Topic: small mp3 playback device for running etc. Current day recomendations?

[ljsurfer2002]

We all know these threads: people want to listen to tunes while working out and ask advice on what item to get. This is just another one, but I'm not super up to date on the current devices that are currently available (these things get better and smaller so fast, they are like the computer industry!)

so yeah, I use a Nomad 3 to tape shows and I don't see that stopping anytime soon. But it is too big to use while working out. I want something light and small for mp3 playback. I want a screen (no shuffle) and i was hoping to get it pretty cheap.

I'm thinking of looking on ebay for a sony walkman core

http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_DisplayProductInformation-Start;sid=FE6-Gb6pI9C_Cf1bUeu0EvG59QYW8A2KzAw=?CategoryName=pa_flashMemory&ProductSKU=NWE505BLUE&Dept=audio&INT=sstyle-audio-deptfeature-NWE505BLUE|sstyle:sy_dept_content_b:audio

1gb for $150 new .. 512 for $130 new .. if I went new, i'd go for the 1GB. double storage for an extra 20 bones is a no brainer.. but anyone have other things they like? ... i'm not an ipod elitist who feels they need one to be cool. plus ipods are 200-300 bucks which is way more then i was hoping to spend. $150 is about the limit here... have the early gen iRivers come down in price in the used markets on ebay? .. what is the 'lowest' / 'oldest' model that will accept the rockbox firmware hack?

thanks for any suggestions!

tyler

[jpschust]

its all about the ipod nano and arm band to work out in.  i use mine like nobody's business.

make sure it is flash based though- no skips.

[ljsurfer2002]

I just bought a 2GB USB stick. are there any players that can use that space / files to 'click in' and play music from them?

[jlykos]

I just got a Samsung YP-U1Z (1GB) and I love the thing already.  It is very small, and has an integrated USB jack so you don't have to fuck with cables or anything like that.  It is about the size of an iPod Shuffle, but is not the same size so you can't use the accessories for it.  I got mine as a present, but I have seen them for between $100 and $125, depending where you look.

The Sonys were nice, but more expensive.  They have an insane battery life, like 50 hours or something like that.  My Samsung only has a 13 hour battery life and takes about 2.5 hours to charge.  I wanted a Samsung because the issue with many Sony products is DRM shit, or not being able to play some types of music files because they aren't copy-protected.  Be sure to investigate that with Sony products before you purchase them.

[heath]

love my ipod shuffle.  so small.  perfect for the gym.

[stigs]

love my ipod shuffle.  so small.  perfect for the gym.

qftftyd