What's better than an ipod touch?

[basementdweller]

Nothing is better than an ipod touch...so long as you care about applications.  Personally, I had a touch and the novelty of apps and wifi wore out fairly quickly.  For the most part I have to believe that people still use devices designed to play music primarily for music and in this the touch seems to fail if you read into a lot of the hype on this forum(I personally don't know as the Cowon horror stories keep me away and I simply haven't bothered to buy a Sansa yet).  In any case, I will attest to the fact that the touch is an awesome "do anything device" but I have to wonder if it is the best audio device out there.  I can chart my interest in music along with the rise of apple...as apple became more popular, I became less interested in music; this is simply because the most popular audio device of an entire generation placed less and less emphasis on actual music.  Let's face it, headphones make or break audio and how does a company make the kind of money apple made off of the ipod in headphones?  They can't because they all appear the same until someone looks beneath the surface and your common consumer is unwilling to do that.  As a somewhat common consumer, I will begrudgingly lay down four bills for a mini computer DAP but putting down the same amount of money for headphones(prior to this forum) is kind of like getting drunk and rolling up a $400 bar tab knowing that you will remember nothing even before you have the first drink.  I just wouldn't do it.  Knowing that most people won't go past $20 jellies apple can, and apparently has, skimped on audio.  Personally, apps that aren't extremely useful, such as gps, calculator, are simply a novelty that I will forget about...even though, if I am in apple's demographic, I won't think about it, andI will forget about them, and won't even recognize it after the fact.  So when all is said in done, the touch is a massively overpriced, over featured, and underdeveloped audio device that has managed to kill off most of the competition that was financially able to build and market similar devices that focused on audio.  So, what is better than an Ipod Touch?  A CD player!

 

[buffalowings]

I traded in my Ipod touch 3rd gen for a Ipod classic, no regrets, IMO, the apps and all the other gadgets, distract me from what should matter the most with an Mp3 player, the music, plus the memory was way to small for my needs

 

[Laokid18]

I just upgraded from my 2G  touch to a 32gb 4G, does all the same things. Just has a nicer looking screen, 2 cameras I will never use and I still like the way the 2G sounds over the 4G. Over all im pretty happy with it but, I still think sony players sound better, just hate the walkmen interface and really long sync times.

 

[EphemeralHope]

Itouch isn't made for SQ. Other devices don't have the useful features of an Itouch... Solution?
 
Get an iphone 4 + hifiman. Each for their own purposes .
 
It all depends on how much you need your itouch. Though I plan to get the 4th gen Itouch + alrdy have an Ipad... I can see why the previous Itouchs suck. I mean. What if... you aren't in range of wifi? You're done. And... what if you only listen to FLAC? Oh... no file support.. convert all my files for a player that wouldn't make the file sound any beter than 320k...
 
Btw, I'm getting the newest gen for the actually convenient feature of a camera b/c my phone sucks and I don't carry pocket cameras to savor most of the moments worth capturing
 
I ended up giving away my 1st and 2nd gen itouches to the small usage I got out of it. A Clip+ doesn't have amazing sound quality but it definitely is warmer. Overall, neither are improvements over each other and I pulled the trigger on a HM-602 to see how that is.
 
You are overhyping the Itouch. Pandora is useless if you aren't in wifi, it lags, 1-2k soungs on random is already enough to placate you (this actually is enough for most people amazingly enough -_-) or you're like me and only listen to FLAC/ALAC.
 
Games... get over it. They are a waste of time. Lol, just kidding. But I could live without my Itouch apps. Now my Ipad.... that's different sorry guys. Though it's not perfect, it's damn convenient without making me squint.
 
Oh, one more thing that makes basically all apple products suck is it's overpriced. But that argument doesn't apply to me so cheers

 

[David58117]

 
Quote:

What's better than an iPod touch? Well, it hasn't arrived yet, but probably will:
 
iPod Classic (touch screen). 120gb & upwards.
 
This is kinda the failing of iPod touch at the mo (sure, they go up to 64gb, but bear with me), I think some people are still thinking of the Touch in terms of "communication device", & are slightly dissapointed when they realise WiFi isn't as free as they'd like. They wanted iPhone, really.
 
