MP3 players / iPod - help?

[NORTI]

Hey Guys,

I need a MP3 player. Im not a fan of iPod, but they have huge market following so easy to get stuff for.

So Ive been looking at the Nano online. Either the 4 or 8G.

I have been using my N95 & HTC Diamond previously as MP3 players, but I really need a dedicated player.

I need 4G, 8G would just be a nice to have, I would like FM capability (something thats only aftermarket with iPods?) Also I would like the ability to hook it up to a compatible HU in the Calais.

Soooo who has iPod? anygood? who has something better?

Any issues with music types on the iPod, someone mentioned that must be in special format? I cant find anything to back this up online.

Thanks!

[eurekamad94]

an ipod is what you want really but if you dont like them have a look at mp4 player's or the new sony walkman's

[WhiteVS]

i have one of the new ipod nano's (16GB), it hasnt stuffed up once since owning it (ive had it 2months). I plug it into my HU everyday through an AUX cable, and i just love it.

[illusionalvr]

ipods are good, but they have some draw backs.

they dont have FM, and i dunno if you can make it have it.
you need itunes to use it, which means you may as well get rid of windows media player.

there is a wide range of products to make it run in your car, a tape thing that goes in the tap deck, an FM transmitter, or jsut the good old AUX input on a new cd player.

the batteries last ages, the connection for the headphones is good, and they are a good strong unit.

ive dropped mine mulitple times, and it still works fine!

also, they handle heat incredibly well

the screens are also easy to see.

there are a few other brands worth looking at, iriver, creative , etc

but ipods are really good once you learn how to drive them.

i wouldnt suggest anything under 170 bucks.

[STEALTHY™]

Even a noob like me can work out an ipod.

I bought an 8g one, even downloading whole trance albums i can't seem to fill it (and of course my 3 burnout vids are on there haha)


Most new headunits have ipod capability. Not sure if any other type of MP3 player have that!
Not sure if any MP3 player can have FM, do you 'need' it badly?


Not to self, DO NOT Machine Wash Ipod, or, Bad things......(or do it within 2 days of buying it, and say its faulty and get a brand new one replaced haha)

[axemurderer101]

ive had my 30g video ipod for a while and have had no dramas with it, i also use it it my car with a clarion headunit which has an auxilary input so i can play all my music through that which is better than any fm transmitter

[Stressball]

Depending on how new the iPod you may buy is, it may be either fantastic, or terrible. The later model iPods have been known to fail within 12 months in more cases than not. I don't know ANYONE who has bought an iPod in the past 2 years and had it last the entire time without it needing repairing for something. Before it's suggested, no they aren't clumsy people. They just failed under normal use.

Don't get something small if you plan on putting it in your pocket. I know more than one person who has snapped their Nano in half by having it in their pocket when they sat down, even more succeptible to this if you have keys etc in the same pocket. You shouldn't in the first place, but just a point.

iTunes ftl. DRM ftl. when the original iPod came out, it was practical. It was a little chunky, but it was built like a brick shithouse and made to last. Once they got a cult status, you weren't cool if you didn't have an iPod. Cheaper materials sourced, iPod become more compact, and much weaker. Apple is a for-profit company, and the sucker teenagers and their parents who repeatedly buy them new iPods are a good source. If you must buy an iPod, buy an older one.

As for other brands, I have an iRiver, however mine is also an older one. Mine is a HDD-based 20GB model, about the size and weight of an original iPod. Dropped many times, still works perfectly after ~6 years. The newer ones appear to have followed the same path as Apple though, and seem a bit flimsy in the pursuit of making it compact.

Personally I'd go with something older. They just tend to be stronger and more durable, and last out a lot better than any new compact mp3 players. If your headunit has a 2.5mm auxiliary in port, any mp3 player will work as long as you get a 2.5mm male-to-male cable for it.

[Abrowne70]

On my 2nd or 3rd ipod now, you eventually lose count.

My latest one 80GB classic has been working perfectly.

