can anyone steer me in the right direction for buying a reliable/modestly priced MP3 player? Also, I own a Mac BookPro and someone told me I had to buy an Apple iPod in order to download songs . I'm confused and need guidance before I buy anything. thanx millie can anyone steer me in the right direction for buying a reliable/modestly priced MP3 player? Also, I own a Mac BookPro and someone told me I had to buy an Apple iPod in order to download songs . ... » Read More can anyone steer me in the right direction for buying a reliable/modestly priced MP3 player? Also, I own a Mac BookPro and someone told me I had to buy an Apple iPod in order to download songs . I'm confused and need guidance before I buy anything. thanx millie « Show Less
905304
This was my favorite mp3 player, but the updates became obsolete, so I had to find a new one. Right now, I have the Sansa Clip+ 8 gb mp3 player and love it. It is not as glitzy as the ipods or even the E280, but it gets the job done -- that is if you only want to play music on it. Otherwise, you will have to find another player. I am not sure about the Macbook download issue, so I can't answer that part of the question. Sorry. Hope you find the answers you are seeking.
412585
I have the exact same problem, my 2nd Gen just broke and the new shuffle appear to be worthless. Some people recommend buying a reconditioned 2nd Gen from Apple but they appear to be out of stock. Not sure where to turn! Ipod Nano is popular but heavier than I'd prefer. Bring back the 2nd Gen Apple!
756250
Hi Megan:My experience with Coby was bad! I would not buy Coby. I bought a Sony Walkman A series touch 16 GB mp3/mp4 player and I love it! It runs with MEDIAGO software that you can download from Sony free. It keeps a very nice library on your desktop that is easy to use. I love my Sony touch!
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***********David W. Wilkins says:What is the difference between MP3 downloads and ITune downloads? Can they both go on an Ipod Classic? Thanks. ********The biggest difference is that most music on iTunes (and most other download services) has activation DRM on it. You don't own what you're "buying".You're MUCH better off buying MP3s from Amazon's music store, which doesn't have DRM. (Note that Amazon's video store DOES have DRM). Or of course the best choice is buying a CD, which has no DRM, and the highest audio quality, and can be easily ripped at any bit rate or format you want for your iPod. ***********David W. Wilkins says:What is the difference between MP3 downloads and ITune downloads? Can they both go on an Ipod Classic? Thanks. ********The biggest difference is that most music on iTunes (and most other download services) has activation DRM on it. You don't own what you're "buying".You're MUCH better off buying MP3s from Amazon's music store, which doesn't have DRM. (Note that Amazon's video store DOES have DRM). Or of course the best choice is buying a CD, which has no DRM, and the highest audio quality, and can be easily ripped at... » Read More ***********David W. Wilkins says:What is the difference between MP3 downloads and ITune downloads? Can they both go on an Ipod Classic? Thanks. ********The biggest difference is that most music on iTunes (and most other download services) has activation DRM on it. You don't own what you're "buying".You're MUCH better off buying MP3s from Amazon's music store, which doesn't have DRM. (Note that Amazon's video store DOES have DRM). Or of course the best choice is buying a CD, which has no DRM, and the highest audio quality, and can be easily ripped at any bit rate or format you want for your iPod. « Show Less
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I second the motion towards Rockbox. I just got an 80gb 5.5 on ebay specifically to put Rockbox on it, and it's fantastic. If anyone out there has a 5.5 and you're at all annoyed by iTunes, and/or by its limitations on file formats supported, and the fact that it doesn't actually let you transfer your own files onto the player, you should seriously consider checking out Rockbox and upgrading your player to a digital powerhouse. Even after you've put Rockbox on, you can still boot into the original Apple firmware rather easily, if you're concerned about that.
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Yes, as a matter of fact, I just started a new discussion on how to correct a few issues, and make it a lot more enjoyable with Mac. Check it out if you are having problems. It's (now) by far the easiest MP3 player I've ever used.
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It all depends on the features you are looking for. I just needed a mp3 player to play music in my car and when I'm traveling. So I was not interested in a 'smart' mp3 player, which are more expensive. The Ipod Nano is more expensive than the Sony walkman, but the Sony walkman had the basic features I was looking for.
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I just bought my first apple product and talked to the sales person about that very thing. From what I understand you can only use itunes downloads on apple product. However, if you can make CDs from your itune files you can turn around and load them on your computer and put them on an MP3. I have every CD I every bought on my computer and put them all on my MP3. However, I can not recommend buying this product because mine never worked right. I can't turn up the volume enough to hear it well through headphones or speakers. I have bought one of these brand new and they are a good product but this one is reconditioned and it must not have been done right. :/ I just bought my first apple product and talked to the sales person about that very thing. From what I understand you can only use itunes downloads on apple product. However, if you can make CDs from your itune files you can turn around and load them on your computer and put them on an MP3. I have every CD I every bought on my computer and put them all on my MP3. However, I can not recommend buying this product because mine never worked right. I can't turn up the volume enough to hear it well through headphones or speakers. I have bought one of these brand new and they are a good product... » Read More I just bought my first apple product and talked to the sales person about that very thing. From what I understand you can only use itunes downloads on apple product. However, if you can make CDs from your itune files you can turn around and load them on your computer and put them on an MP3. I have every CD I every bought on my computer and put them all on my MP3. However, I can not recommend buying this product because mine never worked right. I can't turn up the volume enough to hear it well through headphones or speakers. I have bought one of these brand new and they are a good product but this one is reconditioned and it must not have been done right. :/ « Show Less
1809107
Thank you, I called and spoke with someone at Rhapsody as well. I asked about the available service for the use of ipods. It was said to me that the older version ipods are not serviceable by Rhapsody. It was said to me only the newer ipods were accepted for service. I know this doesn't have to do with the Phillips but I figured any available information is helpful when in search of a gadget such as the mp3 player for the particular use on Rhapsody. Thank you for the info on the Phillips mp3. I am sure it will be very helpful to many people.
