MP3 players: Clueless about MP3 players, need help!
- 12/12/08 4:12 PM
It is quite simple really...a few tips...
by metrian835 - 12/5/08 8:51 PM In reply to: Clueless about MP3 players, need help! by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
alright... you want to get grandkids each an MP3 player. you started right... iPods, in my opinion are a great first mp3 player. they are very user friendly. i would suggest that you get them each an iPod Nano. they come in many colors, they are very reliable and durable, and they can come with either 8 or 16 GB of space(about enough room for 4000 four minute songs if you get the 16 GB model). did you mean 100-to 200 each? if so the iPod nano is the right choice. the 8 GB model is $150 and the 160 GB is $200. that is too much i would suggest the ipod shuffle, which has no screen and carries at most 2GB of space(about 500 four minute songs). the shuffle is a little harder to get used to and is VERY small and easily lost, but it is the best MP3 player for its size for the price of only $70 each. it even has a built in clip! whichever you choose, i know your grandkids will enjoy the mp3 players for years to come.
The Shuffle? The Shuffle ???? No, No, No ....
by Watzman - 12/5/08 9:00 PM In reply to: It is quite simple really...a few tips... by metrian835The shuffle is a bad joke. It's a horrible MP3 player (as you said, it has ***NO*** screen). With the shuffle, you don't decide what songs you will listen to, IT does, at random (hence the name ... shuffle).
NO, NO, NO. You can get better MP3 players (MUCH better, with a screen and full control) for $10 to $20 that are actually quite fine if you ONLY want to listen to music and, in quite a few cases, FM Radio.
This is Best! Sansa Clip- SanDisc 2 GB is PLENTY# (SONGS)...
by 21stcenturyartistjkb - 12/5/08 9:25 PM In reply to: Clueless about MP3 players, need help! by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I as an artist use/need music around the clock.
I have been through several others--- nothing better-> for the cost generally $59.00 one year plan dont bother it works & works!!!
Nothing is better- Best Buy Music store comes with or use (no different)I have Rhapsody!
14.99 Month unlimited download transfer to( Sansa DEVICE) purchase to burn 99 Cents...Or add your CD's as well
Up to 3 computers 3 devices included in cost
About the "Clip" ...
by Watzman - 12/5/08 10:26 PM In reply to: This is Best! Sansa Clip- SanDisc 2 GB is PLENTY# (SONGS)... by 21stcenturyartistjkbThe clip is a fine basic MP3 player but it does not do video or have much other advanced functionality, and when the battery dies, that'e the end of the player. The move up to the Fuze, or to the older e200 series (which may actually cost less) gives you a lot more functionality.
Grandma's iPod
by btedone - 12/5/08 9:29 PM In reply to: Clueless about MP3 players, need help! by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Take it from me, I'm a school teacher, get them an iPod. The Nano would fit into your budget. An iPod is considered cool and everything else if just an MP3 player. Besides, the iPods are great machines. The Nano uses flash memory which is very stable (no moving parts). It comes in fancy colors, is easy to use, and with iTunes is very simple to get music, pictures and video into.
There's other brands that are no doubt excellent machines, but for kids in your grandchildren's age group, the iPod would make them the happiest.
BTW, I'm nearly 60 and I love my iPod Touch. Maybe you should get one for yourself too!
MP4 player
by wmsec - 12/5/08 9:33 PM In reply to: Clueless about MP3 players, need help! by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I bought this for my Grandaughter...age 6 on www.Geeks.com She loves it..so do I.
It has a touchscreen anda built in speaker..so you don't need earplugs to listen all the time. Very easy to use..and a slot to install more memory so you can have more room to download videos, music..
It is also a camera. You can take pictures and store them on it. Very good video quality..well worth the money..a lot more options than some others.
Part #: BLK-CN-45-4GB
Warranty: 1 Year
Condition: New
Packaging: Retail Box
Ship Weight: 1.75 lbs
Manufacturer:
MFG Part #:
Model #: CN-45-4GB
Supported By: Geeks
Your Price: $69.99
Qty
**Please note this is NOT the actual Apple iTouch, it is a generic MP4 player**
Bring your digital favorites with you!
