Community Newsletter: Q&A: Buying my first MP3 player, advice needed!
- 12/7/07 8:11 AM
MP3 Players question
by nancyek - 11/19/07 3:19 PM In reply to: Buying my first MP3 player, advice needed! by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I have a somewhat similar question as Nancy S. However, I want to put a lot of CLASSICAL music on any MP3 player that I would buy. It's very hard to really know what "good or excellent sound" really means. I guess it's different for different people and different kinds of music....
I did read a pretty good review from cnet on the iRiver Clix (4GB, second generation) and got a follow up that it is now available online.
Please address the classical music re: sound. Thanks, Nancy K
I'm witrh Nancy K re Classical Music
by oregonviewer - 11/19/07 4:14 PM In reply to: MP3 Players question by nancyekMay I add to Nancy'K's question re classical music: How much space does a classical CD take? I presume it is bigger than the space taken by a pop, country or oldies CD. Are there different recordig techniques (something akin to bandwidth) that I need to change if I go from downloading Beatles to Brahms? Thnx--
POD Case - the classics
by ricnwolf - 11/20/07 1:17 PM In reply to: MP3 Players question by nancyekTo answer regarding classical music, I too have quite a few classical recordings. I have found all my iterations of the iPod (2G shuffle, 3G 20GB, 80GB “classic” – video - and 8GB iPhone) are adequate, but the more recent 80GB “video” and the iPhone are superior – essentially because the (pre set) equalizer can be set to a classical setting.
I have tried a large variety of headphones with these units, and have definitely decided there is a difference as compared to the supplied ear buds. I particularly like the V-Moda Vibe (compatible with the iPhone, good ear fit), and the Bose “in ear” for high quality listening; both sell for around $100.00. There are also the Phillips “surround sound” buds for around $20 – economical. Overall, as with any music, choice of ear phones is quite personal – and can be expensive if you don’t have the budget - the proper ‘speaker” can make any system sound good.
Another question was to recording time for classical albums. This question (a good one) is probably caused by the idiotic confusion caused by manufacturers indicating how many “songs” can fit on a unit. Simply put, the number of songs assumes 3 minutes per song. If a player indicates it can hold 5000 songs, then that is a total of 15,000 minutes of music (at the 3 minute standard). A CD – classical or otherwise – can fit approximately 80 minutes of music (the running time of Beethoven’s 9th was used for this standard). Therefore, 15,000 minutes of song time equates to 187.5 CD’s worth of music. At the standard setting in iTunes, 1 minute of music is approximately 1MB of information. An 80GB iPod holds approximately 80,000 MB, or 80,000 minutes of potential music = 1000 CD’s or 8 weeks of music. Enough for a good long walk. (These times can vary depending on “bit rate”, compression method, and all sorts of other things you don’t need to know – probably ever…)
Again, hope this helps.
Probably the most simple answer you will get
by generalverduin - 11/19/07 3:27 PM In reply to: Buying my first MP3 player, advice needed! by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
If you only plan to listen to music, find one of the older ipods with the non-color screen. My 20 gigabyte ( i think second generation ) has lasted me a long time, has good battery life, not to heavy, and cheap as can be! (or at least now a days)
If you plan to look at pictures and listen to music, i would suggest either the ipod photo or the new nano. From what i've seen of them, the ipod photo does exactly what you would think. Look at pictures, listen to music. The new nano, is small, decent battery life, pretty light, and comes in a couple colors. (personally i could care less about color as long as its not flashy)
If you plan to look at pictures, watch movies or shows, and listen to music, i would suggest just going all the way to a zune or iPod video. Unfortunately i dont know much about the Zune (because nobody i know has one, or if they do, they dont bring it much of anywhere). Looks awesome, but if nobody has it, its probably a bad sign.
The iPod video, it is a bit expensive, but its definately a good buy. My sister has one, and i have gotten to borrow it on numerous occassions. First thing is the screen, its decently sized, and with my good eyesight, it looks good even at its tiny size. Second reason is its enormous harddrive. 30 gigabytes goes a long way, and when you use the iTunes program, it makes the file for it compressed so it utilizes all the pixils on the screen as well as saving enormous amounts of space. So essentially, you get a very, very decent amount of space.
The reason I suggest iPods:
1. Everyone has them, this is definately a good sign. I see people walking around using them all the time, without it in their hand. So you can tell its not some fashion forward item or something.
2. The iTunes program is very simple to use, it uses click and drag like method to move things around. It doesn't let you take things off your iPod without syncing, but this is their precautionary measure to prevent pirating.
3. They do exactly what you want, all the models are well designed, and you can get them in any preference that you want.
