MP3 players forum: Ipod Nano or Zen MicroPhoto

I can't speak for anyone else, but I've only ever found one portable FM radio worth a darn - the Sony S-2 which had the best FM tuner I'd ever had for a portable, and one of the best AM tuners I have EVER used. I don't want a FM radio in my Nano. I listen to music or Podcasts.

ITunes manages podcasts so easily ... It searches music so quickly and easily, I believe it's the best music management software anywhere. I found Windows Media Player to be absolutely awful compared to the ITunes. And Apple offers it as a free download, ripping software included. I love it!

Apple does not FORCE you to use their codecs - you may rip with ANY MP-3 ripper and drag the MP-3 into ITunes. It ends up as an MP-3 on the IPod. I like the higher density of the M4A compression scheme - this frees up limited gigs, which is true if you're using a Nano or 60gig unit.

I do wish it were easier to take music from the IPod and put it onto other computers. Using ITunes and Windows Explorer, I found it can work, but Apple didn't want to make it convenient. But I did find a way to make it happen.

I am 43 and use my Nano to listen to music and podcasts all the time. I have the lanyard headphones, which works very very well. The unit hangs like an oversized necklace, and the headphones are kept around your neck even if they're removed from the ears. My Nano does scratch easily. But the scratches seem superficial. And 4 gigs is more than enough, since I don't mind changing out playlists and songs from time to time. My daughter has a Mini, and now she wants a Nano.

I never thought I'd play the "Name that tune" game included with IPods. It's addictive when you have a few minutes to kill.

I happen to have both the Zen MicroPhoto and a Nano. You just about need both sides (iPod & non-iPod) to take full advantage of the audio services that are available. Interested in Audible.com audiobooks? MicroPhoto's not compatible, Nano is. Like Yahoo music subcription service? Nano won't work, Zen will. Want a lightweight device to run or go to the gym? The Nano is better. Do you like podcasts? Nano with iTunes is better.

Nano has a better tactile interface, manipulating the Zen can really drive you nuts. But obviously, Zen has better capacity. Important point: the accessories industry revolves around the iPod and ignores the Zen -- that's increasingly important.

So, I keep my full music library and the WMA's I rent from Yahoo on my Zen. I put podcasts and audiobooks and a handful of music playlists on the iPod Nano. My advice: start with the Nano, but don't feel bad if you decide you also need another device.

maybe here you can compare both side by side and make a decision: http://alatest.com/MP3+%26+Media+Players/Apple+iPod+Nano+%284GB%2C+black%29/pro-reviews/en_GB/
good luck!

If you are going to take it to the gym or bang it around you would want the nano. The zen runs on a hard drive, but if you want more features go with the zen.
Also, consider where you get your music. Ipod will not work with any online music stores other than itunes or emusic. The zen will work with everything except itunes.

Ok. Before I say anything, I will say that I have a Creative MuVo2FM, and the reason I chose a Creative product over a iPod was becuase:

-Removeable Battery
-More support with my OS (Windows ME and Ubuntu Linux)
-Higher sound quality (excluding the new "Video" iPod, where the sound quality is the same)
-More support for my music (I buy my music off soundbuzz.com. Lost of songs there iTunes doesn't have, and ipod doesn't support WMA I don't think)
-FM Tuner

Again, it is really what you need. If you don't care about sound quality, and the cost of replacing your batters, and you don't need a FM tuner, and you have a OS that supports it, go with a iPod, though you will miss out on those small things.

Most people refer to most mp3 players as iPods in general, because that is what everyone has. And that is why most people go with a ipod, becuase everyone had one. If you are someone who looks into different ones, you may change your mind.

My reccomendation:
Zen if you want space, value for money, and a player that supports most OS's.
iPod if you just want something that is small and looks good, though make sure you have a OS that supports it. Also make sure that iTunes has the songs that you want, becuase if it doesn't, most other places where you can buy music isn't supported by iPod.

Take it from someone who owns a Nano...

They suck.

I know, I was sucked into the "No Ipod holders are losers" craze and I ran out a bought a Nano, but I regret it.

The thing that pisses me off about the Nano is how it is easily damaged. Go on to apple.com and go to support. Look how many people complain of broken Nanos. Within a month my Nano was unresponsive, freakish, and just an annoyence.

Itunes, I had no problem with. It was easy to use and almost hassle free.

Thus, I end this by saying, DON'T GO NANO!

My zen micro won't fit in mine. I wonder about that new Zen V though, it looks pretty small.

while I have never personally owned an Ipod, I know lots of people who do. I've used the Ipods before, and I really don't like them. I have owned (and still own) a microphoto. I did A LOT of research before I made my purchase, and I love my Zen. yes, it is heavier than an ipod, and it's not as easy to find accessories, BUT it's got a lot more memory, it's MUCH tougher, and it's much easier to use. The touch-sensitive pad is adjustable, so you can make it more or less sensitive. Plus, the software that comes with the Zen is totally user friendly. Really fool-proof. I put all of my music on my zen with the Zen Explorer software that comes with the player.

Plus, if you want to purchase a case for the micro (which you really won't need. I never needed one, and I'm the biggest klutz you will ever meet), the cases made for the Ipod Mini work really really well. They're a little long, but they fit snugly and securely. Granted, Apple no longer makes the Ipod Mini, which might make it hard to find one of the cases...

I say go with the Zen. More for your money, easier to use, tougher... I can't vouch for customer service, though. I've never had to use it. I've had my Zen for almost two years now, and I've never had any problems with it.