[luukas]

...that does not rely on proprietary software, ie. functions as an USB drive. Properties weighed in this order: reliability > sound quality > battery life > looks. Shouldn't be too expensive either. Oh yes, lineout would be a good feature, as I have a PC II. I'm only somewhat familiar with Zen Micro, iPod mini and Rio Carbon, all of which - as I understand - require some sort of management software.

Give a semi-retired Head-fier a hand here.

 

[zaack]

The iRiver H10 is still borked..
But if it is fixed already (via new firmware), that'll be a good choice.
Or if iAudio has a 4/6gb model, that'll also be a good choice....

IMHO, once you exceed 1-3gb, you'll want to have some sort of management software...

although you might want to reconsider the newer iPod Minis...
Reliability, and battery life(longer battery life against the older minis) are good, still needs iTunes though (bad for some) and Line-out is only available w/ pocket dock or SIK DIN = additional costs (bad for most)..

 

[Girdag]

The Carbon functions like an USB drive for normal files, just not for music. If that makes a difference.

 

[Ojjorz]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Girdag The Carbon functions like an USB drive for normal files, just not for music. If that makes a difference.

It does for music too...

 

[luukas]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ojjorz It does for music too...

Ah, I was misinformed then. The iPod mini does seem intriguing since the Carbon has no line out. I'll just do some searching and give this some more thought.

 

[konstantinos]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ojjorz It does for music too...

Actually that's one of the killer features in Carbon.

Drag & drop new music to it, and next time it boots up it reads the tags and adds them to the database.

 

[fr4c]

Quote:

Originally Posted by konstantinos Actually that's one of the killer features in Carbon. Drag & drop new music to it, and next time it boots up it reads the tags and adds them to the database.

and at $150 a pop, its even more of a killer.

 

[PrototypeX2]

I recommend iRiver H10 or Creative Zen Micro.

 

[luukas]

Sigh, the prices here are outrageous:

Rio Carbon - 289€
Zen Micro - 209€
iRiver H10 - 297€
iPod Mini - 259€

A 20GB iPod, however, costs 319€. I don't really need that much space but it would be just plain stupid to buy any of these mini-HDP's. I also want a warranty that works so ordering from the U.S. is a no-no.

 

[fguihen]

students get a discount off ipods, which is about $20. it was one of the deciders for me when getting a small HD DAP

 

[PrototypeX2]

Quote:

Originally Posted by luukas Sigh, the prices here are outrageous: Rio Carbon - 289€ Zen Micro - 209€ iRiver H10 - 297€ iPod Mini - 259€ A 20GB iPod, however, costs 319€. I don't really need that much space but it would be just plain stupid to buy any of these mini-HDP's. I also want a warranty that works so ordering from the U.S. is a no-no.

!!!!!!!

CARBON IS ONLY 8€ CHEAPER THAN H10 !@#^$%&
From there, the ZM is the best for the buck, but if you're willing to spend a bit more, H10 is better.

 

[konstantinos]

Quote:

Originally Posted by luukas Sigh, the prices here are outrageous: Rio Carbon - 289€ Zen Micro - 209€ iRiver H10 - 297€ iPod Mini - 259€ A 20GB iPod, however, costs 319€. I don't really need that much space but it would be just plain stupid to buy any of these mini-HDP's. I also want a warranty that works so ordering from the U.S. is a no-no.

If you decided to go for the Carbon, since it costs more than double from the US price, maybe it'd be wiser to buy from the States?

If it gets borked, buy another one, and you still haven't exceeded the amount you have would have spent in your country. (Plus, you get to keep the broken one, for parts.)

That's what I would do at least.

 

[Vashin]

wow carbon does otf tag reading! How long does it take to boot up?

 

[toothpaste100]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vashin wow carbon does otf tag reading! How long does it take to boot up?

I bought a carbon last night, so if anyone has any questions then shoot

It takes maybe 15 seconds to boot up immedietly after synching up with your computer, because it needs to database your files. Afterwards, it only takes a few seconds to boot up.

 

[konstantinos]

Quote:

Originally Posted by toothpaste100 I bought a carbon last night, so if anyone has any questions then shoot

Eagerly waiting for your review.

Till then, give us your first impressions