Portable MP3 players

[emperor tomato ketchup]

There doesn't seem to be a thread on this but I am looking to get one and need to decide quick if I want my Dad to get it for 25% less in the US than they cost over here.

I am reasonably convicned by the iriver. Its the only one to record line in it would be best (only one) for recording direct from vinyl.

The only drawback seems to be it is weak on file management/playlists. I am not sure you can do "smart playlists"? i.e get them make a playlist by setting a number of variables (e.g. indie songs from 2004 I've only played twice or less). Sounds a bit like you have to just make up playlists song by song which would grind my nads.

Anyone got any experience they can chip in?

[Parkz]

I love iRiver.

My hp140 had a problem with the earphone jack so I sent it back, a few days latter a box arrives with a brand new H340 in it!!!!!!They discontinued the hp140 so sent me the latest model as a replacement, now that good customer service!

Sorry I know nothing about play lists I just choose an album and flick from track to track etc.
I love it though, full colure screen for Jpgs or video (full films).
And it can show txt files with should be cool for carry wants lists ect.
Battery lift is good if you don’t flick between tracks to much as this spins the hard drive, but if you like to play through albums you should get 10 hours+ out of it.

[maWhie]

I got myself a zen micro a while ago,
would recommend it too, holds 5gigs and is very small, plus it costs cheaper than the ipod. Apperently the volume goes up higher aswell. I have had no problems and ive been using it heavily at work, "gets me through the tedius hell of transcription, data entry" the battery life has gone done though since I first got it, from 10 or so hours to about 7.

The mp3 organizer/player that comes with it is great. It will organize all your songs with genres artist,album,time etc.. Automatically recognises folders as seperate lp's.

The best function is the audio analyzer (is that the right spelling analyzer?)
this function goes through your mp3's and finds out their average volume, which it will correct, for comp's and such like if you get me.

And it also finds the average bpm of all your mp3's to!! how handy is that eh

[Thelonious MOke]

I'd have to second the Iriver.

I to have replaced my H140, with a H340, and its blinkin' marvellous! (I think is the right vernacular).
Much more reliable than an ipod, better sound quality + video, text, and picture functions, all for under £300. Plus some clever buggers on the web are programming it, so it can emulate a snes, so mario is on the cards. phew.

I do love it so, as you can probably tell.
I have the complete series of Nathan Barley, on mine. Beat that you Ipod buying fugesticks.

[Maverick]

I have a Creative Nomad Zen. It has 60GB which is brilliant but it doesn't have the smart playlist function you would like. I would certainly recommend it over an iPod!

[sermad]

I have the complete series of Nathan Barley, on mine. Beat that you Ipod buying fugesticks.

hahahahhahahahahahah oh the irony.

[gravy_boat]

I recently got an ipod, and although it took a bit of convincing im really pleased with it...after ditching the poncy white headphones. Putting music on vinyl onto it isint a problem, I just use total recorder. And although EVERYONE seems to have them, the design is real classy...does anyone else reckon the screen reminds them of mac classic computers?