Surprise surprise, Zune sucks.

[BarTopDancer]

Originally Posted by Prudence

Three words: Proprietary music format. The inability to replace the battery also factors in.

iPods also play mpP3 format which standard now. mp4 and aac are available not required.

I see how the battery replacement can be an issue for someone.

Features other than disk space? Video isn't a big need at the moment, although that could change. I do like the FM tuner on my mini-disk player.

The iRiver is supposed to be good. I haven't been impressed with Creative's products or support but I know a lot of people like them.

If you will be running or using it during a lot of high impact activities I recommend getting a flash memory based player versus a hard drive based player. The hard drive can be damaged with enough impact (my iPod will shut off when I am running because of the movement).

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Originally Posted by BarTopDancer

iPods also play mpP3 format which standard now.

Actually, iTunes converts your mp3s into AAC so they'll play on your iPod, and getting them back into mp3 format involves digging up some software to crack Apple's code. I know many people are unhappy iTunes converted their libraries.

If I were going to purchase an mp3 player now without any prior iPod use, I would definitely consider another player. Many others are available with FM tuners, the ability to download files from your player to your computer, and many other features, often for less than what Apple charges.

[Snowflake]

Originally Posted by Prudence

Does anyone here have a different mp3 player? I have a mini disk thing, but that is, of course, limited to the capacity of the disk, which isn't large. I'm looking for something with more iPod-like capacity.

Well, I do love my iPod, but I also have an iRiver. I don't find the iRivers any less expensive than an iPod. So, as usual, I'm not being helpful to you.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Originally Posted by Snowflake

Well, I do love my iPod, but I also have an iRiver. I don't find the iRivers any less expensive than an iPod. So, as usual, I'm not being helpful to you.

But what features does it have? What are the differences? Pricing is one small aspect.

[Snowflake]

Originally Posted by Cadaverous Pallor

But what features does it have? What are the differences? Pricing is one small aspect.

Ah, sorry! The iRiver I own has far fewer features than the 60Gb iPod. It is an older model. The best thing about the iRiver, for me, is that it is more compact than the iPod and is about the size of a small, short maglite flashlight. It holds less data, has fewer bells and whistles. No video on the iRiver. The iRiver did allow me to record audio, which was why I bought it. Small microphone and 72 hours of capacity, makes for easy interviewing!

Anyway, here's a comparison I found online. It may help with some questions about the various toys available.

Call me a lemming, I love the iPod, I've had no trouble with it at all and it has more than serves my needs. I don't regret shelling out the bucks for it.

[Bornieo: Fully Loaded]

Originally Posted by Snowflake

. The iRiver did allow me to record audio, which was why I bought it. Small microphone and 72 hours of capacity, makes for easy interviewing!.

How is the sound quality on the recording aspect? Say if you wanted to record some sort of "live" event?

[CoasterMatt]

One thing that I also love about my Zens (I've got a Nano Plus and a Zen Vision 30gb), is that with Vista, there's no need for any other software - they're supported natively.

[Bornieo: Fully Loaded]

Bornieo: Fully Zune'd

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Originally Posted by Bornieo: Fully Loaded

Bornieo: Fully Zune'd

I swear, if you keep this negativity up I might have to bad mojo you for it...though I'm not sure that would serve my purpose.

[Bornieo: Fully Loaded]

Originally Posted by Cadaverous Pallor

I swear, if you keep this negativity up I might have to bad mojo you for it...though I'm not sure that would serve my purpose.

Who's being negative?