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I need a new MP3 player: NOT an Ipod

warder808warder808 Registered User regular
edited October 2007 in Games and Technology
My ipod died. I bought a replacement. After dropping this thing once, it looks like the hard drive is gone.

I dont know much about MP3 players in general outside of the ipod. I was considering either a Zune or a Creative Zen. I want something around 20 - 30 Gigs. Video is nice but not necessary.

So I come to the PA forums, who have guided various purchases in my past, for advice.

Thanks

I tried searching but got nothing.

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warder808 on
«1

Posts

  • The Black HunterThe Black Hunter The key is a minimum of compromise, and a simple, unimpeachable reason to existRegistered User regular
    edited October 2007
    Not to thread hog, but I too want a new Mp3

    4 gig minimum, cots is an issue.


    So far the Ipod nano looks the best bet, but I treat my Mp3 like my bike, I'll bask her to bits on the way to school, then give her a good polish when I get home.

    I need tuff

    The Black Hunter on
  • PheezerPheezer Registered User, ClubPA regular
    edited October 2007
    If you're going to buy a hard drive based MP3 player, you're going to fuck it up when you drop it from any reasonable height onto any reasonably hard surface. It's a fact of the technology.

    Get a flash based player if you can't handle that. Unfortunately for you though, they just don't come in that size yet although you may find one with a CF expansion slot that will support the 16 GB CF card available now.

    Pheezer on
    IT'S GOT ME REACHING IN MY POCKET IT'S GOT ME FORKING OVER CASH
    CUZ THERE'S SOMETHING IN THE MIDDLE AND IT'S GIVING ME A RASH
  • FaricazyFaricazy Registered User regular
    edited October 2007
    Yes, blame Apple for your clumsiness.

    Faricazy on
  • Dublo7Dublo7 Registered User regular
    edited October 2007
    Apparently the new Creative Zen is decent. However, the expandable memory card option is sort of gimped.
    You could also pick up a Zune for dirt cheap.

    Dublo7 on
    [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
  • KhavallKhavall British ColumbiaRegistered User regular
    edited October 2007
    You have a choice:

    20-30gb HDD

    or

    Won't break when you drop it.

    Khavall on
  • AoiAoi Registered User regular
    edited October 2007
    I would actually say snag a 1st gen Zune. You can get a 30 gig player for relatively cheap, they're adding a bunch of new features in the November update, and all in all it's a pretty damned solid player.

    Aoi on
  • TorgoTorgo Registered User regular
    edited October 2007
    The Cowon D2 is rather nice. I've had it for a year, love mine to death. Flash, solid state, expandable with SDHD memory cards. Tons of features. Video, codec support (flac, ape, ogg). The new models are ~16 gigs or so. Might be stupid expensive because of the weak dollar hurting you from importing it.

    Torgo on
    History is a spoiler for the future. (Me on Twitter)
  • Dublo7Dublo7 Registered User regular
    edited October 2007
    Torgo wrote: »
    The Cowon D2 is rather nice. I've had it for a year, love mine to death. Flash, solid state, expandable with SDHD memory cards. Tons of features. Video, codec support (flac, ape, ogg). The new models are ~16 gigs or so. Might be stupid expensive because of the weak dollar hurting you from importing it.
    The highest capacity on a D2 is 8GB, however it does have expandable memory with SDHC.
    The D2 apparently has amazing sound quality. I'd love to get my hands on one sometime.

    Dublo7 on
    [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
  • HypertimeHypertime Arlington, VARegistered User regular
    edited October 2007
    If you have tons of music and don't care about video, a 160GB iPod is the best bang for the buck. If you don't want an iPod, the 80GB Zune 2 is pretty much the exact same thing as the 80GB iPod with slight feature shuffle (FM tuner instead of progressive output, etc.)

    Hypertime on
    Your mom.
  • warder808warder808 Registered User regular
    edited October 2007
    I appreciate all the comments on my clumsiness. I wish I wasn't clumsy, I wish my stuff was still working. I thought about buying a new hard drive but it was about $110 or thereabouts. So instead of paying for another hard drive, I figured I'd spend a little more and get something else/better.

    I like the radio feature of these other players, and the wirelessness of the Zune is appealing, but Im still on the fence.

