Zune 2, iPod or what?

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Administrator Since: Apr 03, 2002

I posted a similar thread a while back, but I have a different motive now. I have a job that puts me on the bus, and I want a personal mp3/fm tuner, video playback type device...just to stay occupied for the ride...I like the sounds of the new Zune 2 coming out next month...mp3 storage, fm tuner (I can get good right and left wing political talk radio on FM), download TV shows and whatnot...I could watch a couple of 30 hour sitcoms (minus commercials) in a ride...

Any comments on those devices, or other options...

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Ne'er ate 'er
Member
Since: Apr 05, 2006


Oct 30, 2007 11:02 am

I just bought my wife a $120 Philips 4 GB unit (don't have the model # on me). Plays mp3, wma, wmv. She loves it, and it's very easy to operate.

I've always had good luck with Philips electronics.

Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002


Oct 30, 2007 11:06 am

Yeah, I like Philips too, I have done beta testing for them 3 or 4 times, I guess I never thought to look for them, just the couple big names come to mind.

I don't need a massive drive like these 80 giggers you see, I'll have to look into those, thanks.

An FM tuner is a must have though...

Ne'er ate 'er
Member
Since: Apr 05, 2006


Oct 30, 2007 11:21 am

Yeah hers has FM too. I thought they all did. Or most of 'em, anyway.

Ne'er ate 'er
Member
Since: Apr 05, 2006


Oct 30, 2007 11:29 am

This is the one

www.consumer.philips.com/...layer+SA6045-37


Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002


Oct 30, 2007 11:31 am

Yeah, I was just looking at those, man, I like their $350 media center! I like Zune and iPod cuz of the communities of content around it, I'll have to check on the video formats that their content is in, see if they'll work on other devices or if it's some proprietary thing...

Member
Since: Jan 24, 2006


Oct 30, 2007 12:13 pm

It depends on whether you want video mainly.

I bought an Archos 504 80gb player. It has a beautiful 4.3inch screen and is fantastic for playing videos, and it plays most stuff without conversion. Archos makes various wi-fi and other versions with different features. The Creative Zen W is similar and also great

I have an iPod which I love for music.

iPod touch looks cool but depending on what video you want to watch it has a small drive and requires conversion for a lot of stuff.

Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002


Oct 30, 2007 05:31 pm

I wouldn't say "mainly" video, but something I hope to use regularily and not have it be a feature that just sits there and never gets used...

I was strongly leaning toward the Zune that comes out next month, but the Philips is going to require closer investigation.

Ne'er ate 'er
Member
Since: Apr 05, 2006


Oct 30, 2007 05:49 pm

I looked at the Zune and the iPod as well, but I chose the Philips because of my distrust of the bloated Apple and Microshaft software bundles that like to take over your PC and constantly run in the background.

The Philips uses Windows Media Player 11 as a sync interface and sets up rather nicely.

student with too much free time!
Member
Since: Apr 17, 2006


Oct 30, 2007 06:56 pm

"I could watch a couple of 30 hour sitcoms (minus commercials) in a ride"


Thats a hell of a long bus ride!!!

Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002


Oct 30, 2007 07:46 pm

oops.

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Oct 30, 2007 08:47 pm

www.creative.com/products/mp3/

We have a couple of the Creative Zen units at work. I know a couple of other peep's there use them as well and love them. Like the Phillips they will use Media Player as an interface I believe. It does all that you are looking for and is available in 4, 8 and 16 gig version's. They do have bigger versions as well.

One of our IT guys in IL has had one for several years and never had one bit of trouble with it.

Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002


Nov 20, 2007 10:30 am

I ended up with the Zune 8MB, may be returning it when the 80 GB ones come in. I liked the Zune's size and user interface better, the iPod is stupid, it doesn't even have FM radio unless you spend extra...the Zen doesn't have a very good battery life between charges...the Philips I simply couldn't find anywhere to look at one. Those little sandisk ones just look cheap and childish...

However, it appears, though I am not sure yet, that the Zune software is causing weird host32 errors on my system, which pisses me off.

So, I can't say I'll be keeping it yet, but it made the bus ride much more enjoyable simply having something to listen to.

Mans reach exceeds his grasp
Member
Since: Oct 23, 2007


Nov 20, 2007 10:40 am

I got a Zune 30GB for my b-day and it's awesome, but I have the Host32 issues myself. If you get it figured out, lemmie know, cause I'm in the dark on it.

Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002


Nov 20, 2007 10:42 am

Interesting that you have that too.

I got the 8GB cuz it's flash RAM, not the microdrive...I think they will have an 80GB coming out that is flash memory too...if they do I'll get that for the bigger screen that you have...I just don't want the movable parts.

Mans reach exceeds his grasp
Member
Since: Oct 23, 2007


Nov 20, 2007 10:47 am

Can't say I blame ya. The flash drives last pretty much forever.