Overall, you need to make sure you know what your going to do before going all the way. I, being a simple minded person, like my very outdated iPod (people say its outdated, but its more like the other people are spoiled or keep randomly losing them in "toilet accidents"). I don't need a color screen to listen to music. But i like the iPod video for its screen. I could not survive those 3 hour flights without my sister's iPod.
Hope this helps you =)
horrible advice
by thiagohf113 - 11/19/07 3:56 PM In reply to: Probably the most simple answer you will get by generalverduinThis is the most horrible advice I've read on this forum. These are the reasons I disagree with this post:
1. "Everyone has them, this is definately a good sign. I see people walking around using them all the time, without it in their hand. So you can tell its not some fashion forward item or something."
Just because everyone has them doesn't mean it's good. Most people that I know opt out of iPods because of a) poor build quality, b) non-removable battery (if it dies, you can't replace it yourself. you need to send it to apple or buy a new one.), and c) yes, iPods are fashion items. people don't buy them unless they have almost no uses or need for features.
2. "The iTunes program is very simple to use, it uses click and drag like method to move things around. It doesn't let you take things off your iPod without syncing, but this is their precautionary measure to prevent pirating."
Sure iTunes MIGHT be simple, but it's a memory hog. I wouldn't dare install it on my Vista computer or even my school's bad Macs because the program WONT RUN. It freezes the entire computer. There are many bugs associated with iTunes. And it is not simpler than Windows Media Center/Player.
3. iPods and Zunes aren't the only GOOD MP3 players out there. Sandisk makes a great variety of great MP3 players. So does Creative and SAmsung and even Sony has a couple of good ones out there. The way the public thinks when you say mp3 player, they think "oh, it's an iPod". Yes, iPods are 3 out of 4 in all mp3 players bought in U.S. But there is a "lil' monsta"(sandisk's ad program) coming up right behind it.
4. 3 hours? That's all you can get from a iPod's battery? I'm not suprised. My Sansa E280 can play music continuosly for 2-3 10 hour flights. I know this because going to Brazil from Newark Airport is two 10 hour flights.
5. She wants to use it for walking. All of the mp3 players you stated were hard drive players. These players make the song "skip" when in motion. She needs a flsh based player.
Thiago
DON'T BUY IPOD!!
by llucyy - 11/19/07 3:58 PM In reply to: Buying my first MP3 player, advice needed! by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Ipods don't play mp3s, they have their own format that you have to convert to. There were also some Panasonics that were also a pain. Just buy an ordinary mp3 player or use a decent cell-phone, most good ones can play mp3s. With ordinary mp3s you can just plug in to a USB on your computer and drag and drop.
If you want to put your own CDs up, just use a ripper like dbPoweramp with the audio input plugin. Prior to series 9, I think, it was freeware, and works just fine. Set the options to,say, 128kbps at 22,000 Hz and the file size won't be too big and the audio quality will be good enough for portable appliances.
lots to pick from plenty of features.
by timothy jordan - 11/19/07 4:21 PM In reply to: Buying my first MP3 player, advice needed! by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
You certainly have your work cut out for you. I too do not want to get an I-Pod just to wave it around on the subway. I really enjoy the Creative product line. They have players that will fit almost any budget or need. You probably want between 4-8G of memory to hold all of your classic music as well as any that you might want to aquire in the future. Creative gives you good software for downloading from your computer and is pretty intuitive. If you go to any major retailers web site they will have a review section. I always go straight for the most negative reviews to see the worst possible experiances. Like many players of that size the possibility of damaging the headphone jack is a real biggie. None of them are very forgiving and most will just begin to short out after a few years of use. Creative also has a bit of a bad rep for its customer service. They are in Singapore with U.S. locations in Boston and California. They have totally withdrew from the retail store approach meaning that you can buy online or go to a BigBox store. I like their products because of the great sound and addition of some cool features. Most of the Zen line has a built-in mono Microphone. Their new line has a very clear Organic display which is quite easy to read even on the smaller versions. There are a few other companies that sell similar units but I prefer the Creative line. Good Luck and Happy Hunting!
Best MP3 player?
by ajdc - 11/19/07 4:42 PM In reply to: Buying my first MP3 player, advice needed! by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I'm on my second iPod, and my son uses the Creative Zen 30GB player. I own an iPod because my teenage son, who's very tech savvy, pooled his birthday money and bought one. Within two months he'd stopped using it. He hated iTunes, and tired of the proprietary format Apple uses. Any time he wanted to use his iPod-based music elsewhere, he had to convert it--a VERY time-consuming process. Apple seems to like to keep a firm hold on the property YOU buy.
So we did some research and bought the Zen. He's been very happy with it. The menu and touch pad systems are as good as the iPod, but the Zen plays the common MP3 and WMA music formats. Moving music on and off is as simple as drag and drop.
