MP3 Players

[ssampier]

I don't own either the iPod or any Mp3 player at the moment, but I have done quite a bit of research.

I think it boils down to what player you prefer, iTunes or Windows Media (I prefer Musicmatch myself). If you like iTunes, go ahead and get any version of the iPod.

For Windows Media and WMA files, the iPod is out (since it cannot natively play WMAs and cannot convert DRM WMA). For those there is a host of different players. The disadvantage of most of them is lack of "add-ons" that the iPod has in spades.

>>1. Besides MAC's Ipod what other brands do you recommend?

Creative Zen Vision: M has high marks for reviews. It is a hard drive player and has a great screen. It is designed for photos, videos, and music (of course).

http://www.anythingbutipod.com/archives/2006/01/creative-zen-vision-m-review.php

Review on AnythingButIpod.

>>2. Besides the MP3 Player itself what other accessories will I need?

A carrying case (to protect the player for scratches and to keep it dry during inclement weather) and possibly, better earphones.

>>3. What software is involved and what is the cost?

Just the software used to transfer the music, generally free.

http://www.apple.com/itunes/
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/player/11/default.aspx

>>4. Any other device.

I am not sure what you mean here. If you're wondering you can also burn CDs with Mp3s and WMAs that play in many shelf stereo systems and many newer car audio systems.

 

[Rl'Halsinor]

>>4. Any other device.

I am not sure what you mean here. If you're wondering you can also burn CDs with Mp3s and WMAs that play in many shelf stereo systems and many newer car audio systems.[/QUOTE]

ssampier, I am really ignorant when it comes to MP3 anything. I don't even know how one downloads music onto an MP3, if it is even possible to have different playing lists, if you can change such lists by adding or deleting, and where one finds music to download, etc. Ignorance indeed!

Thanks for your response because I appreciate the hard work you put into research. And thanks to everyone else. You've all helped. I'll take all the advice I can get.

 

[Ranger REG]

Anybody got some (un)kind words about SanDisk Rhapsody e200 MP3 player (from Best Buy)?

 

[ssampier]

ssampier, I am really ignorant when it comes to MP3 anything. I don't even know how one downloads music onto an MP3, if it is even possible to have different playing lists, if you can change such lists by adding or deleting, and where one finds music to download, etc. Ignorance indeed!

Thanks for your response because I appreciate the hard work you put into research. And thanks to everyone else. You've all helped. I'll take all the advice I can get.

"Download" music onto the Mp3 player: you do that by transferring music using the software I mention, usually iTunes or Windows Media player. If you've burned a CD, I am sure you shouldn't have any problems. The play lists shouldn't be a problem, either by genre, artist or what have you.

To download music, one of the most popular is iTunes, $.99 a song. There are other, non Ipod downloads out there (too many to mention). Most people rip CDs, that is convert the music off the CD to the mp3 format.

 

[Ranger REG]

"Download" music onto the Mp3 player: you do that by transferring music using the software I mention, usually iTunes or Windows Media player. If you've burned a CD, I am sure you shouldn't have any problems. The play lists shouldn't be a problem, either by genre, artist or what have you.

To download music, one of the most popular is iTunes, $.99 a song. There are other, non Ipod downloads out there (too many to mention). Most people rip CDs, that is convert the music off the CD to the mp3 format.

How is Best Buy Digital Music Store?

 

[lrsach01]

Anybody got some (un)kind words about SanDisk Rhapsody e200 MP3 player (from Best Buy)?

Can't say much about the Rhapsody version, but I have the non-Rhapsody version and I love it. Its only the 2 gig version (there was a sale at Amazon) but its great. The biggest selling point for me is that it works with non-windows systems....mostly. I use Linux and I can easily transfer music and re-charge the battery. It will play music and shows pictures, too. Unfortunately, the vid and pics can only be added under windows. The screen is a bit small for movies any way, so I don't feel I'm losing much and I have a windows box if I REALLY need it.

Two thumbs up!

 

[Aus_Snow]

Can't say much about the Rhapsody version, but I have the non-Rhapsody version and I love it. Its only the 2 gig version (there was a sale at Amazon) but its great. The biggest selling point for me is that it works with non-windows systems....mostly. I use Linux and I can easily transfer music and re-charge the battery. It will play music and shows pictures, too.

That's part of what I like about the 2GB Samsung I got a while back. Works fine, in Windows and Linux, and recharges via USB either way. But yeah, the SanDisk looks pretty cool.

 

[Ranger REG]

Can't say much about the Rhapsody version, but I have the non-Rhapsody version and I love it. Its only the 2 gig version (there was a sale at Amazon) but its great. The biggest selling point for me is that it works with non-windows systems....mostly. I use Linux and I can easily transfer music and re-charge the battery. It will play music and shows pictures, too. Unfortunately, the vid and pics can only be added under windows. The screen is a bit small for movies any way, so I don't feel I'm losing much and I have a windows box if I REALLY need it.

Two thumbs up!

Well, not really interested in watching movie on MP3 player. Just listening to music and maybe view pictures of warrior slave women in chainmail bikini (international edition).

And Zune is too big a price for me -- though it has one good thing going for it: NOT an Apple product. Two, if you count the integrated FM tuner that iPod lacks (as standard).

The SanDisk is very tempting to buy this holiday season, but my other question needs to be answered. How is Best Buy Digital Music Store?

 

[ssampier]

It looks like it's really just an arm of RealPlayer Rhapsody service.

I personally wouldn't get too excited, but that's just me. I would use the MusicMatch download service or allofmp3.com (while it's still around).

 

[Ranger REG]

I personally wouldn't get too excited, but that's just me. I would use the MusicMatch download service or allofmp3.com (while it's still around).

Can I do it without a credit card? If not, can you lend me yours?