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I very very very highly recommend going to walmart and getting APPLE brand I promise I've tried cheap brands they don't work just go to walmart and spend a few more bucks and get it the right way my real recommendation is going to radio shack getting the right one for the same price and!! You get a warranty so you can take it back if it messes up:)
1044989
Just like any other MP3 player - all I did was upload music I had already dowloaded onto my destop. I never download direct to the player from a site. I like to check that the download works properly first on my desktop before saving it over. Hope that helps.
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You should definitely go with the Zen Nano, which I also own. Don't forget that with the Zen you can listen to FM stations, record from any radio source. I am sure you have some old tapes you wish to put on CD. Well the Zen Nano will get that done in a flash. Besides, the Zen can also be used as a memory drive. You can save your papers and presentations on it. Always leave a few bites avalaible for this purpose. You can save picture files on it as well. This player does so much than the Ipods and the price is beneath forgivable. Finally, aren't the Ipods too popular? Once you show up with the headphone people already know you're carrying an Ipod. I just hate that. You should definitely go with the Zen Nano, which I also own. Don't forget that with the Zen you can listen to FM stations, record from any radio source. I am sure you have some old tapes you wish to put on CD. Well the Zen Nano will get that done in a flash. Besides, the Zen can also be used as a memory drive. You can save your papers and presentations on it. Always leave a few bites avalaible for this purpose. You can save picture files on it as well. This player does so much than the Ipods and the price is beneath forgivable. Finally, aren't the Ipods too popular? Once you show up with... » Read More You should definitely go with the Zen Nano, which I also own. Don't forget that with the Zen you can listen to FM stations, record from any radio source. I am sure you have some old tapes you wish to put on CD. Well the Zen Nano will get that done in a flash. Besides, the Zen can also be used as a memory drive. You can save your papers and presentations on it. Always leave a few bites avalaible for this purpose. You can save picture files on it as well. This player does so much than the Ipods and the price is beneath forgivable. Finally, aren't the Ipods too popular? Once you show up with the headphone people already know you're carrying an Ipod. I just hate that. « Show Less
3022
I use my old shuffle for listening to books. It's small and cheap so I just keep it in my bag for when I need a book. In fact I have started loading only the book onto it and then when I am done with the book I loan it to a friend, ipod and all.
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Thanks again, Buddy. Do you recommend any other brand of player for Overdrive WMA books other than Sansa? I am quite happy with Sansa but my favorite model is becoming scarce and therefore few bargains, especially since I need several. Thanks, again!
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Forgive me but I don't have kids but yes I think it's worthwhile. But IPODs are the best MP3 players out there due to not just the player but the itunes application. And I don't currently own an ipod. Mine died awhile back. I went the cheap route and tried other players like sansa, which is one of the best in the industry for windows. Yet, IPOD (apple products) blows it out of the water. It's worth it. Refurbs are a risk but with a 12 year old I'd do it. And down the road after she's become a pro at using it maybe she get inspired to save up for her own. That's my own delusion thinking :-) As for warranties. It's 50/50 but still more cost effective. Best of luck. Forgive me but I don't have kids but yes I think it's worthwhile. But IPODs are the best MP3 players out there due to not just the player but the itunes application. And I don't currently own an ipod. Mine died awhile back. I went the cheap route and tried other players like sansa, which is one of the best in the industry for windows. Yet, IPOD (apple products) blows it out of the water. It's worth it. Refurbs are a risk but with a 12 year old I'd do it. And down the road after she's become a pro at using it maybe she get inspired to save up for her own. That's my own delusion thinking :-)... » Read More Forgive me but I don't have kids but yes I think it's worthwhile. But IPODs are the best MP3 players out there due to not just the player but the itunes application. And I don't currently own an ipod. Mine died awhile back. I went the cheap route and tried other players like sansa, which is one of the best in the industry for windows. Yet, IPOD (apple products) blows it out of the water. It's worth it. Refurbs are a risk but with a 12 year old I'd do it. And down the road after she's become a pro at using it maybe she get inspired to save up for her own. That's my own delusion thinking :-) As for warranties. It's 50/50 but still more cost effective. Best of luck. « Show Less
225617
Just to correct one misconception. The iPod is not limited to music purchased at the iTunes store. You mentioned my favorite source, emusic.com which works great with an iPod (or any mp3 player). Unprotected mp3s from any source will work just fine. You are correct in that iPods don't work with subscription services.
1854243
Luke, If you still need one, I have uploaded a User's Guide / Manual for this MP3 player. It's included at the end of my review. Rick S.