iPod Nano 8Gb Black
When you think of a portable media device, usually one word comes to mind, “iPod”. Apple has definitely struck gold with its popular music device; the third generation iPod Nano became the highest selling MP3 player in history. All versions of the device have an easy to use interface and a decent battery life. However, most don’t really know these fore-mentioned perks come with a trade-off. There are very specific limitations on what media can be played on the device, as well as a prominent restriction allowing only the synch up of music through Apple’s own software iTunes. This information coupled with the steep price of the different models, compared to other brand’s, might force those wishing to conform to popular demand into considering a purchase of an alternative media device.
In the age of the iPod, where else can you turn to playback your music on the go?
The answer is that there are several other brands with media devices, which, in some cases, outshine the iPod in many ways. With most of the media and population these days so biased towards Apple’s iPod, sometimes other devices are all but forgotten. Some other well known brands with media devices include Creative (Zen series), Microsoft (Zune), Sony, Samsung (T-series), and even SanDisk (Sansa).
The iPod Nano 8Gb costs in a range from $159-$199, while a Creative Zen 16Gb player costs around $159-$200. As you can see, in some cases you can get more for your money if you decide to purchase a different brand. Although, the deciding factor here is mostly going to be attributed to quality. So can you get a better player for a cheaper, or equal price?
Yes.
All the other brands listed above have bigger screens than the iPods, better sound quality, and even better music compatibility, with exception to the Zune, which only plays WMA, MP3, and AAC files (This is still better than the iPod which plays only AAC files; MP3’s are converted to AAC through the use of iTunes before they are synched to the device).
So, before you run out and pick up that iPod because it’s the only media player you’ve ever heard of do some research first and decide which brand has a player that best suits your needs. In no time you’ll have your brand new player, and you’ll be happy you didn’t conform to certain iPod standards.
I agree that there are better player’s, but is there a better user experience? And in the end isn’t that all we want?
Nice post.
Jason
I guess the feel good associated with owning an ipod beats having better devices in your hands? But when do features take over from feel good?
There are two major draw backs to the ipod in my opinion, the fact that you cannot listen to the music on it through your PC and that fact that it cannot be used as a portable hard drive. Still I love the layout and usage of mine so I will however keep buying them.
Of course there is a better user experience when you can just drag and drop mp3′s to your Creative mp3 player
AND
you dont get 600 folders that have the same things in them
AND
when you flip through your music you don’t get the same song 10 times while looking for another one
Only reason ipods got so populare is because people ar like lemmings
their neighbor had one so they had to have on too
yes i have an ipod it dont give me problems..i put it back in the box. one day i will sell it as a antique door stop…oh my zen i bought after the wondrous ipod..it actually lets me put music on it..then plays it back to me. but you know apple has more experience than sound blaster….