This 4 GB MP4 digital media player is portable entertainment. With a vast 4 GB storage capacity, you can store loads of videos, photos, movies, music and more. Capture spontaneous moments with the built-in digital camera or video camera. Listen to the radio or to your favorite MP3s on your way to work.
Watch TV shows or movies while traveling. With its USB connection, transferring files is easy. Get photos from your digital camera with the convenient MiniSD card slot. View and access everything effortlessly with its 2.8-inch touchscreen. This 4 GB MP4 digital media player is your boredom solution, so get yours now!
Features/Specifications:
* 4 GB USB MP4/MP3/FM/Voice/Camera w/2.8-inch Touchscreen
* General Features:
* Black profile
* 4 GB memory
* 2.8-inch color touchscreen
* MP4 video player
* MP3 audio player
* FM Radio
* 1.3 MP Digital Camera
* DV Camera
* Built-in Microphone for Voice recording
* FM interior recording
* E-Book Function
* Picture Browse
* USB interface
* Built-in Speaker Function
* Games
* MiniSD card slot (card not included)
* Headphone jack
* Firmware upgradeable
* Supported Digital Camera Resolutions:
* 320 x 240
* 640 x 480
* 800 x 600
* 1024 x 768
* 1280 x 1024
* EQ:
* Normal
* 3D
* Rock
* Popular
* Classical
* Bass
* Jazz
* Unit Dimensions:
* 3.6 x 2.1 x 0.6-inches (H x W x D, approximate)
Package Includes:
* 4 GB USB MP4/MP3/FM/Camera with 2.8-inch Touchscreen
* Driver CD (on 3-inch CD)
* Earbuds
* USB cable
* Power Adapter (100 - 240V 50/60 Hz)
* User Manual
Additional Information:
* Notes:
* Model: CN-45-4GB
* EAN:7 535014 004445
* **Please note this is NOT the actual Apple iTouch, it is a generic MP4 player**
* Product Requirements:
* Windows 98SE/ME/2000/XP
* USB port
* CD-ROM drive
* Supported memory card (not included)
* Available power outlet
MP3's for the grandkids
by lucysimmons - 12/5/08 10:02 PM In reply to: Clueless about MP3 players, need help! by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
As far as features and good vs bad, you're on CNET so look through their evaluations of products. Remember that as these are the first MP3 players for your grandchildren, features and functionality are less important than capacity and ability to easily load new stuff. Sound quality and reliability are a big deal! No one wants electronic stuff that's scratchy or lost in space. The price of rechargeable batteries is significant so figure that into your cost analysis.
www.overstock.com has Sansa (by SanDisk) 2-4-6-8GB players for under $100. They're great, especially for first timers. Refurbished models are less expensive but this is the new player price.
www.amazon.com has a Sansa m250 2GB player for $30.95. Both of my young teens have these and love them. There is also a 4GB player with an expansion slot for $62.27. I have this model and love it. The Sansa models go up in price with additional functionality but I really like them. You can also look at www.costco.com. Last time I actually went to the store, they were featuring a Sansa with 8GB for about $80.
IPODs are cool and you will spend more for them. The IPODs run from $140 to $400 or more. Some do video and a host of stuff. The Apple IPOD Nano 8GB is $139 on Amazon. That's a good one with functionality, cool colors and features.
But if you want a first player, just make sure to get at least 2GB and an MP3. Also, pay attention to the earbuds. Some are kind of painful. My kids use the jelly kind. I use a round model that has different rubber cups.
There is one thing to consider about electronics, especially for children. You want to do the right thing and get something that lasts and will adapt. But in 3-6 mos, someone will release a better, faster and cheaper model. Two years for an MP3 player is good in my opinion. By that time, they've been through the features, have compared their model with their friends and are pretty savy. They'll want something completely different at 14 and 16 than they do at 11. Trust me ... this is my 2nd generation of children and the older ones change in their MP3 players every year. It's not necessary but it is fun.
Just remember, whatever you get them, it will be great. Oh, and I recommend, avoid pink. Little girls tend to want to get away from pink when they're 12, it seems. Consider this: if it's too expensive they will be stressed about damage and loss. My kids tuck theirs in their pockets and forget about them. The Sansa ones we bought are rugged enough for this and the price isn't going to breaks us to replace in a year or so when they know what they want.
