ipod nano or bog standard mp3 player?

annifranakapan

Hi, I've finally decided (much to my DH's relief) what I want for xmas.

I think I want an ipod nano. I say 'think' because being a bit of a mean so and so, I'd be just as happy with something that did the same 'job' but cost less (I know he's buying it but still......:p ).

I've no tech knowledge whatsoever so don't know if there is any difference between ipods and 'bog standard' mp3 players - it just seems like the 'bog standard mp3s are a lot cheaper).

I just want to be able to listen to podcasts (don't really know what podcasts are but lots of radio programmes are offered like this :rotfl: ).

Guidance appreciated.

Annifran

Hotspur

Have a look at the Sony NWZS639 available from Amazon HERE Greater capacity, and cheaper than the i pod. I have one and it's easy to use as well. Includes a FM radio and can download BBC i player video. Not as pretty as the ipod nano but sounds great and money saving.

If you won't download your music and only want to listen to podcasts then a smaller capacity player from Creative or Samsung will suffice but once you have a player you can carry music with you for those quiet moments on a train or plane or lazing around on a sunbed.
H

swvillafan

The Creative Zen 4gb can be had from Amaxon for £54.92 or the 8gb version for £64.99, apparently the sound is better on them than the IPod aswell!

althas

The main difference if the sheer amount of aftermarket plug in and add ons available. There are a ton of them for the ipod, from speaker docking stations, alarm clocks to....well pretty much anything

If you JUST want to be able to play mp3 and are never going to be interested in all the after market things, go for something like the Sony previouly mentioned. They are better sound quality than the ipods (i have had both). And with the difference in price, invest in a GOOD pair of earphones, they make a HUGE difference to the sound

GL and enjoy christmas day rocking in the kitchen with the christmas pud and Cliff's Mistletoe and Wine :-)

Marty_J

I'd go for the iPod myself.

They look fantastic, are wonderfully functional, really well made and the new models have brilliant sound quality.

Plus, you have access to the largest online collection of music, movies, TV shows and podcasts in the form of the iTunes Store.

Treat yourself, it's Christmas.

fredsnail

You don't need an iPod to buy things from the iTunes Store.

I got my Mum a Phillips GoGear and she thinks it's great (and she's a total technophobe)

mymatebob

Marty_J wrote: »

I'd go for the iPod myself.

They look fantastic, are wonderfully functional, really well made and the new models have brilliant sound quality.

Plus, you have access to the largest online collection of music, movies, TV shows and podcasts in the form of the iTunes Store.

Treat yourself, it's Christmas.

And here is Apples biggest selling point, the looks.
There are other cheaper better alternatives.

If you like the Apple look and interface then go for it but if you want to save money then look around.
http://www.advancedmp3players.co.uk/shop/?index.php&aff=window

A lot on the above site for you to browse

Marty_J

fredsnail wrote: »

You don't need an iPod to buy things from the iTunes Store.

I got my Mum a Phillips GoGear and she thinks it's great (and she's a total technophobe)

You need an iPod to use music/videos with DRM.

GunJack

Marty_J wrote: »

You need an iPod to use music/videos with DRM.

...and that is the singlemost ripoff part of all the mp3/ipod arguments...why the hell should you not be able to play a track you've PAID FOR on any replay device of your choosing ??? This is one of the main reasons I steer clear and stick to a normal mp3 player...I rip what I want, stick it on and away I go...and anyway, not really much of my type of stuff available through itunes anyway...

Marty_J

mymatebob wrote: »

And here is Apples biggest selling point, the looks.
There are other cheaper better alternatives.

If you like the Apple look and interface then go for it but if you want to save money then look around.
http://www.advancedmp3players.co.uk/shop/?index.php&aff=window

A lot on the above site for you to browse

I always find it strange that people talk about something being beautiful as a bad thing. As though something has to be ugly to be functional. It's amazing how readily people put up with bad design.

iPods are fantastic to look at and to use. They're also better built than any other media players I've seen. I've just passed my four year old iPod onto my daughter and it still works as well as the day I bought it.

GunJack

marty, may i suggest that you've probably looked after your ipod a darn sight better than most, if it's lasted that long and still be fine today ??