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General discussion

What MP3 and what headphones?

by Terry Browne Apr 11, 2006 11:12AM PDT

I am looking to buy a good MP3 player and I am inclined to an iPod. I don't need the Video part so a Nano would be good. I wonder if there is anything clearly better on the market, what player would that be?

I also wonder what kind of headphones. I can't have those that come with the players (here's an example) because they fall out of my ears constantly and I need the player for when I work out.

I am not in need for a bunch of Gigabytes because I will probably have less than 200 tunes, but if it's not too expensive additional gigs ain't nothing bad.

My budget is about $200 including the headphones.

I have heard that the players break easily if dropped. How do they attach to your workout clothes or do I have to wear it loose in the pocket of my shorts?

The more info the better. As you understand I am not aware of this "new" technology at all!

Thank you.

Discussion is locked

12 Posts
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I think I found the ideal earplug...
by Terry Browne Apr 11, 2006 11:37AM PDT

The Sennheiser CX300-S seems to be a good one.
Anyone has any experience?

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(NT) (NT) I wish someone would help out here... :(
by Terry Browne Apr 12, 2006 1:25AM PDT
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I dunno about those earbuds....but
by HeroZero Apr 12, 2006 2:04AM PDT

why are you getting an iPod nano when your budget for nice earphones and player is only 200?? Also, you'll only have like 200 tunes? If I were you I would be looking at a more affordable player...the nanos are really just fashion pieces. Since you use it to work out, I would say a flash player is needed. Look at some of the options out there, there are several good flash players made by creative labs...the muvo and zen nano line are good. Also other brands like sandisk have seemed popular. If your budget is limited, you only want a few songs, and you use it to workout..dont get a nano....its not the best choice. Also, you will have more money to spend on better earphones. Good luck.

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Money, money, money.
by Terry Browne Apr 13, 2006 10:56AM PDT

I was pretty thrilled when I first started to think about buying an MP3 player. I still am, but I have to say that even if the price is OK, there is more to come. Headphones and case and those aren't cheap (in relation to the player I mean).

The reason I like the iPod is it's design. Not because it looks cool, but because it is very thin and I haven't seen any that I think could compete with it sound wise that is as thin. But I will be searching around.

Thank you HZ!

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RE: What MP3 and what headphones?
by Jasmineflower Apr 12, 2006 6:41AM PDT

The Nano is probably a good choice for you if it's your first MP3 player. It sounds good, is easy to use, and looks nice. Definitely get a case or other protector (such as the Invisible Shield: http://reviews.cnet.com/InvisibleShield_for_iPod_Nano/4505-6519_7-31637892.html) for the Nano, as it scratches very easily. You can find several cases an armbands (good for working out) here: http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-6450_7-6418901-3.html?tag=lnav

The Nano is a bit delicate-feeling, so if you want something more durable and super no-frills, you can go with the iPod Shuffle (actually the best-sounding iPod: http://reviews.cnet.com/Apple_iPod_Shuffle_1GB/4505-6490_7-31256887.html). Keep in mind that with the Shuffle, you can't really navigate to particular artists or albums since there's no screen. Armbands and cases for the Shuffle can be found here: http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-6450_7-6419937-3.html?tag=lnav

Both the Shuffle and the Nano sync with iTunes for transferring music. It's a very simple process.

If you want something more durable that has a screen, consider the Creative Zen Nano Plus--a.k.a. Creative MuVo Micro N200--http://reviews.cnet.com/Creative_Zen_Nano_Plus_1GB_Black/4505-6490_7-31398481.html. This player COMES WITH a case/belt-clip and an armband, which makes it an excellent deal. It mounts on any Windows PC as a removable drive, so you can simply drag-and-drop music folders via Windows Explorer. It can also be synced with Windows Media Player.

In any case, 1GB should be sufficient memory for you. Depending on what bit rate you rip your files in, you can fit anywhere from 150 to about 450 tracks (give or take). Lower bit rates offer lower quality and smaller sizes, while higher bit rates create larger, higher quality files.