    Thanks for all the non clumsy input.

    warder808 on
    steam_sig.png
  • HypertimeHypertime Arlington, VARegistered User regular
    edited October 2007
    The Zune's new wireless sync seems a bit pointless to me. It's far slower than USB 2.0, and you sacrifice recharging over the cable while transfering for the minor convinience of not having to connect a cable.

    All that being said, the Zune is a great, solid MP3 player and the upgrade has added a good deal of spit-polish to what was already a good device.

    A word of warning, though. If you're a user that prefers a file-tree, drag-drop interface with your MP3 player (leaning to no since you had an iPod), the Zune uses a similiar setup. Just replace iTunes with Zune software.

    Hypertime on
    Your mom.
  • shutzshutz Registered User regular
    edited October 2007
    Is it just me, or are there fewer and fewer choices for HD-based MP3 players? I want a unit that can hold my whole music collection. 3-4 years ago, that would have been 40 GB, but now, 80 GB is the minimum for me.

    Like the OP, I don't want an iPod. My main reason is because I don't want to buy into a closed platform.

    I currently own a 512 MB iRiver flash player from over 3 years ago. Great sound quality and battery life (from a single AA battery) USB Mass Storage (no need for special drivers on modern OSes, came with kickass Sennheiser earbuds (good enough that when they stopped working properly I bought another almost-identical pair for about 30$) and I don't have to jump through a bunch of hoops to transfer the music I want to listen to onto the player (the iPod is SO annoying in the way it renames the music files and indexes them according to its OWN criteria.)

    Also, I'd like something that supports as many formats as possible: my iRiver supports OGG, as well as WMA and MP3 (and, I think, Audible, although I've never tested that.) If the player can support non-DRM AAC, that's a plus, and OGG support is really nice, since I know for sure that music I encode to OGG will still be accessible in the future, with no licensing issues or legal wranglings...

    Video capability is a plus, but not a necessity. I'd rather pay less and get more disk space.

    shutz on
    Creativity begets criticism.
    Check out my new blog: http://50wordstories.ca
    Also check out my old game design blog: http://stealmygamedesigns.blogspot.com
  • SithDrummerSithDrummer Registered User regular
    edited October 2007
    Creative Zen Vision: M
    -great screen, colors
    -sound quality is very good
    -storage at 30GB and 60GB
    -MediaMonkey can be outfitted with a plugin to interface with your Zen close to the way iTunes works with iPods
    -tech support sucks donkey balls

    I say go with the Zen Vision:M.

    SithDrummer on
  • ShogunShogun Hair long; money long; me and broke wizards we don't get along Registered User regular
    edited October 2007
    I'll throw in my hat for the Zune if you don't want an iPod/iPhone. Ideally get an iPhone.

    Shogun on
  • TheProphetElijahTheProphetElijah Registered User regular
    edited October 2007
    I owned a 20GB Creative Zen for years, and about 3 months ago it kicked the bucket. I spent a lot of time looking for something to replace it with. Not being a fan of Apple’s line, I knew I wanted something else. Being a Techie (with a good paying job) though you know I had to get something with all the bells and whistles. After spending months reading reviews and forums online I finally picked up an Archos 605 WiFi.

    Archos is a French brand that have been doing portable video players for years now. This is their 5th generation of video player. Before I started looking I had never heard of them but, sense I got mine I have had several people come up to me at work and on the bus who have heard of it and been thinking of getting one.

    The 605 WiFi comes in several different sizes both with a hard drive and flash based. I got the 80GB model but they also come in 30GB and 160GB versions. The 30 is flash based and has an additional SD card slot.

    They play just about any video or audio file format you can think of (though some formats require an additional $20 software plug in). The video has the best resolution of any of the portable video players on the market as the 4.3 inch screen has a resolution of 800x480. Oh and that would be a touch screen by the way.

    The WiFi is pretty slick though I have heard complaints on the distance I have never had any problems with my connection. The web browser is Opera based like the Wii’s, Flash compatible, and the OS is linux based to my knowledge, though the system itself is drag and drop compatible with both Windows and Mac.

