Looking for an Ipod alternative that can be used with a docking station

Doublespresso

I like the idea of an MP3 player that is portable but can also be docked with good quality speakers and can be used as a HiFi at home with a suitable remote control.

I have seen peole who use the ipad/iphone in this way.

Is there an alternative which is cheaper and less restrictive?

bluenoseam

The problem is that most docks are set up to deal soley with Apple's behemoth! I know Archos used to do these, but unfortunately i think they're moving away from them now to the point where it's prohibitively expensive, this would allow you to also use a remote, i know my 605wifi has a dock (years old now though) which allowed you to play the device on TV as well as connect it to stereos & had a remote - just had a quick scan of archos' site and don't see many.

The iPod isn't actually as expensive as you might believe in this case, yeah it's pricey to buy but i'm sure Apple still do a basic dock which allows you to connect to the mains & then use a 3.5mm jack cable to connect to your hifi - unsure of the remote but i'd imagine they'd have that with said dock.

Doublespresso

The problem with the 3.5mm jack is that most remote controls I have tested would not have full functionality over the player.

I find iPods not only expensive but also very restrictive. Can anyone suggest a suitable alternative?

WhiteChristmas

Cheapest option is just to plug it into an AUX input.

Biggest problem is that plugging it into decent speakers very quickly shows up the limitations of the mp3 format.

googler

The problem is there's no standardisation of connections, beyond the 3.5mm jack.

Whichever iPod you have, it fits an iPod dock - 9mm or 10mm Classics (yes, they did change the depth of it at some point....), Nano, whatever.... the connector is the same.

If you were a manufacturer who WANTED to build a docking station such as you describe, there's no single connector (nor a standard place for the connector) between manufacturers or models......

Doublespresso

thanks. Aren't there any generic players that would fit an Ipod docking station? (Most of the docking statons I have seen were made by 3rd parties)

If not, what would you suggest as the best way to hear music at home and on the move which is not an Apple/iTune?

Doublespresso

Anyone...?

Another Question.. if I do get an ipod, would I be able to play MP3 songs that I already have?
I was under the impression that ipods will only play music purchased via iTunes.

Mrs_Arcanum

Why doesn't someone produce a docking station that takes a USB jack. Most MP3 players use this to connect to the PC so a simple & cheap alternative.

patman99

iPods can happily play-back MP3 format files. Itunes can even be set to rip CD's into MP3. I already do this as it saves having two copies of every tune.

kutsu119

So, the iPod is very restrictive, but you don't even know how it plays music? :rofl:

When you load itunes, just import all your music/mp3s into it; it will happily play any already on your system, any you have downloaded from Amazon etc - it doesn't have to be purchased through itunes at all.

Dreamnine

I have a Sony A Series, a Samsung and a Sansa Clip+.

I use the 3.5mm jack to plug into my home system and a kind of docking station I have. As has been said, almost all the docking stations on the market are designed for iPods, but nearly all should have a 3.5mm line-in.

Line-out isn't always better than a headphone out (and considerably worse sound quality in the case of my Sony).