Personal Media Player

[Richard Schollar]

I considered a poll, but I'd rather have peoples' comments. I'm in the market for a media player to take on the train with me to watch films/TV shows. I am interested in having wi-fi capability (not critical, however). I am also intrigued by mobile internet access, but given I will only be using it on the train (approx 2.5 hours per day), mobile internet may be a waste of money.

Options I have considered:

1. Apple iPod Touch 32Gb
2. Apple iPhone 3G (rather expensive this and I don't need a new 'phone)
3. Sony PSP (not interested in the gaming side, only as a vid player)
4. Archos player
5. A.N. Other (please advise/suggest)

Please give me your thoughts. At the moment, I am leaning towards the iPod Touch, although I am unlikely to buy one until the next release (eg a 64Gb model) - also given that the run up to Xmas is the very worst time to be in the market, I may well delay until next year. In fact, given Rory won't need his iPhone from January 9th, maybe I should make him an offer?

 

[NateO]

High definition screen laptop?

http://www.google.com/search?q=High+definition+laptop

Not quite sure how you beat that? That gives you everything, music, DVDs, Excel, Internet if you have a mobile connection, etc...

 

[Richard Schollar]

Nate, I'll respond with 2 points:

1. Cost
2. Portability

I want to fit this in my pocket (or almost so) and I don't want to break the bank purchasing it! Sometimes I may have need to take my work laptop home with me, which means I just won't have room in my backpack for another. So I'm thinking small and neat

 

[NateO]

Cheapo!

I hear you, that's just what I would do, break the bank! I'd rather have one piece of equipment that does everything very well vs. a bunch of toys that do individual things, and not quite as well. Admittedly, I'm not a real gizmo guy...

And with that, I'll bow out. Good hunting!

 

[VBA Noob]

I've got an Archos player which has a good screen size but can be on the large size for the pocket plus the battery life is only good for one film so you would need a spare one.

I also have a small Ipod 8 nano which is goof for size and battery life but screen is a bit small to do films justice

VBA Noob

 

[Richard Schollar]

I've got an Archos player which has a good screen size but can be on the large size for the pocket plus the battery life is only good for one film so you would need a spare one.

I also have a small Ipod 8 nano which is goof for size and battery life but screen is a bit small to do films justice

Have you had any problems with the Archos? One thing that I was a little concerned about was some reviews I have seen (by users) have been pretty scathing when they have had the need to contact Archos support.

 

[VBA Noob]

No problems apart from a small scratch in the screen as I didn't have it in it's case while it was in my pocket

You also had to buy the software for the movies (Did have a quick look to see if I could download it free). You can also buy extra bits which you can use to record off the TV but quality wasn't all that.

Does Music as well but prefer the Ipod for that.

VBA Noob

 

[Richard Schollar]

OK Thanks - does your Archos give you WiFi connectivity too?

 

[VBA Noob]

does your Archos give you WiFi connectivity too

Unfortunately not. Had a rush of blood to the head and bought it in the states about 2 yrs ago so didn't do my research.

VBA Noob

 

[Marbles]

It's drifting from the point, but I bought an mp4 player (Zain, China) on Ebay, which, after many goes at converting files to play on it, I finally watched "Last Man On Earth" (The first version of I Am Legend, None as good as The Omega Man), on a screen 1cm by 1.5cm.
I was stuck somewhere for the night, without a TV, if that's any excuse.