MP3 players forum: ipod touch vs ipod classic

The iPod Classic is a better value per GB, at $3 per GB. Versus $15.60 per GB for a 32GB iPod Touch (and it only gets worse for the lower capacities). All those extra GB may seem like a waste. But you can use it as an external drive for back up or transfering files. Not on the Touch, though. There aren't that many current hard drive players left in the market and usually those start at 30 GB (Archos, Microsoft Zune, Cowan, in addition to iPod).

While I do not own an iPod Classic, I do own a 5.5 gen 30GB video iPod and an 8GB iPod Touch. I use the 30GB for mostly music and the Touch for mostly video and some favorite music playlists and podcasts. I find that the Touch is very easy to operate while driving. I barely look at it and I can get to where I want to in 3 quick touches. Because of the easier interface, I tend to use it more. I don't use it at the gym or on my walks, however. I prefer something smaller. I use a 4GB 2nd gen Nano. Sometimes I use a Shuffle or one of my non-iPods. I find that these don't attract as much attention and will be easier for me to give these up if I get robbed.

I don't really use the browser that much. It's good if I need to view something in a quick pinch but if I have my computer or laptop available, I'd rather browse on one of these.

I'm mainly an iPod user, so I can't really compare other players. My non-iPods are mainly small capacity, inexpensive but name brand players that I bought because they were on sale. My latest find was a 4GB Sony NWZ-A816 for $99 (last year's model) that sounds really good. Not having to use SonicStage is a big plus. Still, it will not be my main player because I still love iTunes.

You might want to investigate and possibly download and play with iTunes before deciding on any sort of iPod. Among my most of my friends that don't have iPods, iTunes was the dealbreaker for them.

...for the input.
I especially like to hear that the ipod touch is easy to use while driving. This is something I was actually worried about since I use my player the most in the car and don't want to get in an accident.
I actually have used itunes and don't mind it at all. I generally don't like apple. I don't see why it's 'better' to have everything so simplified to the point that you can't get in and fix things. But I actually like that simplification when it comes to downloading music and getting it onto my mp3 player easily. Especially compared to Sony's crappy SonicStage. Perhaps the worst piece of software ever.

There is no right answer. what you're going to like depends on a whole load of stuff about you i do not know. if your biggest technical problem is which ipod to buy count yourself lucky. Any ipod will be better than a cassette tape.

Just remember you pay extra for ipod
you have a better chance of an ipod getting stolen
(I understand) lose your ipod = lose your music

or you could get an MP3 player for less money with more facilities.

and now i've vented i'm going to delete without posting. Unless I hhit the wrong button by mistake

iTunes now sells all music without DRM. Older stuff you already have is still protected though. So, it is no longer a case of no ipod = no music. Anyway, always back up what you have paid for. That whole PC disk could go south.

I don't own an iPod, but I do own a Zune 30GB.
I think you will find that the Zune is a better deal all around. Even if you don't store videos, the fact that it is more compatible with various formats, has a larger screen, is able to tune in FM broadcasts (great for news/tfc reports, etc.) and the WiFi feature is really great for automatic podcast updates. You can find an older (new) 30GB version on eBay at a very reasonable price. Although the earbuds that are included are black instead of white, they are of a higher quality than those for the iPod. Lastly, the glass screen is practically impervious to scratching, and the case is resilient enough to take a drop without any damage.

Dave

Well, I own both and use them for different purposes. For me, I have >80GB of music + videos, so my ipod classic can't even hold it all. but there's only one playlist i really listen to.

the ipod touch is great because you can go online (and i use this feature SO much), as well as getting 3rd party apps, and it shows lyrics for songs when you play them. plus, the ipod touch is flash memory which means it is more reliable than the hard drive of the ipod classic.

for you, if you think 80GB is a waste of space, then there's really no appeal for the ipod classic for you. i would recommend the ipod touch. (just one thing, the battery life on the ipod touch is a little worse, so keep that in mind. be sure to recharge it, but a car charger would make that so easy anyways)