Nice simple mp3 player good for running?
November 25, 2015 9:06 AM Subscribe
I want to buy my mother an mp3 player for Christmas, to use while she's running or walking on the track. I always just use my phone so I have no idea what's out there! I would also need some kind of arm band or something so she can wear it comfortably.
So the most important thing is that it's simple to use. Nothing fancy or complicated. I saw in another question that people were recommending the Sandisk clip but I don't know. That looks a little bulky. And would that be good for active running etc?
And what armband/waist/whatever should I get for her to wear it with?
My mother is not technologically savvy (nor am I for that matter) so we really need something easy to use and also easy to load up with music. She has a Mac and I have a PC, so ideally something that would work with both computers, as far as putting music on it. That's it. Would spend up to $100 on it.
So the most important thing is that it's simple to use. Nothing fancy or complicated. I saw in another question that people were recommending the Sandisk clip but I don't know. That looks a little bulky. And would that be good for active running etc?
And what armband/waist/whatever should I get for her to wear it with?
My mother is not technologically savvy (nor am I for that matter) so we really need something easy to use and also easy to load up with music. She has a Mac and I have a PC, so ideally something that would work with both computers, as far as putting music on it. That's it. Would spend up to $100 on it.
It seems like if she's already in Apple's ecosystem, the iPod Shuffle is probably the logical choice, here, unless you think she'd have an easier time being able to read the menus. The Shuffle can do playlists and stuff now, it's not as simplistic as it used to be. If she's going to learn how to do it herself, iTunes seems to make the most sense. And I say this as someone who isn't a big Apple fan. And that just clips on, it doesn't need a separate thing. Maybe paired with a better pair of headphones for running, although I can't make specific recommendations there.
posted by Sequence at 9:22 AM on November 25, 2015 [3 favorites]
posted by Sequence at 9:22 AM on November 25, 2015 [3 favorites]
I find any type of arm band to be annoying. Either its tight enough to stay on and it hurts my arm, or it's too loose and it falls off. I use a little waist band by SPIbelt. I was skeptical but I am pleasantly surprised at how well it stays on and how roomy it is.
posted by radioamy at 9:30 AM on November 25, 2015
posted by radioamy at 9:30 AM on November 25, 2015
I use an ipid shuffle, it clips onto my sports bra, never feel it. Getting good earbuds that stay in is the bigger issue.
posted by fingersandtoes at 9:33 AM on November 25, 2015
posted by fingersandtoes at 9:33 AM on November 25, 2015
I have one of those waist belts too and I love it. One thing people don't realize is that even women's workout clothes often lack pockets, so I can put my iPod Nano, my keys, and a little cash in there while I run. Perfect!
The Nano is also good because it has a Nike running app on it, so she can do some run tracking without needing to bring her phone.
posted by easter queen at 9:37 AM on November 25, 2015
The Nano is also good because it has a Nike running app on it, so she can do some run tracking without needing to bring her phone.
posted by easter queen at 9:37 AM on November 25, 2015
I would say an iPod Nano, not a shuffle, so she can pick her music when she's out. I like the 6th generation for its size, clip and ability to select music. Not sure if you can still find them new, but you can definitely find them on eBay used for not a lot of money.
We have a Sansa Clip, and it's fine as an MP3 player and great that you can load a big SD card, but loading music is a hassle if you want to just sync an existing playlist to it instead of managing every file individually.
posted by cnc at 9:50 AM on November 25, 2015
We have a Sansa Clip, and it's fine as an MP3 player and great that you can load a big SD card, but loading music is a hassle if you want to just sync an existing playlist to it instead of managing every file individually.
posted by cnc at 9:50 AM on November 25, 2015
Of the above, I've used the iPod Nano and the Sansa Clip and find the latter easier to use.
posted by Obscure Reference at 10:52 AM on November 25, 2015
posted by Obscure Reference at 10:52 AM on November 25, 2015
A couple of my friends absolutely rave about this Sony combination earphone mp3 player. There's no part to carry, because the storage and controls are in the earbuds themselves. They are the "jam it in your ear" type, in case that's a deal breaker.
I can't comment on simplicity of set up though, as I don't actually own it myself.
posted by lucidium at 2:02 PM on November 25, 2015
I can't comment on simplicity of set up though, as I don't actually own it myself.
posted by lucidium at 2:02 PM on November 25, 2015
Response by poster: Thanks everyone! My mom definitely does not have any kind of preexisting playlist or iTunes or anything like that, so I would have to load music on it for her. Which is why something that's compatible with my PC is probably best.
posted by silverstatue at 2:04 PM on November 25, 2015
posted by silverstatue at 2:04 PM on November 25, 2015
I have this. It works great. Buy an armband holster separately.
posted by Jacqueline at 10:49 PM on November 25, 2015
posted by Jacqueline at 10:49 PM on November 25, 2015
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posted by Emperor SnooKloze at 9:18 AM on November 25, 2015 [1 favorite]