Sony announces new Network Walkman models

[Joel]

Sony heats up the portable audio competition with the announcement (http://news.sel.sony.com/pressrelease/5685) of new Network walkmans. These support ATRAC, MP3, WMV, and WAV formats and are compatible with the Sony Connect service. (Which I cannot connect to because it requires Internet Explorer).

I spent some time reading and listing down what each walkman could do. I like the design Sony offers for the 400 and 500 series but I have yet to find a picture of the 100 series.

Anyway, here's what to expect:

100 series available late March

-poker chip size
-backlit lcd
-powered by one AAA battery
-USB
-E103: black, 256MB, $90
-E105: white or blue, 512Mb, $100
-E107: silver, 1GB, $150

400 series available in May

-three line organic EL display
-date/time/stopwatch
-Jog Dial
-internal battery
-USB
-E405: dark blue, 512MB, $130
-E407: black, 1GB, $180

500 series

-FM tuner
-three line organic EL display
-date/time/stopwatch
-Jog Dial
-internal battery
-USB
-E505: metallic blue/ metallic pink, 512MB, $150
-E507: silver, 1GB, $200

[Joel]

http://news.sel.sony.com/digitalimages/images/2005/47/38/174738.jpg

[Reggie]

I want the E507! :D

[jjesusfreak01]

Joel, I think you mean WMA in the first post, though WMV support would be cool, especially with an OLED screen.

Also, what exactly do you mean by Organic EL display? Does it stand for Organic Emmitter of Light?

[Karim]

I want the E507! :D

It most certainly costs too much for a 1GB MP3 player.

[SamuraiCatJB]

.




<--- iShuffle

time will tell. :)

[JackAxe]

That's thing looks awesome, is it an iSnuffle. :)

<]=)

[MrNako]

With such tiny buttons I would call it iStruggle :p

[JAmerican]

With such tiny buttons I would call it iStruggle :p

LMAO!!!!!!!!

That Sony MP3 looks sick. Why is it that Apple always makes plain devices. They should try to update their products in all. I mean Color screen w/ video w/ and camera. That would be worth 300. Not a plain B&W POS.

JAmerican

[Vishalca]

For the price of the 1gig model, you can get a 4gb iPod mini; Hopefully, Sony will lower the price to compete, but it wont matter! I still love my shuffle! :D :D

[JAmerican]

For the price of the 1gig model, you can get a 4gb shuffle; Hopefully, Sony will lower the price to compete, but it wont matter! I still love my shuffle! :D :D

The Shuffle is prime example of how people will buy anything from Apple. They didn't add a screen. So instead of a B&W screen, now they have no screen, instead of a battery indicator, they have a cheap battery tester. Wow. So the production cost for the piece of plastic is probably $2 the most. So is the memory really that expensive. What you are not seeing (lol), is that Apple has not made one great iPod. The best is the iPod Photo but that sucks as much. Who wants to store photos on a device that has no way to transfer and share those photos or take those photos using a built-in camera.

I like the SOny MP3's design, but I hate MP3 sole purpose devices. Waste of money.

JAmerican

[SamuraiCatJB]

The Shuffle is prime example of how people will buy anything from Apple. They didn't add a screen. So instead of a B&W screen, now they have no screen, instead of a battery indicator, they have a cheap battery tester. Wow. So the production cost for the piece of plastic is probably $2 the most. So is the memory really that expensive. What you are not seeing (lol), is that Apple has not made one great iPod. The best is the iPod Photo but that sucks as much. Who wants to store photos on a device that has no way to transfer and share those photos or take those photos using a built-in camera.

I like the SOny MP3's design, but I hate MP3 sole purpose devices. Waste of money.

JAmerican

actually, I would disagree on multiple points. I do not own a shuffle, nor do I intend to buy one. I have an iPod, and have used a Zen and others. I find the iPod better quality sound than others I have used. The Zen I tried is now dead and useless and we need new batteries, compatibility was lousy and not always effective even on a platform it did work on, the iPod is still going.

I also use the photo media adapter for the traditional 4g iPod, though not the photo. It allowed me to take near 9 gig of photos of tiff format while on vacation. I use jpeg for practice shots, but after I get used to a camera, I switch to a lossless format (tiff or raw). Those are huge files. With the media adapter, I can fill one 512mb compact flash, and put it in the adapter for the iPod and automatically copy all the images off and clean the CF card to take more pictures. With the DC chargers for the iPod, my iPod became 20gig music, 20gig digital photo wallet which would have cost me even more had I bought a cheaper MP3 player, and also bought a digital wallet to go with as seperate devices.

I don't like combining many devices into one, but I think a seperate device as a photo wallet is kind of overkill. I don't need to see the images on the device, so all I really needed was the photo adapter for the traditional iPod. I wouldn't need the iPod photo, but it actually does not cost more than buying an iPod and a photo wallet as seperate devices, though does cost a little more than buying the photo adapter for a 3g or 4g iPod. I am happy with what I have, I did not buy just for an apple name, I have owned one other mp3 device, and used others at work or from friends.

you say you hate MP3 as a sole purpose device, which is exactly why the iPod is also popular. It is a multi-use device if you choose it to be. Flexibility of choice you do not have with other mp3 devices.

[JAmerican]

All I'm asking is that Apple hurry up and get to where it is at. Video, Audio, Photo and maybe a camera. That's what I'm looking for. If they ever make an iPod like that, then it will truly be an eyePod. They also need some infrared or bluetooth or something. How about if you have a photo you really want to give a friend. I can send it with my device via Bluetooth, WiFi or send it to the web or email it. I know I have a multi-purpose device but the point of a media device is that you can enjoy yourself anyway possible and communication should be apart of that enjoyment. Even the TI-83 calculators have a serial cable. Can't the iPod make something as simple as that or other wireless communication. I like that there is a hard-drive based device out there that you can store massive amounts of info to. But what annoys me is Apple's lack of wanting to advance. When they do, they take baby steps. I bet a lot of iPod users out there have 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or/and 4th generation iPods due to their inability to wait for a good one to come out. This is great for apple but annoying to me. Once Apple releasing something like the PSP, without the gaming or with it, then the iPod will truly be an eyePod for me.

JAmerican

[SamuraiCatJB]

Even the TI-83 calculators have a serial cable. Can't the iPod make something as simple as that or other wireless communication. I like that there is a hard-drive based device out there that you can store massive amounts of info to. But what annoys me is Apple's lack of wanting to advance. When they do, they take baby steps.
JAmerican

still not sure what are looking for. I can understand the wireless issue, but ipods have a wired link to a computer. That is also your link to external accessories, such as the photo reader than I bought.

iPod Dock Connector to FireWire Cable
iPod Dock Connector to USB 2.0 Cable
USB 2.0 + FireWire Cable
Griffin iTrip FM Transmitter
Belkin Digital Camera Link
inMotion iM3
Griffin iTalk Voice Recorder
Belkin Media Reader
Belkin Battery Pack
Bose SoundDock
iPod Stereo Connection Kit

are you saying that for apple to do things "right" as you put it, that all of those things above should be built into the same unit, plus camera, plus wifi? who would buy it? you're talking a $1000 ipod?

