Best player to use while working out

[lilbudda]

I want to know what people think is the best device for playing their favorite mixes while working out? I was thinking of something along the lines of a minidisk player.

http://www.circuitcity.com/frame1.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@0150172997.1040163866@ @@@&BV_EngineID=ccehadchdefijjkcfngcfkmdffhdffk.0&upper=head.jsp&lower=frame2.jsp&department=Portable+Electronics&category=MiniDiscs&right=productsearch.jsp&left=leftchildcat.jsp

[IronSerif]

At the gym I've only used a small digital tuner, really haven't thought about anything else, cause at the gym they play music there and most of the time I like it :)
A lot of the girls carry a cd player inside a fanny pack or will just attach it to their side, and have also seen some of the Nike MP3 players. Haven't seen much of the minidisks in the gym though, sorry.

[Ioman]

I would look at the MPIO DMK MP3player. It is perfect for the gym and working out:

http://www.designtechnica.com/reviews.php?op=showcontent&id=35

[ruri]

I would personally look into a solid-state memory MP3 player, as minidisc and CD players are not nearly as shock resistance.

A friend of mine has a Compaq player (can't remember the model). The thing takes MMC andisn't much bigger than a matchbox. With 64MB, you could fit about a hour worth of workout music.

PS:

The circuit city link uses Java session code, meaning after a while, it'll time-out. Better post the model # instead.

[Ioman]

I am telling you, the MPIO DMK MP3player.is the way to go when working out. It is very small and one AAA battery lasts 10 hours. Plus the player comes with an arm band so you can strap the player to your arm. It is specifically designed for working out. Another good MP3 player is the Nomad MuVo 128mb since it could be used to store information other than music on it.

I would check out this place too see what they have: http://www.trendetronics.com/products/store/index.php?handler_action=screen_plist&action=open&ACTION_SECTID24=&ACTION_CATGID24=,5,5,11,6,14,5,11,5,11,14,6&SECTID24=3&CATGID24=6&PRNT_CATGID24=3&keywords=

[IronSerif]

That's great that it does come with an armband, other than usability, the armband does give off the impression that the player was made for the topic at hand.

The hardest part I've always had with a music player in the gym was the wired headphones. You just have to be careful not to get it caught on something and all of a sudden get up and have everything yanked right off.
You learn from your mistakes though :)

[Ioman]

Originally posted by IronSerif
That's great that it does come with an armband, other than usability, the armband does give off the impression that the player was made for the topic at hand.

The hardest part I've always had with a music player in the gym was the wired headphones. You just have to be careful not to get it caught on something and all of a sudden get up and have everything yanked right off.
You learn from your mistakes though :)

The cool thing about the wired headphones on the MPIO is that there is a band that goes over your neck and the headphones come out of the band. I know that sounds funny, but after wearing them, you can tell it was designed for those that work out.

[IronSerif]

That actually sounds like a really innovative idea! Great review also...
I would love to have one of these things...just gotta wait till the price comes down.

Actually Best Buy has an iRiver MP3 player for like $25 after rebates, but it only has 32MB and non expandable...

Great price but I don't think I can live off of the 32MB...

[llbbl]

Originally posted by ruri
I
....
The thing takes MMC andisn't much bigger than a matchbox.
.....



What does MMC stand for again? I forget what type of memory this is.

[llbbl]

It would be cool if you had a gym that gave out Nike mp3 players or had hearing aid device that tuned into a specfic type of music being broadcast.

[Ioman]

Originally posted by vindisco
It would be cool if you had a gym that gave out Nike mp3 players or had hearing aid device that tuned into a specfic type of music being broadcast.

The Nike MP3 player is actually made by SonicBlue...

[IronSerif]

Originally posted by vindisco



What does MMC stand for again? I forget what type of memory this is.

Multimedia card. Same size as a Secure Digital (SD) card.

[llbbl]

So is it SD or is it not? We need to find a CE major to answer some of our questions.

[IronSerif]

MMC is not SD. It is the same size, and if you have an SD slot, it is also compatible with an MMC card

lol..am I even comming close to answering your question?

[llbbl]

Wait is it that memory devleoped by Palm??

[IronSerif]

I *think* it is Sandisk...but I'm not sure since it's 2am :) But I know Palm was one of the first major brands to implement that type of expansion.

[llbbl]

You are probably right. I just remember Palm as being the first ones to implement it. SD was developed by Panasonic I think.

[jwhairybob]

i've got a sony md-r707 (i think that's the model) minidisc player, and i love it. it has never skipped on me either.

[llbbl]

Jwarybob: make sure you aren't blocking cookies. They are neeeded so that the site knows who is who.

