mp3 players

[sten_super]

I realise that this will probably cause some heated debate, but I need the opinions of the great and good of NSC...

My iPod broke last night, somewhat spontaneously. I was uploading new firmware to my iPod, and iTunes chose that moment to crash. I reset my iPod (it was stuck on the black screen with a little white loading bar as it was installing the software) and no it will do nothing, nada. I cannot reset it, when I plug it into the mains or my pc there is absolutely no response. I took it into the Apple store here and they basically said it was caput.

Now, I can't survive without music, so the question is... do I be a gullible/stupid consumer and buy another iPod (bearing in mind that I've had 2 now, and they've both broken after approximately 18 months) on the grounds that a) I get 10% if I recycle my old one and b) all of my music is in iTunes, I have a leather carry case for the iPod, I have a radio adapter etc.

Or, do I buy a different mp3 player (suggestions please, I know nothing about the alternatives), and act in a sane and rational manner.

 

[Frutos]

The brand to go for is 'Creative' IMO.

Obviously they do a variety of capacity sizes depending what you're looking for. My 30GB version does videos and photos also.

Available from all the usual places, and highly recommended from me.

 

[Timbo]

I had a couple of cheaper mp3's before I bought my ipod. I love my ipod now and wouldn't have anything else.

 

[bhaexpress]

Well I am very happy with my Iriver, 6 Gig and a radio.

 

[MattBackHome]

I'm touching wood as we speak (fnarr fnarr), but my iPod is great - had it ages and no problems whatsoever.

 

[Arthur]

The brand to go for is 'Creative' IMO.

Obviously they do a variety of capacity sizes depending what you're looking for. My 30GB version does videos and photos also.

Available from all the usual places, and highly recommended from me.

I have a Creative Zen as well (60gb model) and it's okay.

Things that annoy me are there are no view file system view on the unit when it is supported using the software provided.

NON existent official support for anything other than Windo$e (yes I have XNJB before anyone barks at me - but it's crap).

It's quite chunky.

Getting peripherals are bloody expensive (Zen docking station about £150 - £200).

Has crashed a few times, which is annoying if you are on the train and don't have a pin to reset it handy!

The radio is crap, but I'm guessing you're not buying it for that?

Other than that it does exactly what it says on the tin.....plays music!

If I was going to buy a new player and money was no option I'd get the 32gb Ipod touch.

 

[francisg1]

Another vote for Iriver here. I've got a 4GB Iriver Clix - and there's a new version available at Advanced MP3 Players - the MP3 player experts. They also now do an 8GB version (easily over 100 albums).

Had no problems with it, easy to use, plays most formats and would highly recommend. Creative also always get good feedback and reviews.

 

[dannyboy]

creative for me
crashed a couple times but i was messing with it at the time
had it 3 years no probs
good bass response aswell if you like 'bassy' music .

team it up with some senheiser ear canal headphones and you got some quality soundage

 

[dannyboy]

also i would say almost everyone i know have had problems with there i pods

and i used to do a crap delivery job where they had a contract with apple to pick up faulty ones and i had to pick up about 5 a day

 

[Beach Hut]

Samsung K5 for me

 

[REDLAND]

60Gb iPod video here, not 1 problem in 3 great years ...

 

[Herr Tubthumper]

I'd stick with the ipod. I have just gone through the same dillema but I'm going to stick with what I think is a classic piece of kit.

I have had mine for about 3 years and I took a hammering and has only just bust. The hard drive has gone.

Generally, I think that the ipod is the leader.

 

[Row Z Creased Shirt]

My 2nd generation i-pod has just finally expired after 4years of good service, now have an 80gb video i-pod and it's been great so far, good sound and the video is good enough to watch tv or film on too.