Journal wskellenger's Journal: iPod Alternatives 2
So, I bought an iRiver iFP-790 on eBay. Long story short, I received the unit and tested it -- it was discovered by Linux as mass storage and played OGGs nicely. It used a single AA batery and claimed to have a very long battery life. I like everything about the unit, but the FM tuner did not work at all. I contacted the seller and returned the unit. He gave my money back.
Kim bought me the iRiver T30 for Christmas. This unit looked great, but after I opened it I discovered that it didn't have an FM tuner. Back it went.
I got the iRiver T10 in exchange. I had an FM Tuner that worked very well, I could recieve NPR from home (that is the test) with no issues. Upon connecting it to my computer, I discovered that it was not seen as USB storage. Instead, it uses a Microsoft-compatible "MTP" protocol for transferring songs to and from the device. I played with the unit for another week, but returned it as it would not work with Linux or any other computer unless you use MS Media Player. There is a Linux camera app, gphoto2, that many people are using, but I didn't like the limitation of being tied to one machine.
Finally, I've arrived at the Samsung YP-T8Z. It's a 1GB flash player with FM tuner. It's cheaper than the iRiver. It records from the tuner or via built in mic, or line-in. My Linux and Windows computers see the device as USB storage. It plays OGG files. It also can show photos or small videos. My only gripes thus far are the non-replaceable battery (should not be an issue as my Palm works great after many years), and the non-proprietary USB connector -- If I ever lose my cable, I am not sure where I'll get a replacement. So far, the player works very well, and I will try it out over the next couple of weeks.
love the 'pod (Score:2)
It doesn't do radio. I don't need it to. I really, rarely, ever want it to.
It's easy to put music onto it. I don't have to play games with formats, wonder what works, what doesn't. Just add the tunage via iTunes.
And now it shows my digital photos. Sweet!
Mine doesn't do videos. I don't know that I'd upgrade it just for that. I cannot forsee myself using the video feature for
Re:love the 'pod (Score:2)
I want it at the gym, where there are like six TVs in the front of the room... And then I see Bush and want to hear what he's saying. So I flip to FM and listen. And I did use it while up north this past week, an NPR program was on at 10, while I was at work... I recorded it. It worked great!
It's easy to put music onto it. I don't have to play games with formats, wonder what works, what doesn't. Just add the tunage via iTune