iPod vs. the others
January 24, 2005
|
I'm about to buy my first music player, and I was keen on the Apple iPod, as it seems to be the biggest name on the market. But then I heard that MP3 players are better because they are solid-state. My main aim is to be able to store as many of my favorite songs as I can from my CDs (rather than from downloads). My wife is a jogger, and I expect she will want to use it while running. I don't want to spend more than $700. Any advice would be very much appreciated.
|
Submitted by:
Sparkwoodand21,
CNET forums
|
 |
|
We understand your confusion, and there are a few things you need to know before you buy. Apple iPods are MP3 players; they can play MP3s as well as files in the AAC format used on the iTunes Music Store. A more accurate distinction between the iPod and other players is that the latter can handle both the MP3 and Microsoft Windows Media Audio (WMA) formats.
Hard drive-based players (typically 4GB or larger) can store more, but they have moving parts; flash-based players (1GB or less) store less but have no moving parts.
There are both HD- and flash-based players for MP3/WMA and AAC.
Regardless, an HD-based iPod can stand up to all but the most strenuous physical activity. So, it's just a question of which devices, formats, and online stores you prefer. And by the way, you won't need to spend anywhere near $700.
|
|
|
As editor of the home and entertainment coverage on CNET, John Morris has broad knowledge of all consumer electronics areas, including mobile electronics, digital photography, and home theater. He leads the creation of content that focuses on technology solutions for different lifestyles, hobbies, and budgets.
|
