iTunes for iPod vs ????? for other mp3 players

[rjolley]

What is the iTunes equivalent for non-iPod music players? I know you can load them as a disk drive, but is there a place to buy and download music similar to what iTunes allows you to do? We're looking at getting the kids one, but don't want to spend $150-$200 for an iPod if we can avoid it. Still need to be able to buy and load music easily.

[MJ4H]

Look into refurbished ipod nanos.

[Matthean]

Amazon could be considered even better than iTunes for getting music. They tend to be cheaper and have deals going all the time.

[rjolley]

Originally Posted by Matthean

Amazon could be considered even better than iTunes for getting music. They tend to be cheaper and have deals going all the time.

You're referring to the Amazon MP3 app on Android phones? Haven't used Amazon for music, but I'll look into it. Thanks.

Originally Posted by MJ4H

Look into refurbished ipod nanos.

Are they priced more than 10-15% lower than a new iPod? Otherwise, it may not be cost-effective. From the prices I've seen, a mp3 player can be under $130, while a similarly-sized iPod is around $250 or so. A bit more than I was looking to spend, even at $210 or so.

[Matthean]

Originally Posted by rjolley

You're referring to the Amazon MP3 app on Android phones? Haven't used Amazon for music, but I'll look into it. Thanks.

No, I download stuff my iPod.

[MJ4H]

Originally Posted by rjolley

Are they priced more than 10-15% lower than a new iPod? Otherwise, it may not be cost-effective. From the prices I've seen, a mp3 player can be under $130, while a similarly-sized iPod is around $250 or so. A bit more than I was looking to spend, even at $210 or so.

I expect you can get a refurbished ipod nanofor less than $100. I have no idea how that compares to new. I bought my ipod nano refurbished probably 3 years ago now and it was right at $100.

Was just tossing something out there that you might not have considered.

Also, that nano is still working flawlessly.

[terpkristin]

Amazon sells mp3's for about the same price as iTunes, workable with anything that plays mp3's. Most of my music comes from Amazon these days (and goes to my iPod/iPhone via iTunes but could go to any device that can mount to Windoze/Mac).

/tk

[DanGarion]

Google Music.

[Fidatelo]

Zune

[rjolley]

Hmmm, I'll take a look at Amazon music over the next couple of days. Seems like that may work out. Haven't done much with Google Music besides update the app. I'll check that out as well.

Nice that there are non-iTunes apps that can be used. Since each kid is getting their own player (2 daughters), I'd like to spend a bit less on the player and get a few other things as well.

I'll look into the refurbed iPods. I like the other players that can be expanded with SD cards, but a refurbed iPod may fit in cost-wise.

Thanks for the info.