MP3 Players

So, I've counted up all my Christmas cash and gift cards etc. (all to Target...thanks for all picking the same store people) and I have about $100. I would love to get an mp3 player for making my lunchtime walks and gym workouts more fun. I can add some of my own money into it - but would rather now. I know that iPods are the fashionable choice - but I am assuming all the other brands and styles work just as well right? They certainly cost a lot less. I don't own enough CD's to make a huge memory a necessity - even just a couple hundred songs capacity would be fine. How many of you use mp3 players, what kind? Any suggestions on one I would want?

I know nothing about iPODs or MP3 Players. I am a gadget freak but never did get into music gadgets past the CD player lolol. I look forward to what you find out and get though cuz would love to up grade to an iPOD or MP3 player to work out with. *hugs* Felicia

I tend to make decisions very quickly (sometimes too quickly) - but while researching options - this jumped out at me, very small, great price, all the features of the expensive iPods - just less storage capacity. AND, when I called my local Target, the only had 1 in stock because it's so dang popular (and on sale)...so, they are holding it until lunhc time when I will launch myself over there and make it mine. It's a Zen V mp3. 89.99 ? Digital Audio Player Jukebox ? Compatible with All Subscription Music Services , MP3 on CD , Napster To Go , Microsoft PlaysForSure , Rhapsody To Go , Yahoo! Music Unlimited ? Additional Functions: Photo Viewer , FM Tuner ? Stores Approximately 500 Songs ? Screen Features: Text Display , Multi-Line Display , Time , Full Color , Picture Viewer ? Battery Lasts Up to 15.0 hour

I think I am with Felicia. I know nothing about the MP3 players or iPods. That one you are going to get at lunch does sound good. Let us know how it works and I might have to go and check it out as well. I would love to have no commercials on the radio while I exercise. lol Deanne

You had the one thing that I would make sure it had. Text display. We love audio books from audible.com so those that do not display the text are useless. I am sure it will be great and the battery life is GREAT!! Better than my ipod!

It sounds like a good one. Just stay away from the Microsoft Zen; even the most technologically advanced are having troubles with it and it doesn't work with iTunes. I chose the iPod Nano because it is small enough to tuck into my pockets and it can be used during high motion activities. The other iPods, except for the shuffle, use a hard disk for memory. Then Nano has a chip and is made for motion. Recently I found out that Mac has partnered with Nike and have the Nike + Nano system. It tracks your walks or runs and tells you distance, pace, time and calories. I got one over Christmas and it really motivates me to get out and move. Elizabeth

Both the Nano and the Zune where out of my price range anyway. I wanted to use only the cash and gift cards I had on hand from this weeks piano lessons plus holiday gifts. I really didn't want to lay out anything extra as I have to pay for the personal trainer tonight and some other New Years resolution related items. I thought about the shuffle, but I don't like that it doesn't have a screen and you can't create specific playlists etc. The Zen I purchased(I think you were referring to the Zune when you mentioned the Microsoft product) seems fairly simple to operate. The instructions are extremely clear. There was a bit in the battery when I got back here to work and a few sample songs loaded in so I tried it out. I'm happy with it except for the fact that while Target listed it as having an FM tuner - it does not have one - that is only available in the "plus" model. Oh well. I have plenty of CD's and it gives you some free downloads to get you started. Now - if only I had a newer computer here at work. My current operating system does not support the software needed to download music to the little thing. It will just have to wait until after I get home tonight.