Surprise surprise, Zune sucks.

[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.

[BarTopDancer]

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.

What features of the iPod do you not like?
What features (other than disk space) are you looking for?

[Prudence]

Originally Posted by BarTopDancer

What features of the iPod do you not like?
What features (other than disk space) are you looking for?

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

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.

[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.

[BarTopDancer]

Originally Posted by Cadaverous Pallor

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.

Hummm. I've been dragging my mp3s to my iPod and removing them without a problem. My set-up may be unique though since my music is generally stored on an external drive and played (but not stored) via iTunes (without conversion). I'm pretty sure there is an option to prevent the conversion.

[lizziebith]

I could never get iTunes to work so I knew I'd never buy an iPod (and heard too many horror stories of people losing all the work they'd put into the effort to load their 'Pods, only to have them crash miserably). As far as I'm concerned, regarding platforms and proprietariness...a Jobs is as bad as a Gates. I'm trying to avoid both of those guys as much a possible. [/waits for flames]

[Kevy Baby]

Originally Posted by Cadaverous Pallor

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.

I just double checked, and sure enough, most all of my music is in MP3 format. Some of it is in AAC (mostly the stuff I purchased from the iTunes store), but if it came in as an MP3, it remains an MP3.

Besides, AAC is a better format than MP3 (less loss and audio artifacts). However, there are better formats than AAC.

[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.