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MP3 players: Clueless about MP3 players, need help!
- 12/12/08 4:12 PM
Clueless about MP3 players, need help!
by Lee Koo (ADMIN) - 12/12/08 4:12 PM
Question:
Hello there. I hope your community of members can help this novice out. For the holidays, I'm planning to surprise both my grandkids (ages 11 and 14) with an MP3 player each, but the sad thing is I don't know a thing about them. I went to the local store and I was quite shocked to find how many of these players there are. For instance, I thought the iPod was just one type of player, but to my surprise there are a few different models just from the iPod name, which makes it even more confusing. I know it would be difficult for you to determine what is best for my grandkids, but I would like to get them something that they will enjoy for years to come. I don't want to buy them a cheap one, nor do I want to overspend (budget is $100 to $200), but I do want them to be happy with what I get them and be the coolest grandma who is hip with what's in. It's a big surprise for them and bigger challenge for me because right now I'm clueless. If you can help me out and explain with simple terms the overall differences between the varieties of MP3 players there are, what makes a good and bad MP3 player, what features are favorable or unfavorable, I would be forever grateful.
Submitted by: A lost grandma, Louise T.
Here are some featured member answers to get you started, but
please read up on all the advice and suggestions that our
members have contributed to this member's question.
The MP3 player rundown --Submitted by MehStrongBadMeh -
http://forums.cnet.com/5208-7595_102-0.html?forumID=71&threadID=319109&messageID=2921723#2921723
MP3 players... --Submitted by Watzman
http://forums.cnet.com/5208-7595_102-0.html?forumID=71&threadID=319109&messageID=2921728#2921728
MP3 purchase... --Submitted by forkboy
http://forums.cnet.com/5208-7595_102-0.html?forumID=71&threadID=319109&messageID=2923013#2923013
If you have some additional suggestion, advice, or tips for Louise, please click the reply link and share it with us. Please be keep it in simple terms and when necessary in details when appropriate. Thanks!
Mp3
by roppbec - 12/5/08 5:57 PM In reply to: Clueless about MP3 players, need help! by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
The most popular MP3 player would undoubtly be the iPod by apple. You can get a Ipos Nano for about $150. If you buy it from apple.com, they will offer free engraving on the back for personalization.
There are other good choices out there though. I have an iRiver and it is very nice. Main thing is memory. Get one that is at least 4 gigabytes. Don't get any smaller; it won't hold enough music.
I agree.
by TreknologyNet - 12/8/08 2:21 AM In reply to: Mp3 by roppbecIf you really want the "coolness factor" with your grand-kids, then Apple is the way to go.
Is 4GB really enough? I have an "alternative" that only has 512MB (1/8 of what is being recommended) and that is plenty for me.
Because this technology dates really quickly, I would suggest you aim for the highest capacity you can reasonably afford. Computer memory is like a new garage--it's amazing how quickly it can be filled to the brim.
I also suggest you make discreet inquiries to find out which colors you should choose.
Update Mp3 to Mp4
by grandmaks - 1/20/09 2:05 PM In reply to: I agree. by TreknologyNetHi,
Can you tell me how to update my grandsons Mp3 as technology develops to newer MP's. Sure would appreciate some insight.
re: update
by CRod67 - 1/20/09 2:20 PM In reply to: Update Mp3 to Mp4 by grandmaksMost newer MP3's already play mp3 & mp4 file formats. (along with a number of other popular files such as Wav, AAC, etc) It really depends on the player your grandson has when it comes to "updating" them. Your able to update the Creative Zen and a few other players by "firmware" updates. You just have to check the manufacturer's website such as Apple, Creative, etc. and you should be able to find that information online. There was an issue with the screen freezing on some of the Zen players, although I haven't had that problem with mine. But I did go onto their website and do a firmware update, that gave the player the latest updates for that particular model. Unless he's got an older model he should be ok with what is already on his player, but check the manufacturer's website to make sure. Hope this helps.
Good luck!
Sony 8gig mp3/video/fm 700 series
by rbdunn5 - 1/1/09 5:26 AM In reply to: Mp3 by roppbecI don't know if this is the right place to ask this question, but
I can't seem to locate the exact area. I have a new Sony 8gig
mp3/video/fm player and would like to be able to watch movies
on it but can't seem to find any information that is straight
forward enough for me to readily understand. I would like to be
able to take a dvd and put it on the player. Is this possible
or did I get dupped by thinking the video aspect of this device
does not relate to movies...
Please help a novice...
