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That was meant to say "splurge". Oh well. It's been fun. Thanks for all the questions. You can take the discussion to our MP3 forums for more MP3 player help and recommendations.
http://forums.cnet.com/5204-7595_102-0.html?forumID=71&start=0&tag=dir
Also, tune in this Thursday at 11am Pacific for the next Ask the Editors live event with Lori Grunin for help and buying advice on digital cameras.
http://forums.cnet.com/5208-12548_102-0.html?forumID=136&threadID=273823
Thanks.
-Donald
Hey just wondering if it would be worth the upgrade from a 30 gb 5th gen ipod video to a 16gb iPod touch?
the size difference doesnt matter too much, i have less than 10 gb of music/movies anyway, but for everyday use, mostly listening to music, would the ipod touch better suited for that than the old video? I have maybe 2 movies, 5 tv episodes, and 10 funny commercials that i dont watch often. I think going on youtube and browsing with safari would be cool, but is it worth $400....and is the browsing experience any good?
thanks for all the help
I think the music interface on the Touch/iPhone is fantastic--much more than a gimmick. If money was no object, I would totally get one. The Web browser is awesome. Is it worth $400? Personally, no. It's a super-futuristic gadget with a premium price for gadget lovers with money to spare. My trusty 5G video iPod has nothing to worry about.
when can we expect the review? also the 705WiFi and A3?
The Q5W we have on hand is, unfortunately, an early engineering sample. It appears to be fully functioning, but as a matter of practice CNET only reviews the final shipping model of any product. More than likely, especially with the holidays approaching, these players won't be reviewed until January.
Have you guys encoutered any problem with the creative zen? thanks
I'm torn between the new zen and the new nano, even if it's just the 4 gb version, which should i get? i', after sound quality, features, and value. Thanks in advance
Zen is going to give you a bigger screen, memory expansion, FM radio, Zencast podcast support, subscription music support, more EQ options... and on, and on...
The iPod Nano is a much, much smaller player--in every way. It's adorable, but the Zen has it beat on features. One thing the iPod Nano does really well, however, is podcast integration (both audio and video). I'm a podcast nut, and would rather go with the Nano for this feature alone. Zencast is great, but the iTunes podcast management is just so easy and fun.
Why is bluetooth not a common feature on Mp3 devices? The only player I have read about having it is the new Ibiza Rhapsody. Why aren't the major companies such as Apple, Microsoft, and Creative, making this feature available? It would seem to be very useful for integrating the MP# device with the car stereo, home stereo, and pc.
Manufacturing cost I suppose. Lack of popular demand. Expect this to change soon.
Some of us oldies still like our Win98SE...can any of the new devices really use this software or are we going to have to breakdown and get a "dummy" machine just for the music?
Most MP3 players are drag and drop generic USB hard drives (except iPod and Zune). You should be safe.
I've recently ordered a Sony mp3 player based upon recommendations I read on CNET. I know these players are EVERYWHERE, I don't mean just Sony. I know very little about them. I has dawned on me that I own an iMac computer. Have a made a BIG mistake?
Thanks in advance for your help.
I've been able to get the Sony A810 to show up on my Macbook. It's tough to eject without it remounting, but it works.
his pick of gadgets owned at the moment. or by the holidays?
On my desk right now, waiting for review:
-Cowon Q5W (a monster PVP/computer/GPS)
-DLO TransDock Deluxe (iPod FM transmitter)
-Ion TTUSB10 USB turntable
As for holiday recommendations, I think the most dead-simple purchase is an earbud/headphone upgrade. Most people have no idea how good their existing MP3 player sounds. Some Shure SE110 earphones are a solid choice.
http://reviews.cnet.com/headphones-headsets/shure-se110-sound-isolating/4505-6468_7-32594477.html
Why is the significance of this distinction? Which is my iPod? I'm assuming, hard drive.
Flash memory has become all the rage because it is very compact, requires no moving parts, and offers relatively fast access times. Unfortunately, Flash technology doesn't offer the same affordable capacity of larger hard drive players. Right now were seeing some rather expensive 16GB Flash players from Creative, Apple, SanDisk, and others, while hard drive players are topping out at 160GB (iPod Classic, Archos 605WiFi).
Both options offer the same features and sound quality, the difference is purely storage capacity and the added reliability of Flash's solid-state technology. If your iPod is over 16GB, it's a hard drive player.
I heard that Xbox and media center are about to get divx support.
The Zune's video support is still pretty sparse and they don't seem to like playing friendly with outside video formats (not natively, at least). Many people have had troubles getting the Zune to recognize Microsoft's own DVR-MS files from Media Center. I'm mostly a video podcast guy, so I don't do much with transferring TV shows and movies on a regular basis.
Poor me.. Big time fan of creative(Soundcards/PC Speakers) and hoped that they have similar market in MP3 Segments.
But i hardly see any talk about Creative Mp3 Players. I have seen the video's about them and it seems they have multiple means of transferring songs and good video clarity...... But still no talk about them in the town ![]()
CNET puts a new buyer like me guessing (one says IPOD/ZUNE is a draw). Going with Donalds tips..Zune seems to be the talk of the town
Maybe i should buy myself a Zune as a Holiday gift..
Creative's latest Zen player is probably the best value of the year.
http://reviews.cnet.com/mp3-players/creative-zen-4gb/4505-6490_7-32589082.html
Great display, memory expansion, FM radio, killer sound, quality GUI... the list goes on.
