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General discussion

Clueless about MP3 players, need help!

Dec 5, 2008 7:12AM PST
Question:

Hello there. I hope your community of members can help this novice out. For the holidays, I'm planning to surprise both my grandkids (ages 11 and 14) with an MP3 player each, but the sad thing is I don't know a thing about them. I went to the local store and I was quite shocked to find how many of these players there are. For instance, I thought the iPod was just one type of player, but to my surprise there are a few different models just from the iPod name, which makes it even more confusing. I know it would be difficult for you to determine what is best for my grandkids, but I would like to get them something that they will enjoy for years to come. I don't want to buy them a cheap one, nor do I want to overspend (budget is $100 to $200), but I do want them to be happy with what I get them and be the coolest grandma who is hip with what's in. It's a big surprise for them and bigger challenge for me because right now I'm clueless. If you can help me out and explain with simple terms the overall differences between the varieties of MP3 players there are, what makes a good and bad MP3 player, what features are favorable or unfavorable, I would be forever grateful.

Submitted by: A lost grandma, Louise T.

Here are some featured member answers to get you started, but
please read up on all the advice and suggestions that our
members have contributed to this member's question.

The MP3 player rundown --Submitted by MehStrongBadMeh -
http://forums.cnet.com/5208-7595_102-0.html?forumID=71&threadID=319109&messageID=2921723#2921723

MP3 players... --Submitted by Watzman
http://forums.cnet.com/5208-7595_102-0.html?forumID=71&threadID=319109&messageID=2921728#2921728

MP3 purchase... --Submitted by forkboy
http://forums.cnet.com/5208-7595_102-0.html?forumID=71&threadID=319109&messageID=2923013#2923013

If you have some additional suggestion, advice, or tips for Louise, please click the reply link and share it with us. Please be keep it in simple terms and when necessary in details when appropriate. Thanks!

Discussion is locked

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1 of each
Dec 13, 2008 1:51PM PST

For the 14-year-old I'd recommend an iPod since it has a cachet among teens. Several models are available in your price range, even an iPod Touch can be had for around $200 if you find a used or refurbished 1st generation. For the 11-year-old it depends on their technical knowledge. An iPod is fine for them too but it's not as much a priority as for an older child so you could get him or her one of the many Sansa or iRiver products which are just as good as Apple products but are often cheaper. If they want video as well as music, the Touch is a good choice but some competitors have larger screens which makes it more pleasurable to watch a movie or video. One complaint about iPods is that you are generally limited to using iTunes to add content and it's very picky as to audio and video formats it will playback.

The last concern is how they plan to use it. The iPod Touch is small but not as small as the Nano or Shuffle, the Shuffle is so small it can be put into any pocket or just clipped to a shirt but you either need to playback the whole playlist or put it into random or shuffle mode. A hold switch is essential so that playback can continue while it's in the pocket, even if buttons get pushed accidentally, and you may want to set the maximum volume before letting them use it, to prevent overly loud playback that can damage their hearing. Some models let you use regular AA batteries which is handy if they forget to charge it regularly and can save your sanity on a rainy day. A final consideration is that the iPod Touch can also be used to play games, surf the net and even read books.

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Or another alternative all together.....
Dec 13, 2008 2:28PM PST

You also have the option to go with a Sony PSP for music, games, net browsing, and video playback. If you are interested in a gaming device as well, the PSP is far superior to the iPod touch in that respect. Proper controls for gaming and expandable storage are somethings to also look at. I have 8GB in mine, I have tons of games laying around, and if you like, you can now download games straight from Sony's online store as well. There are also more possibilities with it as well, but more on that another day. The newer PSPs are slimmer and lighter and sport a longer battery life than previous versions. Plus the game library for Sony's PSP is pretty robust. Putting movies and music on it is as simple as plugging in a usb cable and putting the respected files in folders labeled MUSIC or VIDEO. It also plays tons of video and audio formats.

Easily recommended for all ages.

I can't believe I almost forgot about this one.... I know, I rambled a bit. I'm very tired..

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To add........
Dec 13, 2008 2:37PM PST

The Sony PSP is $169.99.