[VicAjax]

All I'm asking is that Apple hurry up and get to where it is at. Video, Audio, Photo and maybe a camera. That's what I'm looking for.

jack of all trades, master of none.

so far, i have yet to try a multi-use device that excels at any of its many functions.

of course, maybe i'm old fashioned. but my iPod is exclusively for music, and i find it delivers a clean, flat FR signal from its line out, and good juice from its headphone out. 320aac is damn close to lossless. the UI is the best, the build quality is the best. nuf said.

[intellidryad]

JAmerican, I agree with you except for the single purpose statement.
Single purpose music players don't seem as attractive as a clie, I agree.(lol) But a large capacity harddisk MP3 would make my consider it, even if it just plays music. We don't have new clies any more, so I'm considering to use my clie less frequently, use something else for a music player, and see if my clie will live longer.
But, (back to reality), I don't have the $ to buy a new music player, so, I'm still playing music with my clie...
As for the iPods, I don't find much to complain with the Harddisk ones, only that it's so common these days that it doesn't seem special to have them any more. On the other hand, the iPod shuffle is what I consider "the worst product Apple has made". With a MP3 player, I want to know what I'm listening to(if the music is new), and I want to edit my play lists whenever I want to. An iPod without a screen just doesn't do it. Futher more, it feels so "plastic".
Now, on the new walkmans. They are real eye candy, and I'd say the functions are good, too. But the UI is still unknown, so hard to say anything on the ease of use. However, with the speed sony is releasing these new walkmans(just like the good old days when they are releasing clies rapidly), the E500 series just makes me want to wait for newer models.(I'll bet they'd release more new models in the near future, a HD walkman with OLED display anyone?)
Just my 2 cents...

[JackAxe]

The iPod is simply the best option for what it was designed for. What certain people want is not and iPod and from what I can tell these peeps are not happy with what they already have. Who needs 15 PDAs, 12 phones and several side kicks.


The iPod is attractive for the right reason, there is no rival on the market that can match what it does so well. My Clié is an absolutely horrid digital audio player when compared to my iPod. It's cool that it has that option, but it's not worth my time since it's implemation was of vomit.

<]=)

[JAmerican]

still not sure what are looking for. I can understand the wireless issue, but ipods have a wired link to a computer. That is also your link to external accessories, such as the photo reader than I bought.

iPod Dock Connector to FireWire Cable
iPod Dock Connector to USB 2.0 Cable
USB 2.0 + FireWire Cable
Griffin iTrip FM Transmitter
Belkin Digital Camera Link
inMotion iM3
Griffin iTalk Voice Recorder
Belkin Media Reader
Belkin Battery Pack
Bose SoundDock
iPod Stereo Connection Kit

are you saying that for apple to do things "right" as you put it, that all of those things above should be built into the same unit, plus camera, plus wifi? who would buy it? you're talking a $1000 ipod?

I didn't say that you needed to add a camera, and WiFi together. I said maybe a camera OR WiFi. What I'm looking for is Apple to create the ultimate media device.

Video
Audio
Photos
IrDa*/Bluetooth - Wireless Communication
Firewire Data Cable - Wired Communication for Massive File Transfers
SD Slot* - For importing pictures from Camera with SD Memory
Loud Internal Speaker

* - don't really care for but would be nice to have

Now tell me, would that be so bad to have such a device? Its the ultimate media device.

JAmerican

[SamuraiCatJB]

Video is probably coming soon, since Apple focuses on quality, they are rarely first. There are only a few video media devices on the market.

Firewire they have already
SD they have already through an adapter
Internal Speaker is not going to happen unless Apple decides they no longer want a quality device. Use a speaker attachment.
IrDa would be too slow
Bluetooth would be nice, but bluetooth hasn't caught on as it should have in the states, Apple doesn't gamble quite as much as it used to.
Photos, they have already.

[JAmerican]

Video is probably coming soon, since Apple focuses on quality, they are rarely first. There are only a few video media devices on the market.

Firewire they have already
SD they have already through an adapter
Internal Speaker is not going to happen unless Apple decides they no longer want a quality device. Use a speaker attachment.
IrDa would be too slow
Bluetooth would be nice, but bluetooth hasn't caught on as it should have in the states, Apple doesn't gamble quite as much as it used to.
Photos, they have already.

-So they have the ability to connect to iPods via Firewire? I don't think so.
-What SD adapter?
-What does quality device have to do with internal speakers?
-Not regular IrDA, Comsumer IrDa to use the iPod as a remote - not necessary, but would be nice

JAmerican

[SamuraiCatJB]

iPods have firewire or USB 2.0 to host machines via the lower connection port. You attach the proper cable for either firewire or USB 2.0, firewire is standard on Macs, so that was first before USB.
SD adapter is the Belkin multi card adapter, SD, CF, SM, etc.
Internal speakers take energy and so close to the harddrive add noise. It is easier, and higher quality to attach the speaker externally through the accessory port, which they have several already available.

[JAmerican]

iPods have firewire or USB 2.0 to host machines via the lower connection port. You attache the proper cable for either firewire or USB 2.0, firewire is standard on Macs, so that was first before USB.
SD adapter is the Belkin multi card adapber, SD, CF, SM, etc.
Internal speakers take energy and so close to the harddrive add noise. It is easier, and higher quality to attach the speaker externally through the accessory port, which they have several already available.

When I say the iPods should have a FireWire Data cable, I mean a cable that connects to 2 iPods, no PCs/Macs at all. Transfer data from 1 iPod to another. That is not possible and if it is, let me know.

JAmerican

[SamuraiCatJB]

When I say the iPods should have a FireWire Data cable, I mean a cable that connects to 2 iPods, no PCs/Macs at all. Transfer data from 1 iPod to another. That is not possible and if it is, let me know.

JAmerican

presumably only because no one has made it. There is a direct USB connector (type A usb, standard mini plug) to attach direct to a camera to transfer off media. Conceptually it is not far from connecting two units. However, due to media copying concerns, such a device would like run the iPod into violation of copyright laws and kill the device.

[Vishalca]

I didn't say that you needed to add a camera, and WiFi together. I said maybe a camera OR WiFi. What I'm looking for is Apple to create the ultimate media device.

Video
Audio
Photos
IrDa*/Bluetooth - Wireless Communication
Firewire Data Cable - Wired Communication for Massive File Transfers
SD Slot* - For importing pictures from Camera with SD Memory
Loud Internal Speaker

* - don't really care for but would be nice to have

Now tell me, would that be so bad to have such a device? Its the ultimate media device.

JAmerican


I have found your dream device. This "ultimate media device" has been under our noses for quite some time now, however; it's called the notebook computer.

Getting a device to include all these features would compromise the quality of some of them; not only would the cost be incredulously high for such a device, it would be impractical from a economic perspective for Apple, as the companies making the accessories would not be necessary anymore. The ultimate media device is indeed the personal computer, however, for MY needs, I prefer separate devices, all with high quality, than one costly device with a 2" screen doing what my computer does at home. The iPod is meant for music and storage (in the case of the iPod photo), and everything else has its own niche.

[JAmerican]

I have found your dream device. This "ultimate media device" has been under our noses for quite some time now, however; it's called the notebook computer.