HOWEVER. The potential of iPod touch is huge, if only they'd give BIG storage (either HD or SSD). IF & when they do that, it could be the end of CDs, when you can go into a WiFi place & download so many albums without worrying about space, using the iTunes on your device, OR, previewing the music in a store that has WiFi.
 
Unfortunately, it's still the holy grail trying to find somewhere with FREE wifi, maybe music stores will give it, some pubs do. People don't generally like having to pay for WiFi on top of buying things online using their WiFi device. We need to coax people out of their homes, there's not enough free WiFi about at the mo (imo)!
 
So, give the touch a big HD, lot's of free places to download, & perhaps better WiFi reception (Touch signal is weaker than my Nokia) & I'm sure lot's of other manufacturers will jump on the bandwagon. Right now it's just no fun using Touch at home especially if you already have a computer for that.
 
So near, yet so far...

 
Rather than big storage space, I think streaming unlimited content is the solution for me.  And if I like what I hear and know I'll be away from a hotspot (drive, yard work, running, etc), I just save it instantly via wifi to my player.  I have the 80 gig ipod classic filled with music, and believe it or not..eventually you grow weary of even a large library and crave something new, or atleast I did.  Besides, you can't automatically get access to new releases/cds like you do with the Rhapsody app, and I really don't miss buying/ripping/uploading...
 
Quote:

Itouch isn't made for SQ. Other devices don't have the useful features of an Itouch... Solution?
 
Get an iphone 4 + hifiman. Each for their own purposes .
 
It all depends on how much you need your itouch. Though I plan to get the 4th gen Itouch + alrdy have an Ipad... I can see why the previous Itouchs suck. I mean. What if... you aren't in range of wifi? You're done. And... what if you only listen to FLAC? Oh... no file support.. convert all my files for a player that wouldn't make the file sound any beter than 320k...
 
Btw, I'm getting the newest gen for the actually convenient feature of a camera b/c my phone sucks and I don't carry pocket cameras to savor most of the moments worth capturing
 
I ended up giving away my 1st and 2nd gen itouches to the small usage I got out of it. A Clip+ doesn't have amazing sound quality but it definitely is warmer. Overall, neither are improvements over each other and I pulled the trigger on a HM-602 to see how that is.
 
You are overhyping the Itouch. Pandora is useless if you aren't in wifi, it lags, 1-2k soungs on random is already enough to placate you (this actually is enough for most people amazingly enough -_-) or you're like me and only listen to FLAC/ALAC.
 
Games... get over it. They are a waste of time. Lol, just kidding. But I could live without my Itouch apps. Now my Ipad.... that's different sorry guys. Though it's not perfect, it's damn convenient without making me squint.
 
Oh, one more thing that makes basically all apple products suck is it's overpriced. But that argument doesn't apply to me so cheers

That's very cool that you're getting the 602, I'll be very curious how it turns out for you. 
 
 
Anyway, I rarely use Pandora/slacker/last.fm...they're more just icing on the cake.  The most useful app for me is Rhapsody, and since the ipod + only 1 or 2 other smart phones have the ability for unlimited stream/download via wifi,,,that tips the scale way in ipods favor for me.  That negates the "wifi not available" thing because you can download beforehand...like I use to get a few new cds each time I would go on a run, or long drive.  I've had large storage capacities before, and you eventually get tired of it...yeah it's a bigger collection, but it's still the same song after song.  I believe 320kbps is more than enough for most people, and I don't care about games.
 
I would probably have a different view point if I didn't have rhapsody, and I get the impression many people haven't used it..anyway, I'm sick of going on and on about it. 

 

[deadhead12]

First off, I do love my Touch.  That said, I'm not ready to throw down the gauntlet and say there's nothing better.  Really, it all depends on what your needs are.  Some people crave large capacities, some don't.  Some want apps and wifi and such, some don't.  Some people want the best possible sq and some don't. Personally, I only have a few apps, games mostly, and I only use wifi to check my e-mail and FAAD. (mostly cause wifi access is really only available at home or at school, where my laptop is always with me)  I don't use pandora anymore, and have never tried Rhapsody.  I only watched a few movies and almost never use the youtube feature.  Mostly, my Touch is a pretty good sounding dap with some features thrown in that, at times, do come in handy. Other devices may do things better, like an iphone or other smartphone would have better streaming, internet access, etc. cause of 3g and other players (Cowon, Sony, Sansa, Hifiman) might have better sound quality but for the "i can't afford a smartphone plan but i want a decent dap with smartphone-ish features" market the touch fares pretty well. 
 