Member
Since: Jan 24, 2006


Nov 20, 2007 11:21 am

I don't think you'll see an 80gb flash drive anytime soon for a reasonable price. I have so far never seen a flash drive that large available for purchase.

Member
Since: Jan 18, 2003


Nov 20, 2007 02:06 pm

oh, oops, i posted this after i realized you already got the zune. irrelevant message follows:

db, the ipod will force you to convert any video you want to play into ipod format, which is like mp4 or something. i find it to be a bit of a hassle but not a real deterrent. the lack of an integrated fm tuner is actually not a problem for me because the ipod's stock of peripherals is truly impressive and they're fun to use. everything just plugs into the bottom port and is ready to go. the best peripheral i have for the ipod--and i use it constantly--is the snap-in italk voice recorder, which is the size of a small cigarette lighter and which produces stereo recordings and has auto-levels or user-set ones. it's perfect for recording song ideas as they come to you. i have also stuck the thing in my pocket at a visit to a doctor and found that it recorded perfectly through my shorts. i have recorded hour-long songwriting lessons, too, and there is no time limit to the recordings you can make with that thing. there should be many great fm tuners available for 30 bucks or so.

i have a feeling that the ipod will not ultimately be for you based on what you've always said, but i do love the wealth of peripherals available. i would not be able to get a zune--i inherently don't trust it. MS shouldn't be in that market. the zen and philips and all that stuff would be my second choice.

Member
Since: Jan 24, 2006


Nov 20, 2007 03:39 pm

Forty, what exactly did it record through your shorts ?? Actually I don't want to know (perhaps it recorded this "Big Ben" you keep talking about).

I love the iPod but I am being swayed away from it by two primary issues.

1) The video converting. With my Archos I can play almost anything without conversion.

2) The lack of a subscription music service. Something like Rhapsody would be great for me.

Member
Since: Jan 18, 2003


Nov 20, 2007 04:29 pm

i recorded a doctor telling me that nothing was wrong with me. haha.

my ipod should have a big ben faceplate.


Member
Since: Jan 24, 2006


Nov 20, 2007 04:47 pm

Almost:


http://www.collegegear.com/sf/stores/product_images/280367-x.jpg


Member
Since: Jan 18, 2003


Nov 20, 2007 06:00 pm

haha that's ugly.

Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002


Nov 20, 2007 06:21 pm

Not sure why you say MS should not be in that market, yet it's OK for Apple to be in it? Not sure (actually, positive) I don't understand the logic in that statement.

Actually, I am very happy with the Zune. Sound is great, the built in radio is manditory, and the media formats are standard...the iPod does have loads more peripherals, but none that I personally need, tho there are a couple I want.

First I am going to make sure which version I am sticking with, if that 80 GB flash memory one comes out tomorrow (stores will HAVE to have it by Friday) I'm jumping on that.

I can see where the iPod would work for many, not me and my use though. I do plan to download bunches of HRC music for sure.

Member
Since: Jan 18, 2003


Nov 20, 2007 06:28 pm

i don't know why i say it. it is just a feeling. microsoft developed the zune just to compete, just to have its foot in that market. as it felt it had to. so to me it's like its whole impulse is wrong. and microsoft just does not seem synonymous with music. like, i would never buy a xerox mp3 player. or a george foreman mp3 player. i don't know, it's just clash of context. it's not logical, just a feeling of something wrong.

Member
Since: Jan 24, 2006


Nov 20, 2007 07:04 pm

DB, the 80gb Zune is NOT a flash player. There are no commercially available 80gb flash drives at this time. You'll not see any consumer products above 16gb.

Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002


Nov 20, 2007 07:45 pm

yeah, I didn't think so, but something I saw led me to believe there may be.

forty, I disagree very much, as Microsoft has put a lot into multimedia ever since their Media Player 9 (or thereabouts), they have made huge strides in streaming media capabilities, their WDM driver type which rivals ASIO and is superior in some respects, their movie maker app is actually very good for a free app, rivals many simple consumer apps.

I think MS is just as viable in consumer media as anybody else in the market, since when is sandisk a media company? They make memory sticks?

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Nov 20, 2007 08:55 pm

Sandisk came out with a short line of mp3 players a little while ago. A dude at work actually bought his kids a couple and says their OK, not great just OK. But that is as expected I guess.

I really don't have a need for a huge mp3 player as of yet, but my choice is between the Zune and the Zen as well. But that said, my phone comes due for a free swap in March and Samsung has a niftly little job that at the moment has a 2 gig memory built it with no Card slot. And yes its a phone as well with all the bells and whistle. But my connection at Verizon said they will have a 6 gig version by my due date so that is what I'll be getting. I tried one out and it actually sounds pretty impressive. The thing is about the size of 1/3 of a cigarette box and comes with all the hook up crap and decent earbuds. So no need to buy any extra junk to make it work. I may just wait and opt for that instead of a bigger fancier player.

