Mp3/4

[Niloc]

About a year ago I discovered iPods. The Australian broadcaster Radio National offers a broad range of excellent MP3 files all available with an iPod download programs. The BBC also has iPod downloads but they are locked into Windows and make it difficult for any competition (e.g. Linux) to connect.

I bought an iPod player, it had one mayor drawback, it had no 'pause' facility. If you wanted to stop half way through a file there was no way of restarting, and no 'fast forward' either...

Anyway that device died on me, so I bought another, this was double the price but came without any operating instructions, you just have to figure it out by trial and error!!

So, I am about to ditch MP3/4 number two, it has developed a bad connection for the headphones as well as the lousy pause which works sometimes but not always....

So here is what I want :

I do not listen to music, only radio programs and audio books

I have a very good set of Phillips headphones so I do not need speakers

Some of the files I listen to are more than an hour long so I need a 'pause' facility

One gig of memory would be more than enough

I need to connect to the computer for downloads, USB is very good

I need enough power storage to run all day

Any suggestions?

[dave_boo]

About a year ago I discovered iPods. The Australian broadcaster Radio National offers a broad range of excellent MP3 files all available with an iPod download programs. The BBC also has iPod downloads but they are locked into Windows and make it difficult for any competition (e.g. Linux) to connect.

I bought an iPod player, it had one mayor drawback, it had no 'pause' facility. If you wanted to stop half way through a file there was no way of restarting, and no 'fast forward' either...

Anyway that device died on me, so I bought another, this was double the price but came without any operating instructions, you just have to figure it out by trial and error!!

So, I am about to ditch MP3/4 number two, it has developed a bad connection for the headphones as well as the lousy pause which works sometimes but not always....

So here is what I want :

I do not listen to music, only radio programs and audio books

I have a very good set of Phillips headphones so I do not need speakers

Some of the files I listen to are more than an hour long so I need a 'pause' facility

One gig of memory would be more than enough

I need to connect to the computer for downloads, USB is very good

I need enough power storage to run all day

Any suggestions?

First, you're going to have someone who's pedantic that Mp3/4 =/= Ipod (not that I'm pedantic or anything :whistle ).

If you're only looking for a small lightweight player, look at the Sandisk line-up of MP3 players. Some of my friends have them, and since they're flash based they are really rugged. There's a pause function built in, and while there's no button specifically for the fast forward function, holding down the 'skip forward' key will allow it to search ahead. I think that some of them even have USB key use...i.e., you can use them, without any cable because the connector is built in, as a thumbdrive.

I'm confused though; are you currently on Linux? If you need help with that, I'd suggest asking in the Linux subsection. I can tell you that Amarok is an excellent substitute for iTunes, with the exception of not being able to access the iTunes store. However, I believe that unless you're using a proxy that's impossible in Thailand anyways. But, as I was saying, most flash based players, which is what a 1 gigabyte model would be are supported very well under Amarok.

[Jiu-Jitsu]

Are they protected files? i.e. with copy protection.

If not, there will be no need for an expensive player and it probably better to purchase one that takes batteries.

Something like this: Philips MP3/WMA/WAV player is available for less than 1000 baht via the average eBay auction. eBay example.

If they are iTunes protected files, you will need a compatible player.

Edited April 12, 2008 by Jiu-Jitsu

[Niloc]

Thank you gentlemen, the Phillips looks like the one I need except it uses AAA batteries, the main advantage of my existing machine is that it charges via the USB. I have a USB charger and it works well.

I looked at the Sandisk site but they are a Windows only site and needed Flashplayer, I use Linux so they don't want me!!

I have no interest whatsoever in iTunes, as I said, all I want is voice MP3.

I will have a look in Chiang Mai for a Phillips outlet.

Colin

[Cuban]

I bought a small MP3 player in Pattaya a few weeks ago for a visting friend, 1200 Baht for 2GB, I've only used it a few times since I changed the language settings from Thai to English (all built in) but only loaded files via Windows no idea if it is Linux friendly. But it does pause, have recorder (microphone) and FM Radio built in too. Can record from radio which is a nice touch. If interested I'll find the maker's name. 1xAAA battery.

[Niloc]

Yes please Cuban. I can access mine on both Linux and Windows (I have a dual boot) and both work OK.

I guess I could get a set of AAA rechargeables but it would be nice to make recordings too!!

Colin

[nikster]

I bought an iPod player, it had one mayor drawback, it had no 'pause' facility. If you wanted to stop half way through a file there was no way of restarting, and no 'fast forward' either...

Last I checked the iPod had pause. Every iPod ever made has that. It is one of the four buttons on the front of the player. iPod has FFWD too (hold down on the >| button). It does pause/continue in lengthy files too, never had a problem with that.

So whatever you had it wasn't an iPod.

I have had many iPods (1st gen, nano, and iPhone) - can only recommend them. I don't know why people bother with the others. Well OK - I do know, but I don't agree with any of the reasons Except if they really want features that are not included with the iPod, such as recording or FM radio. I don't need those so I don't really care.

iPod nano does everything you listed.

PS Not sure why AAA batteries would be an advantage? Creating more garbage? The nano can be recharged and lasts all day...

Edited April 12, 2008 by nikster

[LivinLOS]

Yes the ipod has a pause..

The OP probably has a fauxpod or some other device.

