What player to move on to?

[Mkoll9]

So after years of faithful service, I think I'm finally getting to the point where I'm considering another player, but as you may imagine it's a painful process & nothing really seems to hold a candle to my h120...

Just to get a general poll of opinions, what player do you think would give me a large storage capacity without compromising too much quality in comparison to the H120? I'm considering an 80gb Zune or mayyyybe even an 80gb iPOD, and am open to other suggestions.

As added incentive, i'd probably sell my fully functional h120 (gently loved, with a couple of cracks on the side, but complete with case & remote) if I was happy with my new purchase...

[sweetspot]

I suggest that you compile a list of things which are necessary for you to have in an DAP, while also listing factors that you will not stand for...

For example, I will NOT succumb to the proprietary crap fest which accompanies most modern DAPs, especially the iPod, such as needing iTunes and not being able to just drag and drop my music without the ok of some bastardized piece of software and the ok nod from a corporation which cares about nothing but forcing people into using their wares and raking in the dough.

For me, this rules out the iPod, Zune and most Creative products. And frankly, I just don't give a damn. They won't get me to play "which faction" just because they refuse to play ball with the masses. I see these sorts of things as an anti-competitive attitude, and as being bad for the economy in the log run as well as a stifle on creative thinking.

Sure, I'll review a product based upon its sound quality, but keep it for personal use ? Never.
Even some of the newer Sony DAP's allow for drag and drop file transfers. But unfortunately don't allow for file tree browsing. Can't win em' all...

iRiver
Sandisk
Samsung
Insignia
Sony
Cowon


But large capacity is the issue... I've been wrestling with this one myself lately. It's a matter of serious compromise, I've found. I'm still not truly satisfied with the end results following my research, and therefore, will wait until I've run out of patience or until ROCKbox makes it to the larger capacity iPods or the Zune. I was seriously considering the Samsung P2, but storage is tiny.

The only other one which I'm seriously considering is, believe it or not... The Insignia Pilot. It's a Best Buy brand, but does drag and drop, file tree browsing, has very decent SQ and has an SDHC card slot, allowing for infinite space, technically speaking.

[jeff]

Get an H140 and pop a 100GB drive in it running Rockbox.... nothing better.

[sweetspot]

Originally Posted by jeff

Get an H140 and pop a 100GB drive in it running Rockbox.... nothing better.

Yeah... that's what I wanted, but overstock.com only had H120's. I'd DIE for an H140 ! dIiiEEE !! Gimmie gimmie gimmie ! Seriously... that's the shizzie right there. Do that if Jeff has any for sale.

Jeff ?

[jamato8]

What 100gb hard drive fits in the 140? Not left open, which you could do with the 120, but once that will allow the unit to be closed up.

Please visit my image site at:

John Amato's Photo Galleries at pbase.com

[jeff]

This is the drive used by Linus over at the Rockbox site to take his H140 to 100GB.

Toshiba MK1011GAH

They are readily available and use a ZIF connection so you need an adapter. The drive itself is 8mm thick just like the 40GB drive it's replacing.

Here's a link if you wish to see the drive:

www.span.com - IMtg100 - MK1011GAH - MiniDrive, MicroDrive 1.8", MP3 Drive, Ipod, Iriver, Video Ipod, Vaio, Gal, Gah - Toshiba 1.8" ATA7 Pearl ZIF MK1011GAH ZIF-40 71x54x8mm 4200rpm (100gb)

$177US from span.com who are not the cheapest around.

Here it is in the U.S. for $167

TOSHIBA HDD1789 100GB 1.8 HDD MK1011GAH - Monstronix, Inc.

[jamato8]

The links don't work, as they take me to anything but the drive, like black dating and other links.

With the adapter will the iriver close?

[sweetspot]

The links work just fine for me. Now, I just need an H140 and an zif adapter...

[BBD]

Yup--fine for me, too.....

If my tech skills were higher than the current "Mildly Stupid Monkey" rating, I'd get an H100 and swap for larger drives and battery. Alas...I am me.........

Then again, I'm finding the current crop of DAPs so woefully wanting I may just do it when the 'pod dies on me.....

[jamato8]

Ok but with the ZIF adapter is there enough room for the 140 to actually close?

[jeff]

Originally Posted by jamato8

Ok but with the ZIF adapter is there enough room for the 140 to actually close?

Yes.......

[Mkoll9]

Thanks for the replies guys....
I completely agree about being forced to use shoddy software to transfer music...drag & drop is the most organic feeling & also the most efficient way, and that's one of the major reasons I've been holding back for so long! Then again, going through the pros & cons of getting a different player, I think I probably had a moment of weakness more than anything. Other than storage space, my h120 does everything right, and maybe I can get my grubby paws on a h140 somewhere down the road...
Crystal clear sound quality, the ability to plug in 2 headphones & listen with a friend without extensions, rockbox & all the wonderfullness that brings & not to mention battery life that still trolls on my friends' ipods after about 4 years of nearly daily use...why did I want to switch away again?

[jamato8]

Originally Posted by jeff

Yes.......

Do you know where to obtain the adapters?

[sweetspot]

Note to all users: Until further notice, please post no offers to buy, sell or trade wares. A new policy concerning said matters is being drawn up and shall be posted as soon as possible.

Sorry for what may seem like a sudden move, but it's only for the protection of ALL our members. I'm sure you can all understand why this is necessary.

On a side note, if anybody sees a good auction, feel free to post the link in a separate thread. Thanks for your understanding.

Doug

[cricri_pingouin]

I have a H140 with Rockbox, Cameron Sino 2200mAh battery, iSkin Ghost. The remote and earphones are unused in the original box. I would happily consider changing for an iPod Video 80GB (although I'd loose both the FM radio and voide recording capabilities, none of which I use anyway).
I agree that having to use iTunes sucks (which is why I'm glad I eventually got the missus to get rid of her iPod Shuffle, although it costs me a Sansa e270), but you can install Rockbox on many iPods (but not all, such as ipod Classic). However, many regard the H140 as the best Rockbox machine (because of FM radio, voice recording, digital input/output, and a very mature Rockbox port), I'm yet to find people that can confirm that Rockbox works as great on the iPod Video than on the H1xx.

[jamato8]

Does anyone know of a proven zif adapter that will work in the iRiver that allows the case to close as normal? thank you, John

[Wolfen]

Originally Posted by jamato8

Does anyone know of a proven zif adapter that will work in the iRiver that allows the case to close as normal? thank you, John

Jamato...here's a place I think you're familar with :

My H160 is born (Pic proof but hardly instructional) - Page 3 - Head-Fi: Covering Headphones, Earphones and Portable Audio

See post #26 - 28.