I can't speak to all of the following headphones' abilities to stay in your ears, but if you're really lookng for the most secure fit, consider an earcup pair with a band around the back of the neck, or an earbud set with earwraps. Some other offerings:

http://reviews.cnet.com/Sennheiser_CX_300_headphones_silver/4505-6468_7-31726275.html

http://reviews.cnet.com/Sony_S2_Sports_Headphones_MDR_A35G/4505-6468_7-20604864.html

http://reviews.cnet.com/Ultimate_Ears_Super_fi_3_Studio_black/4505-6468_7-31491515.html

I hope this helps!

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Thank you Jasmineflower
by Terry Browne Apr 13, 2006 11:31AM PDT

I have actually been looking at the aluminum cases that are out there. They seem to be very good at least, but I don't know how they are. I saw this which is nice, but I know that there was a place that sold them with free engraving (don't care at all about the engraving!) and they looked better but now I can't find the place. Been googleing for half hour without success.

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New and cheaper thoughts...
by Terry Browne Apr 13, 2006 2:20PM PDT

I am actually considering a Samsung. I have read a bit about them and they seem to make good players. Plus they don't require AA or AAA batteries which is another inconvenience in my opinion. All Creative players go with AA/AAA batteries. If I want something similar to the iPod nano, which model would it be?

I am also wondering about another brand. Consumerreports.org places Cowon iAudio 5 in the second place and I have NEVER heard of that brand. Anyone knows anything about that brand?

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Samsung YP-Z5
by bakes61 Apr 13, 2006 6:58PM PDT

You would be after the samsung Z5:
http://www.samsung.com/uk/products/digitalaudioplayer/flashmemory/yp_z5abels.asp

Of course there are different models available. I have just returned my iPod Nano and swapped it for the samsung and got a pair of eZGear SX70 headphones for it. The headphones are white but what the heck!!

I heard the headphones have extremely good sound quality and can't be beaten in the lower budget market.

The main reason i changed mp3 players was that the samsung has a bigger screen, but most important it has a longer battery life. The nano's battery life was rediculous 14 hours? I could struggle to get 7.
Samsung battery life is quoted at 35, so even 25 would be amazing!

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Thanks simply_greg.
by Terry Browne Apr 14, 2006 10:48AM PDT

I am actually thinking about the YP-U1X or the YP-U1Z (whatever the difference is?) which I find pretty similar to the iPod. I may be wrong however and if that is the case let me know. I don't know what to look for in an MP3 player so I'm rather lost in the clouds here.
One thing that I wonder about is the cases. Do they all fit the same player? The players all have different sizes so I don't know if there are cases for every player.
I'm pretty much sold on the Sennheiser headphones that I mentioned before in another post so that isn't really an issue at this moment. Apart from the nice sound that I believe the Sennheiser provides they also give two years warranty and it is a good brand name.

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Even newer thoughts
by Terry Browne Apr 16, 2006 2:11PM PDT

I am divided between Samsung and Creative. What brand is most reliable?

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no batteries required
by bignickdawg Apr 16, 2006 4:54PM PDT

i got the creative zen micro 5 gig there are no batteries required i've dropped it so many times nothing has happened to it but i found that those earbuds are cheap pieces of cr--ap i got wrap arounds but its hard because i always pull the cord out of its socket you can get the moulded ear buds just for you're ear

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Cowon
by alext Apr 16, 2006 5:46PM PDT

Don't discount the Cowon iAudio line. Cowon are one of the biggest companies in mp3 players, from South Korea, where most of the best electronics are made these days.

They consistently make the best sounding players, a little better than Creative and way ahad of the iPod.

You should look at the iAudio U3. It's a tiny flash player with amazing sound quality. It also plays video, but I think it's worth it for the sound alone.

I've heard you can get the 2gb for $200 now, which is a great price. I paid

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