What's your portable music player like?

[Homeslice]

-If you have one, that is.-

I was really curious about this one. What do you guys use in terms of a portable music player, whether it be an MP3 player (iPod or otherwise), CD Player, or a Walkman (!)? If you've got more than one...that's cool too. Mention it.

For example, let's start with moi. I currently have a blue 4GB iPod mini. I'm considering selling it soon though and getting myself either a 4GB iPod nano or a 30GB iPod video (the newer generations, with the brighter screens and longer battery life, obviously). 'Cause I really wanna.

Before my iPod days, I was using a Rio CD player that also could play MP3s. I still have it but haven't used it or put any new batteries in it in ages. I also used to have a cool blue Sony Walkman (tape player) several years back, but it got stolen.

Yeah, blue's my favorite color. So, what about you guys?

(Really hope this question wasn't asked yet....)

[Angel_Mapper]

I used to have a 1st generation 20GB iPod, but I gave it to the bf as I only used it on my way back and forth from work and, well... I work at home now. I use my Panasonic CD player on business trips though. :) Other than that I just listen to music on my computer.

[Manticore]

TEAC CD Walkman which I would use if I am out of town.

Normally I don't listen to music on the streets though. I think it would be dangerous on a bike. :type:

[Homeslice]

Guess I should've also asked the question "Or do you guys prefer to listen at home?"

But when I'm home, I like to listen to music on my PC. I barely touch my stereo nowadays.

[Manticore]

Guess I should've also asked the question "Or do you guys prefer to listen at home?"

But when I'm home, I like to listen to music on my PC. I barely touch my stereo nowadays.
Home=stereo for music and movies. :)

[Dorkorama]

I have a Philips GoGear (KEY019) which hasn't received much use since the beginning of the year. It's a combination MP3 player, digital camera, digital camcorder, and flash drive. The video portion proved useless as it's not very clear, doesn't last too long, and uses a proprietary codec. The camera is decent, being is the same class, though a bit better, than those integrated into cell phones. Unfortunately, a bizarre power issue prevented me from using it more and is the main reason it has fallen to disuse.

Previously, my PocketPC was used as an audio player in my truck. I'd play MP3 and OGG (Vorbis) files as well as .MOD .S3 and .XM files. It's just too bulky for everday use unless I'm hauling my Pocket PC with me anyways.

Now I'm eyeing one of Samsungs YEPP players.
http://www.samsung.com/Products/MP3Player/MP3Player/YP_U2JQBXAA.asp
What I can't figure out is whether it actually supports OGG files or not. As you see on the product page, OGG is not listed. Yet, there's another product page that says it does:
http://www.samsung.com/Products/DigitalAudioPlayer/MP3Players/YP_U2JXBXAA.asp
I threw in OGG at their product support page; the result states OGG is not supported. :loopy:
As you may have guessed, support for OGG Vorbis files is one of the key features I'm looking for. Guess it's time for some review hunting.

[EDIT]
:( I found a C-Net review and one of the closing comments is that, indeed, Samsung stripped OGG support out after the initial specification sheet was released. There's no licensing fee, so it was either to save space in the ROM or to kiss up to Microsoft's DRM. It certainly isn't a power issue as DRM eats up battery life like crazy on portable audio players, far more than a more intensive codec.

[Homeslice]

Oh, that's too bad. Do you know of any other players that might support OGG files? I'm certain the iPods don't but do other brands like Sandisk or Creative Labs have players that can support it?

[Dorkorama]

I found this list of OGG supporting players:
http://www.ogghelp.com/ogg/hardware.cfm
Apparantly Samsung actually did release some models with support for Vorbis, but only go up to 1 gigabyte. About the only other brand listed that I'd trust would be iRiver.

[EDIT - UPDATE]
I poked around a few review and seller sites for other flash-based players. Cowon seems to be the only other company than Samsung or Apple that makes players that can be directly hooked into USB (USB Mass Storage / UMS.) While it isn't built-in, the USB plug has a loop on it so it can be kept together with the player on a lanyard or ring. Even if you lose the adapter (akin to a USB->PS/2 keyboard adapter) the socket in the player itself is standard USB-A (squarish hole) so you can just buy a replacement adapter or use an easily found USB-A to USB-B cable.
Spec Page : http://www.cowonamerica.com/products/iaudio/u3/tech_specs.html
I decided on that particular model because of it supports FLAC along with OGG Vorbis. The video and picture viewing features seem relatively useless on such a low resolution and small display. Those are just extras to me in this case. The text display might be worth it. Customer support is a bit wonky, from what I've read, but doesn't seem to be much of an issue with the flash-players due to their reliability.

