8,170
edits
Changes
no edit summary
[[File:MP3 Players.jpg|right|thumb|500px|My collection of MP3 players. From Top left to bottom right they are: Original iPod (don't try running with a hard disk player!), 1<sup>st</sup> gen iPod Nano, 3<sup>rd</sup> gen iPod Nano, 5<sup>th</sup> gen {{iPod Nano}}, two 4<sup>th</sup> gen {{iPod Shuffle}}s, 3<sup>rd</sup> gen iPod Shuffle, Zune HD, {{ClipZip}} (with case), {{ClipZip}}, [http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002MAPT7U Clip+], Motoactv.]]
I nearly always run with music, and I've tried many different MP3 players over the years. My favorite player is currently the SanDisk {{ClipZip}}, but different people want different things from their music player, so I've got a number of recommendations depending on your requirements.
=What to look for in an MP3 Player=
[[File:Portapro.jpg|right|thumb|100px|Sound quality is more about your [[Headphones for Running| headphones]] than the player, especially when you're running.]]
* '''Size. '''For running, an ideal MP3 player should be small enough to clip on. While a larger MP3 player can be strapped to an arm or put in a pocket, smaller is better.
* '''Buttons.''' Physical buttons are much easier to use while running than a touchscreen, which is awkward at best. You can't operate a touch screen without looking, and touchscreens don't generally work well with gloves or sweaty hands.
* '''Display'''. While you can use an MP3 player without any display, as the {{iPod Shuffle}} shows, a display does make life easier.
* '''Battery Life'''. Most MP3 players will last well over 12 hours, which is long enough for most people. If you're doing a 24 hour race or a 100 miler, you may need a spare.
* '''User Interface'''. There are so many cheap MP3 players on the market that could be ideal for running, but they often have an appalling user interface. I'd argue that one of the main reasons that Apple were successful with their iPod was because of their user interface was so much better than anything else on the market.
* '''Spoken Menus.''' Having your player speak the menu items is great if you're operating it by touch, and vital if it doesn't have a display.
* '''Waterproof'''. A waterproof MP3 player makes life easier, but the only options I've found are rather pricy. I generally use a small Ziploc snack bag if it's going to rain, and so far I've not had an issue.
* '''Sound quality'''. The sound quality of the MP3 player makes relatively little difference compared with the sound quality of the headphones. I have some recommended [[Headphones for Running| Headphones for Running]] that have far better sound quality than the standard ear buds.
* '''Bluetooth'''. The idea of not having wires to get in the way is appealing, but Bluetooth headphones are not without their downsides.
** The biggest issue is the sound quality of the Bluetooth headphones. They are comparable with other ear buds, but nothing like as good as the Koss headphones. It is possible to use a Bluetooth adapter with regular headphones, and I adapted a pair of Koss headphones to have a short lead and attached the Bluetooth adapter to my running hat.
* '''Software support'''. Managing your music and getting it onto your device is obviously critical.
** If you use iTunes, then the iPods are well supported.
** If you want to use a non-iPod with iTunes, the free open source [http://notpod.com/index.html notpod] works well.
** I prefer [http://www.mediamonkey.com/ Media Monkey] to iTunes, which is free and works with most devices.
=Recommendations=
These four players are my top recommendations depending on your requirements.
{| class="wikitable" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border: none;"
! Player
! Recommended for
! Capacity
|-
| {{<jfs id="B0097BEEW8" n="iPod Shuffle}} " msrp="$49.99"/>
| Runners who are happy with iTunes and 2 Gb capacity
| 2 Gb
|-
| {{ClipZip}}| Running geeks who want the best running MP3 | 4-8Gb built in, expandable to 72 Gb|-| {{<jfs id="B0097BEDOC" n="7th gen iPod Nano}} (7<sup>th<" msrp="$149.99"/sup> gen)
| Apple lovers who need more than 2Gb
| 16Gb
|-
| [http:<jfs id="B00VXMY62W" n="Clip Jam"//www>| Those that don't want an Apple device or who need more capacity.amazon| 4-16Gb, expandable.com|-| <jfs id="B005FVNGRS" n="Clip Zip"/dp/B007C1KKW8 Motoactv]> | A water resistant player that doubles as a nice GPS sports watch, but now discontinuedRunning geeks who want the best running MP3 (hard to find.)| 8 4-8Gb built in, expandable to 72 Gb
|}
=iPod Shuffle (4<sup>th</sup> 4th generation)=
The {{iPod Shuffle}} has a number of flaws, the biggest being its 2 Gb capacity, but its ease of use makes it an ideal choice for many runners.