Getting a device to include all these features would compromise the quality of some of them; not only would the cost be incredulously high for such a device, it would be impractical from a economic perspective for Apple, as the companies making the accessories would not be necessary anymore. The ultimate media device is indeed the personal computer, however, for MY needs, I prefer separate devices, all with high quality, than one costly device with a 2" screen doing what my computer does at home. The iPod is meant for music and storage (in the case of the iPod photo), and everything else has its own niche.

Actually, my ultimate media device is my UX50 =D. WiFi, Bluetooth, IrDA, Videos, Audio, Photos, Camera, MS Pro Slot, Internal Speaker and most importantly a High-Resolution Color Screen :D :D. That's why I don't like the iPod. I'm a multi-purpose device person and you guys like single-purpose devices.

There's nothing wrong with that.

JAmerican

[JackAxe]

And to repeat what has been stated so many times before; "Jack of all trades, master of none."

A single device that is a master at it's designed purpose; The iPod.

You continually critisize the iPod, because it does not meet your needs. But yet you have so many devices, a UX50, UX40 and a few others listed. Does that make you a hypocrite, since it's obvious that no single device has met your needs?

And why doesn't your UX50 have stereo speakers? What about a remote? What about a phone option? And why isn't its screen OLED? Why didn't it come with an HD, haveing all those MS sticks is silly? Why should it only be limited to Sony's MS in the first place, why doesn't it have a SD or CF slot? Why doesn't your UX50 have a Click Wheel like the iPod? Call me when the UX has those options, oh wait, that's not going to happen since Sony has dropped the Clié.

<]=)

[JAmerican]

And to repeat what has been stated so many times before; "Jack of all trades, master of none."

A single device that is a master at it's designed purpose; The iPod.

You continually critisize the iPod, because it does not meet your needs. But yet you have so many devices, a UX50, UX40 and a few others listed. Does that make you a hypocrite, since it's obvious that no single device has met your needs?

And why doesn't your UX50 have stereo speakers? What about a remote? What about a phone option? And why isn't its screen OLED? Why didn't it come with an HD, haveing all those MS sticks is silly? Why should it only be limited to Sony's MS in the first place, why doesn't it have a SD or CF slot? Why doesn't your UX50 have a Click Wheel like the iPod? Call me when the UX has those options, oh wait, that's not going to happen since Sony has dropped the Clié.

<]=)
As I wrote before...

That's why I don't like the iPod. I'm a multi-purpose device person and you guys like single-purpose devices.

There's nothing wrong with that.
-------

As I said, I like multi-purpose. Multi does not mean all, it means many. I didn't say I wanted every single thing in my device. I said I wanted Media. I also like Communication. I don't like smartphones because if I want to cancel my service, my device is worthless. Having a hard drive in my device would make it heavier. It wouldn't be a slim device anymore. The iPod is a thick device with a small B&W screen. Even the iPod photo screen is so small, you can't even see the pics clearly when looking throguh the gallery. Why doesn't the iPod have an OLED or a bigger, better color screen? The click weel is bigger than the dam iPod screen for goodness sake. Sony was smart to make a small dial that you can scroll with and have a great screen for viewing data. Also a keyboard for inputing info. Why can't you beam a photo from one iPod to another. I can. :D :D :p. I'm not loyal to Sony wat so ever. I can get a PPC when the time is right and it will still be better than the crappy, heavy, small-screened, single-purpose iPod. I don't know about you but I can't tell the difference between the qualtiy of a song on my CLIÉ compared to the iPod because I'm human and it basically all sounds the same. No matter what Apple says.

JAmerican

[SamuraiCatJB]

As I wrote before...

That's why I don't like the iPod. I'm a multi-purpose device person and you guys like single-purpose devices.

There's nothing wrong with that.


actually I am not a single-purpose guy, however, I am picky about what gets merged. I can understand the need for exchanging photo or data in a network environment with an iPod, at least conceptually. Since no one around me has anything like that, and I can count my friends on on hand and still offer at least one sign language opinion... I haven't needed it.

It was people like me who in using the extension to the iPod for photos essentially created the iPod photo. That is how it works. The iPod is an extensable device. Although the communication format is not open, it is licensable and requires only approval. This allows Apple to keep from having lawsuits over networking two ipods and exchanging music, you have to do it through the computer, so the iPod is never the device creating the problem, back to the user.

I have several of the adapters, my brother has the external speaker system and the external amplifier so he can crank up his speakers till they crack and he has to upgrade.... but anyhow.... The iPod is a single purpose device, but it also is extensible. They do one thing really well, and leave it to the imagination of the 3rd parties to extend it to multi-purpose. As market demand for extensions increases apple considers integrating them. Thus the iPod photo was born.

The iPod is slimmer than most other HD driven MP3 players, so if you compare apples to apples, iPod always seems to be a step ahead.

[JackAxe]

Just buy a dang iPod!!!! You know you want one. :p


"I don't know about you but I can't tell the difference between the qualtiy of a song on my CLIÉ compared to the iPod because I'm human and it basically all sounds the same. No matter what Apple says.
"

:eek: :eek: :eek: But... but... The difference is night and day. :confused:


<]=)

[JAmerican]

Just buy a dang iPod!!!! You know you want one. :p



:eek: :eek: :eek: But... but... The difference is night and day. :confused:


<]=)

I have 110 tracks on my UX50. Yes they are formatted but they still sound clear. I also like to be unique and a leader. 90% of the peoplle in my school have iPods. No one has a UX50 or UX40 for that matter. I've sworn off B&W devices since the T-Mobile Sidekick and I'm sticking to that promise. I see B&W as very, very stupid for the 21st century. I fear dropping it and one of the HD disk mess up thus messing up my device. I also memory cards because they allow you to transport data to other CLIEs although they are exspensive.

As for transferring files, Apple can make it so that .jpg files can be transferred via Bluetooth. to avoid piracy of music. Forget the data cable, your right. It would bring up a lot of lawsuits.

I concur with you guys. The iPod is cool, but still needs room for fixing. Bluetooth, Video, High-Res Color Screen. Thats really all it needs. Wouldn't you like to send a pic to a friend with an iPod if he/she wanted a copy? Video would be cool as well. It would add to the media experience.and High-Res color screen to enjoy it all. The same scroll wheel should be on the device, but probably as big or bigger than the iPod Mini one.

[JackAxe]

Buy an iPod photo.

http://www.apple.com/ipodphoto/

It has a 220x176 color screen. Or just wait until summer to see what Apple is doing with video. I would upgrade to a video pod, but not another iPod since mine does everything I need.

90% market share is ok with me when the dominate product is the best choice. We buy our iPods for "music playback." I tried the Clié route and was very disspointed. I'm sure there's a large percentage of followers as you called them, but it's not like they're getting a bad product.

The screen thing does not bother me, since I only use it for browsing text and most of the time it's linked to my desktop or Powerbook, so the screen is useless at that point. And having a 1.8" FW drive handy, is great for transport. :) I often use my iPod to transfer my projects to the Powerbook when it is packed.

