So, my iPod of 5 years recently crashed for no reason. I'm pretty upset, but also happy it lasted so long. Now I'm without portable music and... it's... terrible. I never realized how often I spent in silence sitting around waiting for stuff (was recently delayed 4+ hours on a 3 hour train ride 
)
Now, "ideally", I would want an iPod touch. I like the simplicity of the machine, and the internet access is great, and I'm also familiar with iPods. There's constant Wi-Fi around Seattle and my school, so I feel like I would use the feature a LOT especially when I don't feel like lugging around my labtop. However they're pretty pricey, and I realistically couldn't find one for a great deal. I would also like to explore other options than Apple, because I feel like better stuff should exist out there for more fair prices.
So far I have found about three choices that seem pretty fair
Creative Zen
Archos 5
Zune HD
They all seem to offer similar qualities that I want; internet access via Wi-Fi, price is good, and storage space is about right. I don't really watch movies so it's not an important factor for me. Does anyone have any experiences with any of these?
The Creative Zen seems the least appealing because many reviews talk about glitchy software. The Archos 5 seems great, but reviews say that recharging time can be something like 8-10 hours... Zune seems the most well rounded option but again, no experience with the Zune.
Ultimately, I just want a slightly tricked out mp3 player. I also want something that lasts, as my last iPod did survive for 5 years which I assume is impressive for an apple product. I just want to be able to listen to music where ever I go and have cool features like internet access in the times they would be really convenient (I'm pretty against Apple in many ways but I admit, an iPhone on a road trip is a life saver).
Anyone?
)Now, "ideally", I would want an iPod touch. I like the simplicity of the machine, and the internet access is great, and I'm also familiar with iPods. There's constant Wi-Fi around Seattle and my school, so I feel like I would use the feature a LOT especially when I don't feel like lugging around my labtop. However they're pretty pricey, and I realistically couldn't find one for a great deal. I would also like to explore other options than Apple, because I feel like better stuff should exist out there for more fair prices.
So far I have found about three choices that seem pretty fair
Creative Zen
Archos 5
Zune HD
They all seem to offer similar qualities that I want; internet access via Wi-Fi, price is good, and storage space is about right. I don't really watch movies so it's not an important factor for me. Does anyone have any experiences with any of these?
The Creative Zen seems the least appealing because many reviews talk about glitchy software. The Archos 5 seems great, but reviews say that recharging time can be something like 8-10 hours... Zune seems the most well rounded option but again, no experience with the Zune.
Ultimately, I just want a slightly tricked out mp3 player. I also want something that lasts, as my last iPod did survive for 5 years which I assume is impressive for an apple product. I just want to be able to listen to music where ever I go and have cool features like internet access in the times they would be really convenient (I'm pretty against Apple in many ways but I admit, an iPhone on a road trip is a life saver).
Anyone?
