Can't Decide, please help!

**VipFREAK** · October 7th, 2004, 06:02 PM

Ok, so I'm looking to get a new Mp3 player and I'm pretty much torn between... (in order so far)

1. Unison 512Mb $179.00

2. Muro 512mb $199.00

3. iPod mini 4gb $229.00

The reason I like 2. over 1. is because of the metal construction and ease of use (I've tried my friends but at the same time the uniqueness of 2. is nice also. The last one, iPod mini... I told myself I'd never get an iPod of any sort but this one is really nice looking and 4gb is more than It also seems easy to use but what worries me is the software as there is no "drag and drop"(right?).

Anyway, 512mb is enough for me but the reason I like the first two over the iPod is that there's a boat load more features for cheaper. I really like the transmitting feature since I use it in my car. The current player that I have is a Neuros (for sale, contact me if interested) which also has a transmitting feature.

I suppose that's it please let me know what you think? also, please don't go responding with "duh iPod the others suck". Explain why I should chose the iPod over the other two.

Thanks

Nick

**BorgAssimilator** · October 7th, 2004, 06:14 PM

I would go with the iPOD mini, just because of the space issue. Now I'm not sure about the mini, but you can get a radio transmiter for the regular ipods for like $30 (and that's being generous), and I'm sure they make it for the mini as well. As in the voice recorder that was on one of the other models, would you really use it a lot? Granted I have used them, and they can be fun to mess around with, but still. Just question if the "extra" features worth the $30-$50 cheaper and the 3.5gb of space.

If it were just up to the first 2, I would go with the unison, just because it's cheeper, and seems to have more features.

**MadMan2k** · October 7th, 2004, 07:39 PM

I vote for the ipod also, if it's not too pricey for ya.

**cryptoguy** · October 7th, 2004, 08:56 PM

I say if you get the iPod, get the mini. I don't think anyone needs like 5000 songs unless you use it as an external driver

**VipFREAK** · October 7th, 2004, 09:14 PM

So, I don't get it...

I guess everyone that buys an iPod just gets sucked in because it's an Apple or because it looks good?

I've had the Neuros 20gb player and found two things that didn't fit my life style.

1. I didn't really need all that much music with me because I would never listen to it. Also, I don't like searching through a long list of all my songs on a small screen (especially when tags are messed up).

2. My mood changes and it's easier to "drag and drop" (no software) on to a 512mb (enough for me) player that I want to listen to. Furthermore, having an extra external HD and my laptop with me that makes it easy to carry my music collection.

As for the "extra" features, yes, I'd definitely make use of them but because of the nature of a HD based player being larger than a flash player it doesn't lend it self to "discreet" recording (recording teacher/student conversations). Also, being able to do line-in recording directly to the player at 128kbps is great as I've done it alot. Oh, last but not least, sometimes you gotta take a break from your collection so, having a FM radio is always a plus.

So, that's why I put the flash players ahead of the iPod.

As for the Transmitter for the iPod, I knew about it but I just hate the fact that you have to buy all these "accessories" or "add ons" AFTER you buy a $249 Mp3 player.

thanks

Nick

edit: Forgot to mention... the reason I like HD players is because I can play for a longer period thanks to ac adapters unlike the flash players. With the first player I'd have to switch out AAA batts. all the time where as the second player has a specialize batt that would be a one time shot untill I recharged it. So, the player would be out of commission unless I bought a second batt and swapped it every time.

**MD1032** · October 7th, 2004, 09:19 PM

I would also go for the iPod mini. As highly regarded as the iPod itself where I come from.

**radio1_mike** · October 8th, 2004, 10:37 AM

Why not:
1) iRiver 800 series: http://www.iriveramerica.com/products/800.aspx
2) iRiver 700 series: http://www.iriveramerica.com/products/700.aspx

If you are not in North America: http://www.iriver.com

I would choose iRiver over the two flash players you mentioned, if you really want a flash-based player.

The iPod mini is sweet, but you have to consider:
Availability and Price Gouging.

But the iPm is a great choice if you like Apple's spin on hardware.

**Gordons** · October 8th, 2004, 10:44 AM

I would go with the I POD , no doubt.. 4 Gigs!

**VipFREAK** · October 8th, 2004, 01:39 PM

I know about iRiver and don't like them for the looks and how much they want for their players.

As for everyone saying "go with the iPod mini" did you read my last post? The other features don't mean anything to you and your willing to buy a player just on it's looks and capacity for just being an mp3 player?

Nick

**Gordons** · October 8th, 2004, 01:43 PM

Originally Posted by VipFREAK

I know about iRiver and don't like them for the looks and how much they want for their players.

As for everyone saying "go with the iPod mini" did you read my last post? The other features don't mean anything to you and your willing to buy a player just on it's looks and capacity for just being an mp3 player?

Nick

4gigs=tons of songs.. price = way better.. dont get rapped up in the audio wars man!

**VipFREAK** · October 8th, 2004, 01:49 PM

But I'm aware of the size of the player I've had players that could hold 64mb, 128mb, 20gb and 256mb. 512mb as long as it has "drag and drop" is fine for me. I don't need 4gb, not to mention I'll have my extra hd full of my music.

At this point the only thing drawing me toward the iPod Mini is that it has an ac adaptor so batt. life isn't so much of an issue and the interface of getting around. What about all the other features especially transmitting because the ipod mini is pretty worthless in my car then. Yeah yeah, so you can buy an add on for that it's an add on cost on an already expensive mp3 player only.

Nick

**VipFREAK** · October 8th, 2004, 05:08 PM

I absolutely hate bandwagons but because of my reckless emotions I will be jumping on this one for cheap.

I have two concerns...

1. Does the mini suffer from the same battery problem as the iPod and does it still cost a lot to replace it?

2. I'm concerned with the software to transfer music. Since it's not "drag and drop" how easy and fast is it? Can the mini be used as an external hd as well?

Ok thanks for your help

Nick

edit: so I've been browsing the ipod mini forums and I have to say it's kinda discouraging me to get the mini because there are a lot of problems namely the same kind as the other HD player I had. The biggest issue is Battery life and Song transfer. Is there anything you guys can say to pursude me back to the mini??