I wrote that I was gonna test some MP3 players a while back.
So here it goes.
Here's what I tested:
Creative Jukebox 3, 40 GB
Creative Zen 20GB
Archos Jukebox Studio 20 (20 GB)
Sony NW-MS 9 (Sony Magic Gate Cards)
Sony NW-MS 7 (Sony Magic Gate Cards)
The Jukebox 3, 40 GB is awesome but too big to go in a jacket, and I don't like having to be connected to my tank bag.
The Zen and the Archos are the same size and pretty close to the same weight
The 2 small Sony units I used NW-MS 7 and NW-MS 9 are tiny and work great but they just don't have the capacity that the others
have.
The software for the 2 Creative's isn't the most user friendly I've ever seen.
It's a little easier to manage files on the Archos but the main button is just as crappy to try and navigate while riding as the
Creative Zen or Jukebox 3.
So I wouldn't suggest trying to fool around with it too much while riding.
Turns out I only have about 3,000 mp3's so the extra 20 GB's on the Jukebox never came into play.
The 3 biggies all have a way to set up different playlists.
I set up one playlist for riding and one playlist for the gym so I don't end up riding around listening to White Zombie, and Danzig.
(Not very conductive to keeping my license!)
I also don't end up listening to Kasey Chambers while I'm at the gym.
I'm not a big fan of the Archos.
I leave it in my office and I connected it to my PC speakers so I leave it on all day.
I leave my Jukebox 40 GB at my house playing through a boombox while I'm renovating the upstairs of my house.
The Zen goes with me to the gym and everywhere I ride.
I sold the Sony NW-MS 7 to a friend for the gym.
I still have the Sony NW-MS 9 as a back up.
So my overall vote goes to the Creative Zen.
I just ordered an Apple iPod 20 GB on line and I'll add more after I get the chance to use it.
If ya have any specific questions, just ask.
If I can help ya make the right choice in MP3 players, I will.

This site last updated on:

04/15/2004