JKDDragon said:
If you're just into it for the music, and not the extra-ware features like voice recorder, FM tuner etc., a standard 4th-gen 20GB iPod goes great ($379 @ Officeworks + Free skin). I'm in love with iTunes, the sound quality is good, ability to create personalised IQ settings via iTunes and you honestly can't beat the software user interface.
So what you're trying to say is, "buy something for the same price with fewer features if all you care about is the music".
The 20 gig Iriver (which I own)
- Plays movies with a firmware upgrade (albeit, it chews up your batteries, but no other player in its class can play movies)
- Colour screen
- Playlist support
- FM tuner
- View photos (a function that I've never used
)
- Awesome voice recording (I use it to record untaped lectures at uni)
- Record off the radio
etc
Also, unlike the apple players Irivers act as an external drive, you can just plug it in and copy paste your music on to it. You don't need any additional software.
Ipods have pathetic track records with durability and Apple hits you hard in the hip pocket if you want to buy extras like a radio tuner. All this stuff comes with the Iriver. The only problem with the Iriver is that it's a bit thick, and the protective case which comes with the 20gig model only makes it thicker. Otherwise, it's the best 20gig player. If you're after a smaller player go with either the Creative Zen Touch or Iriver H10. The best jewel players are either the expensive I-rivers (and they cost a fortune) or some of the Samsung players, which have colour screens etc.