Best Ipod or Mp3 player for marathon running?

[Texa]

Hey everyone! I'm getting into the longer times and am looking for some music! Can anyone recommend a play that isn't too over the top, price wise. My son was trying to explain the difference but I really just need one for music and music downloads, not movies and such.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Jhalkias]

Hey everyone! I'm getting into the longer times and am looking for some music! Can anyone recommend a play that isn't too over the top, price wise. My son was trying to explain the difference but I really just need one for music and music downloads, not movies and such.

Thanks in advance!

Certainly NOT a Marathon runner, but I would recommend the iPod Nano - small, light, and with a screen. From $149

http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/wa/RSLID?nnmm=ipod&mco=D61CA0CD

 

[aladdinsgirl]

Another vote for iPod, except you need an iPod Shuffle for running. They are tiny (smaller than the pictures in my siggie by probably a quarter), hold 1G of songs or whatever (I have about 150 songs on mine and it's just over half full), and cheap--around $80. But the best part? You can get them in a variety of colors including lime green!

 

[Jhalkias]

Another vote for iPod, except you need an iPod Shuffle for running. They are tiny (smaller than the pictures in my siggie by probably a quarter), hold 1G of songs or whatever (I have about 150 songs on mine and it's just over half full), and cheap--around $80. But the best part? You can get them in a variety of colors including lime green!

Yeah, but with the Nano, you can also use the Nike+ Sport kit.

 

[Jen117]

I have a Scandisk MP3 player and it works great. It also has a radio built in. I have a nice armband that it fits into and used it for runs as long as 11 miles without a problem. I got mine on sale for $25, but I think they normally are about $40ish. My dad and brother each have one also and have had good luck with them.

 

[windwalker]

I have an iPod mini. I don't even know if you can buy them any more, I think the nano replaced it. I love it I clip it on my shorts waistband in the back and it's great. I was using an armband but the long distances caused chaffing. I will get a nano when I replace the mini.

Dave

 

[Kristi1357]

I am like Jan - I have a cheapo iriver mp3 player & it's great!

The only time I use an mp3 player is while exercising, so it's not worth the money to buy a fancy iPod for me.

 

[scuba diver]

I'm old school. When I am running by myself I use old/cheap cassette player. I listen to Books on Tape that I pick up at the library.

When I want to run with music I use my daughter's Ipod Shuffle. I really like how small it is. Easy to use. Cheap. Light, etc.

I also use my son's XM radio/MP3 player. This is really cool because I can pick my stations as I'm going along. Some times I like rock and roll or blues or jazz or comedy. It is really cool to listen to satellite. It is also an MP3 player so you can down load into it. It is more expensive.

So I go from cassette player to satellite. Good luck making your decision.

 

[gsu1988]

I use an ILO 1gb player. It is thin and really light weight (not as thin and small as the IPOD though). I got it at wal-mart for @$65.00. It comes with a arm strap.

 

[westcliffemom]

I have a RCA Lyra Sport, that has a strap that hangs around my neck, I love it! It seems that everybody's tastes are different in mp3's, keep searching for one with the features you want & need!

 

[skfulkers]

Another vote for the iPod shuffle. I used to have an iRiver with an armband and ran with that for almost 2 years. I didn't realize how big and bulky it really was until I got the shuffle.

I know many people have different tastes, but the shuffle is absolutely perfect for me. It's tiny (doesn't even feel like you're wearing it), doesn't move around during running, biking, etc, holds approx 250 song (which is plenty for me, even on a REALLY long run ), and the rechargeable battery lasts around 12 hours. It doesn't have a screen, but since I only use it for running/biking, I don't need a screen anyway. My iRiver had a screen and I think I looked at it about 6 times total over 2 years.

I couldn't ask for a better player for running.

Steve

 

[TiffJ]

I got a shuffle for Valentine's Day (lime green, of course) and I love it!!!! It works great & you can clip it anywhere & not even know it is there. I usually clip it on my pocket edge or bottom of my shirt. I never used the screen on my other MP3 either. Works great & cute too!

 

[nucpharm29]

Shuffle! Shuffle! Shuffle! DH bought me one for our anniversary so I would quit using his! And, now wouldn't you know it--they come in lime green! But I had been using an Ipod mini before and the shuffle is so much better--I can clip it anywhere and hardly notice I'm carrying it. I don't mind that it doesn't have a screen--I'm pretty selective at what songs I have in my playlist for running, so it doesn't matter what comes next! Happy shopping!

 

[Texa]

Thanks everyone! Such great info. I'm going to have to look into the shuffle. When I was looking at the ipods my 10 year old son told me I couldn't get pink because he wanted to use it. (Maybe I should get pink for that reason. Hahaha).

Thanks so much for your replies. It is so helpful!

 

[scoolover]

I think I have the small nano. I like it. I use the clip but not the arm band. Usually clip it to my belt or pocket.
Scott

 

[npullen]

I, too, love the Shuffle! I just clip it to my shirt or jacket and off I go. I have almost 5 hrs of music on it, and it is only about half full! It is tiny and so easy to use, even when I'm running!

 

[Paull117]

If you want a good mp3 player check out woot.com today(3/2/2007). Sandisk 512mb FM radio, mp3s who could ask for anything more.

On the Ipods they are nice, but the features are so so. These type of players are going to be changing a lot in the next couple of years. If you are in the market I would write down everything you want in a player and find one that meets your needs. Check out deal of the day websites like woot.com, stoosti.com and a bunch of others. Usually someone has one for a very good price.

Paul