Best MP3 player for mac users?

AlysiaJ · Oct 12, 2007

So I'm considering getting a new mp3 player. I have a SanDisk Sansa e270 right now, and I've been relatively satisfied with it, but 1. I need a bit more room, and 2. I've been having issues with it with my new macbook pro.

So basically I'm looking for something with more than 6 GB, under $300, simple music-adding process (nothing beats drag'n'drop!), supports .mp3, .flac, .wma, and iTunes protected files, and most importantly... works really well with Macs! (though not exclusive to macs... I have some music on other computers running Windows that I'd like to listen to also)

Any suggestions would be great. Thanks!!

D3v1L80Y · Oct 12, 2007

an iPod?

Levi · Oct 12, 2007

AlysiaJ said:
So basically I'm looking for something with more than 6 GB, under $300, simple music-adding process (nothing beats drag'n'drop!), supports .mp3, .flac, .wma, and iTunes protected files, and most importantly... works really well with Macs! (though not exclusive to macs... I have some music on other computers running Windows that I'd like to listen to also)

Any suggestions would be great. Thanks!!

iPod nano:

8GB - $200
iTunes integration
Supports .mp3 & FairPlay protected files
Works really well with Macs

Limited drag & drop support (only through iTunes)
No FLAC or WMA support

iPod Touch:

8GB - $300

All the same pros and cons, only it has wi-fi web browsing and the ultimate display & UI.

I've not even looked at non-iPod DAPs in the last 3 years (the iPod has always had the best mix of size, capacity & price), so I can't really talk about any others.

ste6168 · Oct 13, 2007

ipod... ?

Kevriano · Oct 13, 2007

Has to be an iPod, especially as the new 160 gb model is cheaper than the outgoing 80 gb! It's a bargain for the best mp3 player by a very long way.
It looks absolutely gorgeous too.

Aptmunich · Oct 13, 2007

AlysiaJ said:
simple music-adding process (nothing beats drag'n'drop!),

I'd disagree: drag & drop is quicker in the short term, but is a much larger organisational hassle in the long run. Your mileage may vary

supports [...] Tunes protected files, and most importantly... works really well with Macs!

Then it has to be an iPod. Nothing else currently works with Fairplay.

Get an 8GB nano.

moggs · Oct 13, 2007

get a Zune!!!

only joking, you want an iPod

goobimama · Oct 13, 2007

Once you get your music organised in iTunes, there's nothing like it. Managing playlists and such becomes so easy. I've got different playlists for travelling, gym, relaxing. Just plug it in (shuffle here) and load the playlist. And the battery life of the iPod is amazing.

Definitely the iPod.

Cherokee · Oct 13, 2007

AlysiaJ said:
So I'm considering getting a new mp3 player. I have a SanDisk Sansa e270 right now, and I've been relatively satisfied with it, but 1. I need a bit more room, and 2. I've been having issues with it with my new macbook pro.

So basically I'm looking for something with more than 6 GB, under $300, simple music-adding process (nothing beats drag'n'drop!), supports .mp3, .flac, .wma, and iTunes protected files, and most importantly... works really well with Macs! (though not exclusive to macs... I have some music on other computers running Windows that I'd like to listen to also)

Any suggestions would be great. Thanks!!

Please tell me you're kidding?

<<<<< See avatar.

Macboy · Oct 16, 2007

ammmmmm considering this is a Mac Forum......and most of us a Mac users, one would think that we would say the same thing......or am I wrong.
Get an Ipod dude. Thoughting works better with a Mac, then anothere Mac item.

Mattlike · Oct 16, 2007

iPod for sure.

iWhat · Oct 16, 2007

Awww, don't chastise someone for not wanting an iPod. Poor AlysiaJ. *pat*

illy5603 · Oct 17, 2007

Heheh I had an iPod years before I owned a Mac. easily the best mp3 player ever in any version you care to choose. I am also suprised by people who feel the need to "hand control" and name their files etc. With iTunes and the iPod just point iTunes to the directory with the music in it (or rip the CD) and it is ALL DONE. Album artwork, predictable file names, id3 tags... Why would ANYONE still want to drag and drop and batch rename files?

MACyMouse · Oct 17, 2007

iPod.......... hands down! Even most PC users have iPods

eyeball · Oct 18, 2007

Gotta be an iPod Classic. I just got an 80Gb classic in silver and it rocks. You don't even have to tire your poor little fingers out dragging and dropping. Just sync it and you're done. Spend a bit of time getting your library sorted with artwork etc. and you'll spend all day looking at coverflow...

TopDog · Oct 18, 2007

I just love my new iPod Nano 8GB. Apple managed to make the GUI even better!

Since you mention that the player needs to play protected AAC files, the only option is iPod. To convert WMA files, you can use the great, and cheap EasyWMA.

Only option I would consider if you absolutely don't want an iPod is the new Creative Zen. It's a bit more expensive than the iPod, but has a bigger screen. It looks quite cool and syncs with iTunes (still not playing those protected AAC files).

boswellian · Oct 18, 2007

I love my hacked iPod touch. Surprised it took as many posts as it did for someone to make a zune joke!

Mikel Croft · Oct 18, 2007

Zune ftw!

jk, lol - iPod is the obvious choice, yes.