[Mathlete]

back in the day (am i allowed to saw that if im only 14? feels weird) i had a sony psych cd player. that thing kicked butt, the batteries lasted forever! but it eventually broke into little pieces, and i got a new player that was a battery hog. i just dealt with it until one christmas i said f*** it and asked for an ipod.

i still have the ipod i got for christmas, it's 3rd generation i think, it has a black and white screen but also has a clickwheel. it has served me well, although the battery life is definitely not 11 hours anymore, i think it's like 4. and i dont use the crappy headphones it comes with, i use my own.

[Homeslice]

I think if I get a new iPod, I'll do the same thing - get my own headphones. I've always liked the ones that go behind the ear. Sturdy enough without looking dumb by wearing it on the head (IMO). The stock iPod earphones are starting to get uncomfortable, actually.

[Carcosa]

i have a sony cd player with that g-protection thingy. i use it inbetween work and home - to drown out useless chatter while utilising public trans. i am considering getting an ipod, nano 2nd version i suppose one of those 8GB. but i'm on a search to find an app that replaces itunes.

[Homeslice]

Why replace iTunes if you're gonna get an iPod?

And the prices for a nano ain't so bad now - $150 for a 2GB, $200 for a 4GB, $250 for an 8GB. Although, $250 can also get you a 30GB video iPod. But whatever - either way it should be cool.

[n3m35i5]

Video iPod, 4th generation. I listen to it all the time, at home, transit, whatever. all the music is bought on iTunes or burned from CD's into mp3 or mp4 format.

[Mickey Blue]

My first portable music player was some cheap ass Alba Cassette/Radio player. Damn that thing was HUGE!! :D The Radio tuner was a dial on the side too, non of this fancy digital tuner stuff! :)

I had that right up until the mid 90's when Sony released a range of slimline Walkmans. Although there was no Radio, the player more than made up for it in size. The best thing about it was the fact the rechargable battery looked like a stick of gum!! :D Waaay cool. :)

I went for a while after that without the need for a portable player, but now I own a 4GB IPod Nano. It started life as a Mini but that broke and the store I bought it from had just taken stock of the Nano so they exchanged at no extra cost. :) The only grip is again with earphones. The stock ones are very poor, as has been pointed out. I'm still to find a set I like tbh. The set I had with my Sony Walkman were like small buds that stuck right in the ear but still utilised a very small over head brace for stability on the move! I can't find similar ones anywhere! :/

[Dorkorama]

The set I had with my Sony Walkman were like small buds that stuck right in the ear but still utilised a very small over head brace for stability on the move! I can't find similar ones anywhere! :/Ooh! I was looking at similar over-the-earbuds before. I believe these are them?
http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_DisplayProductInformation-Start?ProductSKU=MDREX81LP/W

[Mickey Blue]

Ooh! I was looking at similar over-the-earbuds before. I believe these are them?
http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_DisplayProductInformation-Start?ProductSKU=MDREX81LP/W
Although they look pretty cool and would more than likely do what I want them to, it's not quite what I had.

Imagine an old style of walkman headphones - only the old foamy ear pieces replaced by in ear buds! :dunno: lol

[Dorkorama]

Imagine an old style of walkman headphones - only the old foamy ear pieces replaced by in ear buds! :dunno: lolThen these (http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_DisplayProductInformation-Start?CategoryName=acc_Headphones_Lightweight%2fSport%2fVertical&ProductSKU=MDRA35G&TabName=specs&var2=), just not folded up, I guess.

[N/\CHO]

I use my LG Verizon Chocolate phone. Works well, except the headphones only work if they are plugged in halfway, which confuses me so much.

[radio667]

Has anyone found an OS for Ipod that not itunes - i just want to import my music ( from CDs that I Bought ) without all that crap ware that itunes lovely installs in your machine ( i don't want to have to manually turn off istore and any other auto anything every time i turn the comp on ) :type:

[Mickey Blue]

Then these (http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_DisplayProductInformation-Start?CategoryName=acc_Headphones_Lightweight%2fSport%2fVertical&ProductSKU=MDRA35G&TabName=specs&var2=), just not folded up, I guess.
Yeah just like that. :) I might just have to order some :)

[Homeslice]

I used these (http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_DisplayProductInformation-Start?ProductSKU=MDRJ10%2fBLUE&Dept=audio&CategoryName=pa_headphones_portable_clip) for my old Rio CD/MP3 player, though they looked more purple than blue. They treated me well and if I get another iPod (which I plan to), I may get these again, in another color (either white or black, probably).

[Carcosa]

well then, i caved and got an ipod nano, 8GB, red. second gen (of course). had a rather pleasant shopping experience, lol. downloaded itunes much to my own surprise. its gonna take some getting used to to itunes. will certainly be bringing this with me to work.

[Homeslice]

Red, huh? Sounds cool! I pondered on getting a Nano before I got my 30GB iPod Video (black) recently. Yup, I sold my blue Mini and got a black Video. Armed with a microShield case I bought separately, this baby's unstoppable now.