What MP3 Player? And will iPods get cheaper?

[_PD_]

Hi,

I'm looking to get myself a new MP3 player. My old one (Sony HD1) has served me well, but is now totally borked beyond repair.

So, I like the look of the new iPod, 30Gb (or maaaaybe 80), in black. It just looks nice. However, 2 issues;

1) Will it get any cheaper after Christmas? By more than £20, I mean. I would get massive use out of it over the next month, so unless they are going to get cheaper by more than £20, I'll buy one now.

2) Is there anything better? Here are my requirements/info.

• Don't really need a video or photo function, but I may start to use it if it were there.
• Must be able to create playlists
• £200ish budget
• Good battery life
• Hardish wearing
• Good PC software! SonicStage was TERRIBLE!!!
• 30Gb absolute mininimum storage.
• Size isn't reeeeally an issue, I can cope with an 80Gb iPod but wouldn't want anything loads bigger.

Finally, could you please give me pointers on where to get one? Preferably would like to get one in store (Newcastle), but could mail order if they do quick delivery. Be careful for competitors, though!

Thanks!

 

[_PD_]

Do you not think that this is for a good reason?


I don't really like the iRiver, so I guess for me it's iPod vs Zune vs Zen Vision.

Thing is, where could I get a Zune?! Has anyone ever seen one on the high street? I can only find one online retailer which stocks them, and they're a bit more expensive than the iPod. The wi-fi on them seems a bit gimmicky, but I do really like them!

Zen vision:M looks kind of average, Zen Vision looks really nice - again, haven't seen them around much though.

Anyone got any more info to offer on any of these? Please?

 

[_PD_]

Have the choice of:

Zen Vision:m, 30Gb @ £189

or

iPod Video 30Gb @ £170

or

iPod Video 80Gb @ £233

I would no way go for the 30Gb iPod though, I could use more space. Just there for a price comparison.

What to do?!

Argh

 

[_PD_]

69Gb that I listen to at the moment, ~120Gb total, but I don't need it all on the player, can cut it down.

The extra space would be useful for films etc.

 

[_PD_]

Went for the 80Gb iPod.

I think that any issues that anyone has with an iPod can be solved with a nice case and RockBox (though this doesn't yet support 5.5s, will do soon hopefully!)

 

[_PD_]

Have you ever tried using iTunes?

Yes, I really like it.

If you don't like it, there are plenty of alternitives available that are compatible with iPod. There are free software solutions out there that let you drag and drop.

Thanks for the suggestions guys, but I got an 80Gb iPod video from a well known high street store with a sale on. Really happy with it - apart from one problem (see my other thread). Just waiting for RockBox to come out for it!

Cheers for the advice - even though I didn't take it all!