies that are worthwhile.

Any more questions?

 

[alcina]

Thanks, you've been really helpful.

I think that the Gmini is better suited for my Mom and Sis for the extra capabilities...about the same size as an Ipod and since they are still dragging their cd walkmans around I don't think the difference is too much of an issue

 

[D_O_H]

I love, love, love my iPod. I have own a few other MP3 players and they have all been collecting dust since I finally broke down and bought a 40 gig 'pod. It's really hard to put my finger on why I like it so much, but I think it's a combination of slightly better sound quality (I upgraded the earbuds), ease of use and a bunch of other stuff that shouldn't matter but does (appealing design, pleasant to use, feels nice in the hand, cool factor). The interface with my PC (I'm not a mac person) is also great, easy and fast.

One of the best features is the ability to put all my disks on it (and I have a lot) with plenty of room to spare. Being able to fit and easily access every single song I own in a package the size of a deck of cards is amazing.

I'm also a big fan of the audiobooks. A great site for this is audible.com. Something like 9.99 (14.99?) a month for one audibook and one periodical. Their selection of audibooks isn't all-encompassing, but I've found enough to keep me happy for the 6 or 7 months I've subscribed. Incidentally, if anyone is looking for a good audiobook, try A short history of nearly everything [or something like that] by Bill Bryson. Fantastic audiobook.

Okay, I'm done recommending things now.

Edit: P.S. iTunes is free w/the iPod (might be free for anyone) and works great on my PC.

 

[Vie]

Well, I had an Archos for about the same amount of time and loved it to death. Just two months ago I swtiched two months ago when my parents got me a shiny new U2 Edition 40 gig iPod.

Hmm, I thought the U2 iPod is 20GB? At $349.00 it’s also pretty expensive—unless you are a diehard U2 fan. Add 50 bucks and you could have gotten yourself a 40GB regular iPod (or subtract 50 bucks for a regular 20GB iPod).

 

[Vie]

I am under the impression that one does not have to buy iTunes, but that might not be the case. See, I got my iTunes with my Mac, so this might be a good question for a Windows loser… Now songs cost about $0.99 each, but sometimes they have freebies that are worthwhile.

You can download iTunes 4.7.1 for PC for free at:

http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/

Windows System Requirements

-Windows XP or 2000
-500 MHz Pentium class processor or better
-QuickTime 6.5.2 (included)
-128 MB RAM minimum/256 RAM recommended
-Latest Windows service packs recommended
-Supported CD-RW drive to burn CDs, video display card, soundcard
-DSL, cable modem, or LAN-based high-speed Internet connection recommended for buying and streaming music

 

[alcina]

After some more digging there's also the Creative Zen Micro 5GB - $220 - $250 depending on the colour it looks like. This has gotten rave reviews and it's essentially the same size as the ipod mini.

Too many choices...each time I think I have found "the one" I find something else!!

 

[Kim]

Wow - I just downloaded i-tunes, only to be told that I can't buy anything from inside Japan! So much for 'free market'!!!

 

[alcina]

OK...decision time. Am ordering a Gmini for me definitely.

Sis - Gmini IF her new camera is CF, otherwise I am not sure.

Top two contenders: Creative's 5GB Zen Micro and SanDisk 1GB flash...I know they are very different, just trying to decide on how to go here!! Ugh...I hate shopping for other people.