Digital Jukebox/MP3 player

[Chris D]

Hey guys! I have about £300 to spend, and part of that I want to spend on a digital jukebox (such as the Apple iPod) or any slightly more basic MP3 player.

Now the iPod is actually £250 itself, which is cool, but it's slightly overkill for my needs. I have nowhere near 20GB of music. I would still consider getting one but does anyone else have any suggestions for any others? I believe there are other more basic ones you can get that take "memory sticks". I think most Sony ones have them. I have a memory stick slot drive on my computer so that would be cool. I've had a search on the internet at Argos, Comet, Currys etc. (most likely buying it from a retail shop y'see) and they don't have much selection. So does anyone else have any more recommendations or at least point me in the direction of a shop or website that might be able to help?

Any personal reviews of the iPod etc.?

 

[LoneDeranger]

I have a Nomad MuVo, which also functions as a USB key and costs around $100. You can just copy 10-15 songs whenever you feel like it. Also does wonders for carrying around small files (ie. homework)

 

[Gorgon]

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/acatalog/Online_Catalogue_MP3_Players_109.html

Its got very good prices comparing to the outise market.

 

[vitale]

im plannin on getting a Nomad Muvo NX 256mb one. But I dunno if i should get that or buy the 128mb version then just upgrade it later. ;0

 

[LoneDeranger]

im plannin on getting a Nomad Muvo NX 256mb one. But I dunno if i should get that or buy the 128mb version then just upgrade it later. ;0

How exactly do you upgrade it??

 

[OCybrManO]

Some MP3 players support an additional compact flash, SD, or some other standard type of storage card.

 

[vitale]

How exactly do you upgrade it??

I don't know how to upgrade it, I just know it can be done :]
What OCybrManO said pretty much explains what im talking about.
And I it may cost more to upgrade it(Nomad Muvo NX) then just buy it as 256mb... so I think I got my plan pretty narrowed down.
I wish I could get a hook-up on electronics ><

 

[LoneDeranger]

Some MP3 players support an additional compact flash, SD, or some other standard type of storage card.

As a proud owner of one I can assure you that the MuVo does nothing of the sort. The MuVo consits of 2 parts - the USB-key and the battery pack. The USB-key is just like your regular USB key except when combined with the battery pack it can play MP3s. The only way to upgrade it would be to replace the USB-key portion, but that probably accounts for 95% of the cost anyway.

On the other hand, 128 mb is more then enough for me. Unless you have 320kbps MP3's or something it should be OK for you too.

 

[SubKamran]

Get a Zen Xtra. I am. Serious stuff.

PS. http://www.ipodsdirtysecret.com/

http://gear.ign.com/articles/442/442693p1.html

 

[vitale]

Get a Zen Xtra. I am. Serious stuff.

PS. http://www.ipodsdirtysecret.com/

http://gear.ign.com/articles/442/442693p1.html

I was thinking about that too. But i dunno if i want(or if i even can lol) to shell out that cash ><
btw - iPods dirty secret is so....dirty ;0

 

[Sgt.Igneri]

The 10gb iPod is good, and not overkill.

You can even run linux on iPods.

 

[vitale]

The Nomad Muvo² 1.5GB MP3 Player seems more around my area. I can actually kick it down a notch to 512mb version.
You should consider this as well Chris_D since 20gb seems a bit over the top.

 

[OCybrManO]

From my (and others') experience I would only buy an iPod if you already have a bunch of AAC files, if you are addicted to iTunes and you will be getting the rest of your music from it, or if you are a MacAddict.

For the rest of you, I would go with one of these three MP3 players:

NOMAD Jukebox Zen NX 30GB - Same price as a 10GB iPod, but has 3x the storage. The version that is the same price as a 20GB iPod has a 60GB HD.

Rio Karma 20GB - Same price as 20GB iPod, but it's smaller, has ethernet capability, has a cross-fader, and supports Ogg Vorbis... though, some people complain about the shape and interface.

iRiver iHP-120 - Same price/size/storage as 20GB iPod, better sound quality, too many features to list. Seriously, the only complaints I've read read were from iPod "fanboys" that haven't used one, or even seen one in real life for that matter. Did I mention it has 16 hours of battery life (twice that of a "comparable" iPod... and the battery is not supposed to drop below 12 hours in something like 4 years of average use)?

The iHP-120 is the player being described as "the AntiPod" with the Karma in a not-too-distant second place in the race to replace the iPod. Heh... that sounds weird.

The "iPod's Dirty Secret" video is funny. I've read about it in many places, but haven't seen anyone doing that before. It looks like something I would do.

 

[Chris D]

I can get the NOMAD Jukebox Zen NX 30GB for £194.99 at Amazon.co.uk... think I might go for that one.