[burntfrog]

I was looking at getting a portable mp3 player for my mac but I have absolutely no idea what there is out there for mac. I want something that can store at least a couple cds isnt too expensive. I dont care about tons of features so long as it plays music and alot of it. thanks!!

[burntfrog]

Also, does a portable mp3 player care what the bitrate of a mp3 is? or do they need to be at a certain bitrate. what about VBR?

[ariella]

i have a rio 500. there is about an hour of space for music built-in. extra space will cost you _way_ too much. if you were looking to store a couple of cd's, then i think a mp3 player isn't suitable for you. i would go for a mini disc player. the 74 minute mini discs aren't that expensive (about $1.70/each).

you should check out http://www.minidisco.com

[mike one]

i have a diamond rio 500.
64MB internal memory = ~64 minutes of music
you can add a 32MB card for a total of ~96mins.
it is small, light weight, works with soundjam and itunes via usb.

i got it new for around $130 with rebates and discounts.

in terms of encoding most solid state or disk mp3 players should play all bit rates.

there is one option for you. you could get a portable cd player that playes mp3 cd-r's. this would probably be your best option. they aren't that expensive(~$100-$200), and you can hold ~600 mins of music on one disk. the only caveats are: 1) you need a cd burner, 2) they are usually made by companies i've never heard of (i.e. you aren't going to find one made by sony, panasonic, etc...) 3) some of these say they only work for specific bit rates( i read this a long time ago on one model).

other option: $400+ jukebox, 6GB storage.