==iPod Shuffle Pros==
* If you're happy to use iTunes to manage your music, the Shuffle is remarkably easy to use.
* The clip on the shuffle works well, so there is no need for a case.
* The voice menus allow for some simple operations, including selecting a playlist.
==iPod Shuffle Cons==
* The Shuffle is only 2Gb with no expandability, which limits the amount of music and makes it expensive for the capacity at $25/Gb.
* Functionality is limited, with no ability to rate music, voice record, FM radio player, etc.
* The Shuffle is not waterproof, though it's easy to put into a Ziploc bag if it's raining or you're sweating heavily.
** There is a [http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009IZUZ8U Waterproof iPod Shuffle], but it's expensive at $135: <jfs id="B005FA38SG" noreferb="true"/>. It's waterproof to 100 feet, so it might be worthwhile if you're expecting to get seriously wet.
** There are waterproof cases for the Shuffle, but they tend to be expensive and comparatively bulky.
=SanDisk Clip Zip (with Rockbox)/Zip+/Jam/Sport=The [http://goSanDisk Zip and Zip+ players have been my first choice for many years.fellrnrThese players support the Rockbox third-party firmware that gives the player remarkable functionality.comSadly, SanDisk replaced the Clip Zip/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=clip&url=http%3A%2F%2FwwwZip+ with the Jam and Sport models, which don't support Rockbox.amazonThe new models are still good MP3 players and the stock user interface isn't as bad as most players on the market.com%2FSanDisk-Sansa-* The Clip-Player-Black%2Fdp%2FB005FVNGRS {{ClipZip}}] is nearly perfect as Zip has a monochrome screen and has been discontinued for a music player while so it's hard to get hold of. The Zip has support for runningRockbox. * The Clip Zip+ has a color screen, but and while it requires some geek knowhow as discontinued you'll need can still get hold of them. However, because this was a last Clip to use support Rockbox, the open source [http://wwwprices for these players has skyrocketed.* The Clip Jam is slightly smaller than the Clip Sport with a monochrome screen.rockbox* The Clip Sport is slightly larger with a full color screen.orgI would suggest going for the Jam <jfs id="B00VXMY62W" noreferb="true"/ Rockbox firmware] to get >, though the differences between the best out of itplayers is not huge. ==SanDisk Clip Zip Pros==* The {{ClipZip}} is Clip players are small, but large enough to have usable buttons and display. * Like the {{iPod Shuffle}}, the {{ClipZip}} Clip has a clip that works well.* The {{ClipZip}} has a color display, an upgrade from the previous version that was monochrome. The display is Clip displays are quite small and low resolution, but usable and a good compromise given the size of the player. (The Rockbox software allows for customizing the display, though developing new display layouts is non-trivial. )* The {{ClipZip}} Clip players are is available in 4Gb or /8Gb/16Gb, but has a microSD expansion slot, so the 8Gb version with a 64Gb card will give you 72Gb of storage. I have the 4Gb and use a 16Gb card, which is enough to hold my running collection. * The {{ClipZip}} has a list price of $50 for the 4Gb unit, but you can normally find it for around $30, and microSD storage is generally less than $1/Gbstock firmware supports 32Gb cards.
* I've found that battery is about 14 hours of continuous playback, but shorter if you use the display much.
* It is possible to use nearly all of the functionality of the player using just the spoken menus and buttons.
==Clip Zip Cons==* The biggest problem with the {{ClipZip}} Clip players is that itthey's re best with the open source firmware from [http://www.rockbox.org/ Rockbox]. This is not difficult, but requires some technical knowledge and confidence. (The SanDisk firmware has is a reputation for being little buggy but mostly workable.)* The buttons on the {{ClipZip}} Clip are not easy to locate with gloved hands, so I glue some small bumps onto a [http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=x&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FHappyZone-Silicone-Fishbone-Keychain-SanDisk%2Fdp%2FB005ZQXZHO silicone case]. * The {{ClipZip}} is Clip players are not waterproof, but like the Shuffle, a Ziploc bag works well even in heavy rain. However, there are no fully waterproof cases available.
