IPOD or MP3 player?
I trying to make a choice and my knowledge is zero in this area.

1-I would like to play back for my own listening pleasure.
2-Possible play songs using the keyboard imputes.
3-What are the major differences?
4-What is your personal preference?
5-I will be recording songs with my keyboard and saving them as MP3 in order to share them with other members.

Any help would be appreciated.

John C.

ZUNE
http://www.zune.net/en-US/

Dnj, Do you feel it is a better unit?
How does it compare to the IPOD or MP3 player?

Thanks for the site, John c.

Fran & i had the ipod video ....& dumped them for the Zune.....FM radio, wireless LINK to other Zunes, better navigation on stage via buttons vs scroll wheel, next song Que, great clear sound, better useable features all around, I love the rectangle video screen also....put a Speck Tough Skin case on it & its almost indestructible.80G coming soon.


http://www.speckproducts.com/zune-toughskin.html




You want a bigger screen: Zune.
You need an all-you-can-eat subscription service: Zune.
You want a store with a larger music library: iPod.
You want a movie and TV store: iPod.
You want contacts, calendar, notes, stopwatch, and iPod Games: iPod.
You want to be different/want something new: Zune.
Xbox 360 owners who purchase music and want streaming: Zune.
Xbox 360 owners who purchase music and don't want streaming: iPod.
You want a scratch resistant player: Zune.
You want a built-in FM tuner: Zune.




[This message has been edited by Dnj (edited 08-22-2007).]

John, both Apple iPod AND Zune are MP3 players. I have the 80 GB video model and LOVE it.

I've got my entire music & video collection + more stored on it. This not only includes all my fav commercial songs from 1890-present, but all my fav MP3 music posted by SZ and other forum musician buds as well, and of course all my own produced songs (in original WAV format) and video clips (MP4 format), which is a handy way to show potential clients (on the fly) what I do anytime at a drop of the hat, and have actually booked a number of new clients this way. I also utilize the iPod for gig background break music. In addition, I also keep all my keyboard's 'backup files' stored on it. In addition to music, video, I can store my daily to do list, calendar & contacts, and the Bay Area subway train (BART) schedule on it as well.

Another thing I especially enjoy with my iPod is listening & viewing podcasts, and the way itunes automatically downloads & manages them. I got my iPod with me just about 24 hours a day.

Scott

Zune/Ipod/Zen Player Feature Comparison Chart

[This message has been edited by Scottyee (edited 08-22-2007).]

One thing before you buy an Ipod. I bought one at Costco and went I had trouble with it I called Apple they said it had an HP hard drive in it and wouldn't help me. So apple is not on my favs list. Up until then I loved the Ipod.

I'll be getting one when they have a 'Record' button on them...

Even cassette players figured this need out in under a year... Why the long wait?

In the meantime, a Zoom H4 has to be my favorite toy..

Hi John

I just happened to think that one of these small units could be an excellent keyboard backup rather than bringing an extra keyboard or a laptop. I may have to consider this a bit

Scott

Diki, although it is an option I bought a stereo mic that plugs into the connector on the ipod for doing recording via a microphone. Of course, it doesn't work as does the Zoom H4 which I also own it's a great toy as well.

I'm on my 2nd iPod had a 3rd gen and now on a 5th gen video iPod. As with Scott Yee, it's always with me. Since I work in the IT field I find tech podcasts available thru iTunes a great way to help stay up to date with developments in the tech world on my daily commute. I like the podcasts so much I wish my commute were a little longer so I could listen to more content

Donny interesting facts about the Zune. Ironically enough after listening to a podcast about the Zune I decided it wasn't for me. But you're facts just changed my view on the Zune. Not sure how I'd ever use a wirless link to another Zune. Do you find that feature useful?

double post

[This message has been edited by Stephenm52 (edited 08-22-2007).]

All the iPod add-ons for recording record at 16/44 (no mp3 option), and are signal path-ed for more dictaphone uses than as a serious recorder... Poor A/D converters, little level control, etc..

I want it all built in... and everything from 24/96 to VBR MP3 or AAC. Where would cassettes have gotten without the Record button?

I agree with diki. They should have at least a line in possibillity.
I am looking myselve for one at the moment and the only one I found with easy handling is one Zen model from creative.

With easy handling I mean no additional software to install to get it working.

My daughter has an Ipod and a PSP.
Both need software to get the PC connection.
The PSP is not compatible with all usb 2 ports and sucks big time in handling overall.
The Itunes software is taking too much resources from your pc memory and has bugs as well.

My son has a creative zen model which works like a charm without any software.
Plug in and use ms explorer.

The only downer on the ZEN model that has a line in, is that this comes only with a 5gig harddisc.

I probably wait till creative comes with a line in on the newer models with at least 30Gig.

I don't know the ZUNE.

Fred

Steve.....yes, lets say I want to get songs from Frans Zune its as easy as linking them up wireless and it transfers them no problem. The FM radio is a plus....& being able to song Que is very handy also..
& instead of buying 2nd, 3rd, 4th gen iPod you can update teh ZUNE with you PC from MS!

I have an ipod and a Sansa e280. Got the e280 for $139 at Costco. It sounds every bit as good as the ipod to me. Here are the specs. Great buy if it fits your needs.

chas
--------------------------------------

World’s first 8GB Flash MP3 player, the largest capacity in the market
Sleek, thin design with large 1.8” TFT color screen for easy viewing
Strong alloy metal casing provides excellent durability and scratch resistance
Simple to use, backlit controls for fast device interface navigation
User replaceable and rechargeable Lithium Ion battery for up to 20 hours of battery life
Includes the Sansa Media Converter to support all picture and video formats
Features microSD™ expansion slot for additional memory capacity
Supports SanDisk TrustedFlash and Gruvi content cards
Digital FM tuner, on-the-fly FM recording, and voice recording
Supports Subscription Music Stores

Thanks to everyone of you, so much good information in such a short time.
Real helpful.


Thank you, John C