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If you have any unanswered questions, please feel free to e-mail me directly at jasmine.france@cnet.com. Also, if you have more interest in the MP3 player and headphone topic, check out our MP3 Insider podcast: http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-12519_7-6508253-1.html
Is there a better music player than Windows Media for Windows Mobile smartphones.
That's an excellent question for our smartphone editor Bonnie Cha: bonnie.cha AT cnet DOT com (delete spaces and replace "AT" with @ and "DOT" with a period.)
or join the live chat event next week with Bonnie on Smart phones:
http://forums.cnet.com/5208-12548_102-0.html?forumID=136&threadID=290003
Can you tell it's a slow day in my office? I'm looking to replace my 30Gb iPod with something with a larger HD and better quality (once I get those Shures that are calling). The 80Gb Zune is the most appealing to me, but anything else you'd recommend in that $200-300 price range?
Hard drive is a dying media for MP3 players. The Zune is the only one that is about the same size as the iPod. Otherwise, you're looking at PVPs, such as the Archos 405 and the Cowon A2.
If you search really hard, you *might* be able to find one of these: http://reviews.cnet.com/Creative_Zen_Vision_M_60GB_black/4505-6499_7-32165392.html
Or how about a 32GB flash-based Zen with memory card expansion: http://reviews.cnet.com/mp3-players/creative-zen-32gb/4505-6490_7-32853777.html
I'd really like to find some good wireless headphones, but I don't have bluetooth capability. Is there a good solution other than RF headphones that won't break the bank? Also, if there is anyway to have two wireless headphones hooked up to the same source - my wife likes listening as well. We like using headphones because it doesn't wake up the kids!
...paired with stereo Bluetooth headphones. Make sure both are A2DP. However, most adapters won't pair with two headphones, so I'm not sure how to address the dual listening scenario.
Jabra A120s: http://reviews.cnet.com/mp3-player-accessories/jabra-a120s/4505-6519_7-32146150.html?tag=prod.txt.2
Headphones:
http://reviews.cnet.com/headsets/jabra-bt8010-stereo-mono/4505-13831_7-32327768.html?tag=prod.txt.9
http://reviews.cnet.com/headsets/plantronics-voyager-855-bluetooth/4505-13831_7-32600914.html?tag=prod.txt.5
http://reviews.cnet.com/headsets/cardo-s-2-bluetooth/4505-13831_7-32496205.html?tag=prod.txt.2
Headphones + adapter:
http://reviews.cnet.com/headphones/logitech-freepulse-wireless-headphones/4505-7877_7-32110400.html?tag=prod.txt.1
Could I just buy a big mircoSD for my chocolate and use that for music and web?
...but phones are not my area of expertise, so you may want to follow up with our resident cell phone guru, Kent German: kent.german AT cnet DOT com (delete spaces and replace "AT" with @ and "DOT" with a period.)
I am thinking about buying the new iPod touch, especially now that the 32 GB is out, but need to know some better alternatives than the standard Archos 604/5 family. I do want the web browser, but not have to pay for all the extras like the Archos, and also needs to play unprotected AAC. Help!
Cowon Q5W (http://reviews.cnet.com/portable-video-players-pvps/cowon-q5w-40gb/4505-6499_7-32593881.html) is another option, but honestly, the interface is more convoluted than the Touch, so make sure you keep that in mind. Cowon has quite the following, though.
iPod Touch has significant issues with WiFi when software update is installed. I also have to manually change the DNS server listed in the connection settings to get ANYWHERE. Is this a common issue and an easy fix?
...I don't have an answer, since I don't work with the iPod Touch that much. Senior Editor Donald Bell has more information on it, though, so if you e-mail it to MP3Insider@cnet.com, I'll make sure he gets it.
Thanks for the insight!
You're right... I tried the Amazon route for movies and they said the device was not 'certified'.
Any other suggestions as to how to get movies on my MP3 player?
Can I 'rip' movies with Windows Media Player like I do my CD's?
But there are other apps out there for ripping DVDs. I use Handbrake--and love it--but it's Mac only. Windows users seem to like this one: http://www.download.com/Easy-DVD-Rip/3000-2140_4-10441877.html?cdlpid=10720517
I'm a big fan of Shure's E2c earbuds, but after a sustained amount of constant abuse, I may need to trade in for something new. This may sound like a bit of a broken record given a recent question, but what could you suggest around Shure's price point that would make me happy?
Here's my criteria:
1 - Mild skew towards bass, but still reasonably balanced
2 - Durable!
3 - Comfortable for long periods of time
I've heard the SE110s are a step back, so that might not be the best pick.
...but try them out first, if you can, as comfort is subjective. They should satisfy your other requirements, though.
http://reviews.cnet.com/headphones/v-moda-vibe-red/4652-7877_7-32552156.html
If you're willing to spend a little more, take a look at the UE Super.fi 5 EB (http://reviews.cnet.com/headphones/ultimate-ears-super-fi/4505-7877_7-31445053.html). These earphones have the compensating virtue of the earbud being removable from the cable, which goes a lot towards durability, as the cable is the thing that usually breaks. In the case of the UEs, you can replace the cable without replacing the 'buds.
I know both are important, but cnet's mentioned that, say, the Zune delivers better quality than the iPod but I assume that doesn't matter if you have sub-par headphones. So which investment would you say is more important?
It is true that if the headphones are crappy it won't matter how good the sound quality of the player is. But the main reason I say that headphones are a more important investment--and only barely--is because a really good pair of headphones will generally outlast your player.
