MP3 Players

[SnowMan]

Ok, I'm shopping for a good mp3 player, and I think I've got it narrowed down to IPod vs. Creative Nomad Zen Xtra. The Zen is a little cheaper, but the IPod is..well...the IPod. Anyone have any experience or knowledge to help me out?

Prices are roughly:
IPod 20gb = $400
Zen 30gb = $300

Seems pretty clear that the Zen is better, but perhaps the IPod has more features, or a higher bitrate ablity? Or does it cost more because it's Apple?

Thanks for any help. http://dynamic2.gamespy.com/%7Efof/forums/images/smilies/cool.gif

[Noop]

Get the IPod bro...

[sabotai]

Check the battery life of the Zen and compare it to the IPod (which sucks when it comes to battery life)

[SnowMan]

Zen = 14 hrs battery life
IPod = "over 8 hours"

The plot thickens.......

[k0ruptr]

zen is better, ipod just has the name

[thesloppy]

FYI you can get a 30GB Zen for $245 at ecost.com....or you could get a 4GB iPod for the same price.

[ISiddiqui]

Don't get suckered by Apple's insane prices. Get the Zen. It also has a better sound (in terms of objective measurement, not subjective)

[Hurst2112]

I would have to argue about the sound quality of the Zen or the ipod. Audio quality is 10 percent objective and 90 percent subjective. MP3s are restricted in the frequency spectrum. Any MP3 player is going to have these restrictions. Some players use different programs to convert audio into mp3s. Some have better headphones. Never base your decision on lab tests. I would go to cnet and read user opinions.

I own an ipod and love it. The battery life of the ipod appears to be too short for most people. I have had mine for about 7 months and don't have issues with the battery. If you charge it on a regular basis, you will be good to go. Granted, you arent gonna be able to listen for more than 6-7 hours at a time with the ipod.

Don't get the mini ipod, get the larger ones...more storage. Hope this helps.

[SnowMan]

Thanks for the replies fellas. I'm still trying to find out if the Zen plays mp3's over a 128kb/s bitrate. I heard a rumor it won't, and I'm trying to find out if it's true. I wouldd think not, other than they want you to use their software to rip/encode.

[ISiddiqui]

Also remember, if you don't have a Firewire port, it's $20 more for a USB connector for the iPod.

[Hurst2112]

Are you sure that the ipod will work with USB 1? My understanding is that it will only work with Firewire or USB 2.

[sooner333]

I have many MP3s over a 128 bit rate and they all play. You may be saying that they just will make them crappier to 128 from whatever, I don't know if that's true, but my higher than 128 bitrate mp3's all play.

[ISiddiqui]

And if you are willing to spend over $300, check out the iRiver iHP-120 (with an FM radio tuner)

http://reviews.cnet.com/iRiver_iHP_120/4505-6490_7-30571493.html?tag=topprods

[ISiddiqui]

Are you sure that the ipod will work with USB 1? My understanding is that it will only work with Firewire or USB 2.

I dunno... CNet said it was 1.1/2 cable... but clicking on the link they have is says only 2.0 cable.

[SnowMan]

I have many MP3s over a 128 bit rate and they all play. You may be saying that they just will make them crappier to 128 from whatever, I don't know if that's true, but my higher than 128 bitrate mp3's all play.
sooner, I'm assuming you were referring to the Zen. And good points about the usb/firewire stuff guys. Tho I have both, friends of mine may not. Not that I would share my mp3's....just..uh...ya....nevermind.

[sooner333]

Yes, I was referring to the Zen. I also know that on the Zen you can use regular USB, because that's all I have.

[Hurst2112]

ouch, hate to see how long 10 gigs of mp3s would take with USB1.1

[dfisher]

What kind of playback features does Zen have? Does it have the full shuffle and shuffle by artist type thing? I haven't been able to find that out. I'm assuming it does, but everything I've read about it doesn't mention it.

Dan

[Hurst2112]

Here is a link on the specs for the Zen (from an ipod owner, mind you...hehe)

Beware of the MFG's estimated playback time. The review says that Creative boasts 14 hours. More than likely, in regular use, it's not going to be that much.

Zen Review (http://reviews.cnet.com/Creative_Nomad_Jukebox_Zen_NX__20_GB_/4507-6490_7-30468949.html?tag=dir)