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New MP3 players
I'm probably the last person on the planet who does not own an mp3 player. My commute is all of 5 mintues. When I'm not at work, I'm being nagged by the wife, kids or a combination of the two. Therefore, owning one never made a whole lot of sense. I think, however, that I'm finally ready to take the plunge.
Two players have caught my eye. The first is the next-gen IPod. I like the idea of a metal case. I also really like ITunes for podcast downloading. New IPod article.
The other player is the Micro$oft Zune. As much as I hate the idea of supporting Bill Gates' vision of global domination, the machine looks very appealing. I like the large size screen, and I especially like wifi aspect. I am totally bummed that the next-gen IPods will apparently not have wifi.
So a couple of questions:
A) If I listen to predominately podcasts, should I really stick to ITunes? Will ITunes work with players other than IPods? Is there an alternative to ITunes that will conveniently download my favorite podcasts?
I know this is speculation... but with the Zune being rumored to be wifi capable, do you think that it will work with my wireless network at home? I don't care at all about being able to download music from a subscription service using a coffee house's wireless network. What I really want to do is to have my computer automatically download podcasts and then automatically forward them to my mp3 player via my home wireless network. Do you think that this even has a chance of being possible?
Two players have caught my eye. The first is the next-gen IPod. I like the idea of a metal case. I also really like ITunes for podcast downloading. New IPod article.
The other player is the Micro$oft Zune. As much as I hate the idea of supporting Bill Gates' vision of global domination, the machine looks very appealing. I like the large size screen, and I especially like wifi aspect. I am totally bummed that the next-gen IPods will apparently not have wifi.
So a couple of questions:
A) If I listen to predominately podcasts, should I really stick to ITunes? Will ITunes work with players other than IPods? Is there an alternative to ITunes that will conveniently download my favorite podcasts?
I know this is speculation... but with the Zune being rumored to be wifi capable, do you think that it will work with my wireless network at home? I don't care at all about being able to download music from a subscription service using a coffee house's wireless network. What I really want to do is to have my computer automatically download podcasts and then automatically forward them to my mp3 player via my home wireless network. Do you think that this even has a chance of being possible?
Comments
If you get a non-iPod digital audio player(DAP) you will probably have to stop using iTunes. Sure, you can still listen to podcasts with iTunes, but it won't be easy to put those podcasts on your DAP. Instead, you can use something like Juice Receiver to download your podcasts. Of course, it won't be seamless. AFAIK, Juice will not automatically syncrhonize your podcasts to your DAP. You will either have to manually manage which podcasts you put on your player, or you will have to use another piece of software to manage it for you. iTunes/iPod is the only system I know of which handles the entire process, end to end. Your choice is either to spend a lot of money to get iTunes/iPod or save your money and deal with a less-slick solution. If a device hasn't been formally announced I like to pretend that it doesn't exist. However, because I learned about this on the recently revived Engadget podcast I will comment. If the Zune is as-described then it probably won't work exactly as you think it will. Yes, it will very likely work with your home network. No, it won't syncrhonize with your PC. If I understand correctly it will function similarly to the PSP. That means it downloads the podcasts on its own from the Internet, no PC-tethering required.
Imagine a portable device that connects to the Internet and actually runs iTunes. The zune will be like that, only it will run some Windows software. Personally, I'm going to stick with my nano as long as possible. I'll buy a new iPod either when my nano dies or when Apple makes an iPod that actually has iTunes on it. The ability to update podcasts whenever there is wireless access is priceles.
I think the only other thing I can tell you is that you should be careful not to base your purchasing decisions on rumored products.
Now, the players. I've never used anything but the iTunes/iPod combination. Part of this is because I use Macs to begin with but it's also that I've never been dissatisfied enough to go looking for alternatives. It's a good system and with a handfull of minor quips (if your iPod is plugged in, and you get new tracks, they aren't uploaded automatically) I have no beef. If you're particularly attached to iTunes but don't want an iPod there are options out there. None are supported by Apple. I've heard that some can be rather kludgy at times. I've never bothered with any of them so can't really advise beyond that.
As far as I know, there's no technical reason that a sort of "push" system of uploading new podcasts to a Zune handheld wouldn't be possible. Apple's concerns over battery life in the face of wireless capabilities are real, though, and I can't image a Zune would last very long after you left it in your backpack, not plugged in, and being constantly updated with new data to transfer. Wireless doesn't hold much sway for me, if I'm around long enough for data to be exchanged I may as well top off the battery while I'm at it, but MS seems to be taking a different course with this player so who knows what they'll do.
My best advice to you would be to avoid the next big thing in buying any sort of consumer electronics. The next best, uber phone/iPod/notebook/spaceship is always around the corner and if you put off your purchase until you get it you'll never buy anything. If you're honestly in the market for a music player today, look at the market today and buy what is best for you. Even if it's an iPod Mini, because they're so darn durable.
And on a semi-related note: more rumors/info on Zune over at Engadget. Specifically: It'll also be XBox Live compatible, support sharing music locally (kindof), and come in three colors.
If the above situation seems to be too much of a pain, then I suggest getting an ipod shuffle for your podcasts and a DAP for the rest of your music. I say this because you can get a shuffle for free from promotions that citibank does. You will also not have to deal with DRM.