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MP3 Player Questions

FreckledOne

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I have some questions that I'd like to ask concerning my mp3 player, to see if anyone here has any answers or advice.

First off, I'd like to know how long the lifespan is of an ipod. I've had my 5th generation ipod for 7 years now, with no major problems (apart from one song not playing properly <_< ) until a few months ago.

The second question concerns that problem. Around May I had noticed that the sound was only coming out of one side of my headphones. At first I thought that I just needed new ones, so I replaced them. However the problem was still there. By manipulating the headphone jack I am sometimes able to hear out of both sides again, but I have to hold it tightly and sit very still or the problem comes back.

I will admit that it is entirely my fault that this happened.  :oops I tend to obsessively overdo things, and that includes making sure plugs and jacks are firmly attached, and I am sure that I pushed the jack in too hard.  :slap . So I guess I am asking if this can be fixed at all, or should I get a new mp3 player?


Mumbling

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I still use my Ipod Nano gen 2. It had been dead for a while, with no reason, but somehow revived. Next to a couple of scratches the thing is still working like a beauty :p I'm not usually a fan of apple products, but I'm glad I bought that thing once. The only part I dislike is the use of itunes.

I wouldn't get it fixed though. If you're certain it's the inside of the ipod that's broken, rather than the headphones, it'll be quite expensive to have it repaired. Unless you still have warranty (not sure). Perhaps getting another mp3-player would be a better choice in that case :)


landbeforetimelover

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As someone who works with electronic devices of all types on a daily basis, I will tell you one thing.  The quality of the newer devices has been going down the toilet in recent years.  If you get a new iPod, expect anywhere between 6-24 months of use depending on how many hours you put on it.  The quality of all electronics, Apple computers especially, have gotten a LOT worse just in the last 2 years alone.


Kor

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& if you go non apple you can get some inexpensive mp3 players.  Like the one I got cost me $10 an amazon, plus it has built in speakers and can function as an led flashlight.  Not sure how long it'll last, but there are some low cost mp3 players out there.


FreckledOne

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It doesn't have to be an apple product. To be honest, this ipod is the only apple thing I've had. I also have been getting sick of using itunes.

Well, it's definitely not the headphones, so I guess I will have to get a new one. The warranty has long since passed. I'm just so naive about other mp3 players that I don't know of any others that would be as good or better than the one I have now. The stores around me don't have anything but ipods, so I guess I'll have to look online.

Thanks for the responses. Are there any other pitfalls in mp3 player choosing that I should avoid?


landbeforetimelover

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^Stick away from cheapo Chinese garbage.  Not only are they liable to fall apart, they're also not up to American standards and can cause fires and damage to your computer.  NOT a good idea.  Go with a name brand.  Here are a few decent MP3 players:

http://www.amazon.com/Coby-MP620-8GBLK-1-8...79275761&amp;sr=1-1
http://www.amazon.com/Coby-MP620-8GBLK-1-8...79275761&sr=1-1

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-Walkman-NWZE374...79275978&amp;sr=1-4
http://www.amazon.com/Sony-Walkman-NWZE374...79275978&sr=1-4

Even these are el-cheapo.  But they're not like the Chinese stuff at least.  But even the expensive stuff just doesn't last anymore so you might as well save some money.  No matter what you buy you'll have to replace it frequently so if you only pay $30-$50 at least you won't lose much.


Kor

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Lots of choices when it comes to mp3 players.  The easier thing to do first is what sorts of things do you want it to have.  Built in lithium ion battery so you can charge it, or powered by AA or AAA batteries.  A screen so you can see what is playing, or do you not care about a screen, ect.


FreckledOne

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Just wanted to pop in and say thanks again to all responses.  :) The Sony Walkman sounds like the one that I want to get, but I have to prioritize. There are many other things that I need to save my money for (paying bills, etc.) before I get a new player, but at least I know which one I want now.


Petrie

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If you're still searching, I have the previous generation of the Walkman mp3 player and it still works just fine.  Battery life is indeed as advertised...just set and play to a folder of music and if you don't go back and forth between tracks and stuff, it will really last upwards of 50 hours.