Apple iPod or Rio Karma?

[hotmale]

I'm going to buy an mp3 player. Which one do you recommend- the 20gig iPod or the Rio Karma? Both are the same price, so that doesn't matter. And kindly explain to me based on what you made the choice.
If you have a completely different suggestion, don't hesitate to post it.
Thanks! :)

[phishhead]

I choose the ipod it just looks cool.

[hotmale]

Thanks for your reply, phish. And keep the votes coming everyone!

[rohitk89]

i have the 20gb ipod as well...i haven't used rio but am of the opinion that ipod is better....like phishhead said it looks just too good to be able to see anything else...plus its very easy to use...coming from me that means a lot...the transfer manager, itunes, is also a very elegant software and takes barely no time to set up and begin operations....

for more info on rio try this: http://www.audioreview.com/PRD_173483_2756crx.aspx

[Big Booger]

Seeing as you can upgrade the HDD up to 137GB in the rio karma, I'd go that route. But with the IPOD style, it's a difficult choice.

My advice, consult the I Ching.

http://flytrapinteractive.com/~complimentary/iching/

[Stripe]

ROFLMAO....


The answer to your question, "should I buy an Apple I-pod or a Rio Karma?" is:
October 8, 2004

48. Ching - The Well
-- --
----- above K'an The Abysmal, Water
-- --
-----
----- below Sun The Gentle, Wind
-- --

The Judgement

The Well. The town may be changed,
But the well cannot be changed.
It neither decreases nor increases.
They come and go and draw from the well.
If one gets down almost to the water
And the rope does not go all the way,
Or the jug breaks, it brings misfortune.

The Image

Water over wood: the image of the Well.
Thus the superior man encourages the people at their work,
And exhorts them to help one another.

Changing Lines

Changing yin at the bottom means:
One does not drink the mud of the well.
No animals come to an old well.

Changing yang in the second place means:
At the wellhole one shoots fishes.
The jug is broken and leaks.

Changing yang in the third place means:
The well is cleaned, but no one drinks from it.
This is my heart's sorrow,
For one might draw from it.
If the king were clear-minded,
Good fortune might be enjoyed in common.

Changing yin in the fourth place means:
The well is being lined. No blame.

Changing yang in the fifth place means:
In the well there is a clear, cold spring
From which one can drink.

Changing yin at the top means:
One draws from the well
Without hindrance.
It is dependable.
Supreme good fortune.

So, don't buy a muddy I-pod

[Big Booger]

yep, as the I Ching says, don't get the Ipod. :D The I Ching is never wrong :D

[hotmale]

Thanks for the votes, guys! BTW, both of them can be used as external hard drives, right?

[Stripe]

I would definately go with a Karma after reading the reviews and the specs. just the ability to use other formats makes it awesome.

as for external harddrives...I'm not sure. i did read an article by someone who removed the harddrive from the karma and put it in his camera though :D

[egghead]

the rio has good features.

my real choice is the Archos AV400 (http://www.archos.com/products/overview/av400_series.html)


The AV400 experience starts in the living room where you can record TV shows and movies directly from a TV, VCR, or cable / satellite receiver with a convenient one-time set-up TV Cradle. But entertainment enjoyment goes far beyond the living room. When on the go, you can watch videos and view photos on the large color LCD screen, listen to and record music, transfer photos from your digital camera and data files from your PC.

* Record between 80 and up to 400 hours* of TV programs and video content from a TV, VCR, cable box, or satellite receiver using the TV cradle.
* Program recordings using the Recording Scheduler, which directly controls the VCR or set-top box tuner.
* Store and watch between 40 and up to 200* full-length movies.
* Enjoy up to 4 ½ hours of video playback on the color LCD while on the go.
* Download / transfer / record between 300 and up to 1500* hours of music.
* Store and view between 200,000 and up to one million* JPEG photos.
* Play MP3, WMA (including protected files) and WAV music files.
* Listen to and record off the radio (with optional FM Radio & Remote Control).
* Download and store files from a PC

I don't know your budget so you can get the cheaper AV120 (http://www.archos.com/products/overview/av100_series.html) from ebay (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=48682&item=5724936585&rd=1) here for $219us

[hotmale]

Can you tell me egghead and Stripe what exactly do you like about the Rio Karma?