    Oh and for a little extra money ()ok like $89 from amazon) you can get a dock for it that hooks into your TV and turns it into a DVR as well. Which means before I go to bed I tell it to record the Daily Show and the Colbert Report for me, then when I get on the bus in the morning I can watch the newest episodes on my ride to work. Which you got to admit rocks.

    I paid $329 for my 80GB from Amazon. My only complaint is that the case it came with is the biggest pile of crap I have ever seen. So I had to order one from a French company called Noreve, and the player is so new that they are still making the case by hand (or so their email said), so currently I am being extra cautious with my new toy.

    Anyway don’t mean to sound like a sales man, but you know how it is when you get a cool new toy and want to show it off. So yeah here is a link to their site: http://www.archos.com/

    TheProphetElijah on
  • DarmakDarmak RAGE vympyvvhyc vyctyvyRegistered User regular
    edited October 2007
    Hypertime wrote: »
    A word of warning, though. If you're a user that prefers a file-tree, drag-drop interface with your MP3 player (leaning to no since you had an iPod), the Zune uses a similiar setup. Just replace iTunes with Zune software.

    I have a Zune and I love it to death, but I dearly wish it had this sort of interface. Whenever I decide to replace it (sometime in the distant future I would imagine), what brands are best for this?

    Darmak on
    JtgVX0H.png
  • KyouguKyougu Registered User regular
    edited October 2007
    I love my Zune, and with the software update that is suppose to be coming soon, one of the bigger complains will hopefully be silenced.
    And not enough good things can be said about the Zune Pass.

    Kyougu on
  • robcat09robcat09 Registered User regular
    edited October 2007
    Kyougu wrote: »
    I love my Zune, and with the software update that is suppose to be coming soon, one of the bigger complains will hopefully be silenced.
    And not enough good things can be said about the Zune Pass.

    I also agree that the Zune Pass is pure awesomeness. I've never used any other services like Rhapsody, so I don't know how it compares, but it sure is great to snag as many tracks as you want without worrying about cost.

    I use my Zune in a speaker dock away from the computer, so having it sync 'wirelessly' will be awesome. I'll find my music at the computer and it will automagically be on my Zune in the other room next time I listen! (I hate having a million USB wires lying around so i will be glad to not need it anymore).

    I can't wait to see what the new store is gonna look like. I hope the search field is less finicky than it is now.

    robcat09 on
  • PrimePrime UKRegistered User regular
    edited October 2007
    Jumping in here instead of starting a new thread, im after a mp3 player that I can take with me on the ski slopes, doesnt need to be able to hold weeks of music, im more then happy to have only 10 or so albums, although obviously more it can hold the better.

    Anyone know a robust player? Price isnt really an issue.

    Prime on
  • HypertimeHypertime Arlington, VARegistered User regular
    edited October 2007
    I'm a bicycle nut and have fallen in love with the iPod Shuffle during my rides. The player barely weighs a thing, has held up with multiple (careless) drops and holds just enough music to keep me happy. The clip design is brilliant - I latch it on and never worry about it until I take it off. Also, I'm a pretty heavy sweater and man-moisture has seemingly no effect on the device.

    Hypertime on
    Your mom.
  • JustinChar99JustinChar99 Registered User regular
    edited October 2007
    I guess this is better than starting a new thread.

    My Zune from woot is going to be here today or tomorrow, so I'd like to know exactly how the software works, if thats no trouble. I've only ever used a Sansa m240, and I use iTunes to organize and listen to music on my computer.

    JustinChar99 on
    blindjustus.gif
    Einhander wrote: »
    I've heard that Usenet is the dark, seething underbelly of the internet, and that the porn you find there isn't the porn you ever, ever want to see.
    226.png
    Pokemon FC: 2749 7579 5931
  • DarmakDarmak RAGE vympyvvhyc vyctyvyRegistered User regular
    edited October 2007
    I guess this is better than starting a new thread.

    My Zune from woot is going to be here today or tomorrow, so I'd like to know exactly how the software works, if thats no trouble. I've only ever used a Sansa m240, and I use iTunes to organize and listen to music on my computer.

    It's a lot like iTunes, which if you've ever read any of my posts talking about the Zune software or iTunes you'll know I hate. Like I mentioned above, I love my Zune but I so badly want a file-tree system with the ability to drag songs onto it like a hard-drive.

