I'm so ashamed.
And I think there's an 8GB Nano.
You could wait for the phone to come out!
I say nano. I had a regular ipod, and i gave it away to Mr. B. It really isn't too big--it fits nicely in a hand, you can carry it easily in a pocket--but it's *just big enough* that it's a teensy bit inconvenient, and we can't have that these days.
If I were buying one, I'd probably get the 8gb nano. Double the space for an extra $50 (the bastards). I've got an old 3G that is dying, hopefully I don't have to make this choice soon --- but it is *just* large enough to be a pain in pockets etc. I don't care about video, but going from 20G down to 4 might be hard.
battery life on a nano should be much better, too.
Oh, come on. The iPod is too big? You people are crazy. It's definitely hand- and pocket-sized. I think the nano is too small to be convenient; it needs more heft.
Go bigger. It's much easier having your entire music collection on your iPod—picking and choosing what to put on there is a pain in the ass (I say, as I'm getting precariously close to having filled up my 20 GB iPod, which is dangerous).
There is indeed an 8GB Nano, and I love it. I basically never use the video feature of the bigger iPod (except to show it off to people -- the video looks great, I just never have any opportunity to watch it). 4GB or 8GB is plenty for all your "current rotation" music; I do secretly like having my entire music collection on the bigger iPod for special occasions, but for everyday walking-around use, the Nano is unbeatable.
According to the graphs here the performance on the nano is significantly worse than the standard iPod. If you believe the first chart the "bass" begins rolling off around 450 Hz (440 = middle A) and the treble begins rolling off around 14 kHz (typically you would want it to be flat to 20 kHz.
Go with the iPod.
picking and choosing what to put on there is a pain in the ass
Just do it randomly.
Oh, come on. The iPod is too big?
Honestly, you kids today have no idea how easy you have it.
I have a cheap no-name flash player that takes SD cards. I have a couple of 512MB cards and just fill them up with stuff every now and again. I don't really miss having more files on it and it has (which IS handy) a built in microphone for dictation and an FM radio.
5: Well, but what if you don't have a pocket, or if your pocket entry is at the side so the thing falls out easily?
Hey, Labs, here's the solution! I'll knit you an ipod carrier and you can wear it around your neck!
picking and choosing what to put on there is a pain in the ass
But there's always stuff that you're glad you have, but don't often want to listen to, and unless you take the time to make playlists, it can be a pain to hit "skip" so often. NickS's point is harder to refute.
what if you don't have a pocket
This never, ever happens to me, short of being naked.
This never, ever happens to me, short of being naked.
Even then you've got a sort of natural pocket.
If you can fit your entire music collection onto a larger ipod that might be a deciding factor. My 20 gig isn't even close though, so functionally having `only' 8 wouldn't be that different, I think. I might be able to fit it in the largest video ipod now, but I'm kind of used to swapping songs anyway.
Like ben said, do it randomly, or use smart playlists. Not a problem.
NickS: you should perhaps read that article again a) it's the earbuds as much as anything else, which can be improved, and b) the nano looks pretty good for what it is.
14: I'd need a longer headphones cord.
NickS, in particular:
"The nano takes a back seat to the shuffle in sheer bass performance, but it's still well ahead of any of the large iPods, and has a slight edge over the Zen Micro. It's the equal of the Archos PMA400, which is saying something. "
What kind of physical abuse does it have to survive? If your 'chute fails to open the flash memory will probably survive, those little disk drives won't.
15,17 -- part of what's odd about that article is that the article seems to contradict the graphs. -1 db at 400hz is audible, and -3db at 200hz is definitely audible, but the article seems to think the results are good.
I saw the point about the headphones, but you have to listen to it somehow and if it doesn't have enough power to drive ear bud headphones, I don't what else you're going to be able to drive. Besides, it defeats the point if you need a headphone amp.
here are the charts for the ipod that I linked to a while ago. I don't know how those tests are done, and I'd love to see a head to head comparison (because of your comment about the headphones) but that frequency response chart is flat down to about 40hz.
Why not put the question plainly, Labs: "In my never-ending quest to curry favor with people I don't know, I've decided to buy an iPod. Which iPod will make me look cooler to the Bright Young Things?"
Get the Nano. I think the BYT appreciate smallness (in this area, at least).
Looking at the stereophile article again I suspect that it is measuring the output directly without trying to drive headphones, so you're correct that that isn't a good comparison.
I still feel like the graph shown for the nano isn't inspiring, but now I don't know whether it is better or worse than the performance of the standard iPod.
I'll see if I can find anything else.
I heart my nano. I have found that 4GB is enough for me, but I'm not a crazy music afficionado and my collection is divided into two lists: Things I Hate, and Things I Can Stand.