Sandisk 4GB MS Duo - $19.99 - $49.99
Sandisk 8GB MS Duo - $39.99 - $69.99

Prices at present vary widely between retailers. Amazon seems to have the best pricing so far: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw_0_6?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=8gb+ms+pro+duo&x=0&y=0&sprefix=8gb+ms

Also check into a micro SD to memory stick duo adapter, as micro SDs are generally cheaper for the same amount storage. Said adapter info is here: http://www.amazon.com/PhotoFast-Adapter-Converts-MicroSDHC-Compatible/dp/B001B6EAOY/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1229236350&sr=8-10

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But one downfall .......
Dec 13, 2008 10:29PM PST

But the one downfall to the PSP is the ability to conspicuously carry the player without it leaving an imprint. I mean its a great alternative and if either one is female its a mute point because it will fit in a purse. But if they are guys then its a bit harder to easily grab it fire it up and go, because of where to put it on the go. Thats why I love the Zen for when I am in public- it hides in pockets nicely. Thats why most times when I am at work watching movies I have the Archos out for it, there I have my lunch bag to carry it in and no conceal issues.

The other flaw to the whole i-lineup is that when some people get them they suddenly think they need all of these accessories they never used to care about at all. But there again I think 90% of people that get anything with a leading "i" are herd mentality from personal experience.

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And the alternative approach.....
Dec 14, 2008 1:39AM PST

Those carrying issues are cured by deep pocketed pants, laptop bags, or school bookbags (I am strongly against children taking expensive electronics to school, btw). I currently carry mine in my pants pocket or in my messenger bag along with my mini Inspiron, a few magazines, and a book.

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hello it's just my idea about mp3 player!
Dec 13, 2008 5:15PM PST

For me I think your grandchildrens will suprise if you give them a mp3 player with game function, I recommend you to buy PSP. becuase it can be a mp3 player, video player, game. but I don't know in you area how much it is?

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US pricing.....
Dec 14, 2008 1:40AM PST

$169.99 USD.

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Truth in advertising - sweating not covered...
Dec 14, 2008 11:20PM PST

My son has fried no less than 4 MP3 players: 2 iPods and 2 Sansa players.

The Apple commercials show shadows of crazy dancers, who have to be working up a sweat. Apple sells workout/jogging/sports armband holders - and so does Sansa. The problem is, my son actually used them as advertised: he wore them to the gym and worked up a sweat. And, **zap** there goes another player. Apple replaced the first one (hey - "Apple has people working out, dancing like mad, and sells neoprene armbands, they've said those are normal iPod uses and activities"), but balked at the second ("you know it's a problem"). Sansa wanted a payment up front to check for warranty coverage... no thanks. Dell sold us a warranty on the first Sansa, but wanted a "copay" to honor it, no thanks. For all the hype and glossy advertising, they are still rather fragile electronic devices that don't like to be dropped, wet, shocked, left in the car summer or winter, or, in some cases, used as advertised.

Waterproof, shockproof containers are available, but are so big and clunky that they negate the benefit of having a "personal" music player. Getting to the controls can be tough and if you've got to open the case to change a setting - you've just exposed the player to the very things you wanted to protect it from.

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i hope u find what u want in my reply (patrick)
Dec 15, 2008 3:16AM PST

hy im not very good in english but ill explain you in easy way what is all about
well first off all if you'r going to by a mp3 player or other players devices like IPOD,MP4...IT'S recommended that you choose the powerfel one & the coolist one after all you want to by it one time & not every time somthing new appeare
so maybe if you want to by the perfect Ipod you will find it expenseve
& it's important that u by a player that play almost all the extension of music file


this is how to make the diffrent between good or bad mp3 player
1.the life of the battery
2.how mutch music u can out (how mutch of GB,exemple 16GB:ofspace)
3. player of what: just mp3;video & mp3.....
4. the company producer: SONY it's the must powerfull company in this kind of product's & lot's of knowing company
5.the warranty


well ipod not just a mp3 player u can play video& much much more future so cost more money
yes there are more then one ipod:nano,touch,large space,normal space....& more

so u have to choose
well for me im opsetion in MUSIC & I HAVE I IPOD & HE'S VERY VERY GREAT PRODUCT
BUT FOR THE BUDGET THERE IS ALWAYS OTHER CHOISE & U CAN SIMPLY BY AN MP3 PLAYER NOT AN ipod
any other question ask me in sending message to my mail patrickissa88@hotmail.com

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get the 8gigabyte Nano, $125 to $150 - and know their color!
Dec 16, 2008 5:15AM PST

The right one for kids is the Nano. It's big
enough to put all their music on and it has a
cool screen, and none of that applies to the
Shuffle, which is mainly for athletes out for
a run. Shuffle's not big enough to store many
songs on.