Thanks,
Bob
you can, but
by ktreb - 1/1/09 3:45 PM In reply to: Sony 8gig mp3/video/fm 700 series by rbdunn5Technically, it's illegal in the United States if your thinking of commercial DVDs. As such, can't really discuss specific programs that allow you to do this. Though there is an arguement about fair use, backing up your purchased DVDs by ripping them, etc. I believe the largely illegal part is the breaking of copy protection that would be needed in order to copy a commercial DVD. That doesn't mean that it isn't done. I might have given some hints on what needs to be done. Hopefully not too much that this gets locked or deleted.
kinda true
by Marino013 - 1/1/09 3:53 PM In reply to: you can, but by ktrebYou're correct only in the aspect of copying DVD's for distribution purposes. That is illegal. However, you are allowed to copy them for "personal use" only. ie: to put them on your pc, MP3 players, etc. Just do a search online, there are numerous programs out there that will help you do this.
personal use should be okay
by ktreb - 1/1/09 4:09 PM In reply to: kinda true by Marino013It's fair use. But it is illegal to break the copy protection (which commercial DVDs have) according to the digital millenium copyright act of 1998. That's why it's a little dicey when we start discussing it on these forums. I've seen threads get shut down here when we start discussing specifics about how to do it. I've also seen others slide through. But it is against Terms of Use. I don't want to have this particular thread locked because of this.
this is true
by Marino013 - 1/1/09 4:52 PM In reply to: personal use should be okay by ktrebGood point ktreb
reply to mp3 players
by rombus - 12/5/08 6:05 PM In reply to: Clueless about MP3 players, need help! by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Well if you mean that your budget is between 100-200 for both of them, then get the older one an ipod nano, and the younger one something like a Samsung YP-U3
iPods are your best bet
by tidymaze - 12/5/08 6:11 PM In reply to: Clueless about MP3 players, need help! by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Since your grandkids are 11 and 14, and I happen to have siblings around those ages, I can tell you that if you want to be the cool, hip grandma, go with the iPod. Kids in that age range are all about name brands, and no other mp3 player has the name-recognition of the iPod. You didn't specify if your budget is for both, or if that's your price range for each. So, you can get an iPod Shuffle for around $50. It doesn't have a screen (which makes it more kid-friendly), but it's pretty small, therefore, easily lost. For $150, you can get the iPod Nano, which comes in about 9 different colors. This one has a screen, but they are fairly sturdy. iPod Nanos can also play videos and some games.
All in all, I think your best bet is to visit a couple of stores in your area that sell iPods (Wal-Mart, Target, and almost every electronics store carries them) and ask a sales associate what they think. Then you can see the product, hold it (maybe) and make the best decision for your money. Good luck!
Ipod all the way
by varshneyprateek - 12/5/08 6:18 PM In reply to: Clueless about MP3 players, need help! by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Hello Louise,
I would say just get an ipod. There are currently 2 models in your price range. The ipod nano 8 giga byte (GB or g) for $149 and the ipod nano 16 giga byte (GB or g) for $199. I would pick the ipod because: 1: Both come in lots of colors. 2: with iTunes Plus and an Amazon MP3 store that loads straight into iTunes, it has a very large DRM free library. 3: Their friends probably all have them. 4:It has a very large market share. Which means there are TONS of accessories and LOTS of software. By software, I mean video converters that are easy to use.
This is the best one I've found: http://www.koyotesoft.com/indexEn.html (select free ipod video converter on the side)
Also, format factory is a GREAT one. It has a convert to ipod under the mobile tab. Can be found at: http://www.formatoz.com/
WHAT???
by CRod67 - 12/12/08 10:48 PM In reply to: Ipod all the way by varshneyprateekYou're telling Louise to get an Ipod because they come in different colors? Are you kidding me?? There are MP3 players out there that are less than half the cost and have twice as many features, like FM tuners and larger video screens on them AND longer battery life. You're paying for the name only when you buy and Ipod and to me, that's not a good enough reason. Especially when you can purchase a Creative Zen for about 60 bucks and has way more options and features than a purple or fuschia colored Ipod. All Apple products are a rip off IMO.
Louise, do yourself a favor and save some money at the same time. Get the Creative Zen. Their sold everywhere so go down to your local WalMart and pick one up.
Merry Christmas everyone!
Windows XP randomly freezing
by jrcody34 - 12/5/08 6:28 PM In reply to: Clueless about MP3 players, need help! by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I had a similar problem before, is the memory in your XP machine from Dell originally or an upgrade?..if you upgraded then you may want to try removing the upgraded stick(s) and try that for a while and see if the problem still exists, if it does try switching between the sticks that were replaced. I had the same issue and it ended up being a faulty memory stick. Hope this helps.
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