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My sister's MP3 player recently desintegrated and she's offered to buy my old Creative Muvo for much more then it's worth (the tool...), giving me the chance to upgrade to a slightly bigger player. I'm looking at something in the one-gigabyte range, and while browsing I found out the iPod Nano is going for just €150 and change. One of my main objections against getting an iPod is that they're too expensive for what they offer, but what the hell, it looks sexy.

So, Apple fanwhores and iPod owners, convince me. How easy is this thing to use ? Is it reliable ? Does the screen last ? Can I avoid getting iTunes ? Can I store non-music data on it ? Will it be worth my hard-earned cash ?

Or should I just get something else ?

To answer some of your questions, there are hacks & tricks towards getting around using iTunes, but for the most part you will need to use iTunes in order to load music onto your iPod, of any variety. As far as loading other types of data onto it, iPods are rather picky about letting you transfer data from the iPod onto another computer. (Personally, I'd recommend something else if you're looking for flexibility as anything but a music player).

I've got USB sticks lying around, transferring data would just be a plus.

for the most part you will need to use iTunes in order to load music onto your iPod, of any variety.

Damn

I should state up front that I don't have a frame of reference for comparison as a Nano is the only portable music player I have.

How easy is this thing to use?

Exceedingly easy. Easier than tying your shoes.

Is it reliable? Does the screen last?

So far, so good. But I've only had mine since mid-December.

Can I avoid getting iTunes?

Sorry, no.

Can I store non-music data on it?

Yes. I know you can get pictures on there, but as far as using it like a USB stick I'm not sure, it's not something I've tried. But General Zod is correct. Due to the proprietary nature of the thing it can be finicky with other computers. iTunes does allow for multiple computers to be authorized for your iPod.

Will it be worth my hard-earned cash?

I think it can be, but ultimately it's a user decision. Some love 'em, others don't.

Or should I just get something else ?

The market seems saturated with these little gadgets. You'd have to work really hard to find one you really hate.

General Zod wrote:To answer some of your questions, there are hacks & tricks towards getting around using iTunes, but for the most part you will need to use iTunes in order to load music onto your iPod, of any variety. As far as loading other types of data onto it, iPods are rather picky about letting you transfer data from the iPod onto another computer. (Personally, I'd recommend something else if you're looking for flexibility as anything but a music player).

Real player works just fine for ipods

CorSec wrote:

Can I store non-music data on it?

Yes. I know you can get pictures on there, but as far as using it like a USB stick I'm not sure, it's not something I've tried. But General Zod is correct. Due to the proprietary nature of the thing it can be finicky with other computers. iTunes does allow for multiple computers to be authorized for your iPod.

I use my sister's 2nd-generation Firewire iPod as a portable hard drive. I even backed up some data on it without telling her since she doesn't use all the space.

There are hacks and tricks to use other programs other than iTunes. And you're only using iTunes to load the music, it's not like it doesn't take non-iTunes music. While the iPod plays AAC, MP3, WAV, AIFF, Apple Lossless, etc, iTunes handily converts non-DRM-protected WMA for you to whichever format you told it to in the settings so you can put it in the iPod.

There are hacks and tricks to use other programs other than iTunes.

When absolutely neccesary I can install iTunes but I don't like to be tied to one program.

While the iPod plays AAC, MP3, WAV, AIFF, Apple Lossless, etc, iTunes handily converts non-DRM-protected WMA for you to whichever format you told it to in the settings so you can put it in the iPod.

95% of my library consists of self-ripped MP3's. Conversion won't be a problem

I got my iPod nano free (from freepay.com -- just last week) so I can't really say that it isn't worth the money. I do find it a very slick piece of hardware, and although I'm not crazy about iTunes, as a necessary evil it isn't terrible.

Of course, you can also install a version of Linux on your iPod, if you go for that sort of thing. Apparently you can even get it to play videos, though with such a small screen size I have to wonder why you'd want to.

I'm looking through some reviews and found a possible alternative, if only for the novelty value. 1 gig, FM tuner, drag & drop interface, and look how cute it is

EDIT : perhaps I'll just upgrade to a Zen Nano Plus.

I love my nano and take it everywhere with me, it's easily small enough.

I own a regular iPod (3rd gen ~3 years old), but the nano is pretty much the same thing interface wise....

Bounty wrote:How easy is this thing to use?

They are cake to use. Now that apple gave up on the stupid touch sensitive navigation buttons (like my third gen), they are even easyier to use.

Is it reliable?

I've done all manner of nasty things to mine (dropped it more than once (enough to crack the shell open), etc and it's still ticking. Apple does a decent job of durability with their iPod line.

Does the screen last ?

Mines still ticking after three years. Do yourself a favor though, and get a case that protects the screen (and stays on the thing all the time). That's my one complaint with the durability of these things -- the screen scratches just by looking at it practically.

Can I avoid getting iTunes ?

Yes. On Windows you can get Music Match Jukebox (MMJB was the only program that the iPod used on Windows until Apple ported iTunes), and on Linux you can use Amarok. There are also *tons* of third part and freeware programs on the net that you can use both to get songs on to the thing, and off the thing. However, you should give iTunes a shot, it's actually fairly decent (though not very feature rich).

Can I store non-music data on it?

Yes, hard drive iPods act as a usb hard drive (that you can even boot from -- I put an installation of linux on mine for use when i'm at a public terminal). I assume the flash based players (like the nano) act similarly.