Also, while the capacity is limited, I'd rather have SSD than HDD anyday, especially in a portable.  

 

[warrior05]

What I find about these types of threads when the iTouch is the subject or is brought up is that people generally form their opinions around the iTouch as an audio player.  Yes, the iTouch obviously plays MP3s and Apple's proprietary formats but to consider using it just as an audio player is a waste of your money.  The frustrating thing is that it is not just an audio player.  It may be its primary function but barely.  I think you will find that most tend to agree that there are many other players that both sound better and offer more varied CODEC support.  I'm in agreement.  But I am also in agreement with the OP.  For what the iTouch is and does - there currently are none better in quality and functional UI.
 
Let me be clear here about something - I am not an Apple fanboy.  In fact, I am desperately trying to jettison Apple's eco-system out of my PC world.  Simply put, iTunes within the PC eco-system just plain sucks.  I've tried other interfaces to replace it but the iTouch is more complex and the database on mine would get corrupt and I would have to go back to iTunes to correct it.  I have been keeping a sharp eye and ear out for a replacement for my iTouch but have yet to find anything.  Cowon's J3?  I really thought this was going to be it but the quality is lacking and I am reading too many issues with it.  The Zune HD?  Oh, how I wanted to love this unit.  It was sooooo close but the embarrassing lack of apps like what I use on my iTouch (I don't use many but the ones I do have I have come to rely on).  Launching apps seemed to take forever.  Navigating a sizable music library was a bit cludgy.  I found the amp to be too hot and got way too much hiss through my fav earphones.  I am excited about the rumors that MS has not given up on the Zune.  I'm not thrilled that it requires the Zune software to load the unit but it certainly worked better than iTunes.
 
For SQ, I have my Rockboxed iMod with a 64gb CF card mated to my Pico.  As a pure audio mobile audio player - absolutely love it.  But for what I use my iTouch for - music listening at work and, via apps, check Twitter, Facebook, my bank account, weather, sport scores via ESPN, Pandora, a couple of games and the occasional surfing - I'm sorry, but nothing out there comes close to  the iTouch.  That is what it is designed for - a multi-purpose portable device.  Cowon is trying but, imo, still coming up short when you consider intuitive UI, quality hardware, apps and built-in SSD space.  I'm hoping the next iteration of the Zune is the answer.  I loved the SQ out of it especially compared to my iTouch - hopefully, they tune down the amp so it doesn't cause so much hiss.  Also love the UI.  I think it is the closest to  giving the iTouch a run for its money.  I'm interested in what Samsung is coming out with as well.  But till then, as much as it pains me to say it - the iTouch is... err... unTouchable.

 

[Danneq]

 
Quote:

 
tell me what areas your player excels in that the ipod doesn't.
 

 
 
Well, since we cannot mention sound quality, I go with an argument that is important for me: the chance that I see someone on the train who is using a Kenwood HD20GA7, JVC XA-HD500 or even a Creative Zen Touch (the first DAP with the "Touch" moniker), is VERY small. The chance that I will see someone who is using an iPod Touch, Nano or Classic is very big.
 
I enjoy being different and to have the same thing as everyone else would make me feel nauseous. Certainly not a valid "objective" argument, but having access to wifi and a gazillion apps is not an objective argument either. I do not care at all about stuff like apps. I have my own CD:s and LP:s. I rip them with Exact Audio Copy and then convert them to MP3. I control the whole chain and I would not want it any other way.
When it comes down to music, each persons solution is the one that suits them the best. Some lead, some follow, and some do not care about what is "hip" and go their own way...
 
I have got a lot of DAP:s. Why? I am a bit of a gadget geek and I like the different designs and functions. I especially like older DAP:s since they are easier to modify than newer ones. HDD broke? Just put a CF card in. Battery dead? Just get a new one and plug the connector in (no need for soldering and risking damaging the motherboard).

 

[Bennyboy71]

Quote:

 Cowon's J3?  I really thought this was going to be it but the quality is lacking and I am reading too many issues with it.

Where did you read that nonsense?

 

[hockey_magnet]

Quote:

Itouch isn't made for SQ. Other devices don't have the useful features of an Itouch... Solution?
 