Have you considered seeing an Ear specialist. :D *Kidding* I was happy with my Clié originaly, but it was because I was ignorant to better sounding devices. I can not stand digital oscillation which shows up with compression and all music below 320 (MP4) has artifacts, so it's only lossless for me now days.

If all you need a Bowie Knife to perform a certain task, then why bother with a Swiss Army knife, if that makes any sense. ;)

<]=)

[JAmerican]

Buy an iPod photo.

http://www.apple.com/ipodphoto/

It has a 220x176 color screen. Or just wait until summer to see what Apple is doing with video. I would upgrade to a video pod, but not another iPod since mine does everything I need.

90% market share is ok with me when the dominate product is the best choice. We buy our iPods for "music playback." I tried the Clié route and was very disspointed. I'm sure there's a large percentage of followers as you called them, but it's not like they're getting a bad product.

The screen thing does not bother me, since I only use it for browsing text and most of the time it's linked to my desktop or Powerbook, so the screen is useless at that point. And having a 1.8" FW drive handy, is great for transport. :) I often use my iPod to transfer my projects to the Powerbook when it is packed.

Have you considered seeing an Ear specialist. :D *Kidding* I was happy with my Clié originaly, but it was because I was ignorant to better sounding devices. I can not stand digital oscillation which shows up with compression and all music below 320 (MP4) has artifacts, so it's only lossless for me now days.

If all you need a Bowie Knife to perform a certain task, then why bother with a Swiss Army knife, if that makes any sense. ;)

<]=)

Nope. Not gonna get it. I'm solely handheld. I need entertainment and communication in one. I really wouldn't get a video eyePod if it ever came out because it lakes a known OS and no communication. I like devices but only Handhelds. I also like keyboards. The iPod will probably never have these things so I don't ever seeing myself by it. Enjoy the iPod. As I said earlier, the market doesn't bother me, so no matter if CLIEs are gone and iPods are growing. Not until Apple releases handhelds (which is being discussed) w/ Palm OS Cobalt and specs like that of a iPod, I won't be getting one anytime soon.

JAmerican

[JackAxe]

But your UX doesn't have a phone, not until then will it be a true communication device. :p

Virtually all the features features you ask for will never be in an iPod, nor are they needed, since it is not a PDA. Stick with your PDAs, but if you ever get around to wanting a "real" digital audio player with superior sound and audio controls, then I strongly recommend an iPod.

BTW, my HD based iPod weighs less then your UX50 by 6 oz. :D

<]=)

[JackAxe]

And one other thing, the iPod isn't as thick as your UX50. :p :D

<]=)

[JAmerican]

And one other thing, the iPod isn't as thick as your UX50. :p :D

<]=)

Ok, thats fine. My UX doesn't have a phone, which is fine with me. As I said earlier, smartphones can become useless without a provider. They are based on networks. If the network is not there, it is still useable but some of its features won't be useable. This is a waste. Right now, I'm typing this post from my UX50 via WiFi listening to clear, high quality music from my UX's internal speakers. This is what I like about the UX. I can use my Bluetooth phone to do the same thing on the road. The iPod lacks these capabilities so, I won't get it. Its amazing how ur iPod does one thing -- play music and my UX does internet via WiFi/Bluetooth, Video, Music, Photos, record audio, video, takes pictures, and is an organizer and on top of that a big HIGH-RES COLOR screen and keyboard in one and is about the same size as your iPod. =D :)

JAmerican

[JackAxe]

But your UX lacks in one the area that the iPod excells in. :p Yep the iPod is smaller overall as it should be, even with gigs for HD storage. The UX is also sized as it should be and excells in its own areas.

And why are we comparing a PEO to a dedicated digital audio player? They have very minor similarties, but other then that they are completely different beasts. Not even Sony's HD walkman compares to the quality and integration of an iPod when it comes to digital audio and that's a more realistic comparison.

I'm listening to my (CD quality, lossless) music that is stored on my iPod, that is playing through my "Harman Kardon SoundSticks," while I type away on a full size keyboard and view my 30" Cinema HD screen. Your UX doesn't sound very appealing to me right now. :D And when I'm on the road my iPod is plugged into my Powerbook, giving me access to the same music, which I listen to with my PX100s. I don't have the ultra portability of your UX, but then again your UX can't run Photoshop. :) And I often will use my iPod as an external HD for my Powerbook. It's just fast enough for the light tasks.

Check this out, it's an audio remote. :p

http://bainne.com/fun/remote.jpg

<]=)

[JAmerican]

But your UX lacks in one the area that the iPod excells in. :p Yep the iPod is smaller overall as it should be, even with gigs for HD storage. The UX is also sized as it should be and excells in its own areas.

And why are we comparing a PEO to a dedicated digital audio player? They have very minor similarties, but other then that they are completely different beasts. Not even Sony's HD walkman compares to the quality and integration of an iPod when it comes to digital audio and that's a more realistic comparison.

I'm listening to my (CD quality, lossless) music that is stored on my iPod, that is playing through my "Harman Kardon SoundSticks," while I type away on a full size keyboard and view my 30" Cinema HD screen. Your UX doesn't sound very appealing to me right now. :D And when I'm on the road my iPod is plugged into my Powerbook, giving me access to the same music, which I listen to with my PX100s. I don't have the ultra portability of your UX, but then again your UX can't run Photoshop. :) And I often will use my iPod as an external HD for my Powerbook. It's just fast enough for the light tasks.

Check this out, it's an audio remote. :p

http://bainne.com/fun/remote.jpg

<]=)

I compared my UX to the iPod and your right. The UX is higher than the iPod but is the same length as the iPod and the iPod is narrow in width compared to the UX. Both our devices are meant for different purposes except for the entertainment purpose. I personally hate laptops due to their weight, battery life, and lack of expandability. That's my the UX is perfect for me. Its my mini-Tablet PC. I can't run Photoshop because its not a PC, its a Palm. You can't put your laptop in your pocket because its too large. You can't watch videos on your iPod because its a music only device, not a media device. On the road, I can plug my UX into any PC via Card Export II. ;) If I want, I can put songs in my MSAudio folder and I'm off. No need for iTunes.

Basically, your happy with your HD/Audio Player/Photo? and I'm happy with my Video/Audio/Photo/Camera/Internet/Email/PIM/Word Processing/Games/HI-RES COLOR Screen device. :D :)

JAmerican

[JackAxe]

Lack of expandibility and you're using a UX. *LOL* :D Your PDA is pretty much the perfect description of that, OK all PDAs.

I stopped using my Clié for most things, because of my Powerbook, which might as well be infinitely more expandable. In this case, size does matter. Nothing wrong with carrying around a briefcase or backpack when it contains a portable version of your entire office and the iPod is a great example of an expansion for any notebook. Except for a few minor areas like standing in lines, or waiting in a movie theater, PDAs are way too limiting when compared to a notebook.

Like my iPod, I love iTunes. Sony's solution was a nightmare and unless things have changed, Sonic Vomit is still required in order to take full advantage of the Cliés audio app? DRM music will always require a middle app, so why not use the one that was done right; iTunes. Ripping my CDs and creating playlists has never been easier.


320x480 is hi-rez? :)

<]=)

[JAmerican]

Lack of expandibility and you're using a UX. *LOL* :D Your PDA is pretty much the perfect description of that, OK all PDAs.

