iPod overpriced - better alternatives?

[Colin Dunstan]

PC Pro magazine tested 18 different MP3 players, and concluded that there were several lesser-known brands that noticeably outperformed the iPod.

According to the writer, "[t]he iPod is over-priced when compared with these competitors," and "[i]t also falls down on battery life, with some portable MP3 players lasting three times as long, while its lack of support for Windows Media files will upset many PC users".

Its recommendations instead: iRiver iHP-100 Series, Rio Karma, Rio Nitrus, iRiver iFP-300 Series, and the iRiver iFP-500 Series.

[sUnShInE]

In the words of Bill the Cat, "Ack!"


Lest I repeat myself, you can read my thoughts as an iPod user here , with two notable addendums:

1.) I got my pod for $75. I don't care who you are -- you can't beat that. You can see where my loyalty lies.

2.) There's a thread on iPods vs. some of these other mp3 players on another forum I belong to. Most of the users there point to alot of the same issues that the article raises, though the Apple users remain resolved on a few tight points: a.) Apple has built up a brand that none of these can rival (like it or not, they spent the money); b.) a few of these mp3 players are not as easy as plug 'n play so they're def not for gnubies; and c.) many of these units are just too dang big, something iPod users (part mini users) crave.

.02

[brahamt]

Bill the cat. That takes me back.

I have had three iPods and have tested all the rest. iPod is the best hands down. What do you expect from a magazine called PC Pro reviewing an Apple product.

[Alexander Turcic]

Originally Posted by brahamt

What do you expect from a magazine called PC Pro reviewing an Apple product.

LOL

[brahamt]

Some Bill the Cat Pages from yahoo.

http://www.berkebreathed.com/
http://alcyone.cc.uch.gr/~kosmas/ACK.html
http://members.ozemail.com.au/~dproc/bill.htm

[sUnShInE]

I've never been accused of retro-mongering.

[Alexander Turcic]

I definitely agree on the style/brand argument - Apple has the best of all.

With a Sony you look geekish, with an iPod stylish (at least that is what Apple tries to convince us through its million dollar ads campaign).

[Zire]

Hey,

Living in NYC all I see are ipods. The other's just look strange and to be frank imitators. In my opinion nothing is easier and faster. I have a 10 gig 2nd generation and I'm happy. Even with the mini being only 4 gig you can fit a huge amount of music on it. Itunes is even smart enough to make a special playlist for users who have more then 4 gigs of music on their machine. Pure art...

[Alexander Turcic]

True true, that is what I think. Apple did a fantastic marketing job.

[sUnShInE]

It's true. Apple has devised a serious winner and had the foresight to pull people in on their branding. 20 seconds spent on a site like iPodLounge will answer any question about brand control.

Here's a good example, did you know that Apple actually loses money on iTunes? Yep.... But it sells the hardware, doesn't it?

They've also spawned a new revolution, much like the Sony Walkman. There's even a sociologist writing a book on it. Sad, but true, you're in a "club" if you have one. But take it from me: Lose the white earplugs as soon as you can. It's a sure tip-off to would-be thieves that you're sporting an expensive toy.

[Colin Dunstan]

Yes, I remember reading an article recommending the same: don't wear those earplugs that identifies its potentially wealthy owner