    Darmak on
    JtgVX0H.png
  • HypertimeHypertime Arlington, VARegistered User regular
    edited October 2007
    Darmak wrote: »
    Hypertime wrote: »
    A word of warning, though. If you're a user that prefers a file-tree, drag-drop interface with your MP3 player (leaning to no since you had an iPod), the Zune uses a similiar setup. Just replace iTunes with Zune software.

    I have a Zune and I love it to death, but I dearly wish it had this sort of interface. Whenever I decide to replace it (sometime in the distant future I would imagine), what brands are best for this?

    Archos and Cowon have drag-and-drop support. I'm sure someone will offer custom firmware (a la iPod and Rockbox) for the Zune to add this capability sooner or later.

    Personally, I hate file trees. Music databases for life.

    Hypertime on
    Your mom.
  • JustinChar99JustinChar99 Registered User regular
    edited October 2007
    Darmak wrote: »
    I guess this is better than starting a new thread.

    My Zune from woot is going to be here today or tomorrow, so I'd like to know exactly how the software works, if thats no trouble. I've only ever used a Sansa m240, and I use iTunes to organize and listen to music on my computer.

    It's a lot like iTunes, which if you've ever read any of my posts talking about the Zune software or iTunes you'll know I hate. Like I mentioned above, I love my Zune but I so badly want a file-tree system with the ability to drag songs onto it like a hard-drive.

    So in order to use my Zune, I'm going to have to migrate all of my music from iTunes to the Zune software? If it's similar enough in functionality, I can live with that.

    JustinChar99 on
    blindjustus.gif
    Einhander wrote: »
    I've heard that Usenet is the dark, seething underbelly of the internet, and that the porn you find there isn't the porn you ever, ever want to see.
    226.png
    Pokemon FC: 2749 7579 5931
  • DarmakDarmak RAGE vympyvvhyc vyctyvyRegistered User regular
    edited October 2007
    Darmak wrote: »
    I guess this is better than starting a new thread.

    My Zune from woot is going to be here today or tomorrow, so I'd like to know exactly how the software works, if thats no trouble. I've only ever used a Sansa m240, and I use iTunes to organize and listen to music on my computer.

    It's a lot like iTunes, which if you've ever read any of my posts talking about the Zune software or iTunes you'll know I hate. Like I mentioned above, I love my Zune but I so badly want a file-tree system with the ability to drag songs onto it like a hard-drive.

    So in order to use my Zune, I'm going to have to migrate all of my music from iTunes to the Zune software? If it's similar enough in functionality, I can live with that.

    Yes, and I think (think, mind you) that the Zune software will migrate it all for you. But I'm not certain. :)

    Darmak on
    JtgVX0H.png
  • InquisitorInquisitor Registered User regular
    edited October 2007
    Shogun wrote: »
    I'll throw in my hat for the Zune if you don't want an iPod/iPhone. Ideally get an iPhone.

    What? Why in the world would you recommend an iPhone to someone looking for an MP3 player?!

    Inquisitor on
  • HypertimeHypertime Arlington, VARegistered User regular
    edited October 2007
    Inquisitor wrote: »
    Shogun wrote: »
    I'll throw in my hat for the Zune if you don't want an iPod/iPhone. Ideally get an iPhone.

    What? Why in the world would you recommend an iPhone to someone looking for an MP3 player?!

    Maybe he means the iPod Touch?

    Hypertime on
    Your mom.
  • KhavallKhavall British ColumbiaRegistered User regular
    edited October 2007
    Inquisitor wrote: »
    Shogun wrote: »
    I'll throw in my hat for the Zune if you don't want an iPod/iPhone. Ideally get an iPhone.

    What? Why in the world would you recommend an iPhone to someone?!

    Khavall on
  • HypertimeHypertime Arlington, VARegistered User regular
    edited October 2007
    I have an iPhone and I quite like it. Though, I wouldn't recommend it to the OP as he said video wasn't a priority for his purchase (and also that he doesn't want an iPod).

    Hypertime on
    Your mom.
  • GoofballGoofball Registered User regular
    edited October 2007
    Darmak wrote: »
    Darmak wrote: »
    I guess this is better than starting a new thread.

