I would like an 80gb MP3 player that is not an iPod [UK]...??

Question

I am stuck - I like to rip my music to high quality mp3 (I don't get out of bed for less than 256 kb/s) and consequently, due to my volume of music albums, my trusty 30gb Creative Zen can no longer cope...

My options are it seems:

-60gb Creative Zen Vision: M - it is rare in the UK and for some reason is horrendously expensive

-80gb Microsoft Zune mk II - Is it available in the UK???

I really DO NOT want to go down the iPod route, but for large capacity it seems they have a monopoly. Anyone help????

Answer 1

I don't really know about any other brand because I have an iPod and I love it, it hasn't let me down yet in 3 years and i'm getting a new one for my birthday this year and I can't wait

Answer 2

wt u have against ipods?

Answer 3

maybe a phillips or sony walkman player

Answer 4

This is difficult. Like you, I also like a high bit rate, usually wma variable bit rate at 240-340 kb/s. But I don't have that much music- about 1000 tracks, and I can fit them on my Zen which is upgradeable via SD slot.

I have heard bad reviews of the Zune, but some people like them. The best site is cnet.com and there they have a site called mp3 insider with videos, reviews and podcasts about the latest players.

I know what you mean about i-pods; I don't rate them very highly, either.

Good luck.

Answer 5

Don't go Zune - even Microsoft who make it give away ipod's.

Apple don't have a monopoly itunes Plus music can be played on any MP3, its only the DRM restricted music that the music companies insist on selling that cant be copied.

Archos has 80GB versions of their 5,6 and 7 but they start at £299 so apple are still cheaper and better quality.

DO not go Sony route on their rare (japanese) large capacity units as they are totally closed to the atrac format which only Sony can play.

basically its Apple iPod or Archos from what you say but with the 160GB ipod Classic at just under £200 its cheaper than the starting price for the Archos 5 with 80GB.

Answer 6

Zunes are not available in the UK until the end of next year but you can buy American ones from Amazon UK.

I recommend you look at Archos products though, the 504 is good.

Well done for avoiding iPods.

EDIT:

Have a look at:

Toshiba Gigabeat S

Cowon iAudio X5