Mp3 Players

[Van D]

Well, I figured there's a few tech sorta guys on here, so I was wondering if I could get some opinions on an mp3 player.

Basically, i've always been a bit iffy about iPods, since I had once which fell apart and many of my friends have had bad news with them.. Now I know others have no problems with them as well, but i'd rather get something I KNOW isn't going to fall apart on me..

I was thinking about an iRiver, but it seems there isn't much to choose from nowadays from them, basically the e10 is all that appeals to me, and it's only 6gig.

I've also had a creative, which was great and never missed a beat until it was stolen on a family holiday in Sydney from the boot of our car! So I was looking at maybe a ZEN vision W (or M) or something else from them.

Any good site links or opinions on what to go with? I'm looking at the 3-400 range most likely and would rather something that plays video with a good screen (bigger screen the better). If there's nothing that appeals which plays video, i'm fine with just an audio playing unit as I wouldn't watch the movies that much.

I'd also like something that can plug straight into a stereo (whether it be home, or car head unit).. Or are they all like that nowadays?

PS. What would be the best time to get one? In these last few days before the christmas rush, or during the post christmas sales?

Cheers.

[Van D]

Oh, and also looking at other PVP players (if I spend up a little).. Anyone have any opinions between the Creative ZEN Video W and Cowon A2? I like the idea of being able to record straight from the TV with the Cowon, not sure what price I can find them at though?

[XzLr8]

okies i work at good guys and mp3 players is my thing....zen creatives are my number one choice for everything in regards with value for money and the amount of features it has mp3 player,video,photo and fm radio...they also got voted best mp3 player of 2006.

The irivers are pretty cool and we did get the new 2gb iriver clix in and the video quality on that is that of a small lcd display in other words INSANE! and yes i wouldnt personally use an ipod unless i got one for free as they are more hassle then usefull. in regards without video,
We also have a touch screen samsung mp3 player with a built in speaker that slides out of it and it is ******* awesome, The sound out of this little speaker is just awesome.
But to add my 2 cents if i was on the market for an mp3 player stick with zen creative they're reliable and somewhat cheap considering the amount of functions that are available on it and as for playing it through your car stereo...well id use the aux input there is a belkin 3.5mm jack to 3.5mm jack cable available for around 19.95 so its a direct link from mp3 to headunit which will give heaps better overall sound quality.

Just whatever you do decide stay AWAY FROM FM TRANSMITTERS they are some of the worst car audio devices ive ever heard...hope this helps in your decision.

Edit: the best time to buy would be leading up to chrissy because alot of businesses are slashing prices for competition reasons or boxing day when everyone drops there prices by up to 40% (on certain items)

[eb_5litre]

I have an iRiver H120D 20Gig Multi-Codec Jukebox and its been great so far.... only had it 6 months though.

[Van D]

Originally Posted by eb_5litre

I have an iRiver H120D 20Gig Multi-Codec Jukebox and its been great so far.... only had it 6 months though.

Can you still buy them new? The only iRiver's i've seen around (having been looking that hard in stores though) is the e10.. Same with on their site, everything else is smaller =/

[Van D]

Thanks mate.

I think i'm going to decide between the Zen Video W and Cowon A2 and just wait till boxing day to hopefully pic up a better deal.

Another idea I had.. I've got a friend who is in the states, and is coming back in a week or so.. If I wired her some money and got her to pick me up one, I wouldn't run into any troubles with using it over here, would I? Besides obviously, warranty (though I could maybe say it was a gift and send it straight to the manufacter etc?). There's not international differences, right? I could pick up a 30 gig Cowon for about $400au or a 30 gig Creative for $350au.

Creative has built in speakers, and memory stick etc support straight up (flash slot..I don't think i'd use it much though).. The Cowon can record TV (handy when i've got cable for music etc) and has support for FLAC (which I sometimes use).. Hmm.

[eb_5litre]

I got mine brand new off Ebay Aus for $295.
Its great, doesnt have things I dont need like colour screen or video. Its got a titanium case, sound recording, fm/am radio, cd-mp3 converting plus much more.

Edit*- I just had a look and couldnt find any on Ebay so yeah I guess you cant buy them anymore.