IPOD v other MP3/4s?

LondonDiva

Hi Guys

I've finally got enough points on my Boots card to splurge on something I'd like, but can't justify paying cash for. As a treat because I'm travelling a lot over the summer, I have decided on an MP3 of some sort, but don't know the difference.

I should just have enough points for the Ipod Classic 3rd Gen 80GB Silver which I understand plays music & video.

http://www.boots.com/shop/product_details.jsp?productid=1091446&classificationid=1049909

Do IPODS play other formats Will I be able to get my WMA files on windows media on the Ipod? If I have to convert them, just how difficult would it be? Is a classic better or worse than a nano? I've only ever had a walkman, so this is a big step for me...

Any comments you have about Ipods v other mp3s carried by Boots would be really good, because I don't know what I'm talking about and any advice or experiences re battery life, ease of use etc would be good.

thanks

Diva:)

Conor_3

You don't need to worry about WMA files as iTunes converts them when you add them to your library. IMO the Classic is better than the Nano as it costs just a little more but has 10 times the storage. Battery life is around 30 hours playing music. iPods are expensive but they have the best user interface. Creative Zen is another I'd look at.

knight_of_ni

Ipod 8ogb is brilliant. I have a very large CD collection that I've now ripped & put on my ipod. Itunes is easy to use and you can convert your wma files very easily. I've even got a Kenwood ipod interface in my car so that I can control my music from the car stereo.
Battery life on the ipod is the down side. It doesn't take long to run it out of juice especially if your watching videos or playing games.

robt_2

A good few years ago I was of the mindset that they were just mp3 players which were overpriced because of the brand, and that all MP3 players were the same.

I ended up getting one and have never looked back. By far the best MP3 players out there. Get the best you can afford

LondonDiva

Thanks for the info guys!

Will take a look at creatve zen, as it hadn't occurred to me

:D:D

BillScarab

I like Creative players as well, they sell factory refurbs on their website and also on ebay.

http://uk.europe.creative.com/shop/welcome.asp?category=111&

ABH_3

Have you considered an Archos? A mate of mine swears by his he keeps losing them but keeps rebuying them so they must be good: http://www.archos.com/products/gen_5/archos_705wifi/index.html?country=global&lang=en that's the latest version, as you can see it's wifi aware if you're within range of a suitable signal it will lock on and you can do chat and email, browse youtube etc like you were on a laptop.

You also have the ability through an addon: http://www.archos.com/products/gen_5/archos_tv/index.html?country=global&lang=en to set it to record various programs on tv, so it becomes a PVR which means that there's no need to reencode tv programs to make them compatible with your device. it will also display various ebooks if you want to read instead of watch or listen to something. Yes it plays various music formats as well.

Oh yes and if you purchase a dvd you could rip it via computer using something like dvdshrink: http://www.afterdawn.com/software/video_software/dvd_rippers/dvd_shrink.cfm drop the files onto your Archos and play them straight off the device then delete them when you've finished with them. You will however need to purchase a couple of plug-ins most notably: http://www.archos.com/products/plugins/index.html?country=global&lang=en the to get full functionality. But should you lose your Archos you just take the reciept\email you received at the time you purchased them to wherever Archos tell you to take your old unit to get it replaced they will replace the plugins at the same time.

I have a Apple Ipod Video of the generation before the one referenced in your original post and as impressive as it is, it doesn't beat the Archos in functionality or the variety of content played. You also have to squint to read anything on the screen and watching video content for long periods isn't really advised. I'm sure it wouldn't make your optician happy if he saw you

HTH

jiblets1

The thing that sells it for me is itunes itself. I've had other mp3 players that were fine, and had other features I liked, such as integral radio, but having itunes control your music for you is a huge benefit IMO.

[Deleted User]

The iPod Classic 80gb is a masterpiece. It's small, great battery life, good price point, wide range of accessories.. i love mine to bits and it comes with me on every train journey, to the beach, long car journeys and gets plugged into my flat panel speaker in the kitchen.

At the moment, i can't see any competition. Please note.. i was dead against iPods until last summer when the classic came out and the price dropped (vs hard disk size)

wolfman

If you want something a bit bigger for watching videos. the Samsung YP-P2 is very good. Comes in an 8gb version for £120 or so.

https://www.anythingbutipod.com is a good place for seeing alternatives that have been reviewed.

sjc_2

Had a few different MP3 Players over the years and always avoided the iPod's, but finally bit the bullet and bought an iPod Classic 80GB and all I can say is I now see what I have been missing all these years it is superb, great size, large storage excellent battery life can't fault it, other than in built Bluetooth would of been nice for wireless headphones.

As for the Archos, had quite a few of those as well and they too are the dogz as a PVR currently have the 160GB 605 Wi-Fi and it is excellent can copy DVD's straight to it, browse the Web, record TV, convert VHS to DVD format, oh and it also plays MP3's. But IMHO it is aimed at a different market than the iPod's. Great for on a plane or long journey. Not so good for carrying around in your pocket just for music.