• TV
  • MOVIES
  • MUSIC
  • SHOWBIZ
  • SOAPS
  • GAMING
  • TECH
  • FORUMS
  • Follow
    • Follow
    • facebook
    • twitter
    • google+
    • instagram
    • youtube
Hearst Corporation
  • TV
  • MOVIES
  • MUSIC
  • SHOWBIZ
  • SOAPS
  • GAMING
  • TECH
  • FORUMS
Forums
  • Register
  • Login
  • Forums
  • Gadgets
  • Tablets and e-Readers
Recommend me an mp3 player!
quackaquacka
05-08-2011
It's time to upgrade my mp3 player (mostly because it's on its last legs), and I've only ever had cheap ones before, so I need a recommendation for a good one that will last for a good while.

I don't want anything that takes a lot of faffing - nothing that needs specialist software or only takes a special kind of file format. I have to be able to charge it via USB. I think that's it specification-wise.

So, any recommendations? If so, why would you recommend it?


Thanks
c4rv
06-08-2011
I use a sandisk sansa

Dead simple to use. Integrates with WMP so no need for software, good battery life and amazing sound quality once you get some decent headphones.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/SanDisk-Sans...2586119&sr=8-1
tortfeasor
06-08-2011
I've heard good things about the Sandisk Sansa too. Suffice to say one of my friends bought one for her Mum and after trying it out, bought one for herself too!

I'd recommend looking at a Creative mp3 player too.
I've owned an original Zen since 2009 (they were released in 2007) and I've yet to upgrade because it does all that I want and more. Creative have released newer players since then.

Creative players like the Zen meet your specifications - they're usb charged, don't rely on specialist software (though you can use the provided software if you wanted to) and they support many file formats (e.g. mp3, WMA and newer models even support Itunes AAC formats so I've read on their website).

The upgraded Creative Zens like the X-Fi II have had newer features like a touch screen and supposedly sound better with X-Fi technology but they are usb charged, don't rely on using Itunes or other specialist software AND they support a wide range of file formats.

I'll put a few other good things about the original Creative Zen, which to my understanding still exist with newer models. These are my reasons for why I'd recommend a Creative mp3 player in essence:
[LIST=1][*]Doesn't rely on a special sync cable.[*]Uses a mini usb cable like a lot of digi cameras. They're so cheap to buy and even Tesco/ASDA stock them.[*]With a mini usb input, you can charge it in the car with a cigarette lighter charger. You can also (with the usb cable) charge it with a usb mains adapter. I use my satnav car charger to also charge my Zen.[*]Doesn't rely on Itunes.[*]Add files by dropping and dragging.[*]You can also add files with Windows Media Player.[*]Generous memory sizes available - I have the 32gb.[*]Very good sound quality - IMO it beats a Sony, Samsung and Ipod I've owned when played through a HIFI, car stereo speakers and my pro audio speakers.[*]Easy to use. Few buttons and few menus.[*]You can even search for files by searching for keywords.[*]Small size - likened to a debit card for good reason.[*]Can also play videos and can be used as a picture viewer.[*]Battery life is good - if you turn screen brightness down and don't watch videos, it lasts longer.[*]Has a memory card slot so you can access more files than those stored on the player memory.[*] Has a lock feature, which is great if you're on the move and don't want to skip songs or turn the volume down in error.[*] Flash based.[/LIST]
Have a look on their website for other models too but here are some links to reviews about the original Creative Zen. :

http://reviews.cnet.com/mp3-players/...-32589080.html - there's a video review with this one too.

http://www.trustedreviews.com/Creati...e-Audio_review

http://anythingbutipod.com/2007/09/creative-zen-review/


*One of the reviews mentions the lack of a volume control button. I don't think the reviewer realised it but the up and down joypad buttons are also volume buttons when you're listening to songs - as you'd expect, the up button turns the volume up, down to turn volume down. The other way, which the reviewer mentions, involves pressing the menu button, which then brings up a volume control option. I never do that but you can do it that way too and it's really easy.

I'd also say to you to check out a Samsung player. I still own my Samsung YP-Z5 after 5 years and it still works as well as it did when I first used it. It sounds a bit tinny compared to my other mp3 players BUT this was an old model!

I did toy with the idea of getting a Cowon media player. These do look good and the reviews for most models say the sound quality is outstanding. May be worth a look.
quackaquacka
06-08-2011
Wow, some great answers there, thank you both Time to go away and compare specs, and then make my decision!
chriswyatt
06-08-2011
Also if you don't mind some initial faffing, see if you can get anything that you can run Rockbox on as well:

http://www.rockbox.org/
Pepperoni Man
07-08-2011
If you want something cheap, cheerful, reliable and can hold a massive amount of music I'd go for the Sandisk Sansa Clip as previously mentioned. You can increase it's memory by simply inserting a micro SD card and with a decent pair of phones sounds great

I've had a Phillips whch was ok
I've had a Creative Zen which was great when it was working - had to go back to Amazon twice and even the third one keeps freezing and had to be re-formatted - re-setting didn't work.

I've had a Samsung YP Q1 which was reliable but fiddly to use and wouldn't transfer album art

I've now got a 64gb Sony A series which is absolutely great
max99
07-08-2011
Another recommendation for the Sandisk Sansa range, for all the reasons already given. The Fuze is a bigger, larger screen version of the Clip.

Music can be drag & dropped, but integration with Windows Media Player is a neater method.
pjwilliams
09-08-2011
I know it's obvious but i'd go for an Ipod, which ever sizes/model suits your needs.

I rejected apple products for years and bought Sony and Creative MP3 players.

I got my first ipod 3 years ago, i've now got a touch, nano, classic and an Ipone! and I love them all. they've got the best range of accessories, i tunes is easy to use, and it's really easy to convert you existing music into the correct format.
c4rv
09-08-2011
Originally Posted by pjwilliams:
“I know it's obvious but i'd go for an Ipod, which ever sizes/model suits your needs.

I rejected apple products for years and bought Sony and Creative MP3 players.

I got my first ipod 3 years ago, i've now got a touch, nano, classic and an Ipone! and I love them all. they've got the best range of accessories, i tunes is easy to use, and it's really easy to convert you existing music into the correct format.”

I think OP said nothing that needs specilist software which pretty much rules out apple products which seem to want to take over your PC.
VIEW DESKTOP SITE TOP

JOIN US HERE

  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Hearst Corporation

Hearst Corporation

DIGITAL SPY, PART OF THE HEARST UK ENTERTAINMENT NETWORK

© 2015 Hearst Magazines UK is the trading name of the National Magazine Company Ltd, 72 Broadwick Street, London, W1F 9EP. Registered in England 112955. All rights reserved.

  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Complaints
  • Site Map