Best MP3 Player Running + Listening to Podcasts HelloI listen to podcasts of NPR. My Second Gen Ipod shuffle broke so I need something new. The new shuffle looks terrible. Is there something that will work with my NPR podcasts in iTunes that I can run with? (I run marathons + 50k's.) Best MP3 Player Running + Listening to Podcasts HelloI listen to podcasts of NPR. My Second Gen Ipod shuffle broke so I need something new. The new shuffle looks terrible. Is there something... » Read More Best MP3 Player Running + Listening to Podcasts HelloI listen to podcasts of NPR. My Second Gen Ipod shuffle broke so I need something new. The new shuffle looks terrible. Is there something that will work with my NPR podcasts in iTunes that I can run with? (I run marathons + 50k's.) « Show Less
412584
Did you ever find an answer to your running and podast proble,? I also have the same problem. Can't find anything small enough to run with but can still carry my podcasts.
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!
1764846
You can listen to anything you would normally be able to download to your iPod shuffle. If you already have another iPod shuffle then it will act exactly the same. Does that make sense?
1553419
This is probably too late to help you, but for other out there who are facing re-ripping: go ahead and download the latest version of iTunes (yes, you can use it even if you don't own an iPod), and import using AAC encoding (instead of MP3). You get better sound quality and smaller files at a given bitrate over standard MP3. Or, if you're like me, you can up the bitrate and get better quality without making the file a lot larger.The tradeoff is that some devices will not play AAC encoded files, so if you are going to put your music on non-iPod players, you may want to think twice. This is probably too late to help you, but for other out there who are facing re-ripping: go ahead and download the latest version of iTunes (yes, you can use it even if you don't own an iPod), and import using AAC encoding (instead of MP3). You get better sound quality and smaller files at a given bitrate over standard MP3. Or, if you're like me, you can up the bitrate and get better quality without making the file a lot larger.The tradeoff is that some devices will not play AAC encoded files, so if you are going to put your music on non-iPod players, you may want to think twice.
510830
The fiio played all mp3 files without issue. As for podcasts it would depend on the file format. I have yet to autosync it like I can with my iPods.
1687472
What's disappointing to me isn't so much that you can't subscribe to podcast in the WiFi store (since the vast majority of podcasts aren't available in the iTunes music store anyway) but that the iPod Touch can't automatically download podcasts for *existing* subscriptions. Specifically, I'd like the device to pick up the podcast subscription config from the PC-based iTunes that the device docks with, and then just continue to check for new podcasts in those subscriptions while over WiFi. That way, the content doesn't need to be in the iTunes WiFi store - the device would just have the ability to update those subscriptions itself, like the real iTunes does. What's disappointing to me isn't so much that you can't subscribe to podcast in the WiFi store (since the vast majority of podcasts aren't available in the iTunes music store anyway) but that the iPod Touch can't automatically download podcasts for *existing* subscriptions. Specifically, I'd like the device to pick up the podcast subscription config from the PC-based iTunes that the device docks with, and then just continue to check for new podcasts in those subscriptions while over WiFi. That way, the content doesn't need to be in the iTunes WiFi store - the device would just have the... » Read More What's disappointing to me isn't so much that you can't subscribe to podcast in the WiFi store (since the vast majority of podcasts aren't available in the iTunes music store anyway) but that the iPod Touch can't automatically download podcasts for *existing* subscriptions. Specifically, I'd like the device to pick up the podcast subscription config from the PC-based iTunes that the device docks with, and then just continue to check for new podcasts in those subscriptions while over WiFi. That way, the content doesn't need to be in the iTunes WiFi store - the device would just have the ability to update those subscriptions itself, like the real iTunes does. « Show Less
80522
I had to update my car stereo with one that has a MP3 jack. Without that MP3 jack my stereo couldn't play podcasts from my iPhone or music from my MP3 player (not necessarily iPod).
