Hey All,

My Rio Sport S35S finally gave up the ghost. It's been good to me since the early Napster days of MP3's, but alas it is time to move on.

It looks like Rio is out of that business now, so I am looking for suggestions on a replacement, used primarily for running, walking, listening to poolside and beachside.

What I really liked about the model I had was:

1) it had a rubberized casing, so it felt rugged
2) in addition to the built-in memory, it took SD cards for additional storage
3) it was small
4) it took a single AAA battery and lasted for hours
5) it was very inexpensive

I don't want an iPod (don't like the Shuffle, Nano too delicate), but if anyone is familar with what is out there right now that might fit the bill, and be similar to what I am replacing, I am open to suggestions. I don't really need more than 1GB...

Thanks!

 

Look at some of the older iRiver models (without video). I have a 512MB one I used back when I was riding the Bus and now in my Civic that only has a tape deck.

http://cgi.ebay.com/iRiver-T30-1GB-M...QQcmdZViewItem

 

I'm sure I'll get bashed for this, but I really like my ILO from Wal-Mart. I've had it for 2 or 3 years (its a silver ellipse), and it sounds about like what you're describing. I can't remember what the internal memory is, but I have a 1gb SD card, so I don't use the internal, plus it has an FM tuner, plus arm band, backlight, and gives plenty of info on the screen. I've abused mine, and the headphone jack is losing connection. I haven't decided if I want to open it and fix it, or see about buying the latest generation...

I use it quite often. especially in the garage. I have an old computer surround system out there, and just download a bunch of tunes and plug it in...

BTW, I've also been using it lately to download pix from the misses camera, since she lost the USB cord, and the camera uses SD cards...

 

Gotta get outta work now, but I got a Samsung YP-T7J a couple month back for my workouts. I really dig it. Super tiny & weighs nothing, decent sound quality, comes in 512 and 1GB flavors, and you can get a cute little case for protection at the beach.

 

Closer - If you drag Steve into the 3rd level of hell with you; what do you think is going to happen to this website?

 

I briefly considered looking at some of the newer Rio models before they got out the business, but decided for the extra money for a current model, having the tech support and/or warranty (and product upgrades) was probably a good idea. You never know when a new file format will come out.

 

I can see not liking the ipod because of DRM and it's dependency on iTunes(which you can get around), but with so many being sold you know their design must be good. And I'm sure there are about a bajillion $10 cases that would protect it from being too delicate. And, since you mentioned running, have you seen their Nike running companion? http://www.apple.com/ipod/nike/
They are expensive though.

I purchased a creative player for my mother that sounds like the device Closer recommended. I think having an FM tuner is a real plus.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16855102190

 

My Wife has a 30GB iPod Video and it is fantastic. The design is fine for what it is, but I think the Nano is way overpriced because it's an iPod and Apple's business model, not because of its superior functionality. I also prefer an actual battery powered player, because I don't want to have to plug the thing into my PC to charge it, or be forced to spend an additional $20 just to have the convenience of an external charger that I, in turn, then have to bring everywhere I travel. Factor in another $15 for a decent case, as opposed to a ruggedly designed player, and the Nano is simply not a practical choice for what I am looking for.

 

Hmm, like that Creative unit, also like the AM/FM tuner...mine had an FM tuner, I used it quite a bit.

 

I use a Sandisk Sansa M240 1gb player. Nice and small, FM tuner [works okay], 1gb built in. They also have a silicone rubber case that really absorbs the bumps. Been using this at the gym every day for about a year with no problems. Plus it works with Windows Media player, Real Player, and Music Match [I use this one] with no problems. Add to that it is fairly inexpensive, and it fit my needs perfectly.

The only down part was that the silicone case does not come with it, but then it was about $7.00 or so.

http://www.sandisk.com/Products/Item...P3_Player.aspx


Woof
Bowser

 

Looks like the SanDisk C140 might be a candidate, too. Since I have some $$ available to me from BestBuy, this one might be in the lead now.

 

Oh just go buy something already. *ducks*

 

Hell is calling...

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/produ...uct_id=4127961
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/produ...uct_id=4645481

You can now get different colors of the 1GB...

BTW, here is the one I have...
http://cgi.ebay.com/ILO-Digital-256M...QQcmdZViewItem

 

My phone is a Cingular 8125...not a chance I'm working out with that, it's way too important (and expensive).

 

Read an article about the new "Clix" unit from IRiver. I'm also looking at getting one soon, and I liked what I read about the Clix.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14233843/





http://www.iriveramerica.com/prod/ul.../clix-2GB.aspx