CNETS CES Best In Show - The IPod killer and more

IPOD nano is still the best mp3 imo, I don't even know how many other flash based 4 GB MP3 players are out there. If it wasn't for the Apples unwillingness to allow wmv to be used, would've gotten the Nano isntead of the RCA Lyra I bought.

 

I'm waiting for the 100GB Archos to drop a little in price.

 

Seems more like a simple knock-off to me.

 

This player looks interesting to me:

The Toshiba Gigbeat S

I am NOT a fan of IPods or iTunes. I have a Dell DJ 30 and it's great. Plays VBR MP3's with excellent fidelity, the price was right ($250 for 30 gigs on sale), works with Windows Media Player (or any other MTP compliant software - not locked into one, proprietary music management system), good battery life and it's very easy to navigate.

The ony thing, IMO, that iPods have going for them is accessories.

But that's just my opinion!

 

Before my 30 days with my Lyra is up, does any one know of a mp3 player that is flash based memory storage up to 4 GB that is .wmv files compatible? Like I've said, I really wish I have some thing that can play things I bought from msn music but also flash based and atleast big enough to put random stuff on it.

 

I have one of these and I've always thought it kicks the ipods *ss.

cowon iaudio x5. Better file management (drag and drop), sound quality, database, same size as ipod, ect...

give it a try. don't get suckered into dealing with itunes and a mediocre mp3 player.

 

I've got my eye on that Cowon, Weezer. It may be my next MP3 player. The only negative is that the screen is a bit small, isn't it?

 

it's not too bad. I admit the color screen could be better...however all the other features outweigh anything the ipod currently does. Just the file system itself makes you want to jump up for joy not having to deal with itunes. Very good battery life, BBE sound, voice recorder, custom equalizer, fm tuner, lyrics, plays mp3, ogg, wav, wma, flac ect. All these features are cool, but we often forget one thing when it comes to mp3 players.

THE SOUND QUALITY. The sound quality in the m5/X5 puts the ipod to shame.

until apples improves sound quality, itunes/database/file management, and battery life, i'll stay away.

this ipod killer has been out for 9 months now. check it out

http://eng.iaudio.com/

 

I seriously considered the Cowon as well, however, the one thing to consider is that most/all of the controlls are on the remote. In other words, you have to use the remote. At least you did with the music only one.

Having to use the remote was not what dissuaded me from the Cowon, however, it was lack of MTP support. I wanted to be able to use Windows Media Player and the Dell had that support. I think the Cowon has it now as an option.

 

You don't even need the remote. You can do everything using the joystick on the mp3 player. How do I know this? I have one and use it everyday.

 

I'm looking for a mp3 player in the 30GB range, but that also has video capability. I'd love to put all my episodes of tv shows and movies etc., and watch it on it when I'm at places waiting in lines or on the airplane etc.

I'm really close to getting an Ipod video, but I would so rather get another company's model.

But I don't know of any others that are similar to the video ipod.

Edit: I didn't know the Zen is on sale now! I've never seen it before. but in the video from the link, they say it's for sale. time for me to google.

 

I'm looking to buy a nice mp3 player in a few months, when I get some money. This player looks awesome to me. It seems to fit all my needs, and I like the JetAudio feature, as I used that as my main media player on my home PC. What is the price range, if I can't find it?

 

http://onlinestore.cowonamerica.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=60

from 299 to 439 (for the 60 gig) from the cowon iaudio store,

you can save about $50 ordering it from newegg.com, the 60 gig is 369 here.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...Range=1&bop=and&description=x5&InnerManu=7228

 

I am subscribed to Engadget's podcast, and they absolutely trashed the Zen Vision a couple of weeks ago. One of the big advantages that Creative has always had was that it was much cheaper than Apple, but the Zen Vision is actually more expensive than a similarly-spec'ed iPod.

IIRC, their big reasons for disliking the Zen Vision were its bulkiness (which has always been an issue - it's twice as thick as an iPod) and its price, and while they complemented the Zen Vision for its catalogue of codecs, apparently one of the most-crucial ones is missing. I can't remember exactly which one - I'd have to check the podcast again.

 

Dave Clark Five were "Beatle killers" in late 1964.

 

I watched the MS CES presentation (freaking sweet) and was super-impressed with the Toshiba running WindowsMobile MediaCenter. I was going to buy another iPod this week but I think I am going to hold off for this launch. The new Media Center Vista, XBox 360 and Toshiba Gigabeat integration with one another rocks. If you haven't watched Microsoft's presentation from last Wednesday, check it out HERE.

 

I got the Zen Vision back in October, and I couldn't be happier with it. I guess it really depends on the capabilities that you're looking for.

It has all the features I want and it really isn't that big ... I have a 4G iPod and it's about the same size and weight. The things that really do it for me is the built in Compact Flash card slot, and the big screen.

I take a lot of pictures, and it's a great thing to have around to put your files on and keep shooting, instead of lugging around a laptop. Plus it's a one-stop for everything ... photos, videos and music.

It really is a good product ... for me. The finish and feel is MUCH better than the iPod, feels sturdier and definitely more stylish than the iPod to me.

 

is the creative zen micro a flash based player?

 

The Toshiba Gigabeat S Series won Best In Show for Engadget... I'm so getting one of these.

http://www.engadget.com/2006/01/09/best-of-ces-2006/