Newest iPod vs. the Nomad Zen NX?

flyingember asks: "I am considering purchasing an iPod, since they are so cool looking. I then came across the new Nomad Zen NX. Size isn't an issue, my current MP3 player being a MP3-CD player. The big thing is price. In the US the 30GB Zen costs $300, the 30GB iPod costs $500. Or you can get a 10GB iPod for $300 or a 20GB Zen for $250 on the low end. Has the iPod got better design and layout of controls to make the price difference worth it?"

Comments

iPod

[sporty]

The iPod is just more asthetically usable. I don't know how to explain it. My friend got a zen recently. It has a jog dial on the right somewhere, but the interface is just weird. It feels like the type of interface I'd expect on my receiver.

I like devices that have interfaces that match their use. Take palm and its OS. I thought grafitii is great. It makes sense for really quick input. The fact you don't have a start menu and just use the "applications" menu to get to stuff was also great. It even use(d) a low power cpu. It's the opposite reason why I really hate windows ce. I just can' get used to the idea of having a start menu and apps that take up so much screen space.

--

Other reason I don't like the zen? Same friend, can't download the drivers from creative, and to use the drivers, he has to install the base software. But the software he prefers to use for syncin' needs the drivers. So to use one software, he's forced to use another.

--

iTunes works really well w/ the ipod. Hopefully, the win version will be just as good.

For questions like these

[prostoalex]

Epinions are pretty good:

Nomad Zen reviews

iPod reviews

Of course, Epinions are not too helpful when the product is brand new. I usually go through a couple of five-star reviews and several one-stars (if such exist) to see what people are generally complaining about.

function and form

[BenTheDewpendent]

The ipod isn't just an MP3 player. It also can store your contacts, and appointments, as well as functioning as a portable harddrive as well (the zen can most likely do this too.) So it does a little more in a better package with a better interface. I'd say ipod.

Qaulity vs. Price

[sunbane]

I have a 20GB 2nd series ipod (now my wifes) and a 30GB 3rd series. The big difference I found was the quality. Borrow somebodies ipod and just listen to the sound - it is fantastic. The headphones alone would be $75 as they contain neobydium magnets and are great quality - ever notice when you see somebody with an ipod they are using the included headphones?

The next thing is simplicity - the menu system on the ipod I find much more navigable and easier to use... granted I have only played w/ a zen in the store but the ipod just makes sense.

You also say you are not too worried about size, but just going from the series 2 to the series 3 is awesome (and the series 2 was smaller). You can slip it into your shirt pocket and never know it is there. It really does make a difference... granted, either is night and day for you right now, but down the road do you really want to suddenly be envious of a friends tight little package? (he he...)

I can honestly say these have been some of the best purchases I have ever made, have used them w/ both windows and on my wife's ibook. They work fabulous. And don't forget that iTunes and the Apple Music Store are coming to windows... you'll need something to play those nice songs on and slickly hook into what I think is the best mp3 player out there! (Yup, I'm jealous of my wife... come on economy - get rolling so I can get me a G5!!!)

You could always just buy you a volkwagen bug and get an ipod for free!!! :)

Support?

[W33dz]

Creative is horrible at support. Have you ever tried to DL a driver pack from them? Usually you get 4 or 5 TSR proggies that will crash your system. I lived in Singapore and actually had to go to their HQ three times to get my Geforce II replaced. Bad news.
Apple? I own an IPOD, and notwithstanding that you have to install MusicMatch, their package is quite good. I had very few software problems and absolutely no hardware issues. The IPOD is top notch stuff and it makes the subway commute into work everyday much more enjoyable.

iPod, for sure.

[falcon203e]

I wouldn't give up my 10 GB iPod for anyone else's machine, regardless of its capacity. The iPod is unbeatable when it comes to ease of use, putting CD players to shame. It's also got one feature that I've never seen on any other player, on-the-go playlists. If you don't know what I mean look on Apple's iPod site. Add to that the fact that you can charge it straight from the FireWire port, can grab a phone number or email address without having to pause the music and whip out the Palm, and will soon be able to record from it as well (you can do it already through a special developers mode, and Apple will supposedly release a firmware update in the near future integrating this function into the real interface), and I think the Zen has been soundly smacked. The iPod more than makes up for the price difference in its quality. It's also a rock. I don't know about the Zen, but I've never carried my 3rd gen iPod in a case for fear that it might get jumbled, scratched or crushed. The no-moving-parts philosophy probably has something to do with this. And if you're worried about vorbis support, just switch to AAC. The difference is amazing. And if you're really REALLY worried about vorbis support, the iPod will most likely support it once QuickTime does, which can't be too long. Oh yeah, and it won't drag your pants down if you put it in your pocket. Nice touch. I'm all about maintaining my pants-edness.

Hold out for the Rio Karma / Pearl

[beerboy]

20 and 40 gig versions, supports Ogg Vorbis and shipping in October (allegedly)

Details:
http://www.gizmodo.com/archives/007993 .php

http://gear.ign.com/articles/382/382161p1.html?f ro mint=1&submit.x=39&submit.y=24

http://msg.mp3.com/hardware/liststory/?position= 10 &month=200301&topic_id=8707

http://www.gizmodo.com/archives/008007.php

http://empeg.comms.net/files/133662-ipodcompare. jp g

Re:And much more than a music player

[yasth]

The iPod plays AAC which may not seem like a big deal but it is the successor to MP3 so I suspect you'll be seeing more and more content that way

Ummm says who?

Don't be a stupid fanboy. The successor to the MP3 format seems to be the MP3 format, as size is becoming a non-issue. Microsoft also has the very nice WMA format if you want DRM. The installed base of players still skews strongly toward WMA, and right now more players are being shipped supporting WMA then AAC. That doesn't mean the AAC format is doomed just that it wil probably never become quite as important as WMA. It doesn't really matter though look at a place like AllOfMp3 they allow you to choose what format you want your music in, and the bitrate you want it at. So AAC will probably be around for a long time, but is almost certainly not the succesor to MP3

iTunes Music Store

[plsuh]

One point in favor of the iPod is the iTunes Music Store. Intuitive interface, non-intrusive DRM, great selection and getting better all the time. And it will soon be available for Windows. Do you really want to use BuyMusic.com instead?

--Paul

battery life?

[fr0dicus]

My 2nd gen iPod does the advertised 10 hours. For the size, this is by far the best battery life I've ever had on a portable player. Way better than my old solid state mp3 players (2-3 hours), and only eclipsed by my sony CD walkman, which had plenty of room for larger batteries (ie. barely portable, certainly not pocketable). I can't really argue against either of these players, unless you have a mac, in which case the iPod is a no brainer.

Re:Yes!!!

[paradesign]

Only 10 gigs!?!

im still using my 5gig 1st gen that ive had since a month after release and it is amazing still. The only time the size is an issue is when i use it in firewire disk mode. i even think that its better smaller. it makes me choose my playlists for it more carefully. its noit like i need the entirity of my library on it at any given time. in fact i usually leave about a gig open, JIC theres a file i need to throw on it.

what i really want is an uber-cheap uber-small 3-5gig model, id be in hog heaven.

and to be on topic, the interface is the best part of the ipod, it is the essence of good design. the second you put the ipod in your hand you know how to use it.