MP3 players?

Yeah, I know, I am WAY behind the times. I am looking at MP3 players and it seems that an 8GB is all I would need to put my CD collection on, that will still leave room for expansion. I'll be using this in the car almost exclusively so small size and the ability to run off the car's electrical system is important. I've crossed off the cheapies, looking to spend somewhere between $100-$200. So fire away, tell me what you think! And no I don't want to use my iPhone as my MP3 player.

I'll be honest: I love my iPhone as a media player. That said, if you're looking for a stand-alone unit, these are surprisingly AMAZING: Sandisk Sansa Clip+.

$60 gets you your capacity, a very easy to use interface, a crisp screen, and hassle-free file management (you just drag the files onto the player). A friend of mine has one for working out. It's been hiccup-free despite his very high activity. If desired, there's a newer model too.

After that, just get an iPod Classic.

Probably the best solution for that specifically would be a headunit with a usb input and a usb flash drive.

I'd go with something iPod;

http://store.apple.com/us/product/FE971LL/A/refurbished-ipod-nano-16gb-space-gray-7th-generation

$100 for a 16gb devise that's easy to hide somewhere in the car when you want it out of sight. It seems like a lot of cars that have USB/Audio integration are geared for the iPod first and Android/etc second. Even though you're talking about only using it in your car, it could be nice for those times you take it with you in someone else's.

So you have an iPhone, are you happy with using iTunes and all that? If so, an iPod nano the way to go. The only reason I use my iPhone in the car over my nano is pandora.

If not in the mood for an iDevice, the sansa clip is what gets recommended every time.

kylini wrote: I'll be honest: I love my iPhone as a media player. That said, if you're looking for a stand-alone unit, these are surprisingly AMAZING: Sandisk Sansa Clip+. $60 gets you your capacity, a very easy to use interface, a crisp screen, and hassle-free file management (you just drag the files onto the player). A friend of mine has one for working out. It's been hiccup-free despite his very high activity. If desired, there's a newer model too. After that, just get an iPod Classic.

+1 to everything mentioned above.

if this is only car as mentioned a USB head unit and jumpdrive (or sd card) would do the trick within your budget easily... if you don't care about CD's you could get it from Crutchfield for under $10

if you want a stand alone option... watch CL and you can find some great deals on used ipods.

also depending on what model of car you're using... you might be able to install an aftermarket add on... I didn't like the options for aftermarket units in the '05 accord so I picked one up, I can control an Ipod with the stock radio interface... just need to find a good deal on a big ipod classic so I can store all my music.

Swank Force One wrote: Probably the best solution for that specifically would be a headunit with a usb input and a usb flash drive.

I agree. This is what I use - I listen to a lot of audio books. The fact that it auto pauses when I get a phone call via bluetooth, auto starts/stops when I get in the car, and even rewinds a couple seconds after the car has been sitting a while is great. Combine that with the fact that the USB thing is the size of my fingernail - no wires or E36 M3 to deal with in my passenger compartment, its overall a great solution.

I have an iPhone with zero MP3s on it.

Downside: If you have a need for DRM media, this will not work. Its the reason I don't use Audible.

Hmmm. Had not considered the jump drive alternative. I'm an Alpine guy, this one: http://www.crutchfield.com/p_500SXM145B/Alpine-CDE-SXM145BT.html?tp=5684 would give me CD/USB/Aux/satellite and I already have a V Power amp.

I recently got a refurbished Samsung Galaxy Player 4.2 and really like it. Has bluetoof or can use 3.5 mm cord (headphone jack) for output. No proprietary iTunes to deal with, can just copy MP3 files from any computer. Battery is removable (replaceable), takes a micro SD card up to 32 gb for additional storage. Wifi so you can download audiobook player & borrow audiobooks from the public liberry and put your tax dollars to work for u. It is basically an older galaxy phone chassis without the phone guts...

Last few years I've been using sony walkman MP3 players, drag & drop file setup, awesome sound & amazing battery life.

Curmudgeon wrote: Hmmm. Had not considered the jump drive alternative. I'm an Alpine guy, this one: http://www.crutchfield.com/p_500SXM145B/Alpine-CDE-SXM145BT.html?tp=5684 would give me CD/USB/Aux/satellite and I already have a V Power amp.

Well then rock on with your bad self! I've been listening to music etc. loaded on USB sticks in my car for 7? 8? years? Has it been that long?

Told you I was behind the times. You young whippersnappers need to GTFO my lawn!