Cheaper, comparable alternative to iPod classic?
August 22, 2010 3:39 PM Subscribe
I'm looking for suggestions for an iPod alternative. My current iPod classic is getting close to the end of its life, and I'm trying to determine what my options are for replacements. Relevant details below the fold:
I use Mac computers exclusively, so Apple- and iTunes-compatibility is a must. I need the machine to play MP3 and AAC files, as well as H.264 video (I don't need it to play protected AAC files, although if there are non-Apple brands that do so, please let me know!)
I'm flexible on storage space (anything above 30GB), and chances are battery life is a non-issue since I use the device primarily for brief sessions. The ability to see both song names and artists within playlists (like the iPod touch does) would be wonderful, since I have several sets of songs with identical titles. Portability (in terms of both size and weight) is a small factor; I wouldn't want anything noticeably heavier than the classic iPod. Finally, I'm looking for something cheaper than Apple's product lines; if I can't find a cheaper comparable alternative, I'll just buy another iPod product.
I use Mac computers exclusively, so Apple- and iTunes-compatibility is a must. I need the machine to play MP3 and AAC files, as well as H.264 video (I don't need it to play protected AAC files, although if there are non-Apple brands that do so, please let me know!)
I'm flexible on storage space (anything above 30GB), and chances are battery life is a non-issue since I use the device primarily for brief sessions. The ability to see both song names and artists within playlists (like the iPod touch does) would be wonderful, since I have several sets of songs with identical titles. Portability (in terms of both size and weight) is a small factor; I wouldn't want anything noticeably heavier than the classic iPod. Finally, I'm looking for something cheaper than Apple's product lines; if I can't find a cheaper comparable alternative, I'll just buy another iPod product.
Just wanted to note that anythingbutipod.com just crashed my browser & attempted to open something in Media Player... YMMV, but be careful.
posted by mintcake! at 4:37 PM on August 22, 2010
posted by mintcake! at 4:37 PM on August 22, 2010
how about a refurbished iPod? that one's a 160GB Classic; it's $40 cheaper than a new one. there are refurb Nanos and Touches and all that too.
as far as protected AAC goes, nothing but an Apple product will play a protected AAC file (though you can convert music ones to non-protected - either by burning and reimporting them, or by upgrading your library to iTunes Plus). Apple hasn't licensed its FairPlay protection to anyone.
posted by mrg at 4:41 PM on August 22, 2010
as far as protected AAC goes, nothing but an Apple product will play a protected AAC file (though you can convert music ones to non-protected - either by burning and reimporting them, or by upgrading your library to iTunes Plus). Apple hasn't licensed its FairPlay protection to anyone.
posted by mrg at 4:41 PM on August 22, 2010
Yeah, to me, it sounds like you should buy another device from the Apple line.
Using all Macs + iTunes functionality = iPods, hands down
posted by decrescendo at 4:52 PM on August 22, 2010
Using all Macs + iTunes functionality = iPods, hands down
posted by decrescendo at 4:52 PM on August 22, 2010
There are rumors of an iPod refresh coming next month. With that the current iPod models will be discounted to make way for the new models. Nothing will work better in an Mac environment than an iPod.
posted by birdherder at 6:54 PM on August 22, 2010
posted by birdherder at 6:54 PM on August 22, 2010
I think you are going to have trouble finding another Mp3 player that does what you want. Most of the non-apple players require windows media player and a PC. I have a mac and was shopping around for a player and finally settled on a Sansa Fuze, which interfaces with macs. Unfortunately it doesn't do playlists unless you have windows media player (I found out later), and I don't think it handles AAC.
Alternatively there are third party apps that will let you use a Creative player with the Mac, but last I checked, iTunes doesn't support it. The Creative Zen does play aac files, not sure about that flavour of video though.
If I were to do it over again I would have gone with the Creative instead of the Sansa. The third party apps seem pretty full featured and I miss being able to make playlists on my computer and having to make them on the player instead.
posted by keeo at 7:02 PM on August 22, 2010
Alternatively there are third party apps that will let you use a Creative player with the Mac, but last I checked, iTunes doesn't support it. The Creative Zen does play aac files, not sure about that flavour of video though.
If I were to do it over again I would have gone with the Creative instead of the Sansa. The third party apps seem pretty full featured and I miss being able to make playlists on my computer and having to make them on the player instead.
posted by keeo at 7:02 PM on August 22, 2010
If you don't mind converting your AACs to MP3s your options increase.
posted by K.P. at 7:31 PM on August 22, 2010
posted by K.P. at 7:31 PM on August 22, 2010
Apple destroyed the only competition there was, and it wasn't much. Sure there are other mp3 players. You can buy a house real cheap in a town with no jobs too.
posted by fourcheesemac at 7:34 PM on August 22, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by fourcheesemac at 7:34 PM on August 22, 2010 [1 favorite]
It might help if you let us know what your actual budget is...
posted by Wild_Eep at 10:12 PM on August 22, 2010
posted by Wild_Eep at 10:12 PM on August 22, 2010
Chances are you can refurb your existing iPod and replace whatever is wearing out for far less $$ then you'd spend on a replacement. Which components do you think are "getting close to the end of [their] life"?
posted by Wild_Eep at 10:13 PM on August 22, 2010
posted by Wild_Eep at 10:13 PM on August 22, 2010
It's telling that this thread has been up since yesterday and no one has stopped by to say, "I use a Mac and a [specific non-iPod brand of mp3 player] and it works great!"
As Biru suggests, you want something exactly like an iPod but much cheaper. Who wouldn't want the same product they have for half the cost? But there's a reason the iPod is as expensive as it is. As a Mac person, you're already aware that Apple products have a higher value than the competition.
posted by Jaltcoh at 7:13 AM on August 23, 2010
As Biru suggests, you want something exactly like an iPod but much cheaper. Who wouldn't want the same product they have for half the cost? But there's a reason the iPod is as expensive as it is. As a Mac person, you're already aware that Apple products have a higher value than the competition.
posted by Jaltcoh at 7:13 AM on August 23, 2010
What do you mean about it being "close to the end of its life"?
Not sure about the Classic, but I can easily (and inexpensively) get parts for my 5.5 iPod video. Hard drives, batteries, screens, jacks, anything. I figure I'll be able to hunt down parts for years to come since there were gazillions made and I hope to keep it going for another 10.
posted by quarterframer at 9:15 AM on August 23, 2010
Not sure about the Classic, but I can easily (and inexpensively) get parts for my 5.5 iPod video. Hard drives, batteries, screens, jacks, anything. I figure I'll be able to hunt down parts for years to come since there were gazillions made and I hope to keep it going for another 10.
posted by quarterframer at 9:15 AM on August 23, 2010
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by Biru at 3:46 PM on August 22, 2010 [2 favorites]