Good luck. And happy hunting!
Q.
Headphones / earpieces
by Watzman - 12/5/08 10:34 PM In reply to: MP3's for the grandkids by lucysimmonsHeadphones / earpieces are a big issue.
I would almost say that you can presme that the ones that come with the MP3 player (no matter what you buy) won't be satisfactory.
I've tied a bunch of them, and the only reasonable cost earpieces of the "in the ear" kind that I have liked are the "Skullcandy" (that's a brand) Ink'd (model ... $25 normally but sometimes on sale for $10).
That said .... basically, I gave up and went back to "old fashioned" over the head headphones. The Koss KTXPRO1 are very good and very inexpensive (under $20).
In the end, however, the choice of headphones / earpieces is highly personal, and both comfort and style enter into the choice.
read reviews and save up to 50% on mp3 players
by regedanzter - 12/12/08 8:08 PM In reply to: MP3's for the grandkids by lucysimmonshttp://www.onlineshoppingcheap.com/shop.php?c=Electronics&n=172630&s=rr&p=1
reply to mp3 player frustration
by hardrocker89 - 12/5/08 10:49 PM In reply to: Clueless about MP3 players, need help! by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
This is mostly a one-sided review, I personally have a 1st gen Ipod Touch 8GB. For me it has done way beyond and above what I need it for and it so far hasn't been a purchase i regret. I've had friends that have either the Ipod or Zune, I've messed with a 1stgen zune and didn't like the navigation on it at all. The Ipod video classic and Nano are also good purchases, and yes I notice I've not mentioned any other brands as that is all I am comfortable putting money into or even bothering with. One positive side of the Zune is the ability to share music with another zune device and I believe the new software update allows the devices to keep the songs for a longer period of time. The Ipod touch doesn't have that option but it does have the availability of the iTunes via wireless. the easiest option i can think of for you would be to think; A: how often will they use them. and then search on the manufacturers website to see how long battery life is. my ipod touch can go a few weeks without charge if i dont use it. B: Will they have a large amount of music to put on there? If so look for the larger size. Not sure about zune but ipod touch comes in 8,16, and 32GB. ipod nano is available in 8 or 16Gb and Ipod classic comes in a whopping 120Gb. prices for the classic are $249. ipod nano $149 for 8Gb and $199 for 16GB. now if you want to be sortof evil you could buy them the ipod shuffle, which has no navigation screen but is very small, has a vast array of colors to choose from but only in two sizes. 1Gb $49 2Gb $69. ok i went ahead and looked up zune as well. they offer 5 to choose from and also have colors to choose from. Zune4 $99.99 Zune8 $139.99 Zune16 179.99 Zune80 $229.99 Zune120 $249.99. hope this helps, sorry if there isn't enough information for you, it's 12:50 a.m here and im barely awake 
Forget the overpriced ipod
by afegerglimmung - 12/5/08 11:44 PM In reply to: Clueless about MP3 players, need help! by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I would choose the Zune by Microsoft. For around $225 (what I spent for one last week) you can get a Zune with 120 Gb of hard drive space compared to the 1 Gb and 4 Gb models others have been posting about. It holds MANY songs, has a nice screen that they can watch movies and videos on,and the Zunes can connect wirelessly to each other to share songs. For $15 a month they can also get a Zune pass that allows them to listen to ALL the music they want, and they get to keep 10 of those songs permanantly. The Zune also has an FM radio tuner. Dollar for dollar, the Zune outperforms the ipod.
sony mp3 walkman model NW-205F
by babumahi - 12/5/08 11:55 PM In reply to: Clueless about MP3 players, need help! by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
my walkman is fully hanged. Now its not opening any application. so plz assist me in that problem
Frezing Windows
by shakoorhitec - 12/6/08 12:12 AM In reply to: Clueless about MP3 players, need help! by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
just run daily registry cleaner and prefetch floder
and send me response is u undertake problem or not
TIPS: 1) Get MP3 player -- not iPod; 2) Get accessory pack
by tag-junk - 12/6/08 12:29 AM In reply to: Clueless about MP3 players, need help! by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
TIPS:
1) Get a "generic" MP3 player
Get a "generic" MP3 player (like SanDisk Fuse) instead of a Zune or iPod -- so your GKids can download (or "stream" their own from the internet), share and play "generic" MP3 audio files.
