Creative Zen or iPod Nano/Classic. (Pls Help)

by BigMomma09 Sep 21, 2007 4:36PM PDT

I had fully intended to purchase the Creative Zen until I realized that the reason I am upgrading from my V Plus is b/c: (a) the screen is only 1.5" and (b) I want to watch videos on it. By going to the Zen I will take care of the screen but I am not sure about the videos; the things I prefer to watch I would generally rather purchase in episode form rather than a whole season and I am currently unaware of anything that will allow me to do this for the Zen. Which ultimatly is what is making me consider the iPod Nano or Classic whom I have nothing against its just that I don't like having the same thing everyone else has and walking around like robots. But the switch seems inevitable once considering the options, and it also seems as if iTunes has the world on "lock" as far as music organizing software and I like watching tv shows, movies, and videos on my mp3 player but I prefer to buy them legally and I am not sure if any other program has such an extensive catalog of tv shows, etc. for portable device use. If anyone would happen to know of another website, program, etc. that I can get as many (if not more) shows, movies & videos for viewing on my mp3 player please post a response with it.

Discussion is locked

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you have some options

by JonTitor Sep 22, 2007 5:39AM PDT

You can find a program that lets you purchase those TV shows then look for a device they are good with syncing. It's still hard to find stuff for TV shows though.
There's also the 605Wifi that can directly purchase or rent TV shows and Movies through the Wifi but I'm guessing from your chose of the Zen and Nano you're looking for something small and flash based?

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No its not really that....

by BigMomma09 Sep 22, 2007 9:00AM PDT

I mean thats part of it but the other part is affordability... The Zen (16gb) and Classic (80gb) are both $249 and the Nano/Zen (8gb) is even cheaper. The Archos 605 Wifi which believe me I have heavily considered (but wouldn't be able 2 purchase at anytime in the near future) runs around $350... also its rather big for everyday use....

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price

by JonTitor Sep 22, 2007 10:35AM PDT

well the 30GB model goes for $280 at Amazon, but with a MySpace account it can be had for $240 as a promotion. 80GB, 160GB are $330,$370 respectively. The size is the only thing that might be a problem for you if it mattered. It's pocketable but not like the Classic or Zen.

Between the Zen and Classic, the Zen has a better screen, but for videos I think it's important to have a harddrive. Plus since you're really looking for something for TV shows, The Classic looks like it's the better of the two for you.

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there's a lot to be said of iPod/iTunes usability

by ktreb Sep 22, 2007 10:20AM PDT

That's why so many people buy iPods. I made the decision to go iPod a few years ago and haven't looked back...I'm now on my 6th one (iPod Touch). That said, I always recommend that people try the latest version of iTunes first before taking the plunge. If you absolutely hate it, it may make your decision easier to make.

It would be nice if iTunes offered subscription and rental options, but I haven't found a better user experience for buying music and tv shows. I don't like buying downloaded movies. I think they're too expensive. I actually make copies of dvds I own to play on my iPods. This actually opens up the player universe for me. I had entertained the idea of buying the Archos 405. It's only 2Gb, but it is explandable via SD cards, which I have a ton of. Then Apple had to go and announce the iPod Touch, so I had to get it.

Good luck!

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well

by JonTitor Sep 22, 2007 10:29AM PDT

I'm pretty sure the vast majority of iPod sales are from people who don't know anything else exists, but with that said there are people who like and dislike having to use iTunes, so trying it might be a good idea.
Also I don't see why you compare the 405 to the iPod Touch, they are very different leagues,the 405 with the Nano, and the Touch with the 605Wifi

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I don't know about that...

by kcoppock Sep 22, 2007 10:32AM PDT

Most people I've seen with them just like them. Me, I just like the interface. Everything works smoothly and also LOOKS nice. Not that there aren't problems with it. I often have it lock up on me changing tracks (maybe not OFTEN, three or four times a month maybe), but the battery life is awesome, the audio quality is fine for me (a non-audiophile), I even like the earbuds that come with it, haha.

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looks

by JonTitor Sep 22, 2007 10:40AM PDT

well of course big factor to the iPod's dominance is that since the beginning they were about the looks, while players from Creative and Archos and other early starters looked like bricks.
Then came the usability, with the simple GUI, which was actually under Creative's patents. Though they did make a comeback on that with the CoverFlow

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yeah

by kcoppock Sep 22, 2007 10:43AM PDT

I used to have a pretty ugly Sansa e150, but it worked fairly well. The little wheel on the side was too easy to break, though.

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iTunes

by BigMomma09 Sep 23, 2007 3:31AM PDT

I already have the latest iTunes on my computer b/c I do have a 1st gen. Shuffle which I use sporatically... I do like iTunes, I think its one of the best music orgainizing softwares around and I wish I they would make it so that it could b used w/ other players... So iTunes not a problem at all. Thank you for making me aware that the 605 Wifi is available for $240 (30gb will suffice me) but still I wish there was another program to at least compete w/ the iTunes store on the video level. Anyways thanks for everyone's help.

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$240

by JonTitor Sep 23, 2007 3:44AM PDT

if you're interested in that, all you have to do apparently is add the 605 to your cart and use the discount code mspace
and keep an eye out on this site
http://acp.archos.com/portal/hpc/circuitcity/hpc.html
the site isn't open for orders yet, but as you can see, they are planning to release TV show downloads

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iPod Nano as Birthday Present

by BigMomma09 Oct 21, 2007 8:26AM PDT

Well my birthday was on 10/17 and as a suprise gift my uncle got me an iPod Nano (3rd gen.) and a Macbook so even thanks for all your help but my decision was made for me... BTW I am more than satisfied with my Nano and the screen is great for viewing t.v. shows and video podcasts although I would not recommend watching movies, especially not long movies (Harry Potter, Spiderman, etc.) on it...

Creative Zen or iPod Nano/Classic. (Pls Help)

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