My first one 20GB 4th gen screwed up a few times, i then proceed to bash it on numerous hand objects such as tables, bricks, steel piping. A couple of bangs and it works again, for another 3-4weeks, then its broken again, bang it again works again.

Went on like this for ages until one day it couldnt stand all the banging and decided it had, had enough.

My life story about ipods

[randomhero365]

I have an old Ipod 30Gb classic.
Never fails. Its compatible with 90% of HU's that u buy now and the menus are seriously easy to use.
I have a Ipod FM transmitter which plugs into the bottom of the ipod and converts your music into a radio station, I think mine is usually 88.8 or something, and I use that because I cant find the cord I need, it has a 5m radius.
And I think you can buy AM/FM tuners for them for like..correct me if I'm wrong but I think I saw them for $29.95 in BigW??
I would pick Ipod for reliability and ease of use.

EDIT: I know I said I can't find the cord I'm looking for, thats because fusion isnt good at replying to their customers, and besides, I cant be bothered pulling the console apart again

[NORTI]

Just to clarify on the FM, I want to listen to FM thru the iPod, not listen to iPod thru the radio.

[Abrowne70]

i dont think you can listen to FM through the ipod, could very well be wrong, but not as a standard feature you cant

[Haydz]

id go an ipod. there is nothing with the support. and accesories ipod have..


and to get radio on your ipod.
iPod Radio Remote


i have one on my 5th gen.. i have had it 3 years now and works perfectly still. got a heap of scratches. but never ceases to work.

[randomhero365]

i dont think you can listen to FM through the ipod, could very well be wrong, but not as a standard feature you cant

I stand semi-corrected
Maybe it was an FM transmitter I saw then??
But I'm pretty sure it had AM on it too..

[Bax]

I know it may sound crazy, but I got dad a cheapo Samsung unit. It looks dodgy, but its drag and drop, no need for iTunes, and it has video/pictures/rss and music and radio, I think it even has voice memos.

I do love my iPod, I've had a 60gb for about 5 years now, been dropped heaps and it just keeps going. I don't use it much these days though because I have the iPhone.

iRivers have radio and I've always heard good things. But I'm sure if you get into most shops and say you want 4-8gb with fm they'll find you something good.

[Juztin]

Yer ive had my iPod classic 30gb for 2 years now, its compatible with everything i need it for, plugging into tv, cars etc.

Draw backs are pretty much no voice recorder, but in your case you need the radio but I mean if you have a phone isn't radio standard on them nowdays? but thenn again thats another bloody special earphone thingo you would have to carry around.

Accessories that can plug into ipods that pick up FM signals have been around since iPods came out.

iPods are getting smaller and more advanced, go down to your local tech store such as Officeworks, Harfy normal or Power house and you'll be able to see the range and accessories

But knowing Apple something better will probably come out within the next 6months lol

The range of colours and tech on them had come a fair way since the plain white no visual effects first gen iPod lol

[mrhotdog]

go to kmart, i sell the best ipods in the southern hemisphere haha, only ever had one ipod be returned to me and that was my bloddy sister's the next day. they can cost but are worth it

[System]

was given an old 2gig nano ipod 2 years ago, still works fine- even after having it go through the wash TWICE! , but a dry out over night, and it worked again lol

[Trayner]

On to my second Ipod now (Iphone 3g) , but my first one Ipod 5g worked for 2-3 years intill it finally bit the dust last year . Well worth it , and Ipods can plug into like anything these days

[Lumps of cheese]

I'm looking at the 8g ipod myself. From the people i've spoken to they seem to think they're the way to go.

[Trayner]

I'm looking at the 8g ipod myself. From the people i've spoken to they seem to think they're the way to go.

Just make sure yah have enough room for all your songs.

[vicarious]

i have a ipod classic 120g i prefer it to the iriver i had previously, and you dont have to use itunes for the ipod i believe there is some other programs that you can use as well have a look on Whirlpool Broadband Forums