I'm on my second iPod because the one my son gave me (which was near new because he hardly used it) kept locking up on me. It would freeze for two hours at a time and could not be unfrozen using all the tricks Apple and iPod users have devised for this apparently common malady. The local Apple store was of no assistance. But because of the type of extended warrany I had, I had no choice but to get another iPod. My first choice would've been to buy a Zen like my son's, or the new Zune 2 from Microsoft, which I've heard great things about. I've tried it out in a store and it's very impressive and easy to use.
The iPod is a decent product and is certainly trendy, but it's far from perfect and ties you to Apple's proprietary system. If you don't mind that, join the crowd. If you want the flexilibity to use whatever software and music format you want, consider a Zen--or even a Zune. Both have small models that can be used while walking. Even the largest of the players can be worn on a belt and is only slightly larger than a phone. Enjoy your new device, whichever you get!
MP3 Players
by murrayj4 - 11/19/07 4:51 PM In reply to: Buying my first MP3 player, advice needed! by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Dear Nancy,
MP3 players are a bit like wine. It does not matter what one says tastes good with pasta, it is what you like. The iPod nano is very portable and has good storage space for your photos. A good rule of thumb is to check to see how many photos you want to store to make sure you are getting the right size nano for you. The iTunes interface for downloading songs is one of the best. Please take advantage of the Apple store if you are near one and you can ask one of the sales people to assist you once you know the storage space you would need for your photos. An iPod also has one of the most robust accessory programs around for an MP3 player so if you want speakers, portable speakers, digitial photo frames or an FM transmitter to listen to songs through your car radio, look for Made For iPod on the package.
Happy Listening,
Jill M.D.
for nancy regarding mp3
by DAVE.B07 - 11/19/07 4:58 PM In reply to: Buying my first MP3 player, advice needed! by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
re latest players mp3 great for music. i pods music and videos now you can have all on you`r phone buy each for the job you want it to do regards dave
MP3 Player
by patleiby - 11/19/07 5:51 PM In reply to: Buying my first MP3 player, advice needed! by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Nancy, I am a 76 year old women who has had to muddle through this same question. No computer savy people in my household. I have an Ipod and three Creative Zen Players.
My recent birthday gift was a Creative Zen 8mb player which I like best of all. Very easy to use. I download music, Net Library audio books and pictures. It also has space for a memory card which I will use to download my recent digital pictures. It is the size of a credit card but does not come with all the extras. Case, AC adapters, protective cover etc. I think the price was in the $130.00 range.
I never use the Ipod anymore. Basically, I download books on 2 of the Zens and the other mostly pictures. The new Zen 8mb player is the easiest of all to use. I store them in cotton glass cases to protect the screens. Very sensitive to scratching.
Ipod NO WAY! give me I- River anyday
by Tingtong Tecky - 11/19/07 5:53 PM In reply to: Buying my first MP3 player, advice needed! by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
dear Nancy, Iam 58 years old and a musician... I love my music in other words! When I was looking for an MP3 player some years ago I wanted the most versatile machine I could get and because I don't like being told what I could or could not play on the machine I was about to pay good money for ... I totally diregarded the Ipoo !!! After a bit of research I settled on an IRiver IFP 790 and have been very happy with my decision. It runs on AA bateries which I can pick up anywhere, has a built in radio, voice recorder line or mic in that will convert to MP3 a timer that will set itself to record radio programmes automatically daily or weekly!!!
I know you want something that will store your photo's as well and this machine will not do that but I encourage you to look at IRiver range there will be something there that will do all you want ... don't fall for the answers from Ipoo advocates!
answers for nancy
by paola.scott - 11/19/07 6:21 PM In reply to: Buying my first MP3 player, advice needed! by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
The first thing you must realise Nancy, is that it is called AN MP3 player or AN iPOD and not A MP3 player or A iPOD!!!!
After this you will be able to decide which one will suit you best.....
An MP3 player is more basic and will download your music which you can listen to via the headphones but an iPOD has many more functions such as downloading videos, music etc. Therefore if you only want to listen to music and NOT watch a video of the track I would suggest you get the MP3 player!
If, you want everything else that glitters talk to your local specialist about EXACTLY what you want.
Kind regards
Paola.
horrible advice
by thiagohf113 - 11/19/07 7:22 PM In reply to: answers for nancy by paola.scottiPods have no extras. They just flat out suck. Most good mp3 players can also play videos, view photos, and have radios.
You really don't know what you're talking about...
by Woembah - 12/1/07 3:47 AM In reply to: answers for nancy by paola.scottThere IS NO DIFFRENCE between iPods and other mp3-players! The iPod is just a mp3 player like all the others! It just has it's own design and features, like every mp3-player is diffrent. Most mp3-players with a capacity above 2GB have a video and photo feature these days. In fact, Apple was one of the latest to introduce a video feature on their flash-based iPods!
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