iPods and similar

[mcflux]

Hi all,

Well, my old discman has packed in, and listening to the radio kinda sucks (I have a tape deck, and am happy with it before anyone suggests CD/mp3 HUs).

So, I'm considering an iPod or similar to replace my discman. Problem is, I know virtually nothing about them with regard to value for money, engineering, etc. I've been told that early iPods (ie 2nd hand) should be avoided because of the in-built battery, and once the battery ИИИИs itself, the iPod is useless.

I'm after something that:

* can hold about 100 CD albums worth of music (200 would be nice!),

* comes with software so that I can copy the CDs across using my laptop,

* has a power source which isn't costly to replace (ie "standard" NiMH rechargables or similar, or model-specific batteries which don't cost the world),

* can either use a tape adapter (which I currently have with the discman), or an FM broadcaster

What brands and models should I be looking at for these specifications, and should I avoid 2nd-hand items like the plague, and what prices would I be looking at? Finally, where would be the best places to get them from?

Just to repeat:

I am NOT replacing the tape deck. Its sound quality is good enough for me, and it blends in well with my interior. Plus it says FORD on it :

Cheers

-Dave-

[Perana]

Me and my GF both have Gen2 iPod Mini's.. Happy with both of them the interface is quite easy to use and haven't had any issues so far..

BTW iPod batteries can be replaced... its just not as easy as some of the other brands.. There are battery replacement kits on ebay and on various websites and they arent that dear really.

[Dazza XLT]

Apple Ipod would be the way to go. Can get the FM Adapters for them too. Fully re-charagable while in your car, and while plugged into your laptop.
I have a 20gb Ipod, and its not even near being full, i have over 300 songs on it.
Average song size is 5mb, so you can fit a wedge on there!

[Dazza XLT]

But don't get the mini ipods, i reckon they're a bit too small if ya ask me!

[blueoval]

You can change the battery in an iPOD from what I have heard.

Do a search on the forums for 'ipod' coz there is other threads on this topic.

[Perana]

I can fit about 600 songs @ 320kbps on my 6GB mini... but to fit 100-200 albums you'll need a normal iPod Video... plus it can play video so portable pr0n

[blueoval]

i HAVE 30GB IPOD VIDEO!

www.anythingbutipod.com


Having said that don't go an Ipod Nano, don't fit too much on there and the screens crack easily.

You'd want something Hard drive based with over 10 or over GB space.

And yes if it has headphone out your car adapter will work fine.

[BlueRaven]

I have a creative Zen 20gb. I would recommend them. The 20gig Zens have built in Microphone, FM radio and play MP3 and WMA formats. It comes with its own software and is one of only a few players that can use Media Player 10 to transfer music.

Upside
------
Cheaper than an Ipod.
Very durable and solid...less prone to wear due to a conplete touch pad interface.
20gb (I currently hold around 3500 songs on mine)
Sound is slightly better than an Ipod

Cons
----
Monochrome screen
less accessories

If you want to play videos or look at photos, Ipods might be your thing - but you'll pay for that. I should note, the Creative Vision:M can do it as well - but I don't know if they are out yet.

[blue fairy]

I love my creative Zen and use it daily with a tape adapter in my car.
The tape adapter gives a much better quality of sound over the FM transmiters in my opinion.

I am anti apple, so my opinion is biased, but I can not say enough good things about my 20G Creative Zen.

I have no use for a mp3 player with a video function, as I use my mp3 player most when I am driving.

Happy hunting!

[zhodak]

Dick Smith is currently selling the Toshiba 20gig for $279. Way better than an Ipod.

Inline recording (no need for a PC)
20gig
Plays MP3, WMA and MPEG4 (video)
photo
data storage
large screen

Value for money the Toshiba is the way to considering the Ipod Nano 2gig is $299

[Fletty's EL]

Apple are the masters at this type of thing, the others are all playing catch up.

I say there's nothing wrong with iPod Nano. 2gb gets me 300 songs and photos etc.
Bonus is that unlike other mp3 players it's all solid state and doesn't have the magnetic and other problems that hard drives have. Best of all it's as small as a card and just as thick.

[Lukeyson]

i got an Iaudio 30gb video/mp3 off my wife. Its a good unit, has all the usual stuff like line-in/out , FM , was about $500 last year when she bought it

[Paxton]

iPod with cassette adaptor will do you. I had a Cassette Adaptor in my AU (I got the Premium sound for that reason), and never had a problem. If moulash is a problem, then look on eBay for one with a stuffed battery, and get a Jaycar $30 replacement. A 30 Gig iPod will be fine, however look into a 60 Gig if space is important.

Any questions, pop over to AppleTalk. Good luck with the hunt.

[big_pete]

does the iPod nano allow for all the accessories/connections as the regular iPod???

[Paxton]

Originally Posted by big_pete

does the iPod nano allow for all the accessories/connections as the regular iPod???

Presuming the connections are through the port at the bottom, and not through the remote connection at the top, then yes you will be fine. If, like the iTrip your accessory uses the remote connection, then no go.

[Xploded]

I just have the 30gb video Ipod, have not had a problem since I have had it and its running strong. Just my view on it, plenty of brands out there to look at if you dont wanna go apple at all.

[mcflux]

Thank you all very much for your replies!

I will do a search for related threads as suggested, and will look at ebay regarding 2nd hand ipods. I wasn't sure whether to seriously investigate ebay because, well you know how some things you can buy pretty safely on ebay while others are a hell of a risk. So it seems that iPods on ebay are a reasonably safe (well, not overly risky) possibility.

I'm not interested in anything fancy regarding video/other data storage, just something to store 100-200 albums' worth of songs, or approximately 1500-2500 songs.

I will also investigate the website links offered.

Sorry about the delayed reply, I tend to be away on weekends (working, staying at gf's place) and don't have time to access AFF.

Cheers

-Dave-

PS I'll dig this thread up when I get an iPod/equivalent & post up the details (if I remember)