Posted: 2/21/2005 1:49:18 PM EDT
| I'm just about to head out and get my brother a portable MP3 player for his birthday. He mentioned an I-Pod, but there are other kinds too. Which one should I get him? I don't know anything about them. Are the I-POD's good, or should I look for another brand? Thanks |
Yes, I would suggest a smaller flash based player, in that case. Flash based players are smaller and more shockproof than hard drive players like the iPod, iPod mini, etc. A 1GB Flash player will hold around 200 or so songs...more than enough for a workout. The iAudio 5 uses a single aaa and gives a claimed 12hr life... in reality it's more like 8-10 hours. check out www.cnet.com |
About $200. As for specifically wanting an I-Pod...well he's not a very technical person. I'm willing to bet that to him "I-Pod" is just a generic term for MP3 player. He probably doesn't even realise that it's a model/brand. |
Thanks! Who carries the iAudio 5? Best Buy, Circuit City? |
Good question... the iAudio5 just was released... I gave up waiting for it to come out back in November and bought its predecessor, the iAudio4, which is a great player. I would check cnet's "where to buy" or pricewatch or some other such search engine. Barring that, it's available from www.jetaudio.com directly. I bought my iAudio4 online from Newegg.com click on thumb to enlarge:  It came with a case that protects the face and has a loop for a belt or the included armband. The armband is particularly handy for use when working out. Good luck, I gotta split! |
Yes, I realise that, but I'm saying that I don't think my brother realises that I-pod is a brand. To him, probably every MP3 player is an "I-Pod". What makes the I-Pod so much better than anything else? (Got to get going here in just a second...) |
It's not. There is better stuff on the market such as the IRIVER H320 that has a lot more features with the same amount of memory for the same price. The IRIVER 320 is around $250 though now, so its still priced kinda high. If all he will be using it for is working out he really wouldnt need anything bigger than a 1gig player. |
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iRiver 40GB. Comes with FM tuner and lots more features than the iPod. Also better battery life. iRiver Info and Specs. 
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I beg to differ. I use my iPod on a stationary bike and a rowing erg, and last time I checked, those activites were called "exercise". So, unless you want to change your statement from "exercise" to "running" and "players" to "knees", you're not going to have an accurate statement. |
Thats exactly what I have except the 20gig version. H320 |
Mine works awesome for exercising. I've accidentally dropped it on concrete floor and it never skipped a beat. Lots of running and lifting with it and works great. |
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Rio Cali (256MB) $114 @ ecost.com I own one and love it.  Basic specs for Rio Cali (256MB) Product type-- Flash player PC interface(s) supported-- USB Flash memory installed-- 256 MB Integrated Digital storage-- None Digital player supported digital audio standards-- MP3, WMA Weight-- 1.8 oz Dimensions (W x D x H)-- 2.5 in x 2.6 in x 0.8 in Battery technology-- Alkaline Color-- Black Mfr estimated battery life-- 18 hour(s) Built-in display resolution-- 96 x 64 Included accessories-- Carrying case, USB cable, Quick start guide Software type-- Drivers & Utilities Service & support type-- 90 days warranty Audio system built-in display-- LCD CD system type-- None Cassette system type-- None Equalizer factory presets-- Pop, Jazz, Rock, Normal, Trance, Classic Tuner type-- Digital Radio tuner Headphones type-- Binaural Cable(s) included-- 1 x USB cable - External Slot(s) provided-- 1 x Battery-- 1 x Alkaline AAA type Standard battery |
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It doesnt take a genius to figure out that you should not use a HD based device for anything that will subject it to vibrations and shock. If you guys think thats a good idea, more power to you. But for me and others that exercises on a very frequent schedule and works in IT, these type of devices are not suitable for activity. We have done some HD drop tests, most dont last 1 3 feet drop. With a shock suspended casing, that will help absorbing the shock, but the risk is still there. I stick to my original suggestion, anything that holds an hour or more of music should be enough, especialy if it holds more or can be upgraded, Also the FM tuner is very helpfull since most Gym's now transmit their TV's on FM. The Iriver 190 is something that is pretty ideal, the Sandisk is pretty good as well. Also some of the PDA phones (Like the Kyocera's) can play MP3's as well. |