* The open source Rockbox firmware does not support DRM formats, including Audible books. (The stock firmware does support Audible.)
=Motoactv=The [http://go.fellrnr.com/?idSimple SanDisk Clip Modifications=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=BestWatchMoto&url=http%3A%2F%2FwwwThere are two simple modifications to the Clip to make the buttons easier to use and to reduce the chance of water damage.amazonThe buttons on the Clip are not easy to find without looking, especially with gloves on.com%2FMotorola-MOTOACTV-Sports-Watch-Player%2Fdp%2FB007C1KKW8 Motoactv] is I've glued small bumps either onto the Clip itself or onto a brilliant but rather flawed [[Best Running Watch| Running Watch]]silicon cover. While These bumps make it easy to find even when the Motoactv clip is not intended under clothes and I'm wearing gloves. I've lost a number of Clips to be used primarily as an MP3 playerwater damage, it fulfills this role welleither from rain or drowned in sweat. The pros Putting some tape over the microSD slot, a silicone cover and cons below are focused on a cover over the MP3 capabilities; for a look at USB socket reduces the Motoactv as a sports watch, look at [[Best Running Watch]]. ==Motoactv Pros==* The Motoactv is one chance of the few water resistant MP3 playersdamage dramatically. This resistance is It does not perfectmake the Clip waterproof by any means, as there are small plugs that have but it does improve the resistance to be in place, but damp conditions. When it's better than the competition. * The Motoactv is smallactually raining, and comes with both a wrist strap and a I put my clip so that it can be attached to either in a waistband ZipLoc bag or other clothing like in a full waterproof bag. {| class="wikitable" |- valign="top"|[[File:ClipAndCase.JPG|none|thumb|x300px|A silicone case covers the Shuffle buttons and {{ClipZip}}reduces the places water can get in, though often water will get under the edges. ]]* The Motoactv has a high resolution color display that|[[File:ClipCaseCloseup.JPG|none|thumb|x300px|Here's touch sensitive, and rather unusually, a close up of the screen works even when wet. * The buttons on the Motoactv are easy silicone case. I've glued the buttons directly to findthe Clip before, but a slight mistake with the glue and the Clip buttons are glued closed.]]|- valign="top"|[[ File:ClipAndCover.JPG|none|thumb|x300px| Some small covers for volume the USB socket are cheap and a single button easy to use. I paid $5 for play/pause/track change10 covers. ]]* The battery life of the Motoactv is 10+ hours if it|[[ File:ClipCoverComparison.JPG|none|thumb|x300px| Here's used just as an MP3 player, though using a shot showing the GPS functionality can dramatically reduce Clip with and without the battery lifecover. ]]|- valign="top"* |[[File:ClipDuct.JPG|none|thumb|x300px| The Motoactv is not only an MP3 playermicroSD slot seems to be a point of water ingress, but includes a fully functional GPS sports watchand simply covering it with duct tape helps prevent problems.]]* There is support for Bluetooth headphones that works well|[[ File:ClipParts.JPG|none|thumb|x300px| Just in case you were thinking of more serious modifications, here's the inside of the Clip. ]] ==Motoactv Cons=|- valign="top"* |[[File:ClipZipLoc.JPG|none|thumb|x300px| The Motoactv price varies considerablyClip in a ZipLoc bag, listing at $250 for the 8 Gb version, but retailing anywhere from $145 which seems to $250work pretty well in light rain. Even at $145 thatI find it's over $18/Gb, making best to lock the buttons and put it an expensive MP3 playerwrapped up in a pocket. Of course]]|[[File:ClipGoBag.JPG|none|thumb|x300px| A full waterproof bag will prevent any water problems, if you but it's a pain to use as it's bulky and stiff. This is the sports watch functionality the Motoactv becomes good value. Go Design bag which is <jfs id="B000TXVAAC" noreferb="true"/> ]]|}
=iPod Nano=
The [http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB0097BEDOC seventh generation {{iPod Nano] }} is an elegant player that can be used while running, though its flaws make it hard to generally recommend.