Get an iphone 4 + hifiman. Each for their own purposes .
 
It all depends on how much you need your itouch. Though I plan to get the 4th gen Itouch + alrdy have an Ipad... I can see why the previous Itouchs suck. I mean. What if... you aren't in range of wifi? You're done. And... what if you only listen to FLAC? Oh... no file support.. convert all my files for a player that wouldn't make the file sound any beter than 320k...
 
Btw, I'm getting the newest gen for the actually convenient feature of a camera b/c my phone sucks and I don't carry pocket cameras to savor most of the moments worth capturing
 
I ended up giving away my 1st and 2nd gen itouches to the small usage I got out of it. A Clip+ doesn't have amazing sound quality but it definitely is warmer. Overall, neither are improvements over each other and I pulled the trigger on a HM-602 to see how that is.
 
You are overhyping the Itouch. Pandora is useless if you aren't in wifi, it lags, 1-2k soungs on random is already enough to placate you (this actually is enough for most people amazingly enough -_-) or you're like me and only listen to FLAC/ALAC.
 
Games... get over it. They are a waste of time. Lol, just kidding. But I could live without my Itouch apps. Now my Ipad.... that's different sorry guys. Though it's not perfect, it's damn convenient without making me squint.
 
Oh, one more thing that makes basically all apple products suck is it's overpriced. But that argument doesn't apply to me so cheers

 
I have a Touch 4G and while I think it's a great multi purpose device, the cameras, especially the still camera are horrible. The still camera is less than 1 MP - worse than most cell phones. The video is ok, not great due to a poor lens. So do not buy one for the camera.! As far as the rest go, the great advantage of the Touch, as others have said is that it is in a class of it's own as a multi purpose device right now. so even if the SQ is not absolutely the best, for me it is certainly good enough that I don't want to carry another player with me PLUS the Touch PLUS a phone
 

 

[Albinoni]

 
Quote:

It's probably an unfortunate title, but it's honestly how I feel.  When a player offers wifi, free apps such as pandora/last.fm/slacker, numerous radio apps with the ability to record programs, has a service (Rhapsody) that for $10 a month puts millions of songs at your fingertips AND gives you the ability to download them via wifi instantly to your device for when you're away from a hotspot - what pmp is comparable to it?  
 
I don't mean to sound like a "fanboy" or anything, but when people recommend other players (such as various cowon, or the Clip+/Fuze), and then when I look them up and realize they don't have something as beneficial as wifi and apps - is what they give over what I listed in the first paragraph really amazing enough to forgo that all?  
 
I recently bought the clip+ due to recommendations of its "superior" sound quality...i've tried my ety ER4S, AKG K701s, and each and every time the ipod had it beat, the sound stage was wider and instruments were more clearer.  If sound quality is a major gripe, there's always the $10 LOD from fiio.   
 
So my question - what areas do other pmp's beat the ipod, and is it enough to forgo all the things the ipod has to offer? 
 
Please don't say "sound quality" unless you've heard both! 
 

This is an easy one, lets say a Creative Zen Nomad Juke Box, its sq will run circles over any Ipod without a doubt by far, yet its an old player.

 

[smachine]

Well a smartphone is better than a ipod touch since you can make use of all the wireless streaming apps on the go. A secondary player like a clip + smartphone seems like a good combo since you can do your work on the smartphone, and use the clip to save the battery of the smartphone and have a nice sounding setup. Also the Zune HD is a nice player, and the UI is very easy to use, pair that with zune pass and its one of the best portable audio setups. Zune hd has a really nice form factor, and alot of nice features like pinning music, along with easily deleting tracks you dont like, smart dj, but dont get it if you want youtube apps and stuff. I never saw a big use for a device like the ipod touch since i started using a smartphone, just seemed like the same device without the capability of being used when I need it the most like in airports and car. I guess im old fashioned and keep apps away from my music device.

 

[welchie]

Get ya an ALO Rx for your ipod and blow your mind away.....

 

[Danneq]

My last post was slightly provocative, but so was the OP:s. For you (OP), the iPod Touch might be the best device. For other people it might not be the best. Which version of the iPod Touch do you have? I have read that the sound of the iPhone is better than the iTouch (don't remember which generation) and then it is interesting to read threads like this.