Contemplating a Music-Only Device - Looking for Advice

[shawnc]

I'm THINKING of purchasing an Ipod, but I really don't know much about music-only devices and was hoping for some opinions (both pro's and con's) on the practicility of such a device.

That's the short of it. Now for some background. I went to the audio communications store last night because I was contemplating purchasing a CD changer. I don't want one that plays through the RF modulator (my wife has this type of changer and I can notice the difference in sound quality). The salesperson at the shop was extolling the virtues of a new concept that would allow me to play an external device (he likes the ipod, but my Axim would work just as well) directly through my existing stereo (no RF modulator). He says it would work on any device that has a headphone jack. The more I thought about it the more intrigued I became. The amazing thing is that this would cost me less than $200 (not including the cost of an ipod or other music player, if I decided to purchase) versus the $500 that I would drop on a changer. I say amazing because it is not my experience that salespeople push the less-expensive equipment when trying to make a sell.

That's the long of it. Again, any opinions on the ipod or other music-only player is appreciated.

Thanx,

BTW-The reason that I'm leaning toward NOT using my Axim as a long-term solution is mostly battery-life, not having to deal with SD or CF cards, and because I hear that music-only devices are much more efficient if you're primarily concerned with only playing music.

[CameronK]

If you're looking for a good solid mp3 player, check out the Creative Jukebox Zen (or new Zen NX). I have the 20gb model, and I have to say I like it a lot more than my friends ipod. There's a little more bulk, and it isn't as cool looking, but it's a heckuva lot cheaper than what a 20gb ipod will cost you.

[redifrogger]

I had one of sony's minidisc players about 2 years ago, and the sound quality was better than that of mp3 (sony uses ATRAC technology). The unit costs about $140, and minidiscs are much cheaper, so much though that use can put 2 albums on 1 disc and not erase it, but buy another disc for more music. The downside is only 80 minutes or so of music on one disc, for some people this would probably suffice. This may not be a solution that you would prefer, but the sound quality is great.
Download music from your computer right to the minidisc. :way to go:

I forgot to mention a pack of 5 minidiscs is about $10.

[shawnc]

CameronK & redifrogger,

Thanx for the advice. I don't think the Sony will work for me though other folks that I have talked to agreed with redifrogger's opinion on that the sound quality is excellent. If I'm going to deal with the minidisk then I'll simply stay with the Axim and use SD/CF cards.

I am intrigued by the Zen NX. I agree that it doesn't have the form factor of the Ipod, but the difference in price may cause me to look the other way on beauty.

Again, thanx for the advice.

[Janak Parekh]

I am intrigued by the Zen NX. I agree that it doesn't have the form factor of the Ipod, but the difference in price may cause me to look the other way on beauty.
I've heard good things about the Zen and Zen NX in general. I ended up getting an iPod because easy pocketability is an absolute requirement for me, but the NX is certainly a lot cheaper.

I think you'd be set with either solution if your desktop is Windows, which I assume it still is. ;)

--janak

[upplepop]

I would suggest that you forget the iPod, although it's build nice and may people swear by it, I think it is wayyyy overpriced. I would suggest you take a look at the underrated Archos line of mp3 players (http://www.archos.com) [Archos.com].

There is the Jukebox Studio 20 (http://www.archos.com/products/prw_500204.html) with a 20GB hard drive that lists at $270. If you want to record, try the Jukebox Recorder 20 (http://www.archos.com/products/prw_500277.html) for $20 more. Both of these have an excellent open-source firmware called Rockbox (http://rockbox.haxx.se) that adds lots of neat features like games. For $300 (list), you can get a model (http://www.archos.com/products/prw_500326.html) that has a FM player and recorder, also 20GB.

The multimedia and AV series (http://www.archos.com/products/fam_photo_video.html) has a color screen that you can watch videos on. They also come with accessories that can record video (from tv, vcr, computer, etc.), take pictures, and read CF, SM, MC, and memory stick cards. Prices start at $360.

For something really cool check this out:
http://www.archos.com/img/products/290x230/av_320.en.jpg
This is the AV320 (http://www.archos.com/products/prw_500542.html) which has a 3.8" screen and lists at $600.

Too many people are forgeting about Archos' line of inexpensive and full-featured products!

EDIT: By the way, I only put the list price of these players/recorders. Looking around at Pricegrabber (http://www.pricegrabber.com) shows that you can get a even better deal on these.

[shawnc]

I LOVE THIS SITE! upplepop - great information. Thanx for the links. Though I agree with your assessment on the ipod being overpriced I'm still leaning in that direction for much the same reason as Janak, portability. I think back to my first ipaq purchase and how overpriced it was and it makes me realize that when you have the playing field all to yourself, you can afford to overcharge. Until someone steps up and makes a small music-playing device with significant internal storage capability, there will be suckers like me willing to overpay (maybe) for the ipod.

Again, thanx to all who offered advice.

[upplepop]

Until someone steps up and makes a small music-playing device with significant internal storage capability, there will be suckers like me willing to overpay (maybe) for the ipod.

OK. I just don't want you to get the wrong idea about the Archos. There's not much of a difference in the size and storage capacity between them. It's just that with the iPod you are paying for the cool design and ease of use (just like their computers).

iPod 30GB: 4.1" x 2.4" x 0.73", 6.2 oz
Archos AV140 (40GB): 4.3'' x 3.1'' x 1.1'', 10.23 oz
Both cost $500, only Archos has 10 more gigs, plays video, and records audio and video.

If you want something with less capacity & cheaper:
iPod 15GB: 4.1" x 2.4" x 0.62", 5.6 oz
Archos FM recorder 20 (20GB): 4.45" x 3.11" x 1.18", 10.23 oz
The iPod runs $100 more and is 5GB less, can't play FM radio, or record audio.

I don't work for Archos and I don't have anything against the iPod. I just have to see people waste money on those when there is the Archos products (that are cheaper and have more features) no one's seem to have heard of!

[Janak Parekh]

There's not much of a difference in the size and storage capacity between them.
Actually, I've gotta disagree with that. :) I can stick my iPod in my jeans pockets along with my wallet, keys, and Pocket PC phone. Just barely. A device that's .4" thicker, .7" wider and weighs 50% more wouldn't fit. That said, you are paying a huge premium, and I've heard decent things about the Archos. It really depends on your situation. Since I use New York mass transit, I hate to belt-clip things, and as such I have to pick sometimes more expensive solutions. (Admittedly, I've seen quite a few people belt-clip their hard disk MP3 players on the subway; I personally just don't like it. YMMV.)

--janak

[CameronK]

Do the blue things on the archos really stick out that much, or is it just the picture? Don't get me wrong, it looks like a great price, it's just that the archos looks rather....hideous.

[Janak Parekh]

Do the blue things on the archos really stick out that much, or is it just the picture? Don't get me wrong, it looks like a great price, it's just that the archos looks rather....hideous.
They do stick out a little; they look like rubber bumper shock absorber-like things. It doesn't look terrible, but it's certainly not as sleek as the Zens or the iPods.

--janak