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General discussion

which MP3 player should I buy ?

May 6, 2008 5:24AM PDT

I want to buy an MP3 player as a gift for my husband. We are both tech challenged so it would have to be reasonable easy to use. I have been advised by a friend who loves apple to buy the ipod touch but have seen a lot of good things about Zune. Can anyone advise ? I need to buy this before May 9th. Please help !!

Discussion is locked

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Ipods
May 7, 2008 1:58AM PDT

The Ipod touch is real cool - I have the ipod nano the model previous to the ipod touch's - and I love it to bits... its very functional, can use it at the gym and take it wherever i go - in my car... SO wold recommend this one anyday
take care
avanti vigg

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Zune
May 7, 2008 8:20AM PDT

I have a Zune 80 and abosolutley love it. Just be aware that there are not nearly as many accessories for the Zune, but I believe that it is one of if not the best player. My other favorites are of course the ipod touch and the new sony walkman series players.

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Thanks
May 7, 2008 8:32AM PDT

Ok, Im still torn....does that mean you would buy an apple touch if you could ?? I doubt we will need many accessories since we will be lucky to be able to figure out how it works...Lol !

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Re: iPod vs. Zune
May 7, 2008 10:37AM PDT

If you are tech challenged, any of the higher-end mp3 players may not be the best choice. The question is capacity: Exactly how many songs/videos do you think you will want to have on your player? If not a whole bunch, then I suggest you try the iPod Nano or Zune 4/8 GB models. If you do want a whole bunch of capacity, then consider the iPod Classic or Zune 80 GB. If you want something in between, opt for the more expensive iPod Touch.

The iPod isn't known for having the best long-term performance--everyone I know with one has had it die within 2-3 years, including me--but the Zune hasn't been around quite long enough to say if it is better. However, based on all the tech reviews I've read, the Zune is the better option. It also has an FM radio, which is a handy addition missing from all of the iPod models, and a slightly easier to navigate user interface.

My iPod has just officially died for good this time, after about 6 months on life support, and I will be buying a Zune in the next couple days. So that is my recommendation!

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Zunes
May 7, 2008 2:15PM PDT

i'm also a Zune 80 owner, and I've fiddled with the smaller Zune 4gb/8gb versions. Zune has a very easy to use interface, i much prefer it to apple, plus the little 'touch pad' they have is just plain fun to use. the sound quality and video quality (if you need it) are both FANTASTIC, far beyond the ipod's.
It's true, there arent as many accessories for Zune as ipod, but i think it really just overcomplicates things, especially if you want a simple player.
also, zune does have some features more on the advanced side, such as wireless sync (over your home network) that you can work to over time

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The Creative Sen
May 7, 2008 7:00PM PDT

I have one of these and really like it. The battery lasts over 20 hours on a charge and its easy to put music on it using windows media player. Plus it is less than $100 at Walmart for the 4 GB capacity version which will allow you to put over 1000 songs on it.

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Thank you all
May 8, 2008 3:12AM PDT

I really appreciate the time you guys have taken to help me with this. I think I will definately go for the Zune as all the added features of the touch (or next generation ipod) can wait for our next purchase once we have had a trial run and worked it all out.