Hey, I'm in the market right now for a portable music player. While I really enjoyed the last iPod I owned, it was a bit unreliable - occasionally freezing, erasing my music, etc. - and I've heard of a lot worse from my friends who own them. I can deal with the unreliability if it comes to that, but I was wondering if anyone had any experience with other kinds of music players, and how those players compare to the iPod.
Really?
I've had mine for three years without any trouble whatsoever. (maybe user error...?)
The thing is, it's the worlds top selling mp3 player for a reason...
There are plenty, Creative probably makes the next best. It's cheaper and they "borrowed" from the iPod's interface.
My iPod video locks up quite frequently. Usually it happens during sync time. I don't think it's the iPod itself so much as the iTunes software. It will lock up sync-ing with the iPod and then iPod will be left in a state of "Do Not Disconnect" limbo.
I don't lose music or anything but I do often have to run through that little reset procedure where you move the lock button and hold down two buttons on the face.
I second the vote on Creative. I'm sticking with my iPod but if I had to switch I might try them. Has anyone tried the Zune?
Im pretty sure the zune requires you to actually own the music you put on it. Pretty lame.
Sandisk makes a "sansa" player; I own the 1 gig; some aftermarket accessories now out there such a neoprene case w/ clip or armband strap. Sound is good, plays mp3 and wma files. It's never frozen or erased files on me. The new one I just saw @ bestbuy had a built in usb that comes out of the bottom - whole device just a little bigger than a thumb drive.
Get a flash player if your gonna run with it.
If you all you do is download illegaly (freely) or rip your own cds, the Zune is the way to go. Bigger screen and the user-interface is as friendly as the ipod. Two qualms: currently only a 30gb version is available. Zune marketplace (zune\'s itunes) still needs some work, so if you purchase music online go with the ipod for now.
I bought a zune at X-mas. I have no problem with ipods, but I\'m very happy with the purchase.
I totally agree with brown is beautiful. The Zune is no ipod killer but it is certainly an excellent alternative. I might add that movies look fantastic on its screen. (now if they could only add a bigger hard drive)
i have had my i pod for years and no porblems. my only problem is that its a little heavy to run with (20gb).
Creative is great. i got my girlfriend a Creative Zen- v. its only 4gb but i love it because it's so tiny.