need a cheap mp3 player

[Maverick2002]

I'm looking for a relatively inexpensive mp3 player (under $100) to take to the gym with me. It needs to have 3 things:

1) gotta be small
2) gotta have an arm band (velcro)
3) gotta be able to transfer songs to/from it like a regular folder i.e. no syncing and no proprietary software .. essentially works like a thumb drive for mp3s

The larger the capacity the better.

Are there any cookie-cutter ones out there that fit the bill? Could use some suggestions!

TIA

 

[corkyg]

Sansa fits all of your requirements.

Sansa

 

[myocardia]

Originally posted by: Maverick2002
Are there any cookie-cutter ones out there that fit the bill? Could use some suggestions!

Yes, nearly all of the cookie-cutter MP3 players fit both #1 and #3, but none of them will have an arm band made for them. Don't the shorts you wear to the gym have pockets? If so, you could grab one of these: 2 GB MP3/WMA player for $25, plus shipping.

 

[AmberClad]

Actually the Sandisk Digital Audio Player comes with a sleeve + velcro armband attachment. Not sure about the Sandisk Sansa (someone else verify?). The DAP is basically a chubby-looking USB thumb drive. It's a little older -- there might be a newer model.

 

[Maverick2002]

I definitely need an arm band, whether it comes stock or as an accessory. Given my lifting routine it's not a good idea to have an MP3 player in my pocket - it's gonna get smashed. I can't spend more than $100 total including band and shipping though. I don't mind looks much.

That Emprex one seems like a good deal .. if only it had an arm band.

 

[imported_LoKe]

Personally, I wouldn't want an arm band while lifting...

Hell, I wouldn't listen to music at all when lifting. Treadmill or free-weights, sure, but bench and squats, probably not.

 

[Maverick2002]

To each his own. It helps me concentrate and drowns out the girl-pop that every commercial gym plays (nothing wrong with it, just not my type of music). Anyway, so the concensus is to get one of those Sandisk Sansa ones?

Any hot deals anyone knows of? I was just gonna get one off Newegg...

 

[lxskllr]

Woot's currently having a wootoff. They usually have a few mp3 players turn up with good prices. I have the 2gb Sansa, and I'm very happy with it. For some very cheap bottom end players check out DealExtreme They have some players that use SD memory cards, and sell in the $10 range. You'd have to supply the card of course, but that would make a good cheap player option.

 

[Maverick2002]

So just to clarify, the Sansa:

1) Acts like a thumb drive for music (i.e. no necessary software or syncing)
2) Has an arm band

^ that's all I really need

 

[lxskllr]

Originally posted by: Maverick2002
So just to clarify, the Sansa:


2) Has an arm band

^ that's all I really need

I don't think it comes with an armband. I got mine refurbished, so it's not definitive, but I didn't get one.

Edit:

I like those bottom end players from Dealextreme. They're super cheap so if they break your not out a bunch of money. You may already have an sd card you can use in one, and many are small enough to tuck inside a terry cloth armband or something.

 

[Zap]

Originally posted by: Maverick2002
1) Acts like a thumb drive for music (i.e. no necessary software or syncing)
2) Has an arm band
^ that's all I really need

RCA Lyra?

Includes: CD-ROM Music Management Software, USB Cable, Sports Armband, and e.clipz Clip-on Headphones, 1 "AAA" Alkaline Battery

256MB version for $30

I bought one for my wife to use when she works out. It is a bit "bulky" in that it is small, but thick. Thus, with the included armband it kind of sticks out a bit. Still, it works and doesn't seem to interfere. The whole thing including the band is about an inch thick (band adds several layers and some velcro). It can use an additional SD card for more storage and uses a mini USB cable for data transfers, acting just like a flash drive IIRC. My wife uses a NiMH rechargeable AAA battery and gets pretty decent battery life out of it.

Get 'em while they're hot because they are discontinued.

 

[Maverick2002]

Thanks, I'll look into it. Some of the reviews say it dies quick though.

What about iPod Shuffle, anyone use it? Do you have to sync it with iTunes or can you drag n drop MP3s to it? I use iTunes to store my music but at the same time I'd like to be able to just copy files over.

 

[lxskllr]

Originally posted by: Maverick2002
Thanks, I'll look into it. Some of the reviews say it dies quick though.

What about iPod Shuffle, anyone use it? Do you have to sync it with iTunes or can you drag n drop MP3s to it? I use iTunes to store my music but at the same time I'd like to be able to just copy files over.

I know the old model Shuffle you could drag and drop. I assume the new version works the same way.

 

[Maverick2002]

Can anyone confirm this (drag n drop) regarding the iPod shuffle? I'm assuming that also means you don't actually need to use iTunes for it to work.

Also, I've never used one so I don't know, but does it basically just create a random playlist of all the songs you put on it?