Trying to find inexpensive MP3 player, advice welcome

I like my Creative Zen. Only thing that blows is the random freezing. Sometimes I'm stuck without something small enough to hit the reset button.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by JefmcC

This is about to be the best on the market, IMO.

---

It does look interesting, definately unique - although the 20 Gigger isn't exactly "on the market" just yet. And I've got to wonder what browsing over WiFi is like with that screen......

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by diffusionx

Creative players are built like garbage. If you dont believe me check the Creative support forums.

---

I'll believe the finely crafted mp3 player sitting right next to me.

i'm thinking of getting a mini-disc player

Sony is still pushing mini-discs? Jesus, give it up.

I have a Creative Zen Micro (5GB, radio). I also got a BRAND NEW iRiver H10 (5GB, color screen, photo, radio) that I might be selling.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by diffusionx

Creative players are built like garbage. If you dont believe me check the Creative support forums.

---

Heh, I've been there. For the most part, I see a lot of "OMG! I didn't put my HARD DRIVE-based player in the case and I dropped it...why doesn't it work?"

I'm used to Creative's random bugginess, that's part of the charm. Besides, the only thing that's likely to break on it is the hard drive, which as luck would have it can be replaced by a standard 9.5 mm laptop hard drive. This heavily influenced my decision to get the Zen, as I don't expect a hard drive-based unit to last a year in my hands, no matter who it's made by.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by sphere79

Here I go again.....
For around $215 total (including shipping), you can have a 20 Gig player that is also pretty small (the smallest HD player on the market) - the Archos Gmini XS200. It plays MP3's, WAV's and non-encrypted WMA's. It has a large backlit LCD screen, supports bookmarking (so you can listen where you left off next time you play the file) and lets you create playlists right on the player. It docks easily via USB 2.0 and needs no software or usually even drivers to work with even older PC's - you simply move files around with Explorer so the drive also doubles as a quick and easy mass storage device. Depending on usage expect 8-10 hours max. playback from the Lithium-Ion battery and the brushed aluminum case adds a quality feel to the unit. If there's any Comp USA's around you they sell it for $249+tax, but at least you can see it in person and then buy it cheap from Compuplus.com. I have the Gmini 400 (mp3/video player) and my wife has the 200, we both use them everyday at work, in the car, etc. and they both kick serious ass.

http://www.sphere79.com/XS200.jpg http://www.sphere79.com/XS200backlight.jpg http://www.sphere79.com/XS200side.jpg

To save you some time I'll briefly sum up what the iPod Nazi comments will be.... "It's not an iPod....bla bla bla", "The iPod's the most popular so it's the best....bla bla bla", "The iPod is "sexy"... bla bla bla", "You're a moron if you don't use iTunes...bla bla bla".......and last but not least "what about the click wheel?"

---

Thanks. Good post.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by GohanX

Heh, I've been there. For the most part, I see a lot of "OMG! I didn't put my HARD DRIVE-based player in the case and I dropped it...why doesn't it work?"

---

I've noticed in general people seem to forget about the HD inside spinning at thousands of RPM's, my various players over the years have taken some odd drops here and there but I've been lucky. It's kind of funny, some of those iPod commercials with the people dancing around spasticly show them whipping this poor little player too and fro - not exactly the best thing for a HD while it's spinning internally at very high speeds. Yes, I realize it's just a commercial but for the most part PEOPLE ARE STUPID.

Apple lowered the prices for the minis and introduced a new 6 gig one with an 18 hour battery life. It's on their main page.

That's pretty friggin cool.