Minidiscs are great because you can rerecord and most times capture good quality audio live. LTJ Bukem has used a mini disc to capture audio. Another good DJ friend of mine is a big fan of the format also.

[IronSerif]

I'm not all too familiar with the format myself, but the only time I've ever really encountered one (other than just browsing in the stores) was in class, when a few students would use it to record lectures. Pretty neat.

[llbbl]

Ya you almost have to get one that has the recorder built in, otherwise it isn't going to be worth much. The biggest use is when you transfer files from your PC to the mini disc not acutally buying albums on the format.

Of course I shall never own one. Anyone want to guess why??

[IronSerif]

nope have no clue, but tell us why :)

Honestly...I'll prolly never own one either.

[puckelucke]

Hi,
I'm thinking of buyng a USB pen dirve player for workout.

Anyone of you guys tried out the MagicStar MP3 player? www.pendrivemp3.com (http://www.pendrivemp3.com) It seems like an alternative to Creative's MuVo pen-player. it's cheaper and also comes in a 256Mb version. However I haven't been able to find any tests anywhere.

Would be happy to here from someone who have used it.

[llbbl]

Originally posted by puckelucke
Hi,
I'm thinking of buyng a USB pen dirve player for workout.

Anyone of you guys tried out the MagicStar MP3 player? www.pendrivemp3.com (http://www.pendrivemp3.com) It seems like an alternative to Creative's MuVo pen-player. it's cheaper and also comes in a 256Mb version. However I haven't been able to find any tests anywhere.

Would be happy to here from someone who have used it.

We will have to do a review of this product.

[Ioman]

Originally posted by puckelucke
Hi,
I'm thinking of buyng a USB pen dirve player for workout.

Anyone of you guys tried out the MagicStar MP3 player? www.pendrivemp3.com (http://www.pendrivemp3.com) It seems like an alternative to Creative's MuVo pen-player. it's cheaper and also comes in a 256Mb version. However I haven't been able to find any tests anywhere.

Would be happy to here from someone who have used it.

I have never heard of this unit until now and I have to say that I am impressed with its looks anyways. Very sleek looking. I like the fact that its a thumb drive as well, reminds me of the Creative Mojo MP3 player/thumb drive. Where can you purchase this unit?

[senoryoshio]

Originally posted by Ioman
.....Very sleep looking. I like the fact that its a thumb drive as well, reminds me of the Creative Mojo MP3 player/....

:D I don't know about sleep looking, but it is sleek. It does look cool, but how big are those controls...they look downright tiny

[Ioman]

Originally posted by senoryoshio


:D I don't know about sleep looking, but it is sleek. It does look cool, but how big are those controls...they look downright tiny

Haha I changed my spelling error. I went to bed at 3:44am last night and just got up. I am dead tired. So sleep is on my mind at the moment.

[Archon]

Sony MZ-E10 :)

http://www.minidisc.org/images/sony_mze10_pf02.jpg

http://www.minidisc.org/images/sony_mze10.jpg

http://www.minidisc.org/images/sony_mze10_pf04.jpg

[puckelucke]

Originally posted by TecknoGeek


We will have to do a review of this product.

That would be nice of you. :)

And in that case please also check the type of batteries, and how easy it is to get hold of new ones and replacing 'em. The MuVo runs on a rechargable AAA, but I don't think that's the case for the MagicStar however. There's nothing as irritating as the Mobile-Phone-Battery-Syndrome, when after using the device for 12 moths one charge is good for a 10:th of the original time.

[puckelucke]

Originally posted by Ioman


Where can you purchase this unit?

I have only seen them online. There's Buy Now link at the webpage http://www.pendrivemp3.com .
If you are in europe you should also be able to get it from the online netonnet stores: netonnet.se (swedish) (http://www.netonnet.se/) or netonnet.de (german) (http://www.netonnet.de) , if you speak the languages.

[llbbl]

Originally posted by Archon
Sony MZ-E10 :)

http://www.minidisc.org/images/sony_mze10_pf02.jpg

http://www.minidisc.org/images/sony_mze10.jpg

http://www.minidisc.org/images/sony_mze10_pf04.jpg

Other companies make minidisc players, you DON"T have to buy RIAA merchandise just because Archon happens to like them.

[Archon]

this isnt RIAA! This is Sony-Japan! help the poor japanese economy! they're poor! help them! its like $55 for a hamburger there!

