September 03, 2003

Digital Audio Player (Update)

So I think I’ve made a decision on the digital audio player: Creative Lab’s Nomad Zen NX 30 GB. I’m just waiting for it to show up on Amazon, where I’ve got a gift certificate.

Things that cinched the deal:

  • 30 GB capacity. That ought to hold me.
  • The Nomad’s superb sound, lauded in nearly every review of the product line.
  • The replaceable Li-Ion battery (so I’m not left high and dry if the battery fizzles after a year of heavy use).
  • The UI and the ability to organize playlists on the fly (away from the PC).
  • Size and weight (almost as small/light as iPod).
  • Price (~$300).

Things I wanted but decided I could live without:

  • Line-in recording.
  • FM-tuner.

Runner-ups:

  • Archos Juxebox 20 GB (thanks, Brandon). This one was very tempting, but I read one too many reviews about flakey hardware/firmware and non-existent customer support. Yes, I checked out Rockbox. Bottom line is I’m not buying a player to get a headache.
  • Samsung Yepp YP-900GT. My first pick. But it was originally supposed to be out last March, and it’s still coming RSN (October). I’ve gotta wonder why. Plus 10 GB no longer seems that exciting.
  • iPod (Windows). This was always a contender, for all the obvious reasons. In the end I think I can get more for less with the Nomad.

So, good choice? Anything I’ve missed or should revisit? Anyone want to take a stab at selling me on the Archos?

Posted by mgk at September 3, 2003 08:46 PM
Comments

bleh, the nomad is styleless and you can't boot a cluster of xserves from it, thus it is useless other than music, and it prolly doesn't work with audible or the apple music store.

Posted by: jeremy hunsinger at September 3, 2003 08:59 PM | Link to Comment

Neuros? At least this is something my husband has pointed out as an alternative.

www.neurosaudio.com

I have to say that for me, the fm-tuning stuff is pretty cool. Why needs another adapter to get the music to come out of your existing tuner, at home or in the car? I have a pretty tiny mp3 player that works with my Audible subscription (I love Audible). The big storage thing is appealing.

Posted by: Merrilee at September 5, 2003 07:01 PM | Link to Comment
Due to the proliferation of comment spam, I've had to close comments on this entry. If you would like to leave comment, please send email to me at mgk =at= umd =dot= edu. Thank you.