That should do it - and cool grammas always
know our favorite color Grin

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Affordable and User friendly MP3 the RCA Opal Under $80
Dec 17, 2008 2:51AM PST

It was fun shopping for MP3 players because they were kept in a small glass case so the MP3's resemble tiny creatures in incubators. The RCA Opal is cobalt blue nicely affordable under $80 with a generous 4 GB storage. That is a lot of room to store your photos, videos, songs, and personal memos. It is versatile so you can download mp3 from your computer or disk, capture your favorite You Tube video, it is your digital voice recorder, and you can listen to FM radio or audio books. This little device charges by connecting to your computer via USB connection and delivers its software to your computer through the USB.
Just image watching ballet ( or your favorite video), it is simple with the software that's inside the Opal. Nice. Happy

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excuse me?
Dec 17, 2008 3:37AM PST

Ballet??? Not so much....music videos and sitcom clips, much more suitable. (remember, she's buying these for her grandchildren) Happy

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To John3125. Post deleted.
Dec 17, 2008 6:54PM PST

Sorry, but even though you insisted your post should not be treated like spam, clearly it is.

CNET does not allow advertising, site promotion, product or service promotion or, in this case, Promotional Offers, which also appears to be a type of Pyramid Scheme, in these forums.

That's why I deleted your post. Please refrain from making such posts in the future.

Mark

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MP3 players...

I would say the i Pod isn't so feature packed. It's popular because of the brand.

I would recommend the Creative Zen line, they are full of featunes and they are very affordable. It also has good build quality.

I have a Creative ZEN 4GB myself and it is easy to use. Its a almost a year old, and yet no problems.

I think you can get i from Wal-Mart i think...

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yes
Dec 19, 2008 1:15AM PST

I got my Creative Zen at WalMart. Excellent MP3 player and much more features than any of the IPods. Dont go for what everyone else has, go for something that will give you more for your money ie; the Zen!

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Just a note to the_eternal_dark
Dec 19, 2008 2:12AM PST

Sorry but I have just deleted a spam post made by a joewiley, site advertising.

Your reply to him was a victim as well. I hope you understand.

Mark

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not a big deal.
Dec 19, 2008 7:15AM PST

I know, it's no big deal, I'm glad that junk is gone now.

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Sharepod Frees Your iPod from iTunes
Dec 22, 2008 5:25AM PST

Personally, I Love iTunes and my iPod. However, some seem to think it's limiting.

This is very interesting.
From:
http://lifehacker.com/5110552/most-popular-free-windows-downloads-of-2008

Want to free yourself from the shackles of iTunes but still want full functionality from your iPod? Sharepod is a lightweight iTunes alternative that runs directly from your iPod, so it's with you whenever and wherever you plug in your player. (Original post)

I hope yer search is goin' well.

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choosing one that u never regret
Dec 26, 2008 11:13PM PST

Dear Grand Ma,

You can visit your local shop (computer shop or big mall). There are missing information based on your question:
1. How is your kids "technoledge" ? Do they know several MP3 player?
- Latest technology that i heard this small USB can play MP3, storing data, listening radio and etc. But how do I update this small device? How do I repair this device? Is after sales service is OK? You must buy from a store that the client service is responsible for your items. He could also demo how to use the device. SO when your grandchild asking "What is this button mean?" You should not reply it. Because the feature is user friendly (not broken too easy). The more prices, the more difficult is coming.

2. Do they know how this precious gives?
- This grandchild could not easily understand your gift. Many of them just seeing their friend gadget, and get jealously. The gift is having great dinner with your family and grandchild once in a life time and take a memorial of life time that u cannot forget. Your MP3 could be tried if they are not naughty boy or girl (>_&ltWink

3. MP3 is playing a sound. A sound to hear from the ear. You should pick great frequency player so the music is beautiful melody. A great earphone is a consideration. Best melody may help maintain soul. Try creative or Apacher. Don't pick a bad brand due to memory microchip is soooooooooooooooo important (since it mini hardware with storing and playing data)

Pay attention to after sales service for this device (it makes me worry since easily broken)

Best Regards,

Sanjaya