I stopped using my Clié for most things, because of my Powerbook, which might as well be infinitely more expandable. In this case, size does matter. Nothing wrong with carrying around a briefcase or backpack when it contains a portable version of your entire office and the iPod is a great example of an expansion for any notebook. Except for a few minor areas like standing in lines, or waiting in a movie theater, PDAs are way too limiting when compared to a notebook.

Like my iPod, I love iTunes. Sony's solution was a nightmare and unless things have changed, Sonic Vomit is still required in order to take full advantage of the Cliés audio app? DRM music will always require a middle app, so why not use the one that was done right; iTunes. Ripping my CDs and creating playlists has never been easier.


320x480 is hi-rez? :)

<]=)

Ok. When I say lack of expandability, I mean you can't add multiple hard drives to your computer. The UX is not a computer. Mine is very cheap compared to a computer or your computer. I don't want to haul around a heavy laptop on my back when I can walk and use my UX right in my hands =D. If I want to see whats on at the movies, just take it out my pocket, connect to Bluetooth and I'm set. Not haul it out my bookbag, search for WiFi areas and find none. I don't use Sony's solution because it does suck and I've taken full advantage of my CLIÉ Audio App. I have the VZ version on my device which works just fine without any other software needed from PCs. You don't have that option. Even if you get a music file on your iPod, you still have to use iTunes. :p ;) :D

And compared to your iPod, 480x320 is definately HIGH-RES!!!!!!!!!!!

JAmerican :D

[JackAxe]

In theory, I can add 189 more HDs to my Powerbook I doubt I have the power requirements to be even remotely close to handling that and I would never do it, but with FW and USB I have access to any sort of device I would like. For example, my Eiderol USB midi keyboard. I have an internal DVD burner, which can be upgrade to a newer faster one, there's a PCMICA card, which can be fitted to support a HD. I upgraded the RAM to 1 Gig when I got this thing 2 years ago. Anyways, like you mention it is a computer and therefore it's not limited like a PDA. It truly can do everything your PDA "tries to do." In a sense it's not toy like yours. :p Word proccesing on a 320x480 screen. Eeeeewwww. :) My Clié with that rez is decent for "small" lists and notes, but beyond that, it's to "small."


Yes your device is easier to get too, but with mine I unzip the back area of my computer bag, open the lid and it's instantly on. Macintoshes work when you put them to sleep. And the thing is only an inch thick and uses Titanium, so it's only 5.5 pounds. :) If I want to watch a movie, I can watch up to 5 hours on my included battery, so 2 full length DVDs. Or I could replace the battery with one of the same size that lasts just under 7 hours.

Nothing wrong wth iTunes. It's always running on my computer, even when I'm encoding or rendering. So, I still don't see any issues with it being a requirement. You still need a middle app to import music from your CDs, so you're not saving a step. I'm sure it takes you more steps, since you need to import, then activate your Mass Storage mode, then move the music over and use which ever included app to create playlists and organize your new songs. With iTunes, I import my music, click one button to make a new playlist on the iPod, move my music of choice to it and I'm done. Oh, and it's fast since I'm going through FireWire. :)

Your screen has more pixels, we have much easier controls and vastly better audio playback. I don't need the screen when it's doced, nor do I always need it when I'm playing my music on the go. Nor did I want an iPod for photos, if I did, then I would get the color version. That was one of the reasons I bought a Clié, but it was limited, so I use my PB to show my images now days. With the iPod, color only makes the screen purdy, it doesn't improve on how freaking easy it already is to navigate.

A PDA that tries to do everything is kind of lik an "All you can eat buffet." It's fun every once in a while, but for every day eatings, they really fall short and most of the food sucks. :)

<]=)

[JAmerican]

In theory, I can add 189 more HDs to my Powerbook I doubt I have the power requirements to be even remotely close to handling that and I would never do it, but with FW and USB I have access to any sort of device I would like. For example, my Eiderol USB midi keyboard. I have an internal DVD burner, which can be upgrade to a newer faster one, there's a PCMICA card, which can be fitted to support a HD. I upgraded the RAM to 1 Gig when I got this thing 2 years ago. Anyways, like you mention it is a computer and therefore it's not limited like a PDA. It truly can do everything your PDA "tries to do." In a sense it's not toy like yours. :p Word proccesing on a 320x480 screen. Eeeeewwww. :) My Clié with that rez is decent for "small" lists and notes, but beyond that, it's to "small."


Why do you need a mini keyboard if your PB already has one. Its like getting a keyboard for my UX. Worthless. Word Processing on my device is fast, easy and can be done while walking. :D Bet you can't do that. I can answer e-mails and get up-to-date before going to my next class. Try that with a PB while walking. The screen is smaller than your PB because its a PDA not a laptop or Mac. But yet, it does what I want it to do. It stores my PIM data. I'm able to transfer Doc/Excel files from any PC to PDA or print from my PDA to a PC connected to a network printer in my school so their is no hassel when trying to print something. As for having CD drives, I like using my MS cards because all my data stays on one chip. When I have a movie, I use my extra MS to store it too so I won't have to carry around large CDs that can get scratched or break. My screen is also smaller than a regular PC that the format the video is kept in fits perfectly on my MS leaving me room for other files :). I most definately know you can't do that with a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM.


Yes your device is easier to get too, but with mine I unzip the back area of my computer bag, open the lid and it's instantly on. Macintoshes work when you put them to sleep. And the thing is only an inch thick and uses Titanium, so it's only 5.5 pounds. :) If I want to watch a movie, I can watch up to 5 hours on my included battery, so 2 full length DVDs. Or I could replace the battery with one of the same size that lasts just under 7 hours.


I watch Family Guy episodes on my device. Don't see the point of watching DVDs on my handheld when I can watch them with family on a big screen TV, way bigger than your laptop screen and my laptop. Also, don't have to worry about battery life. ;)


Nothing wrong wth iTunes. It's always running on my computer, even when I'm encoding or rendering. So, I still don't see any issues with it being a requirement. You still need a middle app to import music from your CDs, so you're not saving a step. I'm sure it takes you more steps, since you need to import, then activate your Mass Storage mode, then move the music over and use which ever included app to create playlists and organize your new songs. With iTunes, I import my music, click one button to make a new playlist on the iPod, move my music of choice to it and I'm done. Oh, and it's fast since I'm going through FireWire. :)


I first use Windows Media Player to take my songs off my CDs. I select which songs I do and don't like and convert them to 64kbps to my UX. I do use programs to reformat my songs to 64kbps. I'm not going to lie. The point that I'm making is that I can get a song and just place it on my device and it plays. No questions asked. The iPod is a Mass Storage Device but you have no way to place that song in your iPod's Audio section and play it. I also find Playlists to be dumb. I like to have all my music in one big playlist and just shuffle through my songs letting my audio player plays random songs. I know this can be done with the iPod as well, which is why it is single-purpose audio device. I can convert a video file to my UX in one step and view it on my device because its a media device.