277610
I'm waiting for a 128gb flash player that SOUNDS good, and can be loaded with a standard usb cable, and not requiring some proprietary software (read itunes). I test drove a 64gb ipod touch when it first came out, because my 16gb cowon iaudio7 is too small, but it sounded terrible, admittedly it was a stock set of tunes ripped at a low bit rate, but when I wanted to load up my own max bit rate tunes to it, the geniuses at the apple store couldn't fathom why someone would want to listen to tunes they'd ripped themselves, or how to make it happen. Hopefully someone raises the bar on storage space and sound quality, neither of which should be hard at this point. I wish someone would swing for the fences and do a flash 256gb player. I have to admit, I'm anachronistic, in that I don't want internet access, apps, videos, etc. just a gigantic music player that's not disk based (use it on a motorcycle, drop it constantly on the commute), that sounds fantastic and has great battery life. The more things a device does, the performance of each of those things suffers.
1655565
I does not work with anything newer than the ipod nano 3rd generation. I bought an ipod nano 4th gen but it did not work in the iGroove. I still use the 3rd generation keep it in the iGroove which is in my garage for when I work on projects love the player it sounds awesome.
607161
thanks for the reply.. I ended up buying the sansa shaker mp3 player (I liked the idea of having a speaker option), for my 8 yr old niece this Christmas. I wish I didn't. It seems that if you have a Mac, and buy music on iTunes you, can't transfer it to an mp3 player, unless it is an iPod. ITunes music is in AAC format... you can't change it mp3 format. Mac apparently says that the sound quality is better.. I'm not so sure, and I am definitely disappointed that Mac doesn't at least give you the option. I'll just continue to let her use my old 2nd generation iPod.
2099022
Me too. Looking for a FM transmitter for my 2nd Generation Shuffle. Wish we could get some answers here.
1498351
Thanks, Alex. This is very helpful. I'm feeling like this might work for me, and even if it doesn't, I'll still have an awesome mp3 player.-Rick
564863
A really good MP3 player that I have come across is the SanDisk Sansa e280 8 GB MP3 player. It is a little more expensive than most (I think new it's about $149.99, may be cheaper), however it lasted me about 7 years. It probably would have lasted me longer, except a friend borrowed it and left it in the rain. It is a pretty high quality player. Now on to the itunes issue. Itunes has basically made it so that you can't download music from them onto something that isn't apple, except a desktop computer. I received an itunes gift card once and did not own anything by apple. I downloaded itunes onto my computer easily and then bought a few songs. I did a lot of research and tried and tried to sinc the music onto my MP3 player, but nothing was working. Finally, I tried to download my songs onto a disc, which worked. Then I proceeded to upload that disc onto a different media player (Windows Media Player) on my computer that allowed me to download songs onto my MP3 player. All in all it was a very frustrating and difficult process. If you want to avoid the frustration of having to deal with itunes, I would just get an apple ipod, ipod touch, or something that apple allows itunes to download to. If you really want an MP3 player I would recommend the one I highlighted above.
223980
I received this MP3 player as a gift and also really wanted to play audio books on it. Unfortunately I waited too long to try out that feature. From what I can tell it will download and play MP3 audio books but NOT WMA audiobooks which is most of what my library has. Its too late to return it... even if I wanted to go through the hassle of trying to return a gift. So I guess I'll give this to my daughter and go back to looking for a player that will play my books. Good Luck!
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.
50808
I have a 2nd generation Nano, a 3rd generation Nano Shuffle and now a 6th generation Nano. I mostly use them for exercise and the 3rd generation is absolutely the best of all. It's the easiest to use because the controls are on the headphones so you can change songs with a press of the button. Because it's so compact, I can clip it to my clothing so I barely realize I have it on. The 2nd generation with the trackwheel can be a pain to exercise with. I haven't used the 6th generation Nano enough to really comment yet.
998038
I have never owned an Ipod. I am looking for the best version that is specifically for music. I do not want a lot of bells and whistles, I want good sound and to know up front that it is fairly simple to load or download music. Does anyone have a preference for what version I should go for? No:Photos/games/other stuff.. just music.thanks.
2029684
I really like the shuffle, It makes swimming laps fun. The shuffle has not been a problem. The problem I had was getting the smaller rubber ear covers on the main buds. I never could do it. I use the Buds that came with shuffle without the little ear buds. They are uncomfortable. They need to make different sizes of the main buds. I have little ear holes to,but like I said, I cannot get the smaller rubber buds on the main buds. Hope this helps.....