Help me choose a portable (jog-able) MP3 player...

[Pabster]

I desperately need a small MP3 unit that has these features:

- minimum 64MB on-board, prefer 128MB
- standard media compatibility (i.e. no "backpacks" or other proprietary and expensive RAM upgrades)
- FM stereo tuner
- small and compact for jogging and the like

Was at BB last night and was rather disappointed. They wanted $100 for those 32MB Rio 600 which use proprietary backpacks. No thanks. The Samsung YEPP looked killer, but didn't appear to support additional (standard) memory or have an FM tuner.

Oh yeah, USB 2.0 or FireWire would be nice for the transfers too

 

[Pabster]

Bump. I know y'all got 'em, so speak up. I've got a rigorous workout routine to get started on

 

[Antoneo]

Nomad MG II (or the other Nomads)?
A price range would be rather helpful.

 

[aphex]

I have the Nike PSA 60 that i got for $30 in december... Serves my purposes fantastic...

 

[datalink7]

10gb iPod kicks major ass. I have one and am really glad of the purchase, though it was really expensive. You get $30 bucks off if you are a college student from apple.com store if you can't find a better deal elsewhere.

 

[yllus]

Creative Nomad II

Player Details
The Nomad II is generally a well featured player. The already mentioned firmware upgrade feature made the player innovative for it's time but it also has a number of other attractive features.

There is a large LCD screen which features icon display making it very easy to read. Like the original Nomad, the Nomad II has an FM tuner along with 32 presets. It also features a voice recorder which produces NVF files which are at a bitrate of 32Kbs. Unlike the original, it connects to a computer via a USB cable and can also connect through a special docking station which is available as an accessory. The Nomad II is powered by a single AA battery.

Have one, do a lot of walking/jogging, works perfectly. I only gripe about the high battery consumption - 8 to 10 hours per single AA battery (800 mAh), so I usually have one in the player and one in the carry bag as backup. My Nomad II is a 0MB onboard model that can take 128MB SmartMedia cards, which I will shell out the dough for one of these days. Maybe get two at once, they're easily small enough to carry along and swap under a minute's time.

 

[McPhreak]

I got the Creative Labs Nomad IIMG. 64megs onboard + 128meg Smartmedia card, FM Tuner w/10 preset stations, about the size of the Samsung Yepp, sturdy magnesium case. I love it. Only problem is that it doesn't come with any sort of jogging peripherals so you'll probably have to hold it in your hand when you jog. I think you can buy a strap on their website though...

 

[UltraQuiet]

Got one of these MPIO-DMK a couple of weeks ago. No FM tuner, but it is perfect to work out with.

 

[Pabster]

Got an iPod (5GB), it isn't a jogging machine. Trust me.

The YEPP looks really, really great. But it has no FM tuner and no way to add extra RAM.

Keep the suggestions coming. I need the ability to add extra RAM/swap RAM (CF/SM preferred, MMC last resort). Battery life isn't too criticial, I have enough AAA/AA NiMH laying around to float a boat.