    My Zune from woot is going to be here today or tomorrow, so I'd like to know exactly how the software works, if thats no trouble. I've only ever used a Sansa m240, and I use iTunes to organize and listen to music on my computer.

    It's a lot like iTunes, which if you've ever read any of my posts talking about the Zune software or iTunes you'll know I hate. Like I mentioned above, I love my Zune but I so badly want a file-tree system with the ability to drag songs onto it like a hard-drive.

    So in order to use my Zune, I'm going to have to migrate all of my music from iTunes to the Zune software? If it's similar enough in functionality, I can live with that.

    Yes, and I think (think, mind you) that the Zune software will migrate it all for you. But I'm not certain. :)

    Yep, it does. It'll even grab your ratings and things if you set it that way. It leaves the files and your old iTunes library intact so you can use both if you want. I had to check this out and make sure it worked right since I got in on that $99 refurb 30GB Zune Woot special last week.

    I'll probably use iTunes to continue to purchase my music since it's a lot easier to fair use iTunes DRM than Zune DRM. The Zune software continues to pick up new non-DRM files from iTunes, even after the inital conversion as long as you keep it set to do so.

    Goofball on
    Twitter: @TheGoofball
  • TheProphetElijahTheProphetElijah Registered User regular
    edited October 2007
    The Archos 605 WiFi makes the iPod and the Zune look like the over priced kids toys that they truely are.

    TheProphetElijah on
  • JustinChar99JustinChar99 Registered User regular
    edited October 2007
    Goofball wrote: »
    Darmak wrote: »
    Darmak wrote: »
    I guess this is better than starting a new thread.

    My Zune from woot is going to be here today or tomorrow, so I'd like to know exactly how the software works, if thats no trouble. I've only ever used a Sansa m240, and I use iTunes to organize and listen to music on my computer.

    It's a lot like iTunes, which if you've ever read any of my posts talking about the Zune software or iTunes you'll know I hate. Like I mentioned above, I love my Zune but I so badly want a file-tree system with the ability to drag songs onto it like a hard-drive.

    So in order to use my Zune, I'm going to have to migrate all of my music from iTunes to the Zune software? If it's similar enough in functionality, I can live with that.

    Yes, and I think (think, mind you) that the Zune software will migrate it all for you. But I'm not certain. :)

    Yep, it does. It'll even grab your ratings and things if you set it that way. It leaves the files and your old iTunes library intact so you can use both if you want. I had to check this out and make sure it worked right since I got in on that $99 refurb 30GB Zune Woot special last week.

    I'll probably use iTunes to continue to purchase my music since it's a lot easier to fair use iTunes DRM than Zune DRM. The Zune software continues to pick up new non-DRM files from iTunes, even after the inital conversion as long as you keep it set to do so.

    Does it just read the music from the iTunes folder in My Music, or will it copy it into its own folder? I'd rather not have all of my music listed twice. Again.

    Sorry for the noobishness, I'm just not experienced with all this damned futuristic technology.

    Also is there a good freeware solution for converting .avi files to play on the Zune?

    JustinChar99 on
    blindjustus.gif
    Einhander wrote: »
    I've heard that Usenet is the dark, seething underbelly of the internet, and that the porn you find there isn't the porn you ever, ever want to see.
    226.png
    Pokemon FC: 2749 7579 5931
  • HypertimeHypertime Arlington, VARegistered User regular
    edited October 2007
    The Archos 605 WiFi makes the iPod and the Zune look like the over priced kids toys that they truely are.

    Oh snap.

    Hypertime on
    Your mom.
  • SeliousSelious Registered User regular
    edited October 2007
    Goofball wrote: »
    Darmak wrote: »
    Darmak wrote: »
    I guess this is better than starting a new thread.

    My Zune from woot is going to be here today or tomorrow, so I'd like to know exactly how the software works, if thats no trouble. I've only ever used a Sansa m240, and I use iTunes to organize and listen to music on my computer.

    It's a lot like iTunes, which if you've ever read any of my posts talking about the Zune software or iTunes you'll know I hate. Like I mentioned above, I love my Zune but I so badly want a file-tree system with the ability to drag songs onto it like a hard-drive.

