[iMacfan]

Hi,

I would love an iPod, but despite it being really good value, it is still expensive. So, I wondered if anyone had any ideas for a much cheaper MP3 player that is not too big, and will hold a good amount of Music (all my MP3s are at 'Best' quality), so a cheap way of expanding it would be great. I know about the MP3 CD players, but a solid state one that works with iTunes would be perfect.

Any ideas?

Thanks,

Dave

[hardcat1970]

i hope you can find a store that let you play with the ipod, because there is no comparison once you have actually used it even though there are alternative mp3 devices that are cheaper and had more storages.

[iPaul UK]

Try a search, we had one or two threads on this already recently

[seanyepez]

Though the iPod is clearly the best MP3 player on the market, I cannot justify paying $400 for a Walkman on steriods.

There really isn't an alternative to the iPod (it's in a class by itself), but the closest thing I can think of is the SonicBlue Rio series. They have great driver support for Macs (iTunes works seamlessly), and the Rio 800's batteries charge in a matter of minutes. Ten hours of use for a mere 2 or 3 minutes of AC is unbeatable.

You won't be able to store much music on solid-state players, so the HipZip is a great alternative. It's not the most stylish player, nor does it have outstanding sound, but it's a good value. Think of it this way: it's a portable CD player, just half the size.

[hardcat1970]

A lot of people saying ipod's pricing is not right, but that's the one thing i don't really understand. I guess maybe it is because of the current economic situation.

When i first bought my md walkman, it costs 300 bucks, just playing music alone. And i have not counted the money i spend on the blank discs. I even have to watch all those real time recordings. But now i got this firewire ipod, I used it as an external hard drive to copy a big 400mb image file, i listen to my mp3 musics.

I bought couple of new CD'S the other day during my lunch break. I ripped all those songs through itunes, then I manually copied onto my ipod. I disconnected the ipod and that's it. I just listened to all new purchases while on my way home after work. Before that i have never even have time to listen just one cd.

I think the value is here, but i just can't find a lot of people agree to it.

It's funny that a lot of people are willing to spend 400 to buy a new motorola "V" cell phone because you can use those tiny screen to get email when you can just open a digital cell phone account and get a free cell phone instead.

[COmie JOe]

think of the cost of the HD inside of it, it retails for 399 or so.... so you add that and the other HW of the iPod and well you get a spendy toy.

[Mastrap]

Originally posted by hardcat1970:
<STRONG>


I think the value is here, but i just can't find a lot of people agree to it.

</STRONG>

Nope mate. I think we all agree that the value is there - the problem is in our wallets

I've just been laid off myself and right now I just can't justify blowing my redundancy payment on one.

[hardcat1970]

that's what i thought also. Hoping next year will get better.

[Apple Pro Underwear]

Originally posted by seanyepez:
[QB]Though the iPod is clearly the best MP3 player on the market, I cannot justify paying $400 for a Walkman on steriods.

ridiculous for you to say that.

it is not for everybody but as a hard drive and a mp3 player, it's unbeatable.

you cannot compare this device to any other mp3 players, much less cd players. so that analogy you made is utterly ridiculous. (i know it was a joke, but you are seriously demeaning the ipod. i would prefer you call it over-priced or something to that effect)

[tonton]

Originally posted by hardcat1970:
<STRONG>I think the value is here, but i just can't find a lot of people agree to it.</STRONG>

This is bull. Wait until you see the sales figures. I think Apple scored a home run. These things are flying off the shelves. A price cut after Christmas, and Apple should still be able to sustain some sales due to all those lucky iBook recipients.