[-] Why? Besides the possibility that MICROSOFT can tweak the Zune & the Windows Media Player (WMP) -- as well as the proprietary WMA-file format whenever or in the future -- and APPLE can do the same with it's proprietary iTunes software and file formats.
Result? You're dancing to THEIR songs and "exclusive" distribution closets. (Not to mention DRM-issues -- but that's another column.)
WE use our MP3 players to download and listen ("D&L") to audio books provided by our library*, D&L podcasts (like CNET, BBC, NPR, cooking shows, etc.), and D&L "homemade" audio files (like travel notes, recipes, family stories, etc.) [*-- our Library doesn't support iPods as yet]. All of these will load fine on our MP3 players withOUT a hassle.
2) Get some accessories too
Invest in an accessory pack (like a separate AC-power adapter, shock-absorbing(!) case/cover, extra USB cable, etc.) -- if available. When one of us is using the laptop to load audio files (and re-charging the player), the other can re-charge the other player from the AC-adapter (which we take along on trips too).
[-] IF your GKids are like mine, having more than one way to re-charge their MP3 players will save you grey hairs -- and might even get you invited back for a visit by YOUR children.
3) Miscellaneous info: how much $$$, how many GBs, yada, yada?
[-] PRICE and CAPACITY (GBs) is closely related. Bargains can be found online (I use CNET Reviews to check PROs & CONs after I narrow the choices) as well as going to "Big-Box" stores like Costco (where we just bought a 8GB Sansa FUSE ($60) -- discounted 40%).
[-] CAPACITY (how many GBs: 2GB, 4GB, 8GB, more) is determined by what material you want to listen to/watch, how large the source is (e.g., a 10-hour/CD audio book contains about 600MBs [10 x 60MB(~1 hour)]), and how often you want to swap/load content. I've found 4GB can hold 4-5 audio books plus a week's worth of CNET's Buzz Out Loud and some BBC podcasts. Remember: BIGGER is not always BETTER.
[-] YADA, YADA:
[-] Buy your GKids some "old-fashion" (EXTERNAL) style earphones (with foam earpads -- $10) to use instead of the "earbuds" that come with the MP3 player. Why? The earbud cushion sizes are usually too large for children's ears, as well as being generally uncomfortable. Also, the changes in sound volume (which could lead to hearing loss) are easier to control with EXTERNAL earphones -- alas, I used to be HIP once!
[-] Be sure to spend some time checking out the USER MANUAL (usually available on the vendor's website) ++BEFORE++ you surprise them -- so you can tell them all the COOl and HIP stuff you can do with their MP3 player(s) -- did I mention, each GKid will want his/her own MP3 player?
[-] For Family MP3 moments, consider getting Mom & Dad a set of mini stand-alone (computer) speakers ($10-$20) -- which is AC/Battery-powered -- and a "male-to-male" (has an earphone plug on BOTH ends) audio cable ($1-$3) to connect the MP3 player so everybody can listen together. Another, option is to get a clock-radio with an AUX/MP3 input jack/cable, so you can use the built-in radio speakers -- and tell time too!
I hope these TIPS will help you give your GKids a SUPER HIP HOLIDAY!
Great gifts for kids
by hglevine - 12/6/08 1:11 AM In reply to: Clueless about MP3 players, need help! by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Dear Grandma,
Your gift is a great idea and if they don’t have good mp3 players already they will think you are way cool. I assume you have checked with their parents and learned the kids don’t have them, and that they live in a home with a computer and access to the internet.
If all is good, buy them an Ipod Nano, 8 gigs for $150. They come in 9 colors so pick out something snazzy and different for each of them. If you can afford it buy them a gift certificate for $25 or so for some songs they can buy at the iTunes store.
Finally, make peace with the idea that although they may have it and enjoy it, as you say, for years to come, a child may also lose such a thing (they are not very big), or it may be dropped and break. But whatever happens, they will learn important lessons. And you will always be way cool for giving it to them.
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