Your screen has more pixels, we have much easier controls and vastly better audio playback. I don't need the screen when it's doced, nor do I always need it when I'm playing my music on the go. Nor did I want an iPod for photos, if I did, then I would get the color version. That was one of the reasons I bought a Clié, but it was limited, so I use my PB to show my images now days. With the iPod, color only makes the screen purdy, it doesn't improve on how freaking easy it already is to navigate.


My screen has more pixels because it has more features. I use the default AudioPlayer now compared to the MediaLauncher which was harder to navigate. The AudioPlayer allows me to increase and decrease the volume via the JogDial. I can hold my device just like you can but I don't have to use my nail ;). In order to scan music tracks, I have to tap something on the screen which is fine, but I can use the jog dial to scroll through my songs and select one, tap the screen again and hold my device. Again, your device has more of an advantage because it's an single-purpose device. I can view photos taken on my device taken with my camera not from somewhere else. :p


A PDA that tries to do everything is kind of lik an "All you can eat buffet." It's fun every once in a while, but for every day eatings, they really fall short and most of the food sucks. :) <]=)


That's what I think about a laptop. :p ;) My handheld allows me to keep my computer at home and one device in my hand. Not my computer on my back and a audioplayer in my pocket. I find having a handheld way easier than a laptop due to its mobility. Does your laptop have a camera? If so, can it rotate 300 degrees? Does your laptop allow you to view music videos, pictures recently taken or a datebook, while walking. I'm not a audiophile. I have only 110 tracks on my UX and have plenty of room on my card for more as well as Family Guy episodes, music videos, movies I record with my UX and photos I've taken. You might be happy with your laptop on your back and your iPod in your pocket but all I need is my UX in my pocket and my SE-T610 with it and I'm set.

You like your single-purpose device and computer with you but I like to leave my expandable dual-processing custom-made Gaming PC at home and take my less expensive UX50 and T610 with me all in my pocket.

JAmerican :) :D ;) :p

[JackAxe]

Keyword is "Midi." You missed the "d." :) It's a music keyboard, I use it with Garageband a wonderful music cretion app from Apple that I have installed on all my Macs. I love my PB's full size keyboard, it's a great feel and design.

My PB has 60 gigs right now and my iPod is 15g. If I weren't upgrading to a G5 PB when they become available, I would upgrade my internal HD to 100 gigs and move my internal to a portable 2.5" drive. I mention this, because I have tons of space to store videos or what ever else I want. I'm not limited to an expensive MS stick that only holds 2 gigs which costs a nice chunk of change. And if I really wanted to use MSs, I could just buy a PCMCIA adapter. :) I can play DVDs full screen, I can also move one around while it's playing without it dropping out of frame. (I've mentioned this in previous threads.) :D I also have an external SVGA and DVI ports, so I can connect to a TV and use that for DVD playback. And I can play any media format available and encode pretty much any format., do that with your UX. :p

And I can either connect via wireless, or Gig ethernet to any network device, like a printer

No matter how independent you would like your UX to be, you still need to rely on a PC. :) My notebook is the computer, so it doesn't need to piggyback off another system.

Playlists are dumb. :eek: You're kidding right? I guess if your device can only store like two decent quality songs on a MS, then a PL would seem silly. :p You must have have never truly used iTunes, it is 10 times easier to get music onto an iPod with iTunes, then any other app/device I've tried. I'm sure if you could create a PL as easy as iTunes and had as much storage as even a Mini iPod you would use them. Like I said, I import my music with "one" button, I then either create a playlist on my iPod, or just drop the music directly in. It's very very very easy and is the least amount of steps possible. And I can also pick or choose which songs I want to import.


And 64k, :eek: That's vomitizing and destroying music in every way. I feel sorry for your ears and for the music you just killed. :D My average song it about 30 megs and it sounds exactly like the CD AIF. Which I mentioned earlier I could actually move directly onto the iPod. So on that note, I don't even need to import my music. I can just insert a CD, open it and copy the AIF files onto my iPod which is accessible through iTunes, which like I've mentioned is always on.

I can also watch Family guy on my PB, but like mentioned above, I can use my PB as a media/DVD player for any TV. You can only share your tiny videos buy having peeps gather around you and squinting their eyes. I'm sure there have been times you would like to have acces to a TV to show off your UX's content. And the reason I would watch a DVD on my PB, is when I'm on a trip like an airplane flight. And the DVD disc isn't necessarily needed in order to watch it. ;) I don't use my audio CDs once I've imported, why would a video that I own be any different. :D

I guess a tiny hard to acces jog dial would be OK if I didn't have a Click Wheel. But that is just one of many great thing about my single purpose device when it comes to audio. :)

I have a single purpose camera, so it doesn' suck like the ones found on all PDAs. :D It even has a "real" 3x optical zoom. Your camera is better for convinience and Mobog pics, mine for photos that I would like to "print" at "photo" resolution. :) It fits into my compuger bag by the way. Something I've done, is brought my PB, camera and blank CDs, which I then used to give to my friends and family the pictures I had taken that day. My PB is a portable photo lab. :)

I also leave my Dual Proc systems at home. One of them is a dual "true" 64-bit system with 5g of ram hooked up to my 30", the other a MP 2800 (On loan from a friend along with one other PC and mine of course.) There are 5 comptuers in my office not counting the PB.


We're in two different worlds. You're still getting your education and are constantly on the go, I've been working my career for 10 years now. So the times I need my PB are when I'm on site working, or in a meeting. If I ever go back to school, I'm pretty sure I would also use a PDA as much as you. But as is, they're only one part of my entire solution. I can function without a PDA, I can't without my PB. Very rarely, have I ever been in a situation where I didn't have my PB handy for taking notes. When you decide quality is more important then quantity, then you'll understand why we love oure iPods. I would like an all in one device, but as of now it's still doesn't meet my needs. I would personaly like a PDA with all the power of my main desktop. A solution like IBM was working on, where you could dock the PDA and use it as a full fledge comp. But for what I do that will not happen any time soon.

Single purpose devices kick booty. :)

<]=)

[JAmerican]

Keyword is "Midi." You missed the "d." :) It's a music keyboard, I use it with Garageband a wonderful music cretion app from Apple that I have installed on all my Macs. I love my PB's full size keyboard, it's a great feel and design.

My PB has 60 gigs right now and my iPod is 15g. If I weren't upgrading to a G5 PB when they become available, I would upgrade my internal HD to 100 gigs and move my internal to a portable 2.5" drive. I mention this, because I have tons of space to store videos or what ever else I want. I'm not limited to an expensive MS stick that only holds 2 gigs which costs a nice chunk of change. And if I really wanted to use MSs, I could just buy a PCMCIA adapter. :) I can play DVDs full screen, I can also move one around while it's playing without it dropping out of frame. (I've mentioned this in previous threads.) :D I also have an external SVGA and DVI ports, so I can connect to a TV and use that for DVD playback. And I can play any media format available and encode pretty much any format., do that with your UX. :p

And I can either connect via wireless, or Gig ethernet to any network device, like a printer

No matter how independent you would like your UX to be, you still need to rely on a PC. :) My notebook is the computer, so it doesn't need to piggyback off another system.

