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[3phemeral]

All those fancy HD-based mp3 players are nice, but I need something that's durable enough to jog with. I've been reading the some old threads that have a few posts that mention this, but couldn't find anything in particular that caught my eye.

Since I go jogging everday, and running around the track can get pretty boring all that time while counting laps, I need something to entertain my ears while I voluntarily give myself a heart attack struggling through the drudges of exercise.

So far, from word of mouth, people seem to suggest the following:

iRiver
Creative Muvo
iPod Shuffle

Just need some feedback from people who own/heard/are familiar with said products and your opinion on its capapbilities vs price. I'm willing to spend upwards to $150.oo if I have good reason to

 

[Matlock]

For price/storage ratio, ipod shuffle's got 'em licked by a few bucks on both the 512MB and 1GB range.

Although, you could get features like FM, line in, etc etc on the other ones.

PLUS THE SCREEN. EVERYONE GIVES A SHIT ABOUT A SCREEN.

 

[Socreges]

For price/storage ratio, ipod shuffle's got 'em licked by a few bucks on both the 512MB and 1GB range.

Although, you could get features like FM, line in, etc etc on the other ones.

PLUS THE SCREEN. EVERYONE GIVES A SHIT ABOUT A SCREEN.

You sound bitter. I was momentarily tempted to rip into the Shuffle just to spite you.

Anyway, I'd suggest this: http://www.compuplus.com/insidepage.php3?sid=79lm081px07i0b6&id=1003365064

I'm just about to buy one. Seems like a great value.

 

[3phemeral]

You sound bitter. I was momentarily tempted to rip into the Shuffle just to spite you.

Anyway, I'd suggest this: http://www.compuplus.com/insidepage.php3?sid=79lm081px07i0b6&id=1003365064

I'm just about to buy one. Seems like a great value.

Seems like an awesome deal, although I've never heard of "comp u plus" before. Have you ordered from them in recent history?

For some reason I was a little dissapointed about this deal, though, I was looking forward on impressing my mac addict friends with my Shuffle. Oh well More reason for them to hate on me now, if I decide to go with this =)

 

[Socreges]

Seems like an awesome deal, although I've never heard of "comp u plus" before. Have you ordered from them in recent history?

For some reason I was a little dissapointed about this deal, though, I was looking forward on impressing my mac addict friends with my Shuffle. Oh well More reason for them to hate on me now, if I decide to go with this =)

Maybe Willco will come in and give us some feedback. He's the person that I got the link from.

 

[Matlock]

I'd be down with that creative player if my creative jukebox didn't hit the crapper.

 

[Manics]

I thought I'd reply in this thread before Willco comes in and rips the iPod Shuffle. He'll suggest the Creative Muvo.

 

[Trakball]

he just got an iPod, though, so his view will change and you can all be like "hypocrite"

 

[fugimax]

iPod Shuffle all the way. this little thing is great. (I have an iPod 20GB in addition).

Apple is right: you don't need or want a screen. As more and more people get them this view will spread.

 

[Desperado]

Muvo N200 is what I got. It's lovely.

Apple is right: you don't need or want a screen. As more and more people get them this view will spread.

Apple: You do not want a screen on your flash-based MP3 player.

Random guy: I do not want a screen on my flash-based MP3 player.

Apple: You will buy our substandard product.

guy: I will buy your substandard product! *proceeds to buy 10 iPod Shuffles*

 

[Fresh Prince]

Why don't you just go out to Best Buy and see for yourself?
IMO 1Gb worth of music is to much to go without a screen. 512 maybe okay :dunno

 

[fugimax]

Also, for your use, you definitely don't care what song you're listening to. When I work out, I just have a playlist called "Gym" which is filled with 150 songs or so, and I just leave it on shuffle. Worst case if a song comes on that I really really don't want to hear (very very rarely) I just hit "Next" and I'm good to go. Works great.

 

[Trakball]

guy: I will buy your substandard product! *proceeds to buy 10 iPod Shuffles*

it's not substandard, though.

 

[Socreges]

Again!

Also, for your use, you definitely don't care what song you're listening to. When I work out, I just have a playlist called "Gym" which is filled with 150 songs or so, and I just leave it on shuffle. Worst case if a song comes on that I really really don't want to hear (very very rarely) I just hit "Next" and I'm good to go. Works great.

Apple: For your use, you definitely don't care what song you're listening to.
fugimax: We definitely don't care what song we're listening to...
Apple: The night time is the right time.
fugimax: The night time is the right time.
Apple: The night time is the right time.
fugimax: The night time is the right time.

 

[Fresh Prince]

It's clear that we're all just haters since the iShuffle does not contain a screen while nearly every goddamn USB MP3 player does. It doesn't matter that some of us even own iPods either.

 

[Manabanana]

Socreges, do you hate the majority of your music or something? I rarely need a screen for my iPod. I usually just throw a playlist together before I leave and leave that on shuffle. I'd go with the shuffle for ease of use, especially if you already use iTunes. Make a list in iTunes, drag it on to the shuffle and you're set.

