MP3 Players

[Deftscythe]

Currently I've got a weak little Creative MuVo. 1gb, crummy little interface. It's basically a flash drive with an LCD screen and some buttons. I'm looking to trade up, but I'm not sure which player is for me. I'm looking at a Zune or a Scandisk Sansa, but I'm not married to them.

So, please recommend me some mp3 players with at least 8gb capacity(though the bigger the better), in a price range of around $200, that are available at best buy(gift cards to use).

[Cephius]

Don't buy MP3 players from best buy. Save your gift cards for video games, or DVDs, or something that isn't grossly overpriced.

I recently got a 30GB Black Zune off Buy.com for about 180 bucks. I've had no trouble with it, the screen is beautiful, it plays music great and I'm really impressed with how it handles movies. I've converted a bunch of videos into the Zune-approved files and they come out great. The Zune software, while far from perfect, is worlds better than shitty iTunes. I can't stand that program, and its the main reason why I've stayed away from Ipods. The only negative about the Zune is it uses a proprietary USB cable (can't just plug in any you have lyin around) and it can't be used as a straight up external hard drive like an ipod can.

Here is the link to the Zune I got, $192 including shipping. Really not a bad deal considering the Ipod touch is 400+

EDIT: well on the best buy site the same Zune is 199.99 not including shipping. Not horrible, but if you really wanna spend your BB gift cards, I'd pick one up.

[Deftscythe]

Zune software is kinda why I'm leaning towards picking one up. I already had to install it to sync up with my 360, and I really don't see any difference between it and wmp10 aside from a flashier interface. Of course, I haven't used it with a Zune, so idk if there are any hidden pitfalls there. Have you had any trouble with noise on it? I read on one website that customers were complaining about the zune(the 80gb in particular) being loud.

[Cephius]

No trouble with noise at all... I've used it with the included earbuds, my own headphones, and via a cable to the AUX input in my car and all have played music/video with no issues.

There were a lot of complaints about the software crashing machines or not working at all, but the entire installation was a breeze for me and I'm using Vista. It will automatically update itself, update the firmware on your Zune, and you're good to go. I have it monitoring a few folders on my hard drive, whenever it detects new stuff it will automatically sync them with the Zune. You can change all those settings too. I've also streamed music/videos from my Zune to my 360 without a problem. The wireless sync is kinda useless - if I'm close enough to be in range of my router, I'm close enough to walk upstairs and plug in my Zune. The share feature is nice - you can scan for other Zune users in range and share whatever with them - but shared music will delete itself after 3 plays. All in all, I'm happy with it.

[spaghetti_monster]

8GB IPOD Nano (Refurbished) - $149.00(Retail=$199.00) There are many different colors to choose from, I linked to black.

http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPL...nplm=FA497LL/A

I bought a 30GB IPOD about 2yrs ago for $179. Never had a single problem and I still use it everyday. These refurbished units come with the exact same warrenty that the brand new ones come with. Well worth it IMHO.

[Sigi]

Honestly, I'd see if you could try out different mp3 players. The Zune seems to be a fairly decent player, however I enjoy using my iPod in an alarm clock. (I guarantee I will wake up if it's Unearth playing instead of some crappy radiojockey blabbering on)