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The New iPod Killers
Posted by: Dr. Mercola
December 20 2003 | 1,588 views

Just over two years ago, Apple Computer released a device called the iPod, a digital music player that weighed 6.5 ounces and held a memory of 1,000 songs. Since then, Apple Computers has updated the iPod twice and has made three versions priced around $300 to $500 each.

In July and August 2003, Apple Computer’s iPod was reported the number one spot for MP3 players and is now the highest-volume product for the computer company.

The New York Times November 30, 2003



Dr. Mercola's Comments:
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First of all I have to tell you that this technology is absolutely awesome. This is one of the few tech devices I will not be without. I have been able to virtually throw away my CD and audio tape player since I acquired an MP3 player. If you listen to music or enjoy learning by audio half as much as I do you will absolutely need to get one of these devices.

Earlier this year I decided to finally take the plunge and purchase a hard-drive-based MP3 player. I was finally motivated by the new amazing storage capacity of the hard-drive-based MP3 players. I nearly purchased the major bestseller in this market, the iPod, but I decided to opt for a far more cost-effective option.

Creative Labs is the company that makes Sound Blaster, one of the best sound cards for computers. Earlier this year they produced a 60 GB Nomad Zen. This device can record 16,000 songs on it, which are a few weeks worth of non-stop music or lectures. Since I am very frugal I went with the Nomad because at the time it was $100 less than the $500 iPod and:

  • Had twice the storage capacity of the iPod
  • Was $100 less expensive ($400 for the Nomad was a far better deal than $500 for the iPod that had half the capacity)
  • The battery lasted 40 percent longer (14 hours versus 10 for the iPod)
  • Had better sound quality

Below are some charts packed full of information I have found on MP3 players.

Apple Computer iPods
Storage Size 10GB HHD 20GB HHD 40GB HHD
Price $299 $399 $499
Size

Depth 0.62 in.
Height 4.1 in.
Width 2.4 in.

Depth 0.62 in.
Height 4.1 in.
Width 2.4 in.

Depth 0.72 in.
Height 4.1 in.
Width 2.4 in.

Weight 5.6 oz 5.6 oz 6.2 oz
USB Firewire Firewire Firewire
Song Storage 2,500 Songs 5,000 Songs 10,000 Songs
Battery Life 8 hours 8 hours 8 hours
Audio Recording  Yes Yes Yes

Other MP3 Players
Model Rio Karma IRiver iHP-120 Dell Jukebox Creative Jukebox Zen
Storage Size  20GB HHD 20GB HHD 20GB HHD 20GB HHD
Price $350 $400 $299 $299
Size

2.7-by-3-by1.1 in.

2.4-by-0.75-by-4.1 in. 4.1-by-0.86-by-2.7 in. 1.00-by-0.86-by-2.7 in.
Weight 5.5 oz 5.6 oz 7.61 oz 9.5 oz
USB USB 2.0 USB 2.0 USB 2.0 USB 2.0
Battery Life Est. 15 hours Est. 16 hours Est. 16 hours Est. 14 hours

These would make wonderful holiday gifts for all music lovers.

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