Beaker Needs a large capacity MP3 Player

[dicecca112]

So Please talk Beaker out of getting an Ipod.

Here's the deal, I want something that can handle my entire music collection.
Basically 30GB or larger.

I'll give you guys the pleasure of picking on and I'll order it and write a review. If there is an MP3 player out there that you always wanted to try but were hesitant, nows your chance.

If you have one now and like it, by all means shoot me a recommendation.

I don't want to get an Ipod, for one I'd be a hipocrate because I said I'd never have one, and two, people I had a falling out with have them, and I hate them so much I don't want one. But then the geek comes out and I want the latest and greatest.

CHOICES

Toshiba Gigabeat MES30VW 30GB

60 GB Video IPOD

Creative Labs Zen Vision 30GB Multimedia Center Player

Zen Vision W

[DaIceMan]

So Please talk Beaker out of getting an Ipod.

Here's the deal, I want something that can handle my entire music collection.
Basically 30GB or larger.

I'll give you guys the pleasure of picking on and I'll order it and write a review. If there is an MP3 player out there that you always wanted to try but were hesitant, nows your chance.

If you have one now and like it, by all means shoot me a recommendation.

I don't want to get an Ipod, for one I'd be a hipocrate because I said I'd never have one, and two, people I had a falling out with have them, and I hate them so much I don't want one. But then the geek comes out and I want the latest and greatest.

Handle my entire music collection... not possible. ;)

I've never had a problem with any of the ipods I've dealt with. iTunes on the other hand, I would rather smash myself about the head and neck than use it. I found a program to replace iTunes that works GREAT!. it's called Floola. I am sure a quick search of google would net the site.

Others I've used...

Sony... my nephew has one. I hate their software more than I hate itunes.

iRiver... good products. been a while since I've messed with one, so I can't comment on current products, but I like the old 256mb one we have around here.

[stopthekilling77]

i got a few. the Toshiba MEV30K - 30GB, the Archos 404 Camcorder/Portable Media Player, and the Philips HDD6330


throwing a few i've been eyeing out there

[vicaphit]

dont ever get an Ipod...mine (shuffle) died after 6 months and HP wouldnt even honor the warrentee.

I wanted to know how good the zune is. they are 30 gigs

[maj0r_pawnage]

Toshiba Gigabeat MES30VW 30GB :D also comes in 60gb

[Zertz]

HP wouldnt even honor the warrentee

How about Apple?

Back on topic, always liked Toshiba's products, never had a MP3 from them though.

[dgood]

zune or creative are the only routes I see other than ipod. I love the zune for videos, creative has some mad storage capabilities but i've had problems with some of their products.

[Illuminati]

I've seen the 30gb ipod video and have played with my brothers a bit... and really like it. Yes, Itunes is meh.

I'm interested in Zune's version of the ipod video... mainly because I've also never planned on owning an ipod... but I really liked the ipod video after using it!!

[maj0r_pawnage]

dont fall into the ipod fad!!! i said from day one im not going to buy one even though ive been tempted sometimes but dont do it!!!!

[mongol05]

I'd like to see a Zune review.

[dicecca112]

Alright updated my post with what everyone has said. Anything else? Any specifics on the creatives? I still have to check prices, I'm a college kid that has to get a lappie this summer too so I'm not made of money

Gigabeat is a distinct possibilities, price isn't bad and it has a nice look to it.
Archos 404 30GB Portable Digital Media Player is also a possbility, nice price as well.

Philips is a no. Small screen, looks like an old Creative Zen

Leaning towards no on the Zune, have a friend who has one, they have issues. Also leaning towards no on the Ipod. not a fan of Mp4 or M4A whatever the hell it is.

[maj0r_pawnage]

what about my suggestion :D

[DMB2000uk]

MP4 is like the next step from MP3.
You know you want it...

I'm in a similar boat to you matt, I had an ipod, it died, and now I'd like to get something else, but there doesn't seem to be an obvious choice thats as intuitive or sexy.

Dan

[dicecca112]

well I'm leaning towards no, so I took your suggesting to heart

Or if you want a real reason, I don't know yet.

[dicecca112]

MP4 is like the next step from MP3.
You know you want it...

I'm in a similar boat to you matt, I had an ipod, it died, and now I'd like to get something else, but there doesn't seem to be an obvious choice thats as intuitive or sexy.

Dan

\

Very true. I know what I want just haven't seen it yet. I'd also like to hold them. You know I see it this way. I'm gonna be a programmer, I need something to listen to in work. I'm driving myself up a wall with this 1GB I use in work. Just not enough music.

[DMB2000uk]

Im currently using 2GB on my palmtop and even that isnt enough.

Dan

[dicecca112]

updated with Poll and pics

[dicecca112]

Wow kinda shocked the gigabeat is winning, I'll save my vote in case a tie needs to be broken. I plan on doing some research this weekend, I have to babysit my sisters puppy. Poor thing got spayed so she's in a collar and can't jump, which means crate for her. So I'll have the time

Pics a couple months old but you get the picture

[dicecca112]

well the best screen is the Zen Vision

The W is actually worse for clarity

The gigabeat uses Windows Media Center, big downer. IPOD is still a maybe, if I can get one cheap at a closing CompUSA, I just might

[tomato]

Archos 404 30GB Portable Digital Media Player is also a possbility, nice price as well.

I've heard that the Archos line of players are fantastic at a great price point. If I hadn't received a Sandisk Sansa for my anniversary, I'd be seriously looking at an Archos... those screens are pretty sharp ;)

Personally I would avoid iPod, if for no other reason than the MANDATORY installation of iTunes to manage your music with the player.