Thread: Ok, before I give up... my mp3 criteria (help me find "the one")

I've spent more time geeking out on the interweb than I care to admit trying to find "the one". For all I know it doesn't exist. I turn to the collective before giving up and taking my discman to S.A.

Are there any MP3 players out there that do all of the below:
1. Hold 20gigs (or at least 10+)
2. Run on AA batteries
3. Work with iTunes
4. Aren't iPods

I want to run AA since I'll be carrying a shitload for my camera and my radios and my transceiver, so what's a few more? I'd rather not have cables and chargers and whatnot.

I was going to suggest one of the Sonys, but I don't think any of them take AA batteries. That requirement may well be the most difficult to fulfill.

The charger you need to carry for most mp3 players probably weighs less than a 2/3 pack of AA batteries...

Originally Posted by hop

Are there any MP3 players out there that do all of the below:
1. Hold 20gigs (or at least 10+)
2. Run on AA batteries
3. Work with iTunes
4. Aren't iPods

I've never heard of one that fits all these. 10 or 20GB = hard drive = dedicated internal battery.

My 2-year old iriver (H120) is 20GB, internal battery, uses drag-n-drop filing (with rockbox in the works), runs 14-16 hours on one charge, and lets you use whatever bitrate encoding sounds good to your ears. I looked at iTunes and quickly deleted it off my computer. Digital rights management = not for me.

I agree with rune -- just bring the charger with you. What's wall outlet voltage in SA? If 220, maybe just look for a MP3 player that's switchable 110/220.

-Karl

iRiver

9101112

Originally Posted by hop

I've spent more time geeking out on the interweb than I care to admit trying to find "the one". For all I know it doesn't exist. I turn to the collective before giving up and taking my discman to S.A.

Are there any MP3 players out there that do all of the below:
1. Hold 20gigs (or at least 10+)
2. Run on AA batteries
3. Work with iTunes
4. Aren't iPods

I want to run AA since I'll be carrying a shitload for my camera and my radios and my transceiver, so what's a few more? I'd rather not have cables and chargers and whatnot.

Unfortunately only iPods work with iTunes (which sucks anyway, so I'd make that a lower priority on your list). Also, most hard drive based players dont use AA batteries, they tend to get better run life from an integrated Lithium-Ion battery.

If your not wanting an iPod, I'd check out the Zen series from Creative (for something bigger than 20GB), or the Carbon series from RIO (less than 20GB). Both playes get excellent reviews all over the intarweb.

Creative Zen - http://www.buy.com/prod/Creative_Nom.../90136224.html

Rio Carbon -
http://www.buy.com/prod/Rio_Carbon_6.../90148500.html

hope that helps.

Your main problem will be the AA battery issue, and working with Itunes. If its mandatory that you use AA batteries you could opt for a Hi-MD player like this...it uses sonic stage (sony itunes) and has tremedous battery length. Also remember alot of the mp3 players will charge while hooked up via USB.

I have this one for my vinyl recordings and for my mp3zzzz....It has the AA add on to add to the battery life of the rechargable one.

http://www.minidisc.org/part_Sony_MZ-RH10.html

Cheap alternative:

CD player that plays MP3s (burn your own compilations at home), with disc-skip protection (for skiing), using high-capacity NiMH rechargeable AA batteries, should get you run times in the 10-15 hour range. You can use itunes or whatever other software you want to burn the CDs.

Downside: have to mess with changing CDs, the player is larger compared to MP3 players.

I use a Rio Chiba...
It takes those little Smart Media cards...
uses AA bateries...

The smart media cards come in all sizes.. Each card i have - has a different type of music on it..
Music for hiking, climbing, riding, sleeping through snoring of people in shelters...

I'm pretty sure that there are no 20-gig mp3 players in existence that run on AA batteries. Like others have said, the chargers are small enough. Also, I think the ipod is the only one compatible with iTunes. Why is iTunes a requirement for you? Most of the software is pretty easy to figure out, even for a relative Luddite like myself.

I got a Dell DJ (one of the older ones) and I'm happy with it. Easy to use, a lot cheaper than an ipod for the same amount of storage, and the battery lasts a long time. The new ones are a little smaller and sleeker. That's what I would recommend. I had read a lot of negative reviews about the Creative and iRiver products, but that was a while ago, so they may have ironed any problems out.

Also, this website has more information than you need:

www.cnet.com

Just buy my iPod already.