I'm thinking of getting the wife an mp3 player, possibly like the Nano. She doesn't need a huge drive on whatever I get her. This is, I sometimes hear people complain that the iPod isn't the greatest mp3 player out there, it's just the most popular. Anyone have suggestions for comparable mp3 players- similar size to a nano for gym use? I just read about microsoft's new offering, so anything else? And why would mp3 player brand X be better than an iPod?

 

Personally, if and when I get one, it'll probably be the Creative Zen: Vision M 30/40/60 GB (different ones available, depending on how old they are) player. Great sound, great screen with strong colors, and you can watch video and play music without any issues. They're down in the $150-$180 range these days, if you follow the deals online. They were $230 three months ago. A co-worker here has (had, actually - it was stolen) one and it's awesome.

 

SanDisk is the biggest manufacturer next to Apple for the iPod I believe. They have a nice display and an overall cool looking unit. They cost a little less than the iPods too and have the same formats IIRC (30GB, 4GB, etc.)

 

It doesnt sound like you want or need a large amount of space. I'd look toward one of the solid-state MP3 players like the nano.

Also consider where your wife would get most of her music. Previously owned CD's, through itunes, torrent downloads?

I'll assume that she would want to download most of her music through a legal pay service.

These factors point back toward the Nano. I know that it never feels cool to be one of the flock but for the less tech savy user it's tough to beat the all around quality of the Nano.

 

Have you considered the new Zune player from Microsoft?

 

Zune is big, heavy, expensive.. not condusive for gym use. I like Sandisk sansa players. They include larger versions with cute colored screen downto smaller thumb drive type players. Personally I can't stand the iPod interface and would never own one.

 

I can recommend the Creative ZEN V.

Creative ZEN V Plus

Its flash memory based, very small and so far has been very robust.

 

how about the new IPOD shuffle?

 

Sandisk, Samsung, Sony are all good.

 

It's very very small and has a clip built-in.