Looking for a robust mp3 player

[FamousAmos0307]

Hello,

I looked through the first page and didn't see anything quite like this, but if this is redundant I apologize. I've had an 8GB Sansa View for about a year and a half now, and it's been...okay. Still, it's having some issues - battery life is now dirt(runs for maybe an hour before dying), although that's to be expected. What really bugs me is that the on/off switch now doesn't work properly anymore. While this isn't too bad in terms of being robust, I feel like I can find something better. What I'm hoping for is for people to give recommendations of players that have been good, stable, reliable mp3 players for long periods of time. Also, storage capability of 16GB+(would prefer 30GB+ ideally) is a definite plus.

Thanks in advance for your help.

[vice]

Zune hd? made out of steel (or any other metal, the point is it's not plastic ), and reviews claim that it is very well built. Cracked screen is probaly the most likely thing that will break if mishandled. Then google a case made out of kevlar for added protection from ballistic projectiles and/or grenade shrapnel >.>

[FamousAmos0307]

Haha, thanks. How does the Zune hd itself work though? Is its performance reliable? Is the firmware buggy? Is it going to degrade over time(even without being physically abused)?

Thanks for your reply.

[vice]

Well it's touch-screen based ,has not had any major bugs (that anyone knows of yet) great price at $289 for the 32 gig which is actually impressive considering its specs , it's severely undercutting apple in features for the price has to be used with it's own sync software (i.e itunes for an ipod) and as for degradation over time I would not know since it's a relative new device (some people claim that it's screws are rusting as seen in this thread http://www.anythingbutipod.com/forum...ad.php?t=48990 and/or cracked screens (I assume it was already defective and not actually broken by the user) in this thread http://www.anythingbutipod.com/forum...699#post411699 , alternatively , why not just buy some refurbished (like 6 for the same price of a zune hd) sansa E280's ? with that many players you won't worry about breaking them , my sansa e280 has been dropped like 6 times on tile floors and still works great.

My bad , both the zune hd 32 gb and the current generation ipod touch 32gb cost somewhat the same, sorry for the misinformation.

[vice]

If you don't mind me asking, can/will you be buying your mp3 player online? Choices get a lil slimmer if you plan to buy at a store.

[Curiouss]

is movies a major factor in buying your PMP?

[Jack4L]

No matter how robust an MP3 player is built, it still has the same weak points that will break if not handled properly. Atleast with LCD displays theres no real way of protecting it that will ensure it has no possible chance of breaking. (On a side note though, anyone know if all OLED screens are this flexible? ) Same goes with headphone jacks, Sansa e200 was especially notorious for those problems. All 3 of mine that I had developed this problem, fairly easy to repair though. Lastly if those above two dont get you, just sweat/humidity can brick your device or just break some of its key controls to make it useless.

I personally just own a cheap player to use for working out, and any other higher risk situations so that if it does break it wont cost much to replace.

[vice]

Well I would just buy a sansa express or some creative zen stones but since they're discontinued (I think) the only way you could get them is online (but really cheap) or a clip or clip+ the problem is he wants at least 16 gigs, though he could just buy a clip+ and expand it with a cheap microsd card. I'm still not sure if you want a reliable player (zune hd) or a rugged (creative stone), when you say robust having no screen comes to mind (to me at least, no screen no cracks).

If only there were titanium waterproof mp3 players with built-in smoke alarms

[Olley]

Out of my growing collection, the ones that still look brand new are the ones I bought cases for. A good leather case will go a long way toward making the device inside last. Just a couple of cents for you.

[neutron bob]

The Sansa Clip is virtually indestructible, great for running or working out. The Clip+ has the additional µSDHC expansion port, making 16GB an easy upgrade. My favorite is its older brother, the e280- the battleship of the Sansa line.

Bob

[FamousAmos0307]

Will I be buying online - I'm not opposed to buying in a store but more than likely I'll buy online yes.

Video is something that I don't care about at all. I like having a GUI, but I will not be using video playback at all.

I would prefer to have all my music on one bigger device instead of multiple smaller devices, tbh.

I do have a cheap/small player, an early generation iPod shuffle(that was given to me for free, before you criticize me about that :P) that I use in the gym. Coincidentally, it's probably the most robust player I've had to date - I've had it for 4 years and it still works pretty well, although it is too small and too...Apple to suit my needs any more.

I will give the Zune hd a more detailed look, thanks for the input. Anybody else got any suggestions? I've seen alone of people talking about the Archos and the Creative players, are they reliable at all? Thanks again for all the information.

[vice]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16855125130

Sansa clip+ 8gb for $64.99 (wow that's very low priced) if the zune hd doesn't interest you this one is about the size of a ipod shuffle if it had a screen, is very small and reliable (unless you eat it by accident) expandable memory so you can get up to 40gb(?)

amazon has it at $57.62!!! I'd buy it if it was the type I was looking for, http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/AS...hingbutipod-20