Before getting the iPod, I checked out the other MP3 devices. They aren't even in the same ballpark. Apple has an opportunity to atone for their mistakes with the PC. They are in Microsoft territory so far as market share goes. Let's see if they don't blow it this time.
I checked out the creative labs Zentouch MP3 player, and it's a nice unit, but much bulkier. The one I was interested in was not compatible with audio books, which also interests me, because when I'm out exercising, I don't always want to listen to music. I enjoy audio books, and the Zen Touch didn't support that format. I got my iPod from Amazon.com.
They are making big bucks on the thing, it can't cost more than $75 to produce.
"Before getting the iPod, I checked out the other MP3 devices. They aren't even in the same ballpark.
I think that depends on what you are looking for. I don't think IPods will work for me until they can offer a better alternative to a 8-hr lithium battery. Who wants to baby sit their power supply all of the time. If your in your car or at an office all the time, that may be fine but I prefer something that only needs an occasional battery change. Seriously, I'd love a 20-40Gb digital player for all of my music, but not at the cost of constantly monitoring the power supply.
Also, I will never pay to download music where I have to give up my privacy to do so (like at WWW.music.msn.com). In terms of a basic credit card transaction, I'm o.k. with that. But I don't want to be forced to download software so some entity can have access to my computer to approve and monitor my usage . I will pay for downloads when like a CD I can purchase the music and then have the freedom to do what I want with it. I don't want to infringe upon anybody's copyright, but I do want privacy and fair use.
I'm not an expert here so if anybody knows differently please let me know.