Im looking at picking up a portable MP3 player and shopping around on the internet has mostly just led to my confusion and apprehension so I thought that I'd seek some trusted help

Im thinking that around 10 to 20Gb would be best save me having to upgrade in the future and other then that my only criterion is good value.

From my brief research it seems that Apple has received an increase in competition for it's iPod range lately but many of the reviews that I've read about the rivals complain that the software interface is a significant weak point and that is the primary source of my concern. I dont want to save a couple of $$ only to find that the player isn't user friendly.

So far these are the players that have made my list:
CREATIVE ZEN TOUCH 20GB
SAMSUNG NAPSTER YP-910GS MP3 Player 20 GB Hard Drive
APPLE IPOD 15GB

Any guidance is appreciated on both product and store choice. It seems as though the Australian market is getting a bit of a raw deal still on Mp3 players so local price variation is quite significant.

p.s Please keep in mind that it has to be available to Australia

Thanks

 

I've had good luck with the Archos Gmini 120. I like it because it's not only an MP3 player, but also it has a Compact Flash Card reader built-in. Great for Digital photos too! Like most HD based players, you can link the player to any computer via USB and it stores computer files. Oh yeah, it also records voice directly into mp3 if you need that.

 

Check out the Dell's. I have one, and its great. Plus, it was $100 cheaper than the iPod, and battery life FAR surpases the iPod as well. I don't need an organizer and game system from my mp3 player, so the Dell was the logical choice. Easy to use, and functions well.

 

Thanks guys the search continues.

Two others that are in the race now are the Archos Gmini220 as referred by ironwedge and cashout, and the Iriver hp140 recommended by wilch.

The Gmini has the CF port that the iriver doesn't but its half the capacity and my camera takes a mmc card so Im swaying towards the iriver.

It seems as though there are some unhappy with the iriver firmware updates though. I think this may be the usual whining but I'll check around a little more I think.

The help is much appreciated guys.

 

Why settle for second best. I've had 2 iPods, 2nd and 3rd generation and loved them! Fit, finish and functionality were exceptional. I also put all my contacts phone numbers and addresses and my calendar events on them. Before that I had an Archos mp3 player which was nice enough but felt like a brick and the buttons and finish seemed a bit flimsy.

Your timing is good because Apple just introduced the 4th Gen iPods! They now come in 20 & 40 gig versions, are a little slimer and now have improved battery life, up to 12 hours. Check them out at apple.com.

 

iPod=the best

 

Get the new 4th Gen iPod. Better battery life and cheaper!

 

Just got the new Ipod 40 gb. Love it! Not too mention, Alpine is coming out with a compatable head unit so I can listen to the ipod in my car!