More MP3 Ponderings
I went to a Best Buy to look at a bunch of MP3 players and see what features I liked. I decided that while I did like video, I probably won’t watch enough of it on a player to justify getting a really large screen. As sexy as something like a iPod Touch is, they are still too big and I would probably not take something like that with me very often. With that in mind, I decided that 8 GB is probably enough space. Now I am in between:
- Sony Walkman NWZ-S718F ($169.99): OMG the famed Walkman brand! All of the Walkman players were at the top of Consumer Reports’ ratings, and when I was handling the various MP3 players, I kept gravitating towards the Walkmans. I think the interface is not as slick, but everything I have read about this player has been very positive. I am strongly considering buying this and going with a subscription service like Napster. It also has an FM tuner for when I feel like being a sheep and being told what music is good.
- Zune 8GB ($149 supposedly): In terms of hardware, it is similar to the Walkman, but probably slightly inferior. I do like the UI and squircle, but probably not enough to buy the Zune over the Walkman. The one thing that is still seducing me about the Zune is the promise of amazing Zune 3.0 software. A Zune Pass is not the cheapest service around, but the WiFi aspects are kinda neat (though I don’t know anyone who has a Zune).
Right now I think I will probably end up getting the Walkman unless someone convinces me otherwise. The Zune sounds nice, but I might wait till the next iteration before considering it. I do like Microsoft’s ideas for having the Zune become a hub of music-sharing-awesomeness, but I suspect all I really want (for now) is a really good MP3 player.
Now that I have done more research, I think Apple really needs to step up its game with regards to iTunes software. While their designs are ever so slick, I think other companies are starting to catch up in terms of hardware. While I hear iTunes is great on Macs, my experiences with iTunes on Windows have been largely negative.
By Jesus159159159, 9/15/2008 @ 11:16 pm
*stains his eyes with lemons*
I swear it on my grave, Sony will only bring you misery! IT WILL BE THE END OF YOU!!!… /Sony hatred
In all seriousness, if you think that will suit your needs, then I don’t have any objections. But please make sure to tell us if anything bad happens to it. It’ll make my day =3 It really really will.
By Kabitzin, 9/16/2008 @ 12:32 am
I tried the Zune client and liked it. I ordered the Zune 8GB Third Generation, lol.
By teahouseblossom, 9/16/2008 @ 7:46 am
It’s so funny how far the Walkman has come!! Remember those huge old bulky tape decks from the 80s? I still remember my first Discman. I thought I was so cool…
By Jesus159159159, 9/16/2008 @ 5:45 pm
*sniff* Thank you!!! I… I can die in peace now… X3
Shoving my Sony hatred aside (again), the Discmans/Walkmans of the past were pretty hip. All my older cousin’s friends had them, except for my cousins of course… cause we were poor.
I am grateful to Sony for one thing… They opened my eyes.