Update on the IPod Post
Thanks to everyone who gave me recommendations. I like to do a lot of research before I pluck down money on something high-tech. These are the features I would like in an MP3 player (I don’t think I’m going to do the iPod because I feel it limits me too much.)
1. Playback of my CD collection and future music downloads.
2. built-in microphone for voice recording so I can dictate notes and have them transcribed by Dragon NaturallySpeaking Preferred 9.
3. Optional accessory — FM transmitter so I can play tunes in the car or on my home stereo or someone else’s stereo.
4. I don’t care about size except that 2 gigs or greater would suffice.
5. A removable battery would be a nice feature.
6. A screen and menu system which allows searching for a particular song instead of a shuffle. I don’t need video playback and JPEG viewing.
The Creative Zen line seems to have most of these features but each time I narrow it down to a particular model I can’t seem to find it available for purchase. I guess they are still in production?
Over the weekend Norm took me to CompUSA and Wal-Mart to see what’s available. Unfortunately no one at either store is interested in helping you actually see and ask questions about the products. So frustrating! I really want to try it out before I buy it because I have limited manual dexterity issues to deal with. It’s one of my pet peeves with stores like CompUSA and Best Buy — not only do they give you lousy customer service but unless you’re able-bodied you can’t hold the products in your hands because they’re attached with very short cable anti-theft devices. Wal-Mart had everything under lock and key in a glass case but no salespeople were available. At least I was able to pick up some marble cake while I was there for my breakfast.
One of these days I’ll make up my mind and actually purchase something.
It’s all geek talk to me LOL. I think that is one electronic toy I’ll pass on. Cake for breakfast? Good thinking batwomen.
I think I’m going to have to delete you from bloglines again and add you back. It’s very annoying not to get your updates.
Hiya Karen. Would make a quick entry, I want to see if your blog will update on bloglines for me. Pretty please?
Thanks my friend.
I have an older model Creative Zen (the Nomad) – 30 GB of MP3 goodness. My boyfriend has a 6 GB Creative, another friend has the 20 GB model. All of us are very, very happy with the purchase.
With limited dexterity, I would think mine would be the best, but it is no longer made. Occaisionally Fry’s offers it, when they get refurbished ones in. The buttons are all on the sides and need to be clicked/pushed to work.
The models that my friends have both have the controls on the front, very similar to the iPod. There might be a problem with how close together they are, and how sensitive they are. I often click accidentally and have to go back.
I can show you mine at the blogger gathering, if you can wait that long. Fry’s is pretty good about allowing you to play with stuff – I’ve had them pull product out of the box and open up a package of batteries so I could test something.
Good luck!
This is the one my buddy has: Zen Sleek
This is the one my bf has: Zen Micro
It looks like they do still make mine – at least Creative still lists it: Nomad
:smile:thank you, Vox for the information! If I haven’t gotten anything by October 7 I will take you up on your offer to try out your nomad.
I would also suggest, not knowing how large your CD collection is, that you start ripping them to MP3 format now (if you haven’t already) Make some playlists, too, while you are at it. That way, when you make your purchase you’ll be set to go.
I did a bunch of CDs a day and it still took me a couple of months to complete the task. I used MusicMatch (the free version) for most of the job, but Window Media Player works fine, also. I found Windows Media Player to be better for synchronizing to my player, though you apparently have to use the Creative software in order to get your playlists loaded…..
Good luck with these hard drive players. They don’t last forever. Just like any hard drive… they can die a horrible death at any time. And all you have left is a clicking sound.
I am VERY happy with my Ipod shuffle, since it is VERY simple, easy to charge and connect (USB) and super light and easy to use while mobile. Oh yeah, and all solid state (no hard drive).
But, to each her own. I do hope you find what you need. It has to be tough to be you sometimes. Your husband must get furious with people as well.
Keep rollin!
“It has to be tough to be you sometimes.” ROFLOL 😆
David — I know you mean well. But somehow that statement really struck me funny! I don’t find it tough being me. I think I would find it very tough being someone else, however.
Thanks for the tip about hard drive players — I was wondering about that. I still haven’t made up my mind yet what to get.
I hadn’t really thought about the hard drive issue – makes sense, though. I have had my player since Feb ’05 with no issues…but you never know 🙂