==iPod Nano Pros==
* The {{iPod Nano }} has 16 Gb capacity, far more than the Shuffle (but less than an expanded {{ClipZip}}).
* The large display is bright and high resolution.
* The Nano has a simple pedometer that can be used to roughly track your workouts. This is not based on the more sophisticated [[Footpod]] technology or GPS, so its accuracy is rather poor. (The 7<sup>th</sup> generation Nano does not support the Nike+ Footpod.)
* There is support for Bluetooth headphones, though there are reports of people having problems with some headphones unless the Nano is mounted on the upper arm rather than at waist level.
==iPod Nano Cons==
* The {{iPod Nano }} is expensive to buy at $150 ($9/Gb).* There is no clip to attach the Nano to clothing, so you have to buy a case or put it in a pocket. There are reasonably small clips available for the Nano, such as the [http://go.fellrnr.com/?<jfs id=35454X937677&xs"B009F837HG" noreferb=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB009F837HG Cygnet]"true"/>.
* While the Nano has some buttons, they are badly placed on the side of the player making them easy to press by accident. The buttons are also remarkably hard to find, especially if when wearing gloves. Like most touch displays, the Nano's works badly when wearing gloves or when sweaty.
* There is no way of locking out the buttons against accidental presses, which can make it frustrating to put into a pocket.
* Not really a con, but be aware that the Nano interface looks similar to an iOS device (iPhone/iPad), but it's not, so don't expect to run apps on it.
=Smart Phone=
There are pros and cons to using a Smart phone as your MP3 player.
==Smartphone Pros==
* If you already have a smartphone, this is the cheapest option.
* Carrying a phone allows you to [[Running Safety| call for help]].
* It is possible to use a smart phone as a [[Best Running Watch| Running Watch]], and some of them support a [[Heart Rate Monitor]] or even a [[Footpod]].
==Smartphone Cons==
* A smartphone is usually bulky and has to be mounted on your upper arm.
* A smartphone mounted on your arm makes you a potential target for theft, reducing your [[Running Safety| safety]].
* Most touchscreens do not work well with gloves, in the rain, or with sweaty hands.
* Few smartphones are waterproof, so a specialist case is required to protect it.
=Discontinued iPod Nanos=
The older iPod Nanos were a little large, but had a display and hard buttons. I've used several different models over the years. You can still get the [http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=OldNano&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fsch%2Fi.html%3F_nkw%3DiPod%2Bnano%2B3rd%2BGeneration%26_sacat%3D0%26_odkw%3DiPod%2Bnano%2B4th%2BGeneration%26_osacat%3D0 older iPod Nanos on eBay] for a reasonable price.
* Generation One Nanos are too expensive to recommend as they have become collectable.
* Generation Two had a poorer physical design than the first generation, with slippery, rounded edges that made them rather easily dropped. Available as 2, 4 or 8Gb.
* Generation Three is my favorite form factor, and I didn't find them as slippery as the other generations. Available as 4 or 8Gb and it seems to be slightly cheaper than the other generations of Nano.
* Generations Four and Five returned to the form factor of Generation Two, but with larger displays. They had greater capacity (8 or 16Gb).
* The [http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=nano&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FApple-Slate-Generation-NEWEST-MODEL%2Fdp%2FB0097BEDPG sixth generation Nano] had a touch screen only, which makes it a poor choice for running. It's also expensive, at $140 for the 16Gb unit.=Other SanDisk Clips=The earlier version of the SanDisk Clip Zip is the SanDisk Clip+, and while it's a fine player, the Zip is better and cheaper, though as prices for the Zip escalate the Clip+ is worth considering. SanDisk introduced two players as replacement for the Clip Zip, the Clip Sport and Clip Jam, but sadly neither supports Rockbox. If you're after a cheap, basic MP3 player with expandable storage, then they might be worth considering. =Other Rockbox Players=The support for Rockbox is rather poor at the moment, so ports for new devices are extremely limited. The best option I found is the XDUOO X3 (<jfs id="B01BUUCFBU" noreferb="true"/>) which supports a forked version of Rockbox ([http://xvtx.ru/Rockbox]). I found that this works, and it supports two 200Gb microSD cards for huge capacity, and it's beautifully made. Unfortunately, this quality makes it rather too heavy for running.