[IronSerif]

damn $55 for a hamburger...that sucks. I guess that would make a good diet for someone trying to cut down on Value meals :D

[Archon]

isnt a very good value if you ask me ;)

[IronSerif]

Yes! See, if a Value meal costs let's say $75, and the hamburger is only $55, you can save some money by cutting back on the value meal! :P

[sinistar]

Well I recently ordered the Samsung YP-55V mostly to use when I go running. I probably won't take it to the gym because I'm afraid it would smash up against the iron or the headphones wire would get in the way of things.

However, if I didn't want the extra features that this unit has such as the voice recording + FM tuner + portable drive stuff, I'm quite sure I'd have seriously looked at the more durable-looking Rio's. They look like they can handle some moisture and punishment, as do the Nike-Philips players. They also cost a lot more for less storage.

So I'm gonna try out the Samsung and hope it doesn't self-destruct from a little bit of sweat. I do some long runs and races, so I'll post an update later on.

[neuroking]

LOL! I started reading this as was scratching my head. Then I realized that this was a year old post!

heheh Rise for the dead!

B

[sinistar]

Well I received the Samsung YP-55V today and am already considering sending it back. The unit itself looks and sounds fine, but the point of this post is to comment on how good it would be to exercise with.

It only comes with a neck strap and a carrying case. It's this lousy carrying case that unfortunately makes me want to send back an otherwise perfect unit. For starters, the case completely envelopes the unit, much like the case one keeps his/her glasses in, so you can't access any buttons while it's wrapped up in there. There is a velcro strap attached to the case, meant to wrap around your HAND while the unit+case rests inside your palm.

What's wrong with this?

Well, #1, if you're out running and take a spill, this $170 mp3 player is gonna "help" break your fall. And #2, it's obviously in the way of properly gripping the handlebar of a bicycle. You can rotate the whole thing so that the player rests on top of your hand, but it wasn't so secure when I tried it just for kicks.

Working out with weights and such at the gym would be impossible if you were to strap on this player in the most secure way, as intended by Samsung. Even though I've seen people wearing players from their necks, I personally would rather not do that, as I don't want it swinging around inadvertently and banging into hard objects. Nor would I like it resting on a sweaty shirt, just asking to short out.

As far as I can tell thusfar, there are no armband or beltclip accessories available to buy separately for this unit. And sure, I'm aware of the fact that there are many similarly feature-packed players around, but, as some of you may be able to understand, once I decided on this model, I became attached to the idea of ALL its features and now I don't wanna sacrifice ANY of 'em!

One that I was hopeful about was an IAUDIO model, that is until I found out you can't just plug it in and copy files without their software (nor can you upload music files from the player once you've put them there!) Otherwise, it had almost all the same features and all the proper accessories I desire.

The next best, actually even better alternative that I just recently looked into is the MP-110 model by Jens of Sweden. Has everything I need except a line in jack to record to mp3 right off of other cd players and such. damn! The drawbacks to this one are that it's newly off the boat from Sweden/Europe in a US version and is of limited availability, it's over $200, and if you want to replace the battery, you gotta send it back to Sweden at this point. (the battery is lithium-polymer and charged via USB!)

http://www.jensofsweden.com/index.asp?page=news

maybe I'll fabricate an armband for the Samsung, but....maybe I don't really want to.

[sinistar]

just in case anyone is wondering, all the little requirements I have besides the armband and/or belt clip are:

256MB mem
voice recorder
FM Tuner + radio recording
Ability to plug into USB and copy files without drivers or proprietary software
LCD

[Ioman]

http://reviews.designtechnica.com/review22.html

This is the MP3 player I will be buying this weekend for working out. I reviewed this a while ago, but unfortunately had to send the review unit back. I absolutely love this player. It has an arm band, and the headphones wrap around your neck, so the cable is out of the way.

I would seriously recommend picking it up, even if it does not have all the requirements you want. This is by far one of the best MP3 players I have used. It sounds great, is small and comes with an armband specifically used for exercise.

[sinistar]

Hm.. based on your reply, I re-read your review then revisted the MPIO website to see what else they had again. This time I noticed the FY200 model! It appears to have everything I need.

Can you review that one too, please? :)

Apparently it's so new it's not for sale anywhere I've looked so far.

Do you know how long MPIO has been around? How is their reputation?

[Ioman]

Originally posted by sinistar
Hm.. based on your reply, I re-read your review then revisted the MPIO website to see what else they had again. This time I noticed the FY200 model! It appears to have everything I need.

Can you review that one too, please? :)

Apparently it's so new it's not for sale anywhere I've looked so far.

Do you know how long MPIO has been around? How is their reputation?

I will try and get the FY200 for review. I actually say the DMK reviewed on TechTV and was impressed with its size. They liked it a lot too. I have not heard anything bad about their products, they just are not very big here in the states. For the price, I think its totally worth it and I cannot wait to buy one.