I'm was very sastified with my Shure SE210's but they broke, and I'm searching for a pair that is similar to those. Thanks for all your help!
-- the price range... Like a 100 bucks or less! Thanks!
Ultimate Ears Super.fi 3: http://reviews.cnet.com/Ultimate_Ears_Super_fi_3_Studio_black/4505-7877_7-31491515.html
V-Moda Vibe: http://reviews.cnet.com/V_moda_Vibe_red_roxx/4505-7877_7-32552156.html
Creative Aurvana: http://reviews.cnet.com/Creative_Zen_Aurvana/4505-7877_7-31951301.html
Or how about going back a generation and getting another pair of Shures: http://reviews.cnet.com/headphones/shure-e3c-white/4505-7877_7-30612174.html
Also, remember that Shure earphones have a two-year warranty, so make sure that won't work for you before throwing down for a new set.
...but it's a Zune-specific WMA DRM. Basically, it will support anything purchased or rented from the Zune Marketplace.
Does it mean I will not be able to listen to MP3 I downloaded from any other online stores using DRM?
...it should not be DRM-protected at all. But if it's a DRM-protected AAC file (from iTunes), it won't work. If it's a DRM-protected WMA file from Rhapsody or Napster, it's not technically supported, though it *may* play back. If it's an unprotected AAC from iTunes or an MP3 from Amazon, it will play on the Zune.
I've been searching for a pair of headphone for office use. I'm a programmer and I use my headphone all day long. Is there another pair of headphone that is close to the comfort level of the Bose On-Ear but cheaper? I don't need Noice canceling function.
Actually, I'm wearing them right now. I wear these throughout the day at my desk and fine them to be plenty comfortable (although they do make my ears sweat!) -- http://reviews.cnet.com/headphones/creative-aurvana-live/4505-7877_7-32810185.html
I don't like waking up to the morning zoo. Is there any non-iPod MP3 player with a good alarm clock function? Like one that will turn itself on at a certain time, then start playing, perhaps through connected loudspeakers? Thanks.
Check it out: http://yahoo-ssp-cnet.com.com/mp3-players/samsung-s5-4gb-black/4505-6490_7-32749369.html
Does the new Zune support DRM? I remember the first version didn't.
...but it's a Zune-specific WMA DRM. Basically, it will support anything purchased or rented from the Zune Marketplace.
I'm on the look out for noise canceling headphones, but I've never purchased any before. Is there anything specific I should be looking for or is price an indicator of ability?
Our editors' top headphone list is a good place to start: http://yahoo-ssp-cnet.com.com/4370-7877_7-229-104.html?tag=lnav
I would look at price and comfort, and search the performance section of the review for how well they cancel noise.
I'm was very sastified with my Shure SE210's but they broke, and I'm searching for a pair that is similar to those. Thanks for all your help!
There are a couple of worthy options out there. Can you follow up with what your price range is? That will help me narrow it down.
What headphones would you recommend for everyday street-use (say SF Financial District)? Been tempted by Shures but not sure if they might be a safety hazard with all that traffic.
Really, any sound isolating pair of earphones is going to be a bit of a hazard when it comes to hearing traffic noise. It's important to use your other senses (sight, specifically) when using such earphones on busy streets. If you are riding a bike, the safe--and legal--thing to do, is ride with one earbud out. But I use Shures walking to and from Muni in SF everyday and am just sure to keep my eyes open for street danger. You should be fine doing the same.
For the price of the 16 GB Zen $200 is there a better choice for a 16GB flash player?
The SanDisk Sansa View costs about the same and offers the same general features, but the sound quality isn't as good.
Goofed that up the first time...
I just replaced my 'old' Sony A818 with the new A729... good choice?
Also, can you suggest where and how I can download movies to the player from the internet? Can I use ITunes or can you suggest another site.
Walkmans are tough in that regard, since most sites that sell legal video (Amazon Unbox, for example) have very strict requirements for the hardware. Keep an eye out for a follow up feature to this--I've been researching non-iPod video sites, but haven't found anything of note yet.
I have seen the video about the creative zen, are there any major drawbacks to this mp3 player? I love the price for the 16 GB and the available expansion of the sd slot
I thought the control pad had kind of a cheap feel to it, but considering how good of a value the Zen is otherwise, I don't consider this to be a major issue. One thing that I have heard, but haven't yet been able to look into, is that the SD card content doesn't integrate seamlessly. This may or may not be a big deal, depending on how you use it.
...then yes! Sony Walkmans have just been getting better and better lately. The predecessor the the NWZ-A720 series is one of my favorite players of all time, and now it's updated with Bluetooth--what's not to like? I can't wait to try it out myself.
A Crave contributor recommended the $35 KOSS Portapros. What's your take on them?
I haven't had a chance to listen to them, since Justin Yu works in the New York office, but they look pretty sweet, in that old-school, geek-tech kind of way. Plus, they're $35--hard to beat there. Justin is actually going to be doing a proper review of them in the coming weeks, so keep an eye out for that.
Why did you guys not give the zune editors choice?
I listen to mp3 insider on my zune and i know you guys like the zune and that donald uses a zune so why not give it editors choice?
Unfortunately, I can't answer it for you, since I'm not the editor who reviewed it. You can ask Donald next time he hosts this forum, or call into the show and we'll answer it on the air! 800.720.2638
Smart Phones @ Best Buy.