MP3 vs Ipod?

[Baileykat]

I really really really want an Ipod...but I really really really can't afford one right now...even a mini...

But I really really really want an MP3...

I've recently taken up walking/running (ok..it's more walking than running..) and the canyon I go to has horrid reception...CD player skips alot.

SO..I guess I need an MP3...

So what's a good one...that's not too expensive...that's of course not as good as an Ipod...but will be ok till I can get an Ipod.

(which will probably be next Christmas! )

[~MS~]

I bought Brandy an inexpensive MP3 (40 bucks) just to see how it would work for her before investing in an iPod, but now with the 99 dollar iPod shuffle, she's getting an upgrade for her birthday in April! I love the fact I can turn it on repeat shuffle and she can listen to music basically all day on one AA battery and the staff at her day program don't have to worry about swapping her CD's (and I don't have to worry about her CD collection getting lost/scratched)....

[BarTopDancer]

I posted a link to a MacWorld article here.

Really, you'd be better off buying a RIO or some other MP3 player until you can afford the original iPod. The $99 is equivlent to something released by other flash companies 4 years ago (from the article). No screen display, doesn't come with accessories that come standard with other MP3 players (so if you want an armband add another $20 or so to that $99, if you want additional storage space add another $15-$40 for flash cards). By the time you are done buying stuff for it you could have bought a 15gig iPod.

[Baileykat]

Crap! Oh..wait..suppossed to be swanky....Crapola!

I love the shuffle! It's so cute! Now I want one! $99 ....hmmm!

Except I want to play certain songs when I want...I'll have to check these out! I think we're hitting Phoenix this weekend...maybe I'll jaunt to the Apple store!