Who are the iPod’s Rivals?
The name “iPod” has been closely identified with digital music players ever since the third generation iPod launched 3 years ago, but is it really the greatest option out there?
Some in-depth research showed that yes, there are a few companies with digital media players set to rival even the newest iPod.
The iPod video from Apple
A multimedia player with an internal hard drive (the largest is 60GB).
2.5″ full color screen.
Dimensions – 103.5 x 61.8 x 11mm.
Weight – 136g
Uses iTunes (the software is available in both Windows and Mac versions.
Music, photos, video playback.
2-hour battery life for video and 14 hours for music playback.
Uses iPod click wheel to navigate menus.
The Zen vision:M from Creative
Mp3 player, photo, video and FM radio receiver with an internal hard drive, the biggest of which is 30GB. This holds 15,000 songs or 120 hours of video.
Has a full colour screen the same size as the iPod video.
Dimensions – 104 x 62 x 18.9mm
Weight – 163g
Works with Windows XP but not Mac software.
Similar battery life to iPod video.
Scroll mouse used to navigate very easy to use menu system.
Has ability to record FM radio and can be linked to the TV using AV cable (not included).
Comes with added extras including an AC adaptor and a protective case.
The Archos AV 500 Mobile DVR (digital video recorder) from Archos
Multimedia entertainment system with an incredible 100GB memory. There is also an Archos AV500 30GB Multimedia Player.
Video, music, photos and it has the ability to record straight from the TV or computer.
4″ high resolution full colour screen.
Dimensions – 76 x 124 x 18mm.
Weight – 255g
Works with Windows 2000/XP and Mac OS 10.2.4 or higher.
15 hours battery life for music playback and 4.5 hours for video.
Music downloaded from Microsoft PlayForSure websites.
Also incorporates FM radio and Dictaphone.
Built in microphone and speaker.