I love my portable music devices, and have gone through several types and "upgrades." Just to tell a bit about my history with the devices I started with a 20GB Creative Zen Jukebox. From that, I went to a 5GB Creative Zen Micro.

Then, I was bit by the Apple bug and bought my first iPod. A first generation 4GB iPod Nano. It was great, but the battery life was less then inspiring and I wanted more space for my music. It wasn't long until Apple answered my dreams and came out with the second iteration (second generation) of the iPod Nano devices with more space (8GB) and better battery life.

Of course I had to have one, and sold my previous Nano to the same friend I gave the Zen Micro too several years back. I've been using my little 8GB Nano since then and it is an awesome little device.

But, I'd like more. I've been considering upgrading to a device that can also do video but I like the smaller form factors. The new 3G (third generation) Nano can do video decently, but the screen is TINY! I've been looking and reading up on the new iPod Classic devices (both the 80GB and 160GB versions). The new touch is SLICK, but I'm waiting for a 32GB version or at least more then 16GB.

Does anyone know if there are any 3rd party MP3/video players that are either compatible with iTunes, or can be "modified" to be so? I don't mind if my player doesn't say Apple on it or have their logo, as long as it can (or be hacked/tricked) into playing the iTunes content including the store made purchases (music and video).

 

i don't know anything about fooling itunes, but i know that i've been pleased with the 80GB classic i got in october. it's been a good friend to me over the past few months.

 

I want to upgrade from my current 4gb Zen Micro.

I either want the Zen Vision 80gb, or the 80gb Zune. Haven't decided yet though.

 

If I could have both the Windows World, and have my iTunes, the Zune would be one of my top choices. It is a great player, plus it integrates with the XBox 360.

My next laptop/computer is likely going to be a Mac OS system, with a dual boot to Windows XP Pro.

 

I can't believe I'm saying it, but the Zune is what you're looking for. It has lots of apps, but it's pretty bulky. The iPod Touch might not have the storage, but jailbreak it and add the new apps and it's loaded. I haven't jailbroken it, but I'm pretty interested...

 

Agreed with toma.

Never had a problem with iTunes ever since I switched from my Minidisc player to a iPod Shuffle (which I bought on Boxing Day and love it).

 

I plan on getting a video capable player. I plan on converting some of my DVDs to watch on whichever player I end up getting.

Right now I'm between an iPod touch and the iPod "classic." I've read some reviews on the classic though that videos don't exactly "fill" the screen.

The touch is a slick device, aesthetically at least, but I've read SOME rumor mills that there might be a "classic" touch that is smaller and closer to the size I want. I'm trying to find the best trade-off for both size and screen size. I don't want something that is awkward to carry around in a pocket nor do I want something that I can't tell what is going on in the TV show, music video, or even movie. I want a device I can watch videos on in the comfort of my own bed, or away from home.

Honestly, I don't see iPod continuing on with more then four iPod platforms. There is the shuffle, nano, classic, touch, and the iPhone. I think the next go-round we'll see ONE of the mid range devices getting the cut or them being merged together.

My dream, or ideal, iPod would be a touch based device the height and width of the classic, and close to the thinness of my 2nd generation iPod Nano (.25 inches to just under .50, roughly) with nano-esque battery life. Playback time would be 24 hours music playback and 7 hours video playback. The memory for the device would come from an on-board dual 16GB FLASH RAM chips (29GB total user available space), or the HDD versions with either 60GB space or 120GB space but each would be thicker then the FLASH based device. Price, of course, would be between the classic and the touch.

Now, is there a third party device that can work fully with iTunes including the "subscription" content, or be made too?

 

I think I might've found a solution...

http://www.mobilemag.com/content/100/337/C11180/

Someone has found a way to mod or do whatever to emulate an iPod on a Nintendo DS Lite to a limited degree. It can only play music files for now.

Too bad Nintendo hasn't released a GPS card, PDA program (officially), and the other cool things that the gray and black market teams have come out with. The DS is capable of SO much more then it is doing now and it's potential has only been scratched.

So far the iPod capabilities are limited to just music but I wouldn't be surprised to see Apple and Nintendo to partner together for updates and upgrades for the Apple TV and Wii to merge into one console within a year or two, and for an iTunes enabled and capable DS with 16GB FLASH memory on board. They are similar companies and instead of having to bear the expense on their own a joint partnership between the two companies. We could see iPod games based off of Nintendo characters, and iPod capabilities in Nintendo devices.

IF the DS had iPod level features officially, I'd trade in for that system!

 

I can't even fill 25% of my Nano and people need more space... damn I must be real picky with music.

 

I have almost the full 8GB of my Nano filled, and wish I had 32GB total. I don't want to have my full music or video collection, just what I play the most. I could probably trim back my music on my Nano to 4GB.