And regarding the AV400, my opinion is :bigeek:
How much does the 20GB model cost? My budget is $300 max and I don't want anything used.

However, the iPod's (4.1" x 2.4" x 0.57") and the Karma's (2.7" x 3.0" x 1.1") are tad more impressive than AV400's (4.9" x 3.1" x 0.8"). Don't you agree?

[egghead]

it supports ogg which is higher quality tan mp3

the av400 is very expensive. You can find brand new 300 series on ebay as the company does not have a great distributer. av400 are not on ebay.

Quote,
However, the iPod's (4.1" x 2.4" x 0.57") and the Karma's (2.7" x 3.0" x 1.1") are tad more impressive than AV400's (4.9" x 3.1" x 0.8"). Don't you agree?

answer
the av400 is a multimedia system. I like the idea of having all my mp3's on one machine as well has having some cool movies to watch on tv or the lcd display as well as having the option to record mp3 using the built in mic - good for songwriters and for catching quick ideas. it also shows up as a hd in windows so you can store games or entire dvd's etc.....

I like to have the all-in'one gadget and this does everything

the ipod and rio's lcd display only needs to display text. I would like the option to watch "dawn of the dead" on the subway or catch up on a new episode of the screensavers on the way home. I wish the darn thing could play pacman or streetfighter haha

[hotmale]

Thanks for the detailed explanation, egghead! So the AV400 is far beyond my reach, eh? But I'm still curious, how much does it cost exactly? It truly is an amazing product.

As for the all-purpose gadget thing, what I'm looking for at the moment is an mp3 player that simply plays mp3s - albeit I don't mind some additional features.

[egghead]

http://www.1click2computers.com/product_details/detail.asp?prod_id=500664&from_dist=C

http://www.shopgenie.co.uk/theme_theme_archos--av400--buy--online_page_1_/

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0002IHP3K/ref=pd_sxp_elt_l1/102-9983195-8173710

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0002U0JPE/ref=pd_sxp_elt_l1/102-9983195-8173710

review,
http://www.tomshardware.com/mobile/20040706/index.html

[hotmale]

Thanks, egghead! So it's between $400-500. Maybe it's not out of my reach after all, but at the same time that's a lot of money. I'll have to think about it.

[hotmale]

BTW, I've just remembered that iPods are illegal in Australia :( and as I'm thinking of going there to study, I won't be able to take an iPod with me.

[SupaStar]

BTW, I've just remembered that iPods are illegal in Australia :( and as I'm thinking of going there to study, I won't be able to take an iPod with me.

I don't quite know about the validity of that...they are in abundance here.

[hotmale]

What about this? :confused:
http://www.techzonez.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11121

[SupaStar]

Yes, but like i said in that thread, no-one really follows that law :p

[hotmale]

Thanks for the info, Supa! So I'm still confused: iPod, Karma or Av400?

[petard]

since i've used the karma, i've lost weight, have a thick head of hair, lowered my mortgage payments, increased my penis length, and have come to the aid of several Nigerians. get the karma.
:D

[hotmale]

Thanks for the advice, petard :p

[egghead]

I think i'll get 2 then :)

[mightymo]

Has anyone not seen of Creative's line of MP3 players? I think they look the best. My friend at work has an ipod and it sucks. I mean he loves it but I think it's crappy. The LCD is terrible. I don't like the round circle navigator either.

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0002AZNKA.01-ATVPDKIKX0DER._SCMZZZZZZZ_.jpg

Here are the features as listed on Amazon:
*40 GB storage lets you bring up to 10,000 WMA songs (80 kbps) or MP3 songs (128 kbps) everywhere you go
*Use AudioSync to synchronize your music on your player with your PC at work, school and home or on the road
*Load a song a second with ultra fast USB 2.0 port, compatible with USB 1.1 too
*Removable, high-capacity Li-ion battery -- up to 14 hrs continuous playback per charge
*Compatible with Microsoft Windows 98 SE, Me, 2000, and XP

Plus there's a 60GB version for a little over $300 on newegg. One last thing, Creative is in the process of making a dozen new MP3 players to be released by Christmas. Something to think about.