 

[dynamitejim]

Are there any flash based players that have MMC/SD expansion slots?

 

[Socreges]

Socreges, do you hate the majority of your music or something?

That's such an interesting question.

It was mostly to do with him, vs strong concerns about the lack of display. He seems like Apple's mouthpiece, though this may not shame him. Now, in fact, I don't think the displays are terribly necessary, but there are reasons why I'd preferrably like to have one (all things being equal).

 

[Pedigree Chum]

Any good flash-based Sony MP3 players w/ Mem Stick/Duo support?

 

[Manics]

Are there any flash based players that have MMC/SD expansion slots?

Yes, I have the MPIO FL100...it sucks.


MPIO

 

[wandering goat]

People aren't calling the Shuffle crippled just because of the lack of screen. Apple could have easily included playlist support and a group button similar to an MD player or at least a way to skip 10 tracks at a time, both of which would make navigating much easier. If you don't have an HD player already and plan on using the Shuffle as your primary player, I don't see it working out unless you don't listen to many albums from beginning to end or are planning on only using it while jogging. Used as a complement to an HD player though, I think the Shuffle is pretty decent for its price, size, and ease of use (like not having to go through nested menus to play songs in random order).

dynamitejim: The Rio Forge for one does. It seems like a pretty good player on paper at least, especially considering its nice menu system. There are plenty of other ones out there as well.

 

[3phemeral]

Thanks for the recommendations.

Seems as though the n200 has some slight problems concerning some buzzing noises while the backlight is on, but comes with a load of features that it seems to do fairly decently. I don't think the iShuffle has been out long enough for anyone to have any sort of long-term opinion on the product, though. I'm sort of torn, but the N200 seems like a good deal. Hopefully it's listed for the same price in-store. I'd hate having to wait for it.

 

[Matlock]

Also, for your use, you definitely don't care what song you're listening to. When I work out, I just have a playlist called "Gym" which is filled with 150 songs or so, and I just leave it on shuffle. Worst case if a song comes on that I really really don't want to hear (very very rarely) I just hit "Next" and I'm good to go. Works great.

That's about how I am with my music listening on my playlists. I only keep music that I want to hear.

 

[Willco]

Jesus, I'm sorry. I was at Hooters drinking vast amounts of beer and consuming large plates of buffalo wings in celebration of 21 years on planet Earth.

iPod shuffle sucks. Buy the N200. Creative's software is not too good, but Notmad is a fine piece of software that will give you more versatility than Steve Jobs can think of while on the crapper.

 

[Crazymoogle]

iPod shuffle sucks. Buy the N200. Creative's software is not too good, but Notmad is a fine piece of software that will give you more versatility than Steve Jobs can think of while on the crapper.

Ditto the Muvo recommendation; the whole line from NX on is great. What's the deal behind Notmad, though? Just an elaborate music managing interface?

One of the great things about the Muvo is you don't need any software at all (and explorer/foobar suit me fine otherwise), but I suppose if you deal with an HD player, some people want a different solution.

 

[3phemeral]

I picked up the Creative MuVo TX 512 MB for $118.00 at Fry's. Apparently, I didn't realize there were two different versions of this product, one with a detachable USB interface and one without (requiring a cable). I was hoping this version came with an arm strap, but apparently only the 1GB and 256MB models have that packed in. Is there any difference in quality between this one and the online one Socreges posted? I see this online version has all these accessories included, but some reports state that they never received the lanyard/armstrap/belt clip. Should I just return this and get the online deal?

 

[fart]

i haven't read most of the thread so sorry if that has already been covered, but MATLOCK:

the fucking memory is the cheapest goddamn part of the player. the chip with the program that plays the goddamn mp3s and does analog out and with screen control and all that multifunction crap is the more expensive and most useful part. flash memory is extremely fucking inexpensive right now. buying an SD expandable highly functional player is the SMARTEST way to buy a flash player right now, since you can load up on >512mb of SD for like 50-60 bucks if you're a little careful about when and where you buy. of course, we won't talk too much about the quality of the memory you get, but for the prices we're talking about, and the data we're talking about, it's not a big deal at all.

 

[carpal]

Here's a question that I haven't personally seen yet. Sorry if it's already been asked, but how well would something like the Muvo interface with my iTunes? Will it even do it at all? I'm not about to jump all over the Shuffle just because Apple made it, but elegance and simplicity when it comes to unloading shit off my Powerbook is a seriously important factor for me. I would think for a lot of Mac users this reasoning equates to an automatic Shuffle purchase, but the features on some of these other plays could be enough to sway me.

 

[B'z-chan]

Creative Muvo Outpost.com has it for 149.99

 

[Sagitario]

This may not be flash based... but it's 30GB for $200... sound like a good deal to me...

Creative 30 GB NOMAD Jukebox Zen Xtra MP3 Player

 

[Crazymoogle]

I picked up the Creative MuVo TX 512 MB for $118.00 at Fry's. Apparently, I didn't realize there were two different versions of this product, one with a detachable USB interface and one without (requiring a cable).

