Hard disc MP3 player - recommendations?
 

Hi all

My Archos FM Recorder has just about packed up, so I'm looking for a replacement. Requirements are:

- at least 20GB capacity
- USB 2.0 or Firewire interface
- only MP3 required, no need for any other formats.
- must appear to PC to be just like any other drive, ie. no special software needed and no stupid restrictions on what can be copied on and off.

The Archos remains my ideal spec, but it's been suffering from bad sectors and battery problems which are both getting worse. I guess I could just replace the drive, but I'd still like to know if there's anything better out there.

Any suggestions please?

Ta
Andy.

IPod and ITrip. Does need ITunes but it's a good 'un.

Has a Mirror on the back for when the wind messes with your hair. Plus, chicks dig them.

Does the Ipod appear in Windows as just another drive in my computer ?

I don't think so - after all, it didn't (officially) work on the PC at all for a while, until drivers and software started to appear.

Thing is, I want to transfer stuff on and off using my desktop, laptop and office PCs, so having to install special software on all these is a pain. Plus, I don't see the advantage - my Archos just pops up as a nice, fast USB 2 hard disc, no hassle.

Yes it does, I keep all sorts on it.

Also have a look at the creative labs offerings, (the Zen Xtra for example). Cheaper than the ipod, bigger capacity (60gb for around 300 quid whereas the ipod is around 400 quid for 40gb).

I use mine for file transfers, mp3 / wma playback, streaming audio through the pc (can act as a server so can stream to multiple machines at the same time etc).

I know the ipod advocates (as proven by previous posts) will shoot down the zen saying it's ugly, too heavy etc, but as a piece of hardware / technology, it's much better value for money - IMHO of course ;)

Iain

Ipod