Good Cheap MP3 Player

[open_coder]

I am in search of a good, cheap(under $60) mp3 player that will work in Linux. I don't really have any ideas what to look for. I thought about a Sandisk Sansa e260 2GB.

Can anybody recommend a good MP3 player.

[cubeist]

I don't use an mp3 player, but my suggestion is to look at used iPods. They are usually pretty cheap, widely available, and most models work aok with linux and then spend the rest of your money on nice earphones...

[.nedberg]

I bought a Creative Zen Stone Speaker Plus.

You can get the 2GB version at ~$50 here (http://www.amazon.com/Creative-Stone-Built-Speaker-Black/dp/B0012YK92M/ref=pd_bbs_sr_9?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1212521109&sr=8-9). Probably cheaper elsewhere...

The work like a mass storage device and is no problem to use!

[stchman]

I am in search of a good, cheap(under $60) mp3 player that will work in Linux. I don't really have any ideas what to look for. I thought about a Sandisk Sansa e260 2GB.

Can anybody recommend a good MP3 player.

The SanDisk Sansa models work well with Linux in MSC mode.

[open_coder]

The SanDisk Sansa models work well with Linux in MSC mode.
Forgive me, stchman.

What is MSC mode?

[nick_h]

What is MSC mode?
Mass Storage Class = the device will work like flash memory

The other common protocol, and an option on the Sansa, is MTP (Media Transfer Protocol)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USB_mass_storage_device_class
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Media_Transfer_Protocol

[aysiu]

I'd recommend the Sansa Clip. I have the 2 GB version, which is about US$60, but I think they also have a 1 GB version, which is cheaper than that.

And, yes, you should use MSC mode instead of MTP mode or Autodetect mode.

[open_coder]

But wouldn't MTP allow me to sync playlists and things from Amarok? I only ever used an ipod nano on Linux and that was a while ago.

[SirPerigrin]

The best linux support in an MP3/PMP you will find ANYWHERE is from iAudio. All of their players are listed to be fully supported under Linux 2.4.x or later kernels. I own a Cowon A2 myself and have never had any issues with linux as there is no software required. iAudio devices boast some pretty extreme battery lifetimes as well, and most can play OGG and FLAC!!!

The Flash based series will be more in your budget range

iAudio 7
iAudio U3
iAudio U5
iAudio F2
iAudio G2

Most of these models come in a 2GB model thats around the $50-70 range, and you can always get them on eBay for a lot less than retail, i got my A2 there New in Box for $220, retail was ~$300 at the time.

[aysiu]

The best linux support in an MP3/PMP you will find ANYWHERE is from iAudio. All of their players are listed to be fully supported under Linux 2.4.x or later kernels. I own a Cowon A2 myself and have never had any issues with linux as there is no software required. iAudio devices boast some pretty extreme battery lifetimes as well, and most can play OGG and FLAC!!! Just hope you're not like me or this other guy (first comment on the blog post):
http://ubuntucat.wordpress.com/2008/03/13/goodbye-cowon-hello-again-sandisk/

We appear to be rare exceptions, but I'm still a little bitter about this.

[SirPerigrin]

Just hope you're not like me or this other guy (first comment on the blog post):
http://ubuntucat.wordpress.com/2008/03/13/goodbye-cowon-hello-again-sandisk/

We appear to be rare exceptions, but I'm still a little bitter about this.

Every brand has its few manufacturing flaws, remember all those iPods that exploded??? My A2 has been running Flawlessly for about 18 months now, not a single hiccup. It did come with a rather sturdy case so it hasn't had much chance to get damaged. So rare exceptions you are indeed. Can't complain about any of my SanDisk products either, own a large number of their flash memory cards and USB Flash drives.

[spadewarrior]

I really like the Creative Zen MP3 players. This one is only just out of your price range. Doubtless it's cheaper elsewhere.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=creative+zen&x=0&y=0

I've got the 1gb version. It works fine with Amarok.

[andrewabc]

Sandisk Sansas are cheap.

I got an 8gb sansa view for $100. 640*480 resolution is nice for watching videos.