[miniwai]

I'd reccomend an iPod too, especially with all the video podcasts coming out now. The shuffle for normal podcasts and the nano or touch for video. All ipods pause.

[Niloc]

Please accept my apologies, I used Google and found out that 'iPod is a brand of portable media players designed and marketed by Apple Inc', I thought it was a generic name for any gadget that could store audio data and play it back. A real iPod is far too expensive for what I want and I am sure far too complicated. I just want to play my PodCasts while I am walking the dog, no music, no video, just speech audio!

The one Cuban mentioned sound like just wsat I need...

[LivinLOS]

One of the appeals of the iPod is that its not too complex, its simplicity in design is its very appeal.. Add in its syncing ability and pod cast downloading etc its the best solution out there that I have used (and I have been digital media junkie for years)..

However good stuff costs money, no name chinese knockoffs and the usual couple of 1000 baht flash players usually have thier complexities and limitations..

Just wish I could have a real monster 400 or 500gb ipod so you dont need to pick and choose what goes on it !!

[Niloc]

I understand, I am currently downloading a book, 70 files each about 2meg and the best I can get is about 10.1 kbps/sec. What on earth would you put on 500 gig?

[LivinLOS]

Well the speed of your net connection can be upgraded.. Pay more !!

I have 80 GB just of essential mixes (uk BBC 2 hour dj sets)..

1000's of high bitrate albums..

I have a terrabite media server in the house and stream media over the (growing I just moved at start of the month) home network. HTPC in the projector section, playback nodes in the bedrooms and pool room, hidef movies on disk, DVD rips on disk, etc etc etc.

As I said I am a bit of a digital media junkie, was one of the moderators of the nets largest HTPC forum for years, Microsoft MVP, beta tester for hidef software and projection hardware etc etc etc. I dont claim to be a normal average user, tho I know many normal people who just like thier music who can fill a 160GB iPod easily.

Really when you see someone with an Ipod (or in your case perhaps an ipod touch).. Have a play with it.. Interface is lovely, the device is very simple and user friendly and 'does what it says on the tin'.. Theres a reason why they are so popular, jsut wish they didnt try to have such a closed system around iTunes.

[Niloc]

I have never seen an iPod of any kind and I do not understand most of your acronyms, for instance what is HTPC and is it likely to breed? I figured out that 'hidef' means 'high definition' and what is a 'dj', a disk jockey? A man who plays records on the radio?

And by the way, I am in Pai, I could throw money at my ISP (Internet Service Provider) forever but I doubt it would ever get any faster...

[LivinLOS]

and what is a 'dj', a disk jockey? A man who plays records on the radio?

Yes Mr Chulmley Warner.. That nice man at the broadcasting station who plays those gramaphone recordings.

[miniwai]

if your a real music lover 500g of space is easy to fill. I have well over 500g on the PC along with a full 160g iPod classic and a full 8g iPhone. Granted I only ever carry my iPhone now so that has all my fav everyday tunes. On the PC though I have full discographies of the Beatles, Queen, Pink Floyd etc. etc. All around 2g so doesn't take long to fill alot of space. My goal is to have it all on one portable device.

Anyway sorry back to the point at hand the iPod shuffle is the cheapest iPod and will do everything you need. People knock iTunes (me too) but for podcasts I don't think it can be beaten everything all in one place. All you have to do is pick your podcasts once and from then on its automatic, just conect your pod.

LOL I really do sound like an apple fan boy on This forum! :-s I aint though I just like things that make my life easier.

[marshbags]

What is the most convenient way to convert my purchased music on itunes to mp3 format please ?

Thanks in advance

marshbags

[miniwai]

Are the songs purchased from iTunes? If not its easy... ish click edit>prefernces>import prefernces>advanced>import using. And change the options to mp3. Next just right click on a track and you should have an option to convert to mp3. If the tunes are bought from iTunes and have DRM protection you need some software google for it. Hope this helps.

[Jiu-Jitsu]

This 2GB Philips costs around 1000 baht.

My MP3 player has both a built in Lithium rechargeable and the option to use a triple A battery. The best of both worlds.

If you can't find one similar to the one Cuban has suggested, I can pick up a Philips and send it to you.

[Cuban]

The MP3 player I bought is called a Techline, model MP-21. There should be an image of my MP3 player attached, they were availible in black and pink if I remember correctly.

No instructions but I managed to find the language settings and switch to English, seller should be able to assist if required.

As for quaility, I found this device to be better than more expensive Sony and Scandisk devices I have, MP3 is a compressed music format so not ideal HiFi material but is perefectly ideal for portable or specialist uses. I too play audi books - thank you internet.

It is the iPod masses that choose to use home docking stations to make the device something that it isn't. IMHO

HTH.

[Niloc]

Thank you Jui-Jitsu for your kind offer. I have had two Chinese knock offs and neither was very good so a genuine Phillips sounds excellent.

I am going to Chiang Mai this Friday and if I cannot find anything to suit me, I might take you up on that.

Cheers.

Colin

[Niloc]

Well I went to Chiang Mai, I went to two electronics stores but had no luck. Genuine iPods I could buy but I would have to mortgage the house to pay for them!!

I gave up but when we went to Tesco Lotus I checked the electronics section and found a 'Philips' player which had everything I needed including a user manual.. It was 3K baht but is a magic machine, lovely and clear, the internal battery lasts all day and it is really easy to manage.

Colin