Written by dgoldring on Friday, October 10, 2008

Listen To This! The Great JAMM Portable Media Player Showdown. Part 1: Introduction


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I have spent a considerable amount of time here at JAMM, and also at Gear Diary, reviewing portable media players.  One thing I have noticed is that a stand-alone review is really not the best format to help users answer the real question on everyone’s mind: which one should I buy?  While a review is nice, it looks at a particular media player in a vacuum.  The missing piece in the review is how this one compares to the others.  And that is what I want to try to accomplish through this series. 

So, in addition to the Sandisk Sansa View, which I already own, I went on eBay and gobbled up a  Microsoft Zune, Samsung YP-P2, and Creative Zen X-Fi.  Heck, I even got the Sony Walkman A828 back on an extended loan.  After considerable thought, I also replaced my iPod Touch with the new fourth generation iPod Nano for this series. 

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So, here are our contenders (in order from left to right):

  • Creative Zen X-fi (8 GB)
  • Microsoft Zune Slim (16 GB)
  • iPod Nano 4Gen. (8 GB)
  • Samsung YP-P2 (4 GB)
  • Sandisk Sansa View (16 GB)
  • Sony Walkman Video NWZ-A828 (8 GB)

 

What I plan to do is focus on a specific feature in each article, and compare the six major portable media players to determine which ones rise to the top, and which ones scrape off the bottom of the barrel.  If it can be measured and compared, then I plan to do so. 

Of course, I should note that each of these companies offers a full spectrum of players.  I tried to choose the players which I felt best highlighted the available features in each line.  If there is a significant difference (other than capacity) between different models, I will try to mention that fact. 

Additionally, in order to ensure that the comparison remains fair, I am only focusing on flash based media players.  This means larger, hard drive based players, such as the Archos 5 Internet Media Tablet, or the larger sized Zunes (80 GB and 120 GB) will not be included (though we may take a look at those players separately).

So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.  The first comparison article will look at the hardware generally, before moving on to the controls in November.  In the meantime, if you have any questions along the way, send them in and I will be happy to take a look and try to answer them in this space.

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spmwinkel
Oct 11, 2008

Wow, you’re replacing your iPod Touch already? I’m just getting one next week (you’re missing something in the Mastersoft beta’s!) and now you’re giving me the feeling that it’s old. ;-)

No problem, it’s great to know that there already is a lot of information available I can read up on before getting it, like your review.

Have a good weekend. :-)

p.s. I currently use a Creative Zen 16 GB, which is also the older model than you’re comparing. When I got it the new model was about to be released but I didn’t think it added enough for me to wait (my iPod died so I needed something fast) and obviously a new model would be more expensive.
With a Creative Zen 16 GB and an iPod Touch 8 GB coming I’m not in the market for a new device but still it will be nice to see how the newest players compare.


dgoldring
Oct 11, 2008

Hey, SPM. Let me just clarify one point. I have not gotten rid of the iPod Touch. It is still an integral part of my collection. I only meant that I replaced it in the lineup for this series.

It is really very interesting when you see them all laid out in front of you. There are so many subtle differences just in the sizes and shapes. :)

As for the Mastersoft Beta, I know. Dom moved to a new forum, and I have been slow in getting ahold of him to get registered.

Doug


weiganla
Oct 12, 2008

SPM, it’s my fault about the Touch. I pointed out to Doug that comparing it to all of those pathetic little gadgets that ONLY play media just wouldn’t be fair. :-)


spmwinkel
Oct 12, 2008

Hmm good point there! ;-)


Heather
Oct 12, 2008

Go Zune, go Zune!!! Ummm….I mean may the best player win. :)


Archos 704
Mar 24, 2009

This is the second time I visit your blog and find an interesting article perfectly matching what I was searching for so I decided to add your feed to my RSS Reader. Thanks for you work.

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