Will it be worth my hard-earned cash ? Or should I just get something else ?

If you use a portable player enough, yes! If you only use it occasionally, no. Personally, I use mine all the time (at work, on bike rides, road trips, etc.). However, I would think you'd be better off getting a regular iPod if you have the funds. You get a lot more value for your dollar (10$/GB instead of 150$/GB). The only difference is they are bigger (but still totally portable). You might also look at iRiver players. They have similar offerings to Apple, but cheaper and more feature rich (and usable with more software).

Do yourself a favor though, and get a case that protects the screen (and stays on the thing all the time). That's my one complaint with the durability of these things -- the screen scratches just by looking at it practically.

I wanted to stress this part. The nano especially is a very pretty bauble and scratches if the wind blows funny. I bought a nice clear plastic case from the Apple store that covers the whole thing except for the wheel and ports. (The only down to that is I can't use the fancy dock/stand, but the USB cord fits just fine.)

Pfft. I scratched my fourth-gen iPod by putting it in the same pocket as my keys, but saying 'lolz you won't be able to read the screen if you go outside!!!!11' is just bullshit. Yes, they seem to cover the hard plastic in some kind of uber-scratchy gel, but it isn't THAT bad. Nanos are small, light, reliable, easy-to-use things: the only downside is that like most iPods you need to cart a cable if you want to connect to puters as a drive.

Aside from the understandable desire to not be forced to use something, what's everyones problem with iTunes? It's a little bloated, but it's easy as shit to use and user-friendly - thus hitting the design goals for a mass-market player. Given the absolutely craptacular nature of your average PC audio player, what's the big deal? Many people use knockoffs due to footprint, but I've never understood the 'zomg i want to be able to drag music onto my ipod' thing. I have a server with far more music than you can fit on a nano: playlists are far more convienient than dragging hundreds of files.

I like iTunes quite a bit, and it's audio CD burning feature is surprisingly reliable.

I'm torn.

My brain tells me to get a €100 Creative player with a radio and voice recorder, once that runs on a standard AAA battery and works with any computer regardless if it has iTunes (especially since I use three computers regularly to upload stuff)

My gut wants to spend €160 on a 0.7cm thick status symbol with a cool motto engraved in it.

Apparently Mediamonkey can synch up with a Nano. I'm leaning towards the iPod, to be honest. It just looks *so good*.

Plus I'll score browny points with an Apple-loving friend, who thinks her Mac is the best thing since sliced bread.

Noght the 1gb when my Mini died.

So far I love it, I lisen to the radio wile comuting, or some book.

Bounty wrote:I'm torn.

My brain tells me to get a €100 Creative player with a radio and voice recorder, once that runs on a standard AAA battery and works with any computer regardless if it has iTunes (especially since I use three computers regularly to upload stuff)

My gut wants to spend €160 on a 0.7cm thick status symbol with a cool motto engraved in it.

Get the iPod. Thinner, lighter, no moving parts, a cool logo, and you can install Linux on an iPod while I haven't heard of Linux on a Creative And as a few people noted, you can use non-iTunes programs.

OK, a few more questions -

* The optional Dock Connector. What *exactly* is it for ? Does it serve a purpose beyond looking stylish and serving as a link to your stereo ?

* iPod Linux and the Podzilla thing. Useful software or programmer dickwaving ? Does it work properly with a Nano ? Is it stable enough for a newb to use ?

* Are there any crucial accesories that might drive the price up further ?

* This may sound like a stupid question, but is the Nano easy to control "blind" ? I usually keep my player in my pocket, and my old Creative's previous/next button and volume controls stick out, so I don't need to look at it to use the controls.

Bounty wrote:I'm torn.

My brain tells me to get a €100 Creative player with a radio and voice recorder, once that runs on a standard AAA battery and works with any computer regardless if it has iTunes (especially since I use three computers regularly to upload stuff)

My gut wants to spend €160 on a 0.7cm thick status symbol with a cool motto engraved in it.

You're in the same boat I was in two months ago. I usually don't fall for marketing bullshit but there's an undeniable appeal to owning an iPod you don't really get from the other players.

As for me, I bought the 2GB nano, and my only regret has been not getting the 4GB instead.

Bounty wrote: * iPod Linux and the Podzilla thing. Useful software or programmer dickwaving ? Does it work properly with a Nano ? Is it stable enough for a newb to use ?

Never used it, but I know it supports OGG and FLAC playback and games like Doom and Solitaire and Tetris and a few homebrew apps.

And I know it can run on the Nano.
http://www.theplaceforitall.com/linuxnano/

It's kinda ugly and the display is monochrome, but if you want just an inexpensive solid music player that you can just 'drag and drop' music on from Windows Explorer and doubles as a flash drive, the SanDisk Sansas are hard to beat.

I have the 1 gig model and I love it.

Plus it uses a single standard AAA battery instead of a proprietary LiIon rechargeable that'd cost an arm and a leg to replace in comparison to replacing NiMH AAA's.

The nano doesn't use a charger at all, it charges off USB.

I'm going to quote myself since I really need to know this -

* The optional Dock Connector. What *exactly* is it for ? Does it serve a purpose beyond looking stylish and serving as a link to your stereo ?

From Apple's page I get the impression that you can't charge or connect the iPod without a dock.

If you're still talking about the nano, then no. It just uses the USB-iPod cable for both data and power.