Playlists are dumb. :eek: You're kidding right? I guess if your device can only store like two decent quality songs on a MS, then a PL would seem silly. :p You must have have never truly used iTunes, it is 10 times easier to get music onto an iPod with iTunes, then any other app/device I've tried. I'm sure if you could create a PL as easy as iTunes and had as much storage as even a Mini iPod you would use them. Like I said, I import my music with "one" button, I then either create a playlist on my iPod, or just drop the music directly in. It's very very very easy and is the least amount of steps possible. And I can also pick or choose which songs I want to import.


And 64k, :eek: That's vomitizing and destroying music in every way. I feel sorry for your ears and for the music you just killed. :D My average song it about 30 megs and it sounds exactly like the CD AIF. Which I mentioned earlier I could actually move directly onto the iPod. So on that note, I don't even need to import my music. I can just insert a CD, open it and copy the AIF files onto my iPod which is accessible through iTunes, which like I've mentioned is always on.

I can also watch Family guy on my PB, but like mentioned above, I can use my PB as a media/DVD player for any TV. You can only share your tiny videos buy having peeps gather around you and squinting their eyes. I'm sure there have been times you would like to have acces to a TV to show off your UX's content. And the reason I would watch a DVD on my PB, is when I'm on a trip like an airplane flight. And the DVD disc isn't necessarily needed in order to watch it. ;) I don't use my audio CDs once I've imported, why would a video that I own be any different. :D

I guess a tiny hard to acces jog dial would be OK if I didn't have a Click Wheel. But that is just one of many great thing about my single purpose device when it comes to audio. :)

I have a single purpose camera, so it doesn' suck like the ones found on all PDAs. :D It even has a "real" 3x optical zoom. Your camera is better for convinience and Mobog pics, mine for photos that I would like to "print" at "photo" resolution. :) It fits into my compuger bag by the way. Something I've done, is brought my PB, camera and blank CDs, which I then used to give to my friends and family the pictures I had taken that day. My PB is a portable photo lab. :)

I also leave my Dual Proc systems at home. One of them is a dual "true" 64-bit system with 5g of ram hooked up to my 30", the other a MP 2800 (On loan from a friend along with one other PC and mine of course.) There are 5 comptuers in my office not counting the PB.


We're in two different worlds. You're still getting your education and are constantly on the go, I've been working my career for 10 years now. So the times I need my PB are when I'm on site working, or in a meeting. If I ever go back to school, I'm pretty sure I would also use a PDA as much as you. But as is, they're only one part of my entire solution. I can function without a PDA, I can't without my PB. Very rarely, have I ever been in a situation where I didn't have my PB handy for taking notes. When you decide quality is more important then quantity, then you'll understand why we love oure iPods. I would like an all in one device, but as of now it's still doesn't meet my needs. I would personaly like a PDA with all the power of my main desktop. A solution like IBM was working on, where you could dock the PDA and use it as a full fledge comp. But for what I do that will not happen any time soon.

Single purpose devices kick booty. :)

<]=)

You have a job, I'm still in school. So you can afford to buy all these things which total to more than probably my PC, UX, Phone and MS sticks all together. I can't spend that much as you have. I don't have a credit card or a job but I do have parents I have to ask to get these things for me.

Thoughtout this discussion, I've been discussing the UX compared to the iPod and you've snuck your PB in the discussion. Of course having a PB and iPod will be better than a UX but having a iPod by itself is nothing compared to the UX.

You say 64kbps is nasty. Well, I can't tell the difference because my ears aren't as high-tech as yours. It sounds the same to me. If you were my age and had to rely financially on your parents, you would think my setup was great. You wouldn't be able to afford dual processing systems, PB, iPod, MiDi keyboards and all that.

Also as a student, carrying heavy books and a laptop would be very tedious and distracting to other students in class. Trust me I have done it before. My bro has a laptop, the Thin IBM T41 series that is an inch in thickness. It was heavy as hell with my other books. I also have cameras at home, that are better than my UX camera but my UX camera is great for moments when you don't have your camera on you. If you carry your camera with you then thats just more of a burden for you.

For you to match up with the features of my UX, you need a PB, iPod, Camera/Video Camera, Internet source. I can carry all that in my pocket. So I think I've found the perfect device for me.

I think PL are dumb. It's called an opinion. People are intitled to these things where I'm from. If you don't agree with it. Oh well. I think its better to have all my songs in one long list where it just shuffles through the music picks songs at random. If you have a problem with that, I don't care.

In the end, if you have a lot of money or rich and have a job, get a laptop, camera, and iPod with other pcs at home. If you are a student and have to rely on your parents, get a UX and Bluetooth phone. I think that sums it up. I like my PC at home and depending on it because if someone stole your laptop or something happened to it, then you would loose all your data. If my UX breaks which my UX40 did, then I don't have to worry because I have all my data waiting for me at home. ;)

JAmerican

[JackAxe]

I know, I did sneak the PB in on purpose. :D I figured since you were comparing to different devices, I would also. Like the UX and iPod, the PB and UX are completely different devices with different area and they'are all great for what they can do. Like you said, the UX meets your needs. I still will never understand 64K though. :eek: My only guess is that your headphones are made by Sony. :eek: :o And I like playlists, because it either preserves the album, or lets me pick my own compilation. But you're not alone on not using PLs, apparently the most popular way to listen to music for most peeps is the same as you.

I think you should consider some new headphones. :D Even my old Clié and my Sony earbuds were just OK enough to here the difference between the mid and lower range bit rates. But if you're using the internal speaker most of the time, then the difference probably wouldn't be noticeable.

Like I said, if I were in your situation, I would most likely stick with just a PDA, especially if I were still in high school. You have a UX and cool game PC, when I was younger I had my brother's C64 to use when he was willing and later on after HS a XT. The coolest thing ever was my watch with a calculator, game and piano, it was ultra ultra portable. :o :)

<]=)

[SamuraiCatJB]

Jack, give it up. If he cannot hear the quality difference between 64k and 320k, then he has absolutely the right reasons for not buying an iPod, and for accepting sound from a speaker built into the unit.

Everyone is different, my point before was that iPod offers choice, as well as all the other units out there. Obviously an iPod would not be good for him, so more power to him with his choices. We all can enjoy our own choices. :)

[JackAxe]

Now let's discuss OGG vs other lower bit rates when compromising audio quality is OK, because of size limitations. :)

<]=)

[JAmerican]

This was fun while it lasted. I must say though. I think that the new Sony VAIOs look like great handheld/PCs for me. The size is somewhat large but for a PC in the palm of your hand, its great. I've been a fan of Apple PC for sometime due to the quality of Apple's OS. But the compatibility to other things such as software and games hasn't always been there. I know automatically that if something is released for computers that it is compatible with PC, that is if it is not released from Apple. I can't say that much for Macs. If Apple starts making handhelds with Palm OS or a new OS developed by themselves, and it has the same features as that of an iPod (hard drive, simple UI, great battery life), then I might be interested in it but for me, I just have to have a device with communication and entertainment. I wish the best of luck to you with your setup. I'll still be using 64kbs to format songs. I've decided to try setting up playlists and I was successful with CliePet's AlbumSwap. I still like randomizing my music though. Just listening to one artist gets boring.