    So in order to use my Zune, I'm going to have to migrate all of my music from iTunes to the Zune software? If it's similar enough in functionality, I can live with that.

    Yes, and I think (think, mind you) that the Zune software will migrate it all for you. But I'm not certain. :)

    Yep, it does. It'll even grab your ratings and things if you set it that way. It leaves the files and your old iTunes library intact so you can use both if you want. I had to check this out and make sure it worked right since I got in on that $99 refurb 30GB Zune Woot special last week.

    I'll probably use iTunes to continue to purchase my music since it's a lot easier to fair use iTunes DRM than Zune DRM. The Zune software continues to pick up new non-DRM files from iTunes, even after the inital conversion as long as you keep it set to do so.

    Does it just read the music from the iTunes folder in My Music, or will it copy it into its own folder? I'd rather not have all of my music listed twice. Again.

    Sorry for the noobishness, I'm just not experienced with all this damned futuristic technology.

    Also is there a good freeware solution for converting .avi files to play on the Zune?

    The Zune software will have you list whatever folders to grab music from get automatically get it from there. It is highly recommend to turn off the auto-sync or else it will monitor these folders and remove music from your Zune if you move it from that folder.

    I also recommend Encode360 for converting video to Zune proportions, as it does so wonderfully. It'll even run all night and auto shut-down your computer when it's done.

    Selious on
  • JustinChar99JustinChar99 Registered User regular
    edited October 2007
    Selious wrote: »
    Goofball wrote: »
    Darmak wrote: »
    Darmak wrote: »
    I guess this is better than starting a new thread.

    My Zune from woot is going to be here today or tomorrow, so I'd like to know exactly how the software works, if thats no trouble. I've only ever used a Sansa m240, and I use iTunes to organize and listen to music on my computer.

    It's a lot like iTunes, which if you've ever read any of my posts talking about the Zune software or iTunes you'll know I hate. Like I mentioned above, I love my Zune but I so badly want a file-tree system with the ability to drag songs onto it like a hard-drive.

    So in order to use my Zune, I'm going to have to migrate all of my music from iTunes to the Zune software? If it's similar enough in functionality, I can live with that.

    Yes, and I think (think, mind you) that the Zune software will migrate it all for you. But I'm not certain. :)

    Yep, it does. It'll even grab your ratings and things if you set it that way. It leaves the files and your old iTunes library intact so you can use both if you want. I had to check this out and make sure it worked right since I got in on that $99 refurb 30GB Zune Woot special last week.

    I'll probably use iTunes to continue to purchase my music since it's a lot easier to fair use iTunes DRM than Zune DRM. The Zune software continues to pick up new non-DRM files from iTunes, even after the inital conversion as long as you keep it set to do so.

    Does it just read the music from the iTunes folder in My Music, or will it copy it into its own folder? I'd rather not have all of my music listed twice. Again.

    Sorry for the noobishness, I'm just not experienced with all this damned futuristic technology.

    Also is there a good freeware solution for converting .avi files to play on the Zune?

    The Zune software will have you list whatever folders to grab music from get automatically get it from there. It is highly recommend to turn off the auto-sync or else it will monitor these folders and remove music from your Zune if you move it from that folder.

    I also recommend Encode360 for converting video to Zune proportions, as it does so wonderfully. It'll even run all night and auto shut-down your computer when it's done.

    Thanks!
    I'm not real adept at video conversion. How long does it usually take and how does it affect file size?
    Also what should the converter be set at for play on the Zune?

    JustinChar99 on
    blindjustus.gif
    Einhander wrote: »
    I've heard that Usenet is the dark, seething underbelly of the internet, and that the porn you find there isn't the porn you ever, ever want to see.
    226.png
    Pokemon FC: 2749 7579 5931
  • SeliousSelious Registered User regular
    edited October 2007
    Selious wrote: »
    Goofball wrote: »
    Darmak wrote: »
    Darmak wrote: »
    I guess this is better than starting a new thread.

    My Zune from woot is going to be here today or tomorrow, so I'd like to know exactly how the software works, if thats no trouble. I've only ever used a Sansa m240, and I use iTunes to organize and listen to music on my computer.

