Apple itouch alternatives?
Discussion
My wife would like an iTouch for her birthday to replace her iPod. I have had a quick look around on the net and there seem to be dozens of similar and cheaper media players on the market, can anyone recommend me an alternative that is either cheaper with similar quality or that offers more features for around the same cost as the 30gb model which I think sells for around £270?
Think of you asking your wife for a car.
A Ferrari 430 Spider, for example.
She gives you a 1988 Convertible Astra. Because she read that it does exactly the same, by getting you from A to B, but she's really proud because she's saved you money and you can do all the work youself, and she knows you like that.
Now translate that into iPod language, and go and buy her an iPod.
A Ferrari 430 Spider, for example.
She gives you a 1988 Convertible Astra. Because she read that it does exactly the same, by getting you from A to B, but she's really proud because she's saved you money and you can do all the work youself, and she knows you like that.
Now translate that into iPod language, and go and buy her an iPod.
Salgar said:
Sarkmeister said:
You mean an iPod Touch?
I was about to say that, for some reason it really AEGJKAEROIGSs me. There is no such thing as an Apple iTouch.Sorry for the typo, and for winding those up with a sensitive disposition... iPod touch is what I should have course have typed. Looks like a thumbs up then, although I did read that the Cowon Q5 (runs off to check on spelling) looked like an excellent alternative, does anyone have one of these and care to comment?
Cheers
Cheers
The Apple products really are all about the user interface, and not the 'specs' - yes you can get a cheaper device with similar technical specification (or better) for less money, but it won't be as easy to use.
If your wife is technically inclined then a Windows (or Linux) replacement might be acceptable, but if she's not then she's probably played with one and found it refreshingly intuitive, and wants one specifically for the UI. Buying something else will not only be a disappointment but probably it'll never get used (unless the Cowon units have ripped off the Apple multi-touch GUI in its entirety).
The iPhone and iPod Touch units are **much** more than the sum of their technical components. It's literally the first techie gadget that I could give to any of my non-technical friends and family (including all females, interestingly) without any instructions on how to use it. My mother-in-law bought one for herself after playing with mine for a few minutes, absolutely loves it and has *never* needed to call me for assistance.
It does sound like your wife wants an *iPod Touch* rather than a portable music player. Even at the same price point with the same technical specification, she'll be disappointed (or irritated if you waste the money) with anything else. A bit like receiving an Audi TT convertible when you really wanted an Elise SC - both cars have similar prices and specifications, but the Lotus tactility and handling are infinitely superior.
Apple kit's value is all in the software design and user interface - always has been - you've always been able to buy cheaper hardware with equal or better technical specification. But the tech specs aren't what you're paying for with Apple. If she just wants to listen to music on the move and isn't too bothered about how difficult it is to use, then Cowon seem to get a good write up (not just on here). I'm not so sure how many of the good write-ups are from people who religiously can't be seen to like an Apple product (there are plenty of these people around
) and are looking for the next best thing that doesn't have an Apple badge on it, though - in this particular case, Apple's market dominance is well and truly justified.
The best thing about the non-Apple products is that some of them contain FM radio receivers, which is an omission on the iPod range that is quite handy... and some of them are more Windows-focused (Zune etc.) which is good for those who aren't capable of operating iTunes...
If your wife is technically inclined then a Windows (or Linux) replacement might be acceptable, but if she's not then she's probably played with one and found it refreshingly intuitive, and wants one specifically for the UI. Buying something else will not only be a disappointment but probably it'll never get used (unless the Cowon units have ripped off the Apple multi-touch GUI in its entirety).
The iPhone and iPod Touch units are **much** more than the sum of their technical components. It's literally the first techie gadget that I could give to any of my non-technical friends and family (including all females, interestingly) without any instructions on how to use it. My mother-in-law bought one for herself after playing with mine for a few minutes, absolutely loves it and has *never* needed to call me for assistance.
It does sound like your wife wants an *iPod Touch* rather than a portable music player. Even at the same price point with the same technical specification, she'll be disappointed (or irritated if you waste the money) with anything else. A bit like receiving an Audi TT convertible when you really wanted an Elise SC - both cars have similar prices and specifications, but the Lotus tactility and handling are infinitely superior.
Apple kit's value is all in the software design and user interface - always has been - you've always been able to buy cheaper hardware with equal or better technical specification. But the tech specs aren't what you're paying for with Apple. If she just wants to listen to music on the move and isn't too bothered about how difficult it is to use, then Cowon seem to get a good write up (not just on here). I'm not so sure how many of the good write-ups are from people who religiously can't be seen to like an Apple product (there are plenty of these people around
) and are looking for the next best thing that doesn't have an Apple badge on it, though - in this particular case, Apple's market dominance is well and truly justified.The best thing about the non-Apple products is that some of them contain FM radio receivers, which is an omission on the iPod range that is quite handy... and some of them are more Windows-focused (Zune etc.) which is good for those who aren't capable of operating iTunes...
Agreed, if she's asked for an itouch (snigger ;-) ) then she's specifically asking for that. She's probably aware that there are lots of other mp3 players about, many of which are considerably cheaper. And if it's purely the music playing capability she's after she'd have asked for a nano. I got an ipod touch for christmas and I literally haven't put it down, it's a bit of a revelation having come from a WM6 HTC pda, you don't have to think about what you want to do, you just press the button for it. I hate the phrase, I really do, but it just works.
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