mp3/ipod

[modernmilly]

does anyone know the difference bewtween an mp3player and an ipod. I want to my my 18yr daughter one any suggestions for best buy?

[doglady]

No difference at all. An Ipod is a type of MP3 player, just like an apple is a type of computer.

I've got a Samsung (I think) Yapp one, and it's dinky, and I think it's great. It was a whole lot cheaper than an IPod, where I think you are just paying for the name, personally.

[fo3nix]

The iPod is just Apple's own mp3 player. Just their brand name. Personally I think the iPod is better than the rest though, but that's just an opinion.

You basically have two options if you want to buy an iPod (I'd recommend it over other devices): the regular iPod or an iPod nano. The only real differences are that the regular iPod stores more and can play videos, where as the iPod nano stores less but is much smaller. The regular iPod is the better one to buy for number of songs per pound spent, but the iPod nano may be the "cooler" option.

[-=JR=-]

There is one REALLY IMPORTANT difference between Apple players (iPods) and virtually everybody else. If you choose an iPod you are restricted to downloading music from Apple's own iTunes service. If you choose one of the other manufacturers (e.g. Creative, Philips, Samsung) you will have the choice of many download services.

If your intention is not to download legally but to buy and rip CDs, then either will work for you.

In my opinion, having road tested both professionally, the iPod is all about form over function. Nice to look at, easy to use, but limited in functions. My choice would be to go for a high spec Creative player.

[fo3nix]

JR: that's true, but also useless.

No-one should be buying music from any of the 'legal music stores'. This includes the iTunes Music Store, and all the others that use Microsoft's technology. They all cripple your downloads with DRM, which restricts how you can listen to your music. Also, you're paying through the nose for your music. Until the music industry wises up, I'd strongly recommend sticking to buying CDs that you can at least rip to any format you like.

Also, the iPod is not at all about form over function. It's typical with most Apple products in that the interface design is impeccable. Then, they spend a long time in the industrial design process so that the thing looks nice. I think many don't like the iPod because they're popular. Maybe they're popular for a good reason; maybe they're just good?

[williaid]

i have heard that ipods are unreliable? not got one myself, just what i have heard

[fo3nix]

They're very reliable in my experience.

[missmuppet]

I bought my OH a creative Zen nano for xmas, He then subscibed to a site for downloading and got an I-pod free. Given the choice he says he would always go with the creative, he's not overly impressed with the i-pod and he's a real gadget junkie so he knows his stuff!