which mp3 player is best overall?

jmurphy68

i'm looking for a good mp3 player 80gb+ with good sound quality and long battery life.is it the apple ipod or is there something better out there.not too fussed about video playback.

crossleydd42

The first thing is that sound quality is more to do with earphones than the MP3 player.

sjc_2

I have a few MP3 players over the years but never an iPod until last month when I picked up an 80GB Classic and I am well impressed. I now have seen the light and see what all the hype is about, a great unit. But I use it with a pair of Shure E3's in ear headphones. Tried the Bose ones but not a patch on the Shure's IMHO.

buglawton

Can I join in?

What I am looking for is an MP3 player that:

1. Uses a standard usb lead (Samsung for example does not)
2. Allows any type of file to be copied via Windows drag and drop (so can be a backup drive too) - no proprietary software or file transfer methods.
3. Has good battery life, eg 15 hrs on a recharged AAA.
4. Has a display to show which track etc..
5. Ideally also has an FM tuner

There seem to be very few designs around like this. (I thought I had bought a Creative MuVo Micro N200 on Ebay but after non-arrival got a refund).

JoeyEmma

I have an IRiver (couple of years old model) that uses a USB lead, drag and drop files (no need for itunes), good display, ok battery life (built in battery though), FM tuner and built in recorder, so I can record from the radio or my own voice. Its done me really well over the past couple of years, although I don't hammer it.

I have this model
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/iRiver-H340-40GB-MP3-Player-with-FM-Radio_W0QQitemZ180179977681QQihZ008QQcategoryZ73839QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

buglawton

In the end decided on a Creative Zen V Plus 4GB currently at Comet reserve & collect £69. Has a radio too which can be handy when traveling and wanting the news/local info. Have ripped a CD and tried the navigation, it's fine. 4GB allows about 50 CDs using WMA at 128 kbps. WMA apparently offers much smaller files than 128 kbps MP3.

gfplux

Don't forget you can also listen to podcasts on an MP3 player. The BBC have some excellent ones.

buglawton

Hmm the Zen was for the missus to put all our sweet music on. Been playing with the controls - having a little colour screen instead of an LCD text display for navigation is brilliant! I want one for myself!

saintdan

Personally I would recommend the new 80gb Ipod classic.

Easy to use & imo good value @ around £150.

I have had various ipods for years & never had a problem with any of them.

Thanks

Dan:D