Kinda murky product history:

MuVo: No screen, small storage, detachable USB interface, USB1
MuVo NX: Screen, up to 256MB storage, detachable USB interface, USB1.1, Mport
MuVo TX: Screen, up to 512MB storage, detachable USB interface, USB2
MuVo TX FM: Same as TX, but FM radio capability
MuVo Slim: Same as TX FM, but requires USB cable, has built in lithium ion battery, and shaped like a credit card, up to 256MB storage.
MuVo Micro N200: Screen, up to 1GB storage, requires cable, back to AAA battery, FM

Clearly labeled different but it can be easy to be confused about it. Outside of the original MuVo, sound quality seems to be the same across the line. The TX and later models are a lot zippier about switching tracks though.

I was hoping this version came with an arm strap, but apparently only the 1GB and 256MB models have that packed in. Is there any difference in quality between this one and the online one Socreges posted?

No strap? Weird. I've got one from both the NX and TX - exactly the same one. Not that I've ever used it, though. Unless they changed something on the N200 line, I imagine you should get the stuff you mentioned (belt clip, armstrap, uh....?)

 

[Kseutron]

Muvo N200 is what I got. It's lovely.



Apple: You do not want a screen on your flash-based MP3 player.

Random guy: I do not want a screen on my flash-based MP3 player.

Apple: You will buy our substandard product.

guy: I will buy your substandard product! *proceeds to buy 10 iPod Shuffles*

ROFL

 

[3phemeral]

Kinda murky product history:

MuVo: No screen, small storage, detachable USB interface, USB1
MuVo NX: Screen, up to 256MB storage, detachable USB interface, USB1.1, Mport
MuVo TX: Screen, up to 512MB storage, detachable USB interface, USB2
MuVo TX FM: Same as TX, but FM radio capability
MuVo Slim: Same as TX FM, but requires USB cable, has built in lithium ion battery, and shaped like a credit card, up to 256MB storage.
MuVo Micro N200: Screen, up to 1GB storage, requires cable, back to AAA battery, FM

Clearly labeled different but it can be easy to be confused about it. Outside of the original MuVo, sound quality seems to be the same across the line. The TX and later models are a lot zippier about switching tracks though.



No strap? Weird. I've got one from both the NX and TX - exactly the same one. Not that I've ever used it, though. Unless they changed something on the N200 line, I imagine you should get the stuff you mentioned (belt clip, armstrap, uh....?)

Thanks for the comparions. Would it be worth returning the TX and ordering the N200 online, ala socreges' link? I don't particularly need FM radio, but I'll be damned if I'll spend another 20 bucks on an armband when I can get another player for cheaper, have the mentioned accessories, and have a few extra features.


Damn, those are some nice deals you guys posted. Grr.. too many options. I think if I wanted to get an HD-based player, I'll wait until I get a really good one. For now, this is just a portable player for my workout rotuines. I don't need anything cumbersome at the moment.

 

[Socreges]

I phoned Compuplus and the guy I spoke to was a complete ass. He was managing the Canadian orders, so you likely won't have to speak to him, but it doesn't reflect well on the whole company.

Maybe PM Willco to see if he's ordered from them in the past, and how it went.

 

[nitewulf]

Apple is right: you don't need or want a screen. As more and more people get them this view will spread.

that's retarded. come on now.

Apple: You do not want a screen on your flash-based MP3 player.

Random guy: I do not want a screen on my flash-based MP3 player.

Apple: You will buy our substandard product.

guy: I will buy your substandard product! *proceeds to buy 10 iPod Shuffles*

:lol
exactly.

 

[Willco]

I phoned Compuplus and the guy I spoke to was a complete ass. He was managing the Canadian orders, so you likely won't have to speak to him, but it doesn't reflect well on the whole company.

Maybe PM Willco to see if he's ordered from them in the past, and how it went.

I only recomend any stores that have a Customer Certified seal from BizRate. They have over 10,000 customer reviews and are labeled Good to Outstanding across the board. I think it's a safe bet.

 

[Crazymoogle]

Thanks for the comparions. Would it be worth returning the TX and ordering the N200 online, ala socreges' link? I don't particularly need FM radio, but I'll be damned if I'll spend another 20 bucks on an armband when I can get another player for cheaper, have the mentioned accessories, and have a few extra features.

Just checked the nomad store (www.nomadworld.com), and apparently you didn't get bilked - for some reason the TX 512MB (non-fm) only comes with a neckstrap and not an armstrap). TX FM and the Micro N200 line all look to come with the armstrap standard.

So yeah, if an armstrap is important to you, trade up (I just have mine hooked up to a keychain). The only thing that bugs me about the N200 line is you need to actually use a USB cable to transfer stuff; part of the reason why I bought the MuVo NX/TX was because of the built in plug so I could do driverless, cableless transfers when needed.

(fucking hell, now Creative has a 512MB silver MuVo Slim, a 1GB Muvo TX FM, and the N200 in 8 different colors. Damn stealth product launches)