[WinsOBoogi]

Hey all.

My Diskman just broke, and I've thus decided to replace it with an mp3 player.

My first instinct was to buy an iPod, but they're going for a lot more than $200 online.

So, what else is there in the MP3 world? That's nearly the equiv of an iPod, perhaps?

::Sniffles:: I want the firewire and the PDA-like apps for it, but what can ya do if I can't afford it?

Please give me some advice as to the world of mp3 players! (BTW..I'm on an iBook 500)

Thanks,
Brad

[SupahCoolX]

Originally posted by WinsOBoogi:

So, what else is there in the MP3 world? That's nearly the equiv of an iPod, perhaps?

Nothing. Period.
Maybe you can keep an eye on eBay? Also check www.dealmac.com. They recently posted a place that was selling refurbished iPods for $220.
Other than that, if you have a CD burner, you may consider looking at one of the CD/MP3 players on the market. You can burn a bunch of MP3's to a CD then use it like a normal CD player. Seriously, though, the iPod is the best thing... ever.

[G-mac]

WinsOBoogi,

I too lament with you. I've been looking around for an affordable iPod, but to no avail. I'm limiting myself to around $120-150, though. I've been periodically looking on eBay for 5GB iPods (check the completed auctions for final prices) and have seen quite a number of them go for $150-$180. They are always used, many times missing the headphones and box, but always are in great working condition with some scratching on the metal-finished back (at least that's what the sellers say). The refurbs are going for +/- $220. I think refurbs for 5GB will drop below $200 in several months. Used models should drop even further, sooner.

I've got a Rio 800 that I use when working out, but I've been looking at the Samsung pendant MP3 players. One model is absolutely tiny (wear it on arm or around neck), holds 128 MB, and has a backlit screen. The only problem is that it doesn't work with iTunes, or something like that. It will work on the Mac though. The Nomads and Rios are known to work well, but none are quite the iPod we all crave. Good luck finding a great iPod deal - I think the wait will be worth it!

[SupahCoolX]

Originally posted by G-mac:
but always are in great working condition with some scratching on the metal-finished back

If anyone tells you that their iPod isn't scratched, you know they're lying. They'll scratch if you look at them funny

[Anomalous]

Originally posted by WinsOBoogi:
Hey all.

My Diskman just broke, and I've thus decided to replace it with an mp3 player.

My first instinct was to buy an iPod, but they're going for a lot more than $200 online.

So, what else is there in the MP3 world? That's nearly the equiv of an iPod, perhaps?

::Sniffles:: I want the firewire and the PDA-like apps for it, but what can ya do if I can't afford it?

Please give me some advice as to the world of mp3 players! (BTW..I'm on an iBook 500)

Thanks,
Brad

This might not be what you had in mind, but do you realize you could get a Rio MP3 player AND a Palm m105 for less than $200 (and less than an iPod).

[b00tang]

Archos 20GB MP3 Player/Hard Drive for $200 after rebates__5:00 am
The Archos Jukebox Studio 20GB MP3 Player/Hard Drive, model no. 500204, costs $239.99 at Amazon.com. That's already the lowest price we've seen by $40. Two $20 mail-in rebates (one from Amazon.com, the other from Archos) drop the net price to $199.99, making it the least expensive 20GB MP3 player available, at least to our knowledge. Plus, shipping is free. This MP3 player also works as a USB hard drive on Macs and PCs. Amazon.com's rebate expires August 25; Archos' ends September 25.__
this is straight off of todays(wednesday) dealmac.com
200 dollars you say? I think this is youranswer

[WinsOBoogi]

I ended up breaking down and spending $35 more than I wanted to, and got an iPod off of ebay.

Best decision ever

Thanks guys.

-Brad

[CatOne]

Originally posted by WinsOBoogi:
I ended up breaking down and spending $35 more than I wanted to, and got an iPod off of ebay.

Best decision ever

Thanks guys.

-Brad

Good call. It's the best... by FAR :-D

[SupahCoolX]

Originally posted by WinsOBoogi:

Best decision ever

Told you so!