Xpression.v2

My first MP3 player was an iRiver H120. It was a very nice device and served me well. After it stopped working, I used my Best Buy warranty to upgrade to the iRiver H320. Even though the 320 featured a color screen, I always felt more comfortable with the 120. The controls were just more intuitive and easier to access. The 320 served my needs well, though, and I went merrily on my listening way. Then, the time came.

This past weekend, as Joe and I were heading to Baltimore, the H320 decided it was time to quit. Every time I pressed play, it would just lock up and I would have to reset the device. Of course, I had the Best Buy warranty, so I went to Best Buy to get a new device. My choices were between the Microsoft Zune, the Apple iPod, and the Creative Zen Vision:M. The Zen Vision was ruled out when I attempted using Joe’s and I would up looking like an idiot. Maybe I could have adjusted over time, but I just didn’t feel comfortable with it, so I was stuck with the Zune or iPod.

Why would I go with the iPod? Well, to be honest, it came down to the form factor. The Zune has a nice screen, yes, but I don’t look at the screen all that often. Being 7% shorter and almost 30% thinner, the iPod would simply fit in my pocket better. Of course, that size difference is lessened by the fact that you absolutely need a case for the damn thing, since it gets fingerprints and smudges the second you look at it.

So, how is it? Well, I’m still waiting on my eVo3 case from iSkin to come in, but I don’t mind the interface on the iPod, itself. I wish I could browse by folder structure and now by id3 tag information, but none of the players do that anymore. iTunes, on the other hand, while very automated, also runs like hell in Vista. It’s just so sluggish and chunky.

I don’t know what else to say, but that’s how I wound up with an iPod. Go spread the word of my amazing tale.

Filed under: Journal