Any GOOD alternatives to the iPod nano?

[bucwylde23]

I am looking for my first MP3 player. I've never had one and don't really keep up with which ones are good or bad or even what all the options are.

I was just looking at the nano's and was wondering what other brands/models are comparable.

For reference I am interested in spending less than $200. I am leaning towards the 2 GB model, but may be swayed to the 4 GB. I'm interested in the flash based players, and really don't need 30, 60 or 80 gigs of storage space. I've only got 15 GB of music and wouldnt need to carry all of it with me.

Can someone help me out?

 

[aphex]

consider picking up a refurb 2gb nano for $99 from Apple.com

Basically same as brand new.

 

[atybimf]

Originally posted by: aphex
consider picking up a refurb 2gb nano for $99 from Apple.com

Basically same as brand new.

lol - someone asks for apple alternatives and you suggest a refurbished apple

 

[GTaudiophile]

4GB Model for $186
8GB Model for $206

 

[bucwylde23]

Originally posted by: GTaudiophile
4GB Model for $186
8GB Model for $206

The e260 4 GB model looks interesting. I've got a 1 GB micro-sd card in my phone that I'm not using. an easy 5 GB of storage space there.

I will read up on these players, may have a winner anyone have any experience with these?

Also, I'm not ruling out the iPod. I am just looking to see if anything is better at this point. I don't have a preference either way, just want a good player.

 

[slackerinabox]

as far as alternatives go, sandisks are great bang for buck players but i've never liked the sound quality. it's not bad, just kinda harsh sounding even on good headphones. Creative players sound very good but i've broken 5 of them in as many years. Honestly, I think the nano's a great, well rounded player - small, fashionable, decent sounding and not over priced.

p.s. i love iriver stuff but they're just not price competitive.. check out the clix, looks purty and, based on past experience, iriver's UI and sound quality are top notch... Or get an iPod Nano red, since some of that money's going to help a good cause

 

[bucwylde23]

Originally posted by: freedomsbeat212
as far as alternatives go, sandisks are great bang for buck players but i've never liked the sound quality. it's not bad, just kinda harsh sounding even on good headphones. Creative players sound very good but i've broken 5 of them in as many years. Honestly, I think the nano's a great, well rounded player - small, fashionable, decent sounding and not over priced.

p.s. i love iriver stuff but they're just not price competitive.. check out the clix, looks purty and, based on past experience, iriver's UI and sound quality are top notch... Or get an iPod Nano red, since some of that money's going to help a good cause

If I do get a nano, i think that the nano in red is just a tad too bright for me I'd go for black, but it looks like that's only offered in the 8 gb model.

 

[Insane3D]

Originally posted by: freedomsbeat212
as far as alternatives go, sandisks are great bang for buck players but i've never liked the sound quality. it's not bad, just kinda harsh sounding even on good headphones.

You really need to specify models... Any other Sandisk player beside the E Series, I'd agree, but the E series with good headphones have equal, or slightly better SQ in reviews.

OP -

I have the 6GB E270, and I love it. I often travel for work, and I usually don't stop the music from when I get out of the car at the airport, until I get in the rental at my destination...great player. Also, I never thought I'd use the FM tuner, but I do use it every once in awhile, and it works very well. I can usually get stations when I'm at 38,000 feet.

I wouldn't suggest the older C series..

 

[Kaido]

Originally posted by: chrisg22

Originally posted by: GTaudiophile
4GB Model for $186
8GB Model for $206

The e260 4 GB model looks interesting. I've got a 1 GB micro-sd card in my phone that I'm not using. an easy 5 GB of storage space there.

I will read up on these players, may have a winner anyone have any experience with these?

Also, I'm not ruling out the iPod. I am just looking to see if anything is better at this point. I don't have a preference either way, just want a good player.

Yeah, I ordered the 8 gig after playing with one at Best Buy. I like the "real" click wheel better than the touchpad, feels more accurate. I also started on the Rhapsody service, unlimited music for $15 a month. Pretty good deal. Go for the 8 gig model, it's $180 at Amazon, free shipping:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/de...-9-1_ce_18700805_44?tag2=amd-google-20

 

[bahbahbooey]

I am enjoying my sansa e260 i got a month ago..Ipod just wasn't an option for me, just like for the OP

 

[RossMAN]

http://www.anythingbutipod.com/forum/

 

[Deeko]

After my trash heap Nano died on me in less than a year, I picked up a Sandisk Sansa e260. I've had it about a month now, its roughly 1000x better than the Nano in every way.

 

[Parasitic]

The Sansa seems great. Creative players are fine too but their 90-day warranty (IIRC still only 90 days but its been awhile since I owned a Creative player) is a little short. My last two Creative players gave out within two weeks past the warranty so I got a bit tired of them and moved to iPods.

Is there a reason (besides shopping around) that you'd prefer a non-Apple product?

 

[HomeAppraiser]

SanDisk Sansa m250 Silver/Black 2GB nice and inexpensive. My 10 year old has had the 1GB version for six months and loves it.

 

[SZLiao214]

The creative have a few sweet product lines depending on what you need.

 

[Nutdotnet]

The Sansa E-series looks cool, but I didn't like how it felt, ie, cheap. I couldn't stand the "wheel"...

I went with a Nano...it's nice, simple, plays music...

 

[mobobuff]

Originally posted by: GTaudiophile
4GB Model for $186
8GB Model for $206

My dad bought my mom one of those for Christmas. I had never heard of them, but I had to teach her how to use it. It was actually quite nifty. The software blows, but the player itself is nice. Has FM radio, which the Nano does not.

 

[Insane3D]

Originally posted by: Nutdotnet
The Sansa E-series looks cool, but I didn't like how it felt, ie, cheap. I couldn't stand the "wheel"...

I went with a Nano...it's nice, simple, plays music...

I know some people don't like the "wheel", but it's hardly cheap. In fact, it's a lot hardier than the nano, and doesn't scratch all up just being brushed by a hair or something...

 

[timswim78]

Originally posted by: chrisg22

Originally posted by: GTaudiophile
4GB Model for $186
8GB Model for $206

The e260 4 GB model looks interesting. I've got a 1 GB micro-sd card in my phone that I'm not using. an easy 5 GB of storage space there.

I will read up on these players, may have a winner anyone have any experience with these?

Also, I'm not ruling out the iPod. I am just looking to see if anything is better at this point. I don't have a preference either way, just want a good player.

Honestly, I'd spend the extra $20 and DOUBLE your capacity.

 

[0]

Get a refurb mini.

 

[thehstrybean]

I love my Zen Vision:M, but that's probably a little high for you in price range...

Go with the Sansa. My boss bought one of these things and it's just plain cool. Very nice navigation, too.

 

[loup garou]

I love my e270. Great little gadget, well priced too!

 

[Appledrop]

liking my 4gb meizu m6..

 

[PaperclipGod]

<-- still using his 64mb Creative Nomad II.

 

[Zysoclaplem]

I just bought a Creative Zen V Plus. 4gb. Plays videos and photos. And music. FM tuner. Calendar..etc..etc..
It's pretty swell.