    It's a lot like iTunes, which if you've ever read any of my posts talking about the Zune software or iTunes you'll know I hate. Like I mentioned above, I love my Zune but I so badly want a file-tree system with the ability to drag songs onto it like a hard-drive.

    So in order to use my Zune, I'm going to have to migrate all of my music from iTunes to the Zune software? If it's similar enough in functionality, I can live with that.

    Yes, and I think (think, mind you) that the Zune software will migrate it all for you. But I'm not certain. :)

    Yep, it does. It'll even grab your ratings and things if you set it that way. It leaves the files and your old iTunes library intact so you can use both if you want. I had to check this out and make sure it worked right since I got in on that $99 refurb 30GB Zune Woot special last week.

    I'll probably use iTunes to continue to purchase my music since it's a lot easier to fair use iTunes DRM than Zune DRM. The Zune software continues to pick up new non-DRM files from iTunes, even after the inital conversion as long as you keep it set to do so.

    Does it just read the music from the iTunes folder in My Music, or will it copy it into its own folder? I'd rather not have all of my music listed twice. Again.

    Sorry for the noobishness, I'm just not experienced with all this damned futuristic technology.

    Also is there a good freeware solution for converting .avi files to play on the Zune?

    The Zune software will have you list whatever folders to grab music from get automatically get it from there. It is highly recommend to turn off the auto-sync or else it will monitor these folders and remove music from your Zune if you move it from that folder.

    I also recommend Encode360 for converting video to Zune proportions, as it does so wonderfully. It'll even run all night and auto shut-down your computer when it's done.

    Thanks!
    I'm not real adept at video conversion. How long does it usually take and how does it affect file size?
    Also what should the converter be set at for play on the Zune?

    Well, Encoding can take a while and in this case makes the files smaller, mine were about 60% of the original size. I don't remember what the encoding time averages are, but it depends heavily on your processor.

    I think it took me around 30-60 seconds per minute of encoded video. But again, times will vary widely.

    Selious on
  • ArtoriaArtoria Registered User regular
    edited October 2007
    here's an interesting question I have.

    I'm interested in getting a dedicated MP3 player because the PSP is just too damn big to take walking with me. I've tried but it's too uncomfortable in my pocket and the least little jiggle and it starts skipping songs. That's going to be a real big pain when I start jogging soon. I want something that is good and I considered the I-pod but due to Apple's recent jack-assery I'm leery on it.

    Here's my dilemma I see all these cool add ons for the I-pod and worry that if I buy something that is not an I-pod I will lose a lot of options. So i have the following questions.

    1. Is there an adapter that will let you use I-pod accessories on other MP3 players?

    2. If i go head and get an I-Pod will I run into issues with it.
    3. A lot of the music I have do not have ID3 tags is this going to be an issue for the Ipod or any other MP3 player? I heard I-tunes will not read any MP3 without an ID3 tag.
    4. will I have to convert any of my MP3 files to an Apple format?
    5. I have a few songs that are WMA and even a couple of WAV clips do I have to convert those?

    Please forgive my ignorance of all things MP3 but really the PSP is the first MP3 player I owned.

    Artoria on
  • gneGnegneGne Registered User regular
    edited October 2007
    The new Sony 81..(something) looks good too, only goes up to 8gb though, but Sony got rid of Sonicstage!

    gneGne on
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  • BrueBrue Registered User regular
    edited October 2007
    The Archos 605 WiFi makes the iPod and the Zune look like the over priced kids toys that they truely are.

    I run a lot and Ipods fail on me approximately every 6 months due to the slight shaking that it has to endure. My old creative lasted years, I am wondering how expensive is the flash based Archos compared to the harddrive driven one; as a HD just fails whenever you try to be active with it, video not necessary in the least.

    EDIT: A durable case would be nice (not a fan of the random Ipod scratching).

    Brue on
  • GihgehlsGihgehls Registered User regular
    edited October 2007
    Aoi wrote: »
    I would actually say snag a 1st gen Zune. You can get a 30 gig player for relatively cheap, they're adding a bunch of new features in the November update, and all in all it's a pretty damned solid player.

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    Gihgehls on
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