portable mp3 player for exercise?

You can also start by reading some reviews at www.mp3.com in their hardware section.

 

Are you talking about the kind that play Mp3 CD's or the ones that have a usb port to download straight from your computer?

 

Why not try this one?

I use mine when I go out running, and I never have a problem with skipping. It's quite small and lightweight, and you can get various belt clips too.

 

Whatever you do, don't purchase a Diamond Rio brand MP3 player.

I did just as you are doing. I forked over $300 to listen to MP3s while I run. Biggest waste of cash ever. The thing locks up in the middle of songs and the only way to regain use is with a hard reset (removing batteries and putting them back in)

Not acceptable while exercising.

The thing just sits next to my PS2 and collects tons of dust.

 

What model do you have? I regularly run with my Rio 600 and have never had a problem.

 

I've ran with my Diamond Rio 600 (32 megs) and had no problems. I actually love my Diamond Rio 600, it's only got 32 megs, cause it's all I need, since I don't run long distances.

I found mine, used (refurb'ed), on ebay for cheeeeeeeap!

It downloads via Real Player One and runs for a while on one Duracell Max AA battery.

 

I currently own an Ipod, so I think I can answer your questions.

My Ipod is in Mac format. However, I use the thing on both a Mac and a PC without any problems. I have a Mac at work, and a PC at home. To use it on Mac, you just need iTunes. Plug it in to a firewire port, and you're all set. On a PC, you have to buy third party software. I use Xplay, which'll run about $30. However, there is a free PC solution called Ephpod. Problem is, the free software is dependent on another piece of software called MacOpener which isn't free (there's a 30 day trial, though). So, from a cost standpoint, I had to buy a $20 firewire PCI card and $30 software in order to get the Ipod to work on a PC. If you get a PC formatted Ipod, however, I believe you can run it on a PC without the need for MacOpener (then Ephpod is truly free). I also believe you can still use the PC formatted Ipod on a Mac, too. Don't quote me on that, though.

I love my Ipod. Having 120+ CDs at the touch of a button is rather nice (especially due to its size). Makes my crappy subway commute much more palatable...

 

There is software you can get to download your music to your ipod from a windows box, so now you windows users can know the joy that is the ipod.

As far as I know it's firewire only.

My ipod is the best gadget I've purchased in the last 5 years. It may be over kill for what you want though. I use mine in the car with an FM modulator and to transfer files to and from work.

 

and if the Transit Authority goes on strike, it will make your WALK, much more palatable too! and since it holds 120+ cd's you'll have music the whole way to work and back and never repeat a song!

 

I use my ipod while working out six days per week. I LOVE it. It's really the only thing that makes cardio bearable for me. It's super small, sounds great and has never screwed up on me once.

 

I have the 128MB version (I don't know the model number).

Worst purchase in my life.

 

I frequently use a Samsung Yepp YP-30sh, its tiny, the battery last for about 6-8 hours(one AAA), never any problems listening or playing, and it holds about 25-30 mp3(128megs). About $150-180. Best Buy sells them. Great player! Only thing is that it takes a WHOLE 10 secs to download a song from the computer to the player with its usb connection. other than that its cool. voice recorder built in. You think the ipod is small? The yepp is smaller.

 

Perhaps, but with the earphones I'm using (the amazing Etymotic ER6 earbuds and their noise-cancelling abilities), I'm liable to get hit by a Mack truck while walking (and walking and walking) through the mean streets of NYC. Not too enjoyable then...

 

Used to be the case, but not any more. Apple do a PC version of iPod, and it uses a modified version of Musicmatch Jukebox (I think that's the name), that comes with the machine. You do need a firewire port though (shouldn't cost more that $40-$50 to add to a desktop machine).

USB doesn't really cut the mustard for transferring 1000+ songs (too slow), so the firewire is a blessing really.

 

... Yes, you are right about PC formatted Ipods, but if you happen to buy a Mac one, you WILL need third party software to run it on a PC. I bought mine used (new ones are rather expensive), so I had to get the software.

Yes, but USB 2.0 is comparable to firewire... The new Nomad Jukebox Zen uses both firewire and USB 2.0.

 

Sorry, didn't realise there were many about for sale used.

USB 2.0? I've never used it, so I can't really comment. You'd have to ensure you had USB 2 ports on your PC though, right?

If you're getting a hard disc MP3 player, FireWire or USB 2 is a must.

Edit:

I looked at the Zen you linked, and it seems nice, but it's only USB1.1, which seems like a strange decision on their part

 

Is there a portable mp3 player with a rechargeable battery? That's the only thing keeping me from buying one. I don't want to have to keep buying batteries. Until then, I'll keep using my Sony Walkman (with rechargeable battery).