For what its worth, Best buy just started selling them, so they must be somewhat good.

One company I would stay away from is iRock, I think their products are terrible.

[ECA]

Nice unit:
Spec not mentioned in article-

MP3 (8~256Kbps) VBR: 0 ~ 100 %

It says it uses the REAL player to copy. is this the only way, or can you directly send to the unit?

[ECA]

YES, check out the FY200...NICE
256/512 meg with mass storage and ability to record direct from any source with that has headphone output.

AND: WOW.
MP3 (8 ~ 320 kbps ), WMA (5 ~ 192 kbps ), MPEG-2, MPEG -2.5, ASF

NEEd prices on this one.http://mpio.co.kr/product/product_image/body_big_83_1.gif

[sinistar]

Saw it at Bestbuy for $189.99 for the 256mb model. Thinking
of passing on this one cos it requires their software for file transfers.

Manual is here:

http://www.mpio.com/product/product_info.html?id=83&category=1

NEEd prices on this one.

[pdxflyboy]

ya i dislike having to use their proprietary software for transfers, but they have done alot to improve it.

[ECA]

It says it can be used for file storage, so should be able to by-pass the REAL player.
Any ideas...??

DAM, the manual is 25 meg in PDF format... SUCK. WHY??

[sinistar]

Seeing as how it's slightly unhealthy to breathe in smoke, I've had to put off using my new YP-55V for running until today because of the forest fire smoke looming over the Southern California skies. However, today a little bit of rain and an onshore wind cleared things up enough for me to finally get out there.

Before I had complained about the lack of an armband or belt clip that comes with this unit. Someone mentioned the included carrying case can be used with a belt, but personally, I leave all belts behind when I exercise, so that's ruled out.

Since my original intention for a portable mp3 player was for running, it was key that I find a way to address this situation, either by finding an "aftermarket" accessory, or ultimately finding another player. I found the extra accessory, a neoprene armband from these folks:

http://www.tunebelt.com

Now, considering the size of the yepp 55V is about the same size as two bic lighters stuck together (it's also very light, btw), the armband is about 3 times too big, but it's no big deal really. It fits and adjusts nicely and the player seems snug and protected enough inside. I'm even able to reasonably adjust the controls through the mesh layer, provided I've slowed down to a walk or stopped running. More than I hoped for really. It even appears that the unit will be relatively safe should one be caught temporarily out in the rain.

I used a pair of Sony ear buds that I had previously and ran the wires up through my shirt. They stayed in place in my ears and all was good.

At this point, I am now sufficiently satisfied with this player to keep and enjoy it.

The tune belt armband can be purchased at the goodguys and there is a similar one available made by Body Glove. Although I read a posting where someone found them at Walmart, I could only find them online at one site:

http://shop.store.yahoo.com/sepharus-store/fel75547.html

I'll submit a general user review in the reviews area later on.

[llbbl]

Oooo I just thought of one ... you could hire a cover band to play on a flat bed truck that drove along in front of you while you are running. Can't beat that !! You could organize the event every month and call it something good like "Running with the Beat"

[sinistar]

Originally posted by TecknoGeek
Oooo I just thought of one ... you could hire a cover band to play on a flat bed truck that drove along in front of you while you are running. Can't beat that !! You could organize the event every month and call it something good like "Running with the Beat"


OR I could just end it all right now!
;)

[Sephora]

Hey Sinistar,

Thanks for the great info on the YP-55V. I'm also thinking of picking one up for use on the treadmill and for walks to campus.

Any other comments, concerns? I've been checking out a few other reviews on the web and it seems to be well-received.
Any difficulties with the jog dial, buttons, etc?

[ECA]

There is one.
See if you can find the Memory card, Mp3 players.
They take SD,CF, or other cards that you can fill up to 2 gig now. set it in the player and away it plays.

They dont have alot of controls, and may not play in order you want. But for Solid, and versitile(sp) it could be a great lead.

[sinistar]

Originally posted by Sephora
Hey Sinistar,

Thanks for the great info on the YP-55V. I'm also thinking of picking one up for use on the treadmill and for walks to campus.

Any other comments, concerns? I've been checking out a few other reviews on the web and it seems to be well-received.
Any difficulties with the jog dial, buttons, etc?

the player has been working great and the controls are all fine.

the only thing that kinda bugs me, and maybe they can fix one day with a firmware upgrade, is that you can't make playlists. the best you can do is put tracks in order alphabetically or by adding a number to the filename.

otherwise the sound and features are all pretty good and I've been using it everytime I go running.

[Sephora]

Sounds great, quite excited to pick it up. Thanks!