It sounds like you'd be happy with the 1GB iPod Shuffle.
iPod doesn't have full compatibility with some windows music formats, I believe, but you can get a player like the Rio Carbon and use a free program called JHymn to put iTunes music files on your player and get to use every music file you run across in your player.
Also, I prefer the font of the Rio Carbon and other windows-based players.
And you get a lot more music space for the price with a windows player.
You miss out on podcasts, perhaps, though. I don't know a lot about those, so maybe not.
I like the silver look and the shape of my Carbon, too.
The only issue I have is that they haven't come out with the software, yet, for the Carbon so you can't use those subscription services to download an unlimited number of songs to your player for a flat monthly fee (like at Napster). But, I think that will be resolved in the next few months, if not sooner.
Oh, and you'll want to get MusicMatch (the registered version). You can have it convert every single music file into a low-bitrate (like 112 or 96) mp3 file effortlessly (just choose your music folder, choose the output folder if you don't want it to overwrite, and then wait for it to be done), so you can fit as many songs on your player as you could imagine. Lowering the bitrate of your files makes a huge difference.
Shop around for features that best fit your wants and needs, as well as your pocketbook.
Then, buy a unit with a Seagate HD in it.
;-)
Seriously consider the iPod. Support for other formats is not necessary if you're encoding your own music from your CD collection, or purchasing music via the iTunes Music Store. Plus, all your MP3's will work automatically with the iPod, no changes necessary.
The only case you will have problems with is if you have only a digital copy of a song in an unsupported format, and no original CD with which to rerip the song. But if that's the case... purchasing a replacement via the iTunes Music Store should be a cinch, and you get the cover art with it.
You can start off light with the iPod Shuffles, or go for an iPod mini. You could even go for a full size iPod, which would give you more than enough space for music, files, and your favorite photos of your family (which you can view at any time on the color screen).
Hi,
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Good luck!
The one on the right. When in doubt, always pick the one on the right.
I don't have experience with the IPOD
I do have with Samsung's approx 1" X 1" X ~2" 1 GIG MP3 device.
And
The Sony MINIDISC player which stores with the condensed formats approximately 12-14 HOURS of music on one mini disc.
I like both the above. Certainly the Samsung is most compact. I haven't seen it recently at Best Buy--only the 512MB versions. But it's very handy and good quality sound.
Have had trouble with various software and music sites getting my play lists together and downloaded as I want. So haven't been using the Samsung until I get that act better together.
I think along with the player, it's critical to have very COMFORTABLE and good quality earphones. I prefer the IN-EAR variety and may have to get ear molds made for mine. I forget the brands I'm using but it's an expensive one and I like it. I think Koss has a tolerable one, too.
FWIW