Portable MP3 CD Players

[Demiurge]

Not looking to break the bank, but I want something that'll last and be able to take a beating on a hike or something. What's the best right now for a decent price?

[Steve@3dai]

I'd get a flash memory based player if you want something that will not skip while being active.

Rio products are nice.

www.riohome.com

[brettw22]

Define 'break the bank'.....

The problem I have with those flash or small MP3 players is that for a little more money, you can go from 128mb-512mb up to 20 gig......

I had an I-River 20GB that was INCREDIBLY quick with uploading, but the software and functionality was lacking....

Then got a Creative Zen 40GB for around $250, which does great, has a large screen, and very long lasting battery. I had initially purchased one of the Zen's and returned it because the spring clip on the faceplate was hyper-sensitive, but they've resolved that with the newer units.

[anonymouse]

All the hard disk based ones are not - by definition - designed to take a beating. Physics cannot be defied when you have a magnetic head microns above a platter spinning at several thousand RPM. You jog, it crashes against that platter. It crashes enough, and you have a nice scratched platter and/or damaged head.

No, for your application, you want the largest solid state player you can afford. There are 512MB and 1GB solid states out there. I am not sure if the new 4GB units are solid state - I think they have microdrives.

[brettw22]

For hiking, a hard drive based unit would be fine.....I'd carry it in a padded pack, but it won't be damaged if protected properly.

Jogging is a bit different because the jarring is a constant. Hiking isn't the same beast though.

[Toxis]

I don't really do much jogging, but my g/f and I walk a lot (she hates to jog/run) and I take my iPod all the time. Love it! I actually use my iPod every day for something. I even put in a cord to run my iPod into the aux. in on my car CD player. Haven't used a CD in 4-5 months now. LOVE it! Got it on eBay (15gig) for $200 shipped. Factory refurb but has warranty through apple.

[brettw22]

Well we can at least respond with suggestions, but he's been booted and can't respond.......

[Toxis]

Good eye my friend... never caught that. I say we lock the thread.


MOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[audiobliss]

hmmm....I can't say as I've ever read an offensive post by demi.

all well


I personally use(d) an Iomega Click! disc DAP (digital audio player). It uses small discs (about 2 1/4" sq. & VERY thin) that hold 40MB. That's not much, but while they were still making them you could get 4 of 'em for, like, 20 bucks or so. I also use them for storing/transfering files & such. Very useful. I don't use the player much anymore, though.