[hotmale]

Thanks, mightymo! It's weird you think iPods suck but your suggestion is interesting. How much does it cost, what are its dimensions and where can I find a large pic of it? Or you could just give me the model # or its name and I'll sort it out. :)

[SupaStar]

I don't like the round circle navigator either.


Hehe...after design, that is my next favourite bit about the iPod, the navigation system. I reckon it rocks!

[rohitk89]

i dunno...i love the ipod...cause im prolly the only one wid it in a radius of 100km around me.... :p ...ooo and it looks so so cool as well...

[mightymo]

Thanks, mightymo! It's weird you think iPods suck but your suggestion is interesting. How much does it cost, what are its dimensions and where can I find a large pic of it? Or you could just give me the model # or its name and I'll sort it out. :)

It's called "Creative Labs Nomad Jukebox Zen Xtra 40 GB MP3 Player" and the 40GB version is only $255 on Amazon.com or better yet $237 on http://www.newegg.com

Here is a larger pic:

http://images10.newegg.com/productimage/55-102-128-03.JPG

[hotmale]

Thanks for the details, mightymo! I'll look into Zen Xtra - seems sleek and it would save me a lot :D

And BTW, regarding what you said about Creative releasing new models, are you sure? 'Cause I guess the prices would drop in that case, right?

[hotmale]

What do you guys think about this?

Dell will introduce Thursday a small music player to compete with Apple's iPod mini. The new Pocket DJ 5 offers one GByte more memory, but is priced $50 less than Apple's market dominating player. Dell also said that it will announce a strategic alliance with a major Linux player next week.

Suddenly, the choice for a mini audio player is not so obvious anymore. After the Virgin Player and the Zen Micro, which were introduced earlier this week, Dell will unveil today its move into the mini portable audio player segment with a pocket version of its DJ family.

The new Pocket DJ 5 rides on Dell's known strategy to offer a bit more features for less money. In direct comparison, the device integrates five GByte storage space (iPod mini: four GByte) and weighs about 4.4 ounces (3.6). The device will sell for $200 ($250). Analysts expected the move for several months, quoting the need for Dell to support the value proposition of the PC, the firm's core business. "We expect to see an increasing number of consumer-electronics related devices from Dell, and right now, portable music players are growing in popularity," said PJ McNealy, an analyst with American Technology Research.
http://www.tomshardware.com/hardnews/20041014_103727.html

[z3n]

Aye - Hotmale iPods are everywhere here bud.

So you're coming to Oz eh... Great stuff.

Where you headed to study ??

[hotmale]

Thanks for the reassurance, z3n!
Yeah, I'm planning to study in Australia - perfect weather, cost isn't outrageous like the UK or US and I guess it's safer than the UK and US (both crime and terrorism wise).
I'd like to go to the University of Sydney but I'm still not 100% sure.

[GimieGimieGimie]

Thanks for the reassurance, z3n!
Yeah, I'm planning to study in Australia - perfect weather, cost isn't outrageous like the UK or US and I guess it's safer than the UK and US (both crime and terrorism wise).
I'd like to go to the University of Sydney but I'm still not 100% sure.

Damn right hotmale,

Stay the hell away from here, Australia is one of the best places in the world :D

Don't get me started on my own country, i'm a natual born London hater, everything bad you hear about London is most probably true, got lots of big problems over here, i'm saving up just to leave the damn country.

Don't know where to go though :confused:

[cash_site]

You are more than welcome to join all the other back-packers and come to Melbourne Gimmie... there are plenty of women for ya... we have a cool beach to perve err.. admire.. err... enjoy... (damn this hole is getting bigger) ... on the sights ;)
http://www.sportzblitz.net/body-blitz-challenge/images/vaness-champ5.jpg

[hotmale]

Don't get me started on my own country, i'm a natual born London hater, everything bad you hear about London is most probably true, got lots of big problems over here, i'm saving up just to leave the damn country.No matter how bad you say it is in your place, I'm sure it's better than this $#!t-hole called Jordan. Nothing to do, no where to go, people mostly suck (why else do you think I spend my time here at TZ :D J/K )

I can't wait to finish my A-Levels and leave this place for good.

