Player Blog Category Archives: Deals , Roundup
December 09, 2004
Full Size MP3 Player Holiday Buying Guide
Welcome to the second part of our MP3 player guide. The first edition dealt with mini sized MP3 players and this one will address the full size players. Of course "full size" is a little misleading since most of the players listed here are only the size of a deck of cards. But you have to classify them somehow. As was the case in the first guide, we'll only talk about the newest models from the most popular vendors.
What differentiates the full size players from their mini bethren is not limited to size. All have at least a 20GB capacity (and most have 40GB choices as well) and a lower cost in terms of dollars per GBs. In general, a full size player is a safer bet giftwise. Also, we feel that 20GB is plenty of space. So unless your budget allows it and someone has a really extensive music collection, stick to the less expensive choices.
Apple 4G iPod
The Apple iPod is the overwhelming market leader in MP3 players and is the safest choice for a gift. By the way, the "4G" in the description refers to the 4th-generation iPod that Apple is currently selling. The 4G is better and smaller than previous generations, so stick to the new 4G models and leave the 1st, 2nd and 3rd generations alone. Unless you want to pony up an additional $50 for the black U2 iPod, white is the color. Pretty and thin, the 4G 20GB iPod is only 4.1"x2.4"x0.57" and 5.6oz and retails for $299. Two models are available, with 20GB and 40GB capacities. Also available is the new color iPod Photo, but the 40GB model retails for a pricey $499. A popular iPod community forum is iPodLounge.
More on the Apple iPod:
iPodLounge New User Review
iPodLounge Power User Review
Gadgeteer 4G iPod Review
Zen Touch vs. 4G iPod
Another Zen Touch vs. 4G iPod Matchup
Creative Zen Touch:
The Creative Zen Touch is the latest in Creative's long line of audio players. Available in a 20GB model only (for now at least, since a new 40GB choice is only available in Japan). A little beefier than the 20GB iPod at 4.1"x2.7"x0.86" and 7oz, the Zen Touch retails for $50 less at $249. The Creative community forum is Nomadness.
More on the Creative Zen Touch:
Globe and Mail Creative Zen Touch Review
Tom's Hardware Creative Zen Touch Review
Pocket Lint Creative Zen Touch Review
Zen Touch vs. 4G iPod
Another Zen Touch vs. 4G iPod Matchup
First Big Creative Zen Touch Review
Dell DJ:
The Dell DJ is a more budget-conscious choice, retailing for $249 for a 20GB capacity. Like its mini cousin, the Dell Pocket DJ, it's no beauty queen. Also on the chunky side, the Dell DJ is 4.0"x2.5"x0.74" and 6.8oz. The Dell DJ commnity forum is Dell DJ Site.
More on the Dell DJ:
AnandTech Dell DJ Review
CNet Dell DJ Review
iRiver H120 and H320:
For iRiver we're listing two choices, the H120 and H320 which both have a 20GB capacity. Actually there are four choices here since both come in 40GB models as well (the H140 and H340, respectively). The only significant difference between the H120 and H320 is that the H320 has a color screen. In any event, prices for H320 are so close to the older H120 that if you go with an iRiver, get the color model. A bit bigger than the iPod, the H320 is 4.1"x2.4"x0.75" and 6.2oz. A popular iRiver community site is Mistic River.
More on the iRiver H120 and H320:
Mistic River Review
PC Magazine Review
Gutter Vomit Review
IT Writing Review
CNet Review
Rio Karma:
The Rio Karma is the old-timer of the group. Most of the players listed here were first released in the past year, except for the Karma. An updated Karma 2 has long been rumored, but it's not going to make it in time for the holiday season. But don't let its age fool you because the Karma is still a good choice and with street prices nearing $200, an excellent bargain for a 20GB player. A little more square than the others, the Karma measure up at 3.0"x2.7"x1.1" and 5.5 oz. The Rio community forum is Riovolution.
More on the Rio Karma:
Trusted Reviews
Extreme MHz