My Razor currently has a little over 2 gigs of memory and that works well for me as I am constantly changing my play list's any way.

Member
Since: Jan 18, 2003


Nov 20, 2007 09:06 pm

*shrugs*

like i said, it's just a feeling. as if xerox released a blender or something.

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Nov 20, 2007 10:00 pm

I'll have to find the site I read it on. But it stated we should see a large jump in flash memory cap. sooner then later.

No one thought the mciro HD would break the 80 gig barrier a year ago. Now they are going above 250gig with it. And the same applied to the flash memory. They thought it would be a long time before we say anything over 4 gig. Less then a year went by and there are 16 and 20 gig flash drives.

So I would almost bet an 80 gig is not far off.

Member
Since: Jan 24, 2006


Nov 20, 2007 11:12 pm

I owned an 80gb microdrive a year ago :) (18 months ago in fact and iPod's had them before that) I think time is passing faster as you get older :)

I'm not arguing that they are not coming, but Dan seemed to be holding out for sooner rather than later. We'll see stand alone cards for camera's and such before we see them in the MP3 players.

Zune, I'm sure is fine, but the reviews universally complain that, while it's OK, it's still at least 12 months behind the times.

Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002


Nov 21, 2007 06:10 am

Quote:
like i said, it's just a feeling. as if xerox released a blender or something.


Well, I won't bash feelings, but what about companies like Mitsubishi that have their fingers in EVERYTHING?

Ne'er ate 'er
Member
Since: Apr 05, 2006


Nov 21, 2007 09:19 am

Or Yamaha.

Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002


Nov 21, 2007 09:21 am

Yep, Yamaha is a great example of a company like that.

Member
Since: Jan 18, 2003


Nov 21, 2007 03:08 pm

mitsubishi: i wouldn't trust them with, say, a music workstation. a midi keyboard. it's just something i probably wouldn't want, haha. i also wouldn't want a kraft electric guitar or a general mills bass or a microsoft drum set :)

The Eternal Student
Member
Since: Oct 08, 2005


Nov 21, 2007 03:16 pm

General mills bass: you can eat it when you're done playing...

GE has their paws in about everything...

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Nov 21, 2007 04:31 pm

Emerson as well is another of those companies with a little bit of everything.

But I kind of agree. Although I have stuck with Motorola for my cell phones for the main reason the they basically invented the cell phone thing. But I am now seeing the light of day and realized that the Samsung I am looking at is every bit as good, maybe better.

Czar of Turd Polish
Member
Since: Jun 20, 2006


Nov 26, 2007 12:43 pm

I want a Zune, my wife has an Ipod. Although the device is cool I hate the fact they use their own codec for files purchased from ITunes and converting anything is quite painfull without seperately purchased software.

Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002


Nov 26, 2007 12:46 pm

That was my main reason for diggin on the Zune...that and it has an FM radio built in.

Member
Since: Jan 24, 2006


Nov 26, 2007 01:12 pm

The creative players are less proprietary than the Zunes and handle most video without conversion and most have an FM tuner also.

It kind of makes me chuckle though that you buy an expensive MP3 player then listen to the radio on it on the way to work :)

Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002


Nov 26, 2007 01:16 pm

I didn't like the bulkiness of the Creative players and the shorter battery life, of the ones I looked at anyway. And I hate Creative with a passion...I am more comfortable giving my money to MS than I am Creative.

And I happen to LIKE radio...thats not saying it ALL I listen to.

Member
Since: Jan 24, 2006


Nov 26, 2007 02:40 pm

Creative makes the smallest players around ???? - though they have some bigger one's also of course.

You can't allow your hatred of so many things to run your life (LOL)

The creative player I had for 30 days let you record the FM which was cool. Record what you want to listen to then listen later.

Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002


Nov 26, 2007 02:41 pm

It's not hatred controlling my life, it's selecting where I want my dollars to go...and it's not Creative.

Member
Since: Jan 18, 2003


Nov 26, 2007 03:24 pm

this just in: microsoft condoms also a subpar product.

Member
Since: Jan 24, 2006


Nov 26, 2007 03:58 pm

Quote:
this just in: microsoft condoms also a subpar product


But they do get excellent FM reception.

patron saint of quality footwear
Member
Since: May 30, 2002


Nov 27, 2007 09:09 am

I know those MS condoms are supposed to be plug and play but for some reason there always seems to be an interuption when I'm trying to upload.

Ne'er ate 'er
Member
Since: Apr 05, 2006


Nov 27, 2007 09:50 am

But the added buffer will improve your RAM numbers.

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