19: It's my understanding that the apple earbuds are higher load at low frequencies than available replacements. My info could be wrong/out of date though. Agreed if we are talking head phone amps + really decent headphones it defeats the purpose.
from your earlier linked article:
"As you can see, response tails off. The player would do this dead flat if the earbuds weren't plugged in, but their load is especially severe at the lowest frequencies."
I suspect the flat graphs in your linked (in 19) page are not through earbuds, but don't know.... a head to head would be great.
as for the `ipod too big' thing; my 3G has developed a problem that I think is from walking with it in a pocket that is a bit tight; the frame has flexed so many times there is an intermittent short (but it could be some other problem). It isn't `too big' in any other sense, but the nano would certainly avoid these sort of things. A lot easier to run with too, if that's your thing.
Looking at the two articles I agree with you that the stereophile test isn't measuring it's ability to drive anything -- which makes it less useful as a test, but also answers my question about how it could have such pretty graphs while sounding so mediocre.
I don't know about what are the best alternate headphones for the iPod. I've tried plugging good headphones into my friend's iPod and my response was that both I was surprised by how not-bad it was, and that it wasn't that great.
If your 'chute fails to open the flash memory will probably survive, those little disk drives won't.
Is this in response to 14?
for what it's worth, i unintentionally replaced my earbuds with cheap seinhauser one ages ago on a trip --- they seem to have better bass but it's not like i've done measurements.
mediocre sound seems to be a feature of many (all?) portable mp3 players. The loadless profiles of these seem very good though ... not much amp so unless you put incredibly low load 'phones on it will probably distort. Makes you wonder what the real performance with a set of good in-canal phones would be.
25: I have a set of Etymotic ER-6is... they're excellent. Plus the sound isolation is outstanding, which is a definite plus on public transit.
The boyfriend is telling me to get some Etymotic earbuds. The standard ones, either with the iPod or with my cell, won't stay in my tiny ear canals. But the Etymotic cell thingy has a separate mike that looks too easy to break when you stuff it in a pocket. As long as y'all are making tech recommendations, anyone know of the perfect earbuds that'll work on an iPod or a cell phone?
battery life on a nano should be much better, too.
It's definitely better, but less of a difference than you might think if you don't skip tracks; the player buffers 15 minutes or so of music off the disk at a time, then spins down between loads.
Apple claims 24 hours playback on the iPod Nano and 20 hours music playback on the Video model.
29 -- I've heard very good things about those headphones, as well as the Sure headphones.
Here's another article that looks useful. That, I believe, is also based on directly measuring the signal (meaning it doesn't tell you anything about about the ability to drive headphones) but it makes it look like the iPod shuffle is better than both the nano and the standard iPod.
It will be more durable and reliable. Flash disk players are definitely superior for everybody who doesn't want to carry thousands of albums around with them at all times. I think it is a better idea to get the Nano.
Also, if you are really living in a cardboard box, perhaps a non-Apple-brand would be more up your alley. There are some quite nice flash MP3 players that the other hobos would not be so tempted to steal from you.
Link to the Sure e3c. Sure makes a variety of tips that you can custom fit to your ears (and you don't need to use the same tip for the left and right ears and will probably improve fit if you fit them separates).
Oh, and I don't know much about flash players but if you're going to get an HD player your best value is the iAudio X5. The 60-gig variety was cheaper than a 40-gig iPod last I checked, it is entirely usable except as a status symbol, and best of all (in my opinion) from a hardware POV it's nothing but a removable hard drive. None of this DRM nonsense limiting your sharing capabilities. Plug it into anyone's computer and copy music at will. This is as it shuld be.
31: Ah, they've improved then. My 3G never got more than 10, I think. These days it gets about 2, which means a battery or ipod replacement is coming soon.
37: That they claim 20 hours doesn't mean they actually deliver 20 hours. ;)
I like the iaudio players. I have one myself.
BTW, if anyone is interested in a possible portable audio alternative I have been very pleased with the Sony d-ej1000 portable CD player. It retailed for $200 18 months ago, but I just picked one up on ebay in good condition for $45 (I assume it lost the market war with the iPod) and if you can find one for that price it's unbeatable. Being a portable CD player it wouldn't work for FL, and probably wouldn't work for many of you, but it's my new office CD player, and I'm very happy. The sound lacks some punch, but is very detailed and very smooth and the player itself is smal, light, attractive, and has amazing battery life.
Also, it looks like the Sure e4c (the next model up of which cNet said "Shure's E4c earbuds are simply the best in-ear headphones we've ever heard." ) is selling on e-bay for $180 including S/H which seems like a very good price to me.
Get the (8GB) nano. It holds a lot of music, will play longer, and is easier to carry around. I had a 20GB 4G, which held all my music, but I dropped repeatedly and was bulky enough to annoy. I replaced it with an 8GB mini, which I am completely happy with, although I feel that I should shuffle the music around on it some.
Also, don't be fooled by the persistent "but the iPod has DRM" nonsense that you hear everywhere; the DRM is only on music that you purchase from the iTunes Music Store. Music that you illegally download or legally rip is completely unencumbered, and you can set up your iPod so that it also works as a portable hard drive.
