Comments on: Alternatives to the 4G iPod Nano

Just because everyone else wants an Apple iPod Nano doesn't mean you have to. CNET editors round up a selection of perfectly good alternatives to the iPod Nano.

[rocwoof]

Don't expect "glossy paint" or other such finishes to impress all of us - the smudges they collect in short order are extremely tacky. A matte finish would be a much more appealing feature to me in comparison.

[Fil0403]

IMHO the new iPod Nano is better than any of these.

[Tech Diva XXX]

Not if the sound doesn't measure up as CNET claims. It has not in the past concerning iPods. I have several DAPs including Apple, Creative, Sony and Samsung. EXCELLENT sound on the others. iPod has acceptable sound. You need good earphones and testing of the equalizer settings to enhance the sound. But the equalizer pre-settings suck a bit, they really need a customizable equalizer BADLY. No FM tuner is just lame.

Did you know Sony had the shake/shuffle feature before Apple, on it's phones? So that's really nothing new. Genius playlist? That's what my playlists are to begin with, the same type of music on the list. I have voice recording on my Creative Zen V Plus, which is now at least a 3 yr. old player. The only thing new for me is the design of the 4G Nano. I do like it, but need to test the sound quality first. I don't hate iPods, but I know they really are NOT the best like many people think they are.

[xbrando7]

I love the new iPod nano, but unlike most mp3 players it lacks one of the most simplest wonderful features, AN FM RADIO FOR CRYING OUT LOUD!!!!! Why haven't they listened to us yet!!!!! So unless you have a Mac like me(which i love by the way), one of these is definitely a worthy alternative.

[Jasmineflower]

Of the players listed above, the SanDisk, the Cowon, and the Sony have all been tested on Macs in UMS mode and worked a treat - check 'em out!

[rodrinehart]

I despise iTunes software, both as a music player on my PC, and the other software it tries to install. My two gripes with the nano itself are the lack of FM tuner and the fact you can't use it to share music to other PCs from it. I dislike anything with any level of DRM.

[MastaShake1138]

CNET/Crave does these all the time. "Alternatives to the iPod(x)" and for some reason, only the iPod.

You know what they should do? They should change all of these blogs' and stories' articles to "Buy Anything But the iPod for God's Sake!" because we're biased!

The sound quality isn't great? Honestly? I'd say, since it's an MP3 player, that's it's gotta be at least good, or else people would notice. I really want to know why CNET is so intent on finding as many problems as they can with iPods. It's getting a bit ridiculous.

I mean, I can understand that fanboys are ridiculous, but the iPod has to be at least a decent player. Give consumers some credit.

[timber2005]

You should have read some of the comments below the iPod blogs... lots of people against it, so IMO this is to appeal to THOSE people.

[rnaoncfixd]

To be honest, I have no idea why anyone want's an FM radio when there are podcasts. Also, I'm not sure what other radio stations are like in your area, but in mine, they are terrible. They have a playlist of about 60 songs and they pretty much go on repeat for the rest of the day.

The first mp3 player with XM radio will get my vote however. Until then, the iPod retains its class and innovative design.