[GimieGimieGimie]

No matter how bad you say it is in your place, I'm sure it's better than this $#!t-hole called Jordan. Nothing to do, no where to go, people mostly suck (why else do you think I spend my time here at TZ :D J/K )

I can't wait to finish my A-Levels and leave this place for good.

We have a lot more in common then i once thought hotmale ;)

As soon as i finish my IT course, i'm out of here!

As for Australia, i've thought about it, my sister has already decided to move there in the next 5 years, and australian accents turn me on big time :p

So maybe, i'll travel the world before i decide though :D

[hotmale]

We have a lot more in common then i once thought hotmale ;)Yeah, we sure do :D

I haven't decided either where to go, but probably Australia 'cause it's cheaper than the US and UK. Canada would've been great as well, but I cannot stand cold weather :(

Whatever you decide, good luck! ;)

[GimieGimieGimie]

Yeah, we sure do :D

I haven't decided either where to go, but probably Australia 'cause it's cheaper than the US and UK. Canada would've been great as well, but I cannot stand cold weather :(

Whatever you decide, good luck! ;)

Right back at you dude :D

[VEGEMITE FREAK]

anyway it the Ethernet thing on the dock (karma) of any use?

Thanks,

[tarun]

I cannot stand cold weather :(


Considered coming to India? :p

[hotmale]

Considered coming to India? :pMy parents have suggested that already. I've thought about it too.

The Good (my parents' point of view)
(1)It's really cheap

The Good (my point of view)
(1)Education is good
(2)My Mom's from there
(3)I understand Hindi - can't speak or write though
(4)India is the birthplace of THE geeks of IT and computers. In every Indian family I know, there seems to be someone who's a programmer or some computer engineer. India has become a kind of a superpower for its progress in IT and since I'm most probably going to end up studying some computer course, India sounds like the place to be.

The Bad
(1)Tad too humid
(2)I H-A-T-E cockroaches (OMG, did I type that!!! :eek: )

So the advantages outweigh the two disadvantages.

I've been to India when I was around 5; I can hardly remember anything now. As I've already mentioned, I'm not sure where I'll end up. Australia, USA, Canada, Lebanbon, India are the top 5 in the list (in descending order).

[cash_site]

Yeah man, Cmon on Down :D Plenty good skools, teach me well english... unpossible to fail and perty chicks on beaches :msncool:

[FastGame]

Yeah man, Cmon on Down :D Plenty good skools, teach me well english... unpossible to fail and perty chicks on beaches :msncool:
Yep and you can get cockatoos for free :D

The Bad
(2)I H-A-T-E cockroaches (OMG, did I type that!!! )
Well that rules out the warm half of the US :eek:

Apple iPod or Rio Karma? I like Sony Walkman :cool:

[cash_site]

Yep and you can get tatoos on your C*&K for free :cool:
Had to re-read your post twice... too early in the morning :eek:

[hotmale]

perty chicks on beaches :msncool:Then they better be ready for me :p ;)

[GimieGimieGimie]

How about Cockroaches topless on the beach??? :D

[cash_site]

How about Cockroaches topless on the beach??? :D
Hey, what you do topless on the beach with your ck-roach is your business :p

[Big Booger]

For the person looking for a player, this one seems to fit the ticket and at a price that is hard to beat:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0002MGZPA/ref%3Dnosim/bensbargaicenter/102-2170898-9123310

Features:

* 7-in-one multi-functions include digital video player, digital video recorder, digital photo player, digital voice recorder, MP3 player, mass storage, SD/MMC card reader
* Playback photos and video on the 2.5" color LCD screen
* Uses SD memory card
* MPEG 4 technology for high quality video recording
* Print photos conveniently from Direct Print Support (DPS)

the price is really good.. too bad there is no internal HDD..

SD memory:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00030CHP8/qid=1109344300/sr=1-5/ref=sr_1_5/102-2170898-9123310?v=glance&s=electronics

not too bad.. but you'd have to purchase several for a large music collection or a couple of movies.