MP3 Player Decisions...

Here's the deal. I need a new MP3 player. My old one was a Creative zen v plus 4 gigs. I had it for about 2 years no major issues.

I enjoyed it mainly because I could just drag and drop music on the device with ease. It was like a jump drive only for music.

Now I'm looking for more space and pretty much the same idea of drag and drop.

I really don't want to be dependent upon software like iTunes or whatever program the Zune uses.

However, I want the best my money can buy and to think about the future of the device. I'm not really into buying a new player every year. Storage space is also an issue.

Here are my top 3 choices:

Ipod 16 gig touch 2nd Generation

Price $299.99

My best advice would be...anything besides the iPod Touch. I think the Touch is a great piece of hardware, but I just can't justify the price tag for how much memory you're actually getting.

Good idea Kush. I think the memory space is over looked because you can do everything the iPhone can do just not make calls. I'm still on the fence with this one...

I'd say go for an iPhone if you can , otherwise iPod is the best choice

"I'd say go for an iPhone if you can , otherwise iPod is the best choice"

I've currently got a Zen Vision: M. It's around 3 years old, and I had a case that actually ruined the screen far worse than just leaving it in the protective bag it came with ever would have. I don't use it for videos anymore anyway; battery life with the equalizer and bass boost is around 10 hours at higher volumes with the screen off as much as possible. Sound quality is very good- iPods put out shit sound compared to Creatives. Would I recommend it refurb'ed? I dunno. Mine still works perfectly after being abused way more than any electronic device should.

I would imagine that the Zen 16 gig would be very much the same in terms of software as the Vision M, and it's remarkably easy to transfer and organize with Creative players (even if the firmware is slightly lackluster).

In terms of the iPod Touch, I would not recommend it for the price.

If you do get the Creative, be warned. The FM Radio feature on the Vision M is only available with the special earbuds that Creative gives you with them (which may not come with a refurb, I don't know). Don't think that matters to you though.