42: CNet only said that 'cause they didn't try these.
I adore my 4GB Nano, for the record. She is the perfect size for me, in every respect, and she is such a fetching shade of red. Mmmmm.
And definitely get new headphones. The iPod earbuds are uncomfortable and don't block out ambient noise, so you have to turn the volume up and damage your hearing. I got a gorgeous pair of Sony 'phones for $40 and have been able to reduce my iPod volume by half.
44 -- True. nor, for that matter have I tried them. (and, honestly, I haven't listened much to in-ear headphones. I prefer full size headphone for comfort -- my recommendation of the Sure is second-hand based on my dad and cousin both having and recommending them)
Anyone who'd pay almost a thousand bucks for earphones is insane.
It seems that it is possible to copy music from an iPod to a computer, but also that Apple does not encourage it and has even used software updates to close off some methods of doing so. Right now it is possible; with the next version of iTunes, who knows? It's certainly not part of the sales pitch, so if you want that feature, better to go with a player that offers it.
Anyone who'd pay almost a thousand bucks for earphones is insane.
But a $600 bucks for a phone from a crap service provider, with another $600 or so for the required data plan, that's just good sense.
Feminists don't like dissent, Tim.
Let's build a community.
56: It's easy for a crush to die when its recipient is unworthy.
58: Return to me, B, and all will be as it once was.
Can I have an iPhone for my birthday, apo, honey?
It's so nice to see B acting properly towards a man.
Scratch 60. If you just kick the shit out of Ben and Ogged, I'll do anything you want.
An iPhone was not part of how it once was, as I recall.
You return to the how it once was you had, B, not the how it once was you wish you had had.
Whatever. All three of you are cast into the outer darkness.
Serves you right. Just for good measure, let's add Tim, too.
Ben will be the only one in Hell, since Ogged, Tim, and I will just talk sports for eternity.
There's no sports in the outer darkness, Apo.
Okay, I'm a merciful god. You can talk about sports. But any mention of hot chicks and you'll find out what hot really means.
So no beach volleyball discussion.
Exactly.
Speaking of beach, today I'm wearing board shorts and a camisole top. With a cotton cardigan, just in case it cools off later. GOD I LOVE IT HERE.
We got 3-4 inches of snow today, with more expected tonight. I had to pull over twice to re-scrape my windshield on the way to pick up my kids at day care.
You know what, though? I love it where I am. At last, we are having a *real* winter. Later this week it should get down to -15 F.
Later this week it should get down to -15 F.
I'm honestly jealous. I love real cold.
It was supposed to have got to single digits here in Chicago tomorrow, but the overnight forecast was revised so that it will only be 20 or so, warming after tonight. We had the first brushable snow in weeks this morning.
Thesis: All digital music players should have the ability to allow the user to shuffle songs by album.
Maybe it's just because I'm no good at making sets, but I find that when I own an album, listening to the songs on it out of order activates my inner OCD gnome.
Bulbs have come up (there are daffodils all over our yard) and the trees have started budding here.
Lamest winter ever.
Our sad little biweekly dribble is forecast for Wednesday.
If this keeps up we're going to be partying this summer like it's 1976.
All digital music players should have the ability to allow the user to shuffle songs by album.
You can do that on an iPod.
What you should get depends on your primary intended use. If you're going to use it a the gym a lot or for running, get the nano. If it's primarily for commute, work, or home, get a big one. You'll like the extra room. If you often find yourself at parties where the music sucks and they could really use your help, having all or most of your music collection available right there in your man-purse is handy. And everyone will get the chance to hear how f'ing awesome your taste in music is and think you're hella cool. Always a plus.
The sound of any of these can be greatly improved by encoding your music at higher sampling rates for mp3 or just using lossless formats (definitely need a big iPod for that) and getting non-sucky Apple earbuds. I like my Sures.
the new generation ipod nano is gorgeous.
with a 4 gig capacity, using it in disk drive mode has proved very useful to me, transferring docs, mp3s, and image files from computer to computer. i've heard analysts say that the flash memory chip format leaves it less susceptible to damage due to trauma, dropping, shaking, etc...
the 2nd genners are also capable of recording WAV. lucky!
hope you have a casette deck if you plan to use it in your car - those radio transmitters generally suck, IMH.
they are also coming in such lovely colors! have fun whatever you choose to get! girlfriend and i both just adore our nanos.
Jumping in on a dead thread, but the quality of the radio transmitters varies widely. It pains me to write the sentence, but: I don't know the brand of mine, it's a white module that plugs into the power socket, with an LCD display and four buttons on it, and a cable that plugs into the dock port on the bottom to charge and get music. It works about 100 times better than the one a friend had that was battery operated and connected to the headphone jack.
re: 87
Sounds liike one of the Griffin ones.