This seems hard. Is this hard?

February 5, 2012 6:53 PM

What's good in MP3 players in Australia in 2012?

I need to source four MP3 players for a primary school reading program.

Want:

* At least 8GB storage
* Easy navigation, touchscreen preferred
* Capacity expandable with micro SD card
* USB connection to PC
* Content loading via file drag and drop
* At least 6 hours between charges

Do not want:

* Mandatory proprietary software on PC
* Mandatory association with one PC
* Mandatory phone plan
* Crappy sound quality

Would not object to:

* Camera
* Wifi

What are my options?

posted by flabdablet to Technology (6 answers total)

Archos has a bunch of stuff and I'm told they make a good product. I can't vouch for them, however, and they appear to be only available at retail in Victoria and NSW.
posted by tumid dahlia at 7:00 PM on February 5, 2012

Best answer: If you want to buy locally, minidisc.com.au has far and away the best selection, though I'm not sure you're gonna get what you need in that price range.
posted by smoke at 7:01 PM on February 5, 2012

iPod touch satisfies all that, except USB is optional.
posted by Threeway Handshake at 7:55 PM on February 5, 2012

Don't you still need iTunes to connect a PC to an iPod Touch ? That is the definition of mandatory proprietary software. I think that it also has a mandatory association with one PC.

I would recommend a Sansa Clip+ if they sell them in Australia. Better sound quality than any iPod, can be set up to connect as a USB drive, and has a micro SD slot.

It doesn't have a touchscreen though, but I find the buttons work well.
posted by rfs at 9:27 PM on February 5, 2012 [2 favorites]

Seconding anything Sansa - they're rock solid and about half the price of an iPod.
posted by hnnrs at 1:12 AM on February 6, 2012

Response by poster: Thanks, smoke - I'm going to recommend the Cowon J3 from minidisc.com.au.
posted by flabdablet at 7:40 AM on February 6, 2012