It doesn't pull the same buzz as a high-capacity MP3 player like the Zune 80 or iPod Classic, but it will undoubtedly be a top seller.
Are downloaded songs pretty much $2 accross the board? I hate to pay $2 a song only to get sick of it after a couple weeks. Have they developed rental options yet?
Most online retailers (iTunes, Amazon, eMusic) are selling songs around the $.99 price point. If you have a DRM-WMA file compatible player, you can take advantage of music subscription services from Rhapsody, Yahoo, Napster, and others.
Hi Donald:
I'm a skier and I've been using an iPod shuffle which sits on the outside of my ski parka hooked into my helmet. Any other suggestions for a durable, weather resistant MP-3 player?
You could always explore the options for bluetooth headphones. That way you could keep whatever MP3 player you like tucked safely inside your jacket. The Logitech freepulse headphones are good and cheap.
http://reviews.cnet.com/headphones/logitech-freepulse-wireless-headphones/4505-7877_7-32110400.html
You could also go with sunglasses with an integrated MP3 player, like the Oakley Split Thump:
http://reviews.cnet.com/mp3-players/oakley-split-thump-2gb/4505-6490_7-32740046.html
I also reviewed a cool jacket from Burton with an integrated iPod remote:
http://reviews.cnet.com/mp3-player-accessories/burton-audex-ipod-field/4505-6519_7-32569169.html
Hope that helps.
Hey Donald
I have been weighing my options on the above question. The touch screen of the iPOD touch really sweeps me off the floor but I am disappointed with the low storage capacity and the high cost of the touch when compared with the Zune.
How do they weigh against each other apart from the storage?
What would be your recommendation?
Both are great devices. I think the question you have to ask is whether you're looking for more of a slick PDA-type device, or a more traditional music/video player. The best asset on the Touch is the convergence of the Safari Web browser and calendar functions. The Zune 80 is a bulkier device, but it's less expensive, offers much more storage, a great FM radio, and a subscription music service that I've been impressed with.
That said, the iPod Touch will turn more heads and impress folks at parties--which is not something to be discounted even though it sounds trivial. It's a fun device. For me, it's the Zune.
These are all over the *Bay sites. Care to comment about them, how to spot the fake and what to do when you get ripped off?
Thanks for tbe Benny Hill... "Cut out the middleman" is a good explainer.
Thanks and have a fun Live event.
If you mean those off-brand "MP4" players, I just consider them punishment for cheapskates. My advice, "Buyer beware" + "You get what you pay for".
Looking for rugged flash player with screen.
Will be used primarily outdoors in all temperature ranges.
4GB should be fine.
FM tuner definite plus.
Have existing rugged head phones that in mini-jack that I would like to continue to use.
If it weren't for its lack of an FM tuner, I would say the new Sony NWZA816. Rugged metal construction, great screen, great battery life
http://reviews.cnet.com/mp3-players/sony-nwz-a816-4gb/4505-6490_7-32593871.html
If you don't need much of a screen, go with the Sony B105F (only 2GB)
http://reviews.cnet.com/mp3-players/sony-nwz-b105f-2gb/4505-6490_7-32593878.html
or go cheap and get a handful of Sansa Clips
http://reviews.cnet.com/mp3-players/sandisk-sansa-clip-2gb/4505-6490_7-32588380.html
Not a satisfying answer, I know.
There's always the Trevor Baylis wind-up player
http://reviews.cnet.com/mp3-players/trevor-baylis-eco-media/4505-6490_7-32640582.html
A question in the MP3 forums came up about product breadth in retailers. Specifically why you don't see brand X at retailer Y.
My explanation is that some retailers have price match policies so they can get exclusives on some items which means the choices shrink.
Another explanation is the 80/20 rule. Why not carry just the 80 percent product line and let others fight over the scraps.
Care to offer another explainer?
I can't say for certain, but I expect that many manufacturers (Cowon, iRiver, etc.) sell direct is because it cuts out the wholesale middleman and offers the company better profits and the customer a better price.
Hey Donald
I am confused and need advice on an MP3 player.
Based on what i see i got
1. Apple Classic 160GB
2. Zune Gen 2
3. Creative Zen W 60GB
Which one would advice for this holiday.. do you see a price drop in the days to come??
Sounds like you're specifically looking for a high-capacity hard drive player (getting rare these days). I wouldn't count on a price drop, but who knows. The iPod Classic is going to offer the most storage, battery life and range of accessories. That said, I just ordered myself a customized Zune from ZuneOriginals because I'm pretty fond of the player at the moment.
Has Zune made improvements so it's software is better than previously reviewed?
Zune offered a Firmware update (2.2, I believe) that was said to help with the metadata scrambling issues somehow. As far as I can tell, the actual Zune PC software has seen any significant changes since it launched.
I have a zune 30
What options do I have for zune to connect to external speakers..or a built in docks
Microsoft sells their own Zune dock, that comes with a remote control, as well as component and composite a/v connections. It's pretty sweet if you already have a stereo system to hook it up to. If not, check out the Altec Lansing M604
http://reviews.cnet.com/mp3-player-accessories/altec-lansing-m604-portable/4505-6519_7-32148604.html
As a rule of thumb, all old Zune accessories are compatible with the newest Zunes (and vice-versa).
Hey everyone,
I'm here to try and answer any questions you might have about buying MP3 players for the holidays (or any other MP3 player-related stuff). I'll try and answer as many questions as I can, but I can't promise I'll get to everyone.
So, how can I help you?
-Donald