iPod shuffle or a.n.other mp3 player

amandada

I'm looking to buy a couple of mp3 players, plus docks and speakers. The budget is up to about £40 each player, with the dock and speakers on top of that.
I DON'T want a video screen.
I've been looking at the ipod shuffle, and as far as I can see, the pros are, lots of pretty colours:o , and errm, that's about it.
The downside seems to be that there aren't many compatible docks and speakers

Would it be better to go for another make, and open up the choice for speakers and docks?

Heeeeelp!

amandada

anyone please?

isofa

The shuffle only has a standard 3.5mm jack plug, so it's compatible with any dock supporting this, it doesn't have one of the more proprietary connections as with the larger iPods (although those too also have a 3.5mm jack plug as well).

Not many people want to dock such small devices without a screen, as they'd rather connect a more feature packed player.

We have a shuffle (along with other players), and it works fine, battery lasts a very long time, presumably because it doesn't have a screen.

Remember without a screen, you need to set-up your playlist correctly, as you can't easily find track otherwise, you can only flick to the next/previous or put it in "shuffle/random" mode.

coolagarry

I had a shuffle and a Creative Zen V. I used them both for some time and found that I preferred the Zen so I gave the shuffle to my grandson.

I find the zen to be similar in reproduction and so much easier to load with music without Itunes hogging my PC. (incidentally I find the screen really useful)
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Creative-ZEN-Player-Colour-Screen/dp/B000GFFD8S/ref=sr_1_16?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1226411662&sr=8-16

Incidentally I got the refurbished one and have had no problems with it whatsoever http://uk.europe.creative.com/products/product.asp?category=213&subcategory=214&product=15283