JAmerican :D

[JackAxe]

Let's do the the Mac vs PC thing now :D *Kidding* (And then I go onto to say; ) If you only play games or they are a large part of what you do, then stick with a PC, but other then that, the software gap is null now days. OSX really has no limitations in this area. It only took about 20 years, but it was worth the wait. :) This is what they get for not marketing and pricing the Mac towards the average joe for a majority of the Macs life.

I only listen to about a dozen artists. The music I personally like helps me concentrate and work away on some of my tedious jobs. I guess it's kind of like a naturaly ridelen (however that is spelled) for me, since I get scatter brained sometimes. The one time I listened to disco, I painted a pimp with a pink caddy. :)

Have you tried OGG? :D Does this Sony play it?

<]=)

[JAmerican]

Let's do the the Mac vs PC thing now :D *Kidding* (And then I go onto to say; ) If you only play games or they are a large part of what you do, then stick with a PC, but other then that, the software gap is null now days. OSX really has no limitations in this area. It only took about 20 years, but it was worth the wait. :) This is what they get for not marketing and pricing the Mac towards the average joe for a majority of the Macs life.

I only listen to about a dozen artists. The music I personally like helps me concentrate and work away on some of my tedious jobs. I guess it's kind of like a naturaly ridelen (however that is spelled) for me, since I get scatter brained sometimes. The one time I listened to disco, I painted a pimp with a pink caddy. :)

Have you tried OGG? :D Does this Sony play it?

<]=)

I would n't take a side due to I appreciate MacOS as much as Windows. Mac is more of a graphic design/media os and windows more of a all-of-the-above os. This doesn't make it better but in a way worse than mac. Mac is built on Linux which is a plus over Win. It has all the things windows has making it a all-of-the-above os as well but more expressive in the media field. Windows has no niche but everyone likes it because many more companies are OEM for Windows, while Apple makes their own pcs. Also, the compatibility issue is present. One question, does Windows Virtual PC for Mac work like an actual windows on mac and allow you to use all the features of a Windows PC? If so, then Macs are the best thing you can get besides Linux.

What's OGG? The iPod audio files? My device only plays MP3 but I could use Pocket Tunes to play OGG files, I believe.

JAmerican

[JackAxe]

OSX is built on Unix. ;)

You'll be very hard pressed not to find an app for the Mac that is on the PC. Each platform has its key areas, but both platforms also have comparable apps for the most part.

There's also no compatibility issues. Of course you can't run a exe on a Mac without emulation, but the PC and Mac read and write 99.9% of the "same" files. My PC and Macintoshes are all on the same network and can easily exchange data. I've alwasy been able to log my PB onto my client's PC networks when allowed. And of course I have Office on my Macs.

MS kind of butchered Virtual PC after they bought it. When Connectix owned it, they focused on making it truly emulate a PC and it worked great. MS on the other hand focused on Office compatibility and Windows. But even with their army of programmers, their lates releases don't even come close the to the quality of what Connetix had done with earlier Macs. There really is absolutely no need for VPC now days, because of the abundance of apps that are available for OSX. The only reason I would get it, is if were a programmer on a PC. I would then use it for testing comptibililty with older versions of Windows. My friend does this. But for the Mac it's not really necessary. It falls into the very tight and rare niche. Only about 0.01% would ever really need it.

Apple has true software/hardware integration, where as PCs are still struggling to get that point. I do 99% of all my work on my Macintoshes. My PCs are only for rendering assitance, occasional LAN gaming (For Warcraft though, I use my Macs.) and a Geometry Convertor, so I can convert my Maya models to DX9.( None of the options for the Mac were "workable," because most of them were part of free apps like Blender.) If I had to get rid of one platform it would be Windows, since there's no longer a need for the majority of us to rely on it.

I could ramble on for another few hours, but I won't. OSX really evened the playing field for software availability and compatibility.

OGG is considered the best sounding format for the lower bit rates. This has been shown in tests and user feedback. Anyways your UX can use an OGG player and maybe the app you use already can play them. It would be worth checking out and comparing it's quality to your 64k files.

<]=)

[JAmerican]

OSX is built on Unix. ;)

You'll be very hard pressed not to find an app for the Mac that is on the PC. Each platform has its key areas, but both platforms also have comparable apps for the most part.

There's also no compatibility issues. Of course you can't run a exe on a Mac without emulation, but the PC and Mac read and write 99.9% of the "same" files. My PC and Macintoshes are all on the same network and can easily exchange data. I've alwasy been able to log my PB onto my client's PC networks when allowed. And of course I have Office on my Macs.

MS kind of butchered Virtual PC after they bought it. When Connectix owned it, they focused on making it truly emulate a PC and it worked great. MS on the other hand focused on Office compatibility and Windows. But even with their army of programmers, their lates releases don't even come close the to the quality of what Connetix had done with earlier Macs. There really is absolutely no need for VPC now days, because of the abundance of apps that are available for OSX. The only reason I would get it, is if were a programmer on a PC. I would then use it for testing comptibililty with older versions of Windows. My friend does this. But for the Mac it's not really necessary. It falls into the very tight and rare niche. Only about 0.01% would ever really need it.

Apple has true software/hardware integration, where as PCs are still struggling to get that point. I do 99% of all my work on my Macintoshes. My PCs are only for rendering assitance, occasional LAN gaming (For Warcraft though, I use my Macs.) and a Geometry Convertor, so I can convert my Maya models to DX9.( None of the options for the Mac were "workable," because most of them were part of free apps like Blender.) If I had to get rid of one platform it would be Windows, since there's no longer a need for the majority of us to rely on it.

I could ramble on for another few hours, but I won't. OSX really evened the playing field for software availability and compatibility.

OGG is considered the best sounding format for the lower bit rates. This has been shown in tests and user feedback. Anyways your UX can use an OGG player and maybe the app you use already can play them. It would be worth checking out and comparing it's quality to your 64k files.

<]=)

I could use those files on my UX but I would need Pocket Tunes and seeing as my device doesn't have that great of battery life (I admit it) and it has DSPs that help conserve battery life, I can only use MP3s. Don't worry about me because my files sound high-quality to me and I don't want to think any different :)

JAmerican

[JackAxe]

I hear ya. If Sonic Stage weren't so awful I would say use ATRAC, since it produces a better result the MP3s. But blah, that's not even worth the hassle. :)


<]=)

[JAmerican]

I hear ya. If Sonic Stage weren't so awful I would say use ATRAC, since it produces a better result the MP3s. But blah, that's not even worth the hassle. :)


<]=)

I don't use ATRAC3 even through I want to because I MS Pro which doesn't support ATRAC3, which is stupid. I also don't want to buy MS Purple sticks because I have 258 MB of music at 145 tracks.

JAmerican

[JackAxe]

And that is just one of many reasons why Sony has done so poorly in the digital muisic arena. First they try to shove A3 down our throats, then they don't offer support with their larger sticks. :)

<]=)

[JAmerican]

Sorry for not replying in a while. I'm not bothered by their mistake. At least I can play MP3 on my device as well as any PC, I connect my device too. That's what I care about most. If they made it so their devices were ATRAC3 only, that would suck big time due to then I would have to use "SonicVomit" as you refer to it as. :)

JAmerican