Not an Ipod

[bullett]

I am thinking about a new MP3 player.

4-8gb solid state. Support for a variety of codecs (ogg, 320kb mp3 etc) maybe video support. I'd prefer to drag and drop files to the player rather than use bloatware.

I don't want an Ipod.

I have previously had a Sony but I managed to drop it and destroy the screen.

Research so far has turned up iRiver, Sony and Creative as viable players. Any thoughts.

[Mook]

Sony will end up being an over-priced player (I'm a big fan of Sony, so don't think I'm hammering them!). Creative stuff always gets good reviews for value and quality.

[Gren]

Apparently (from my inside source)Sony are to bring out a new player, may be already out, that will play various formats rather than the usual proprietary ATRAC stuff - they've finally realised they can't force everyone to use their format!

Apart from their SonicStage software I like their offerings up to now. We have 6 or 7 and some we've even paid for!

[Tobes49]

I've had a Iriver H340 for about 3.5-4 Years, Cant fault it. Plays videos and a massive range of music Codecs. Drag and drop for file loading and about 10-15 hours battery life.

The only thing now, is it a little on the large size compared to the latest MP3 players, Still going strong the only thing I've done is changed the battery pack about 3 months ago (now give 15 hours +)

[Booster]

You could buy an ipod shuffle on ebay from the seller that my wife bought one from because that's not an ipod.

I have sent it back and awaiting a refund....

[330dcoupe]

IMO, there is no better stand alone MP3 player than the Creative labs range. Creative were born to create sound and that's something they do very well with they're mp3 players. The software interface is easy to use and you have a wide variety of models to suit your personal needs.