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=SanDisk Clip Zip (with Rockbox)=
The [http://go.fellrnr.com/?id=35454X937677&xs=1&xcust=clip&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FSanDisk-Sansa-Clip-Player-Black%2Fdp%2FB005FVNGRS {{ClipZip}}] is nearly perfect as a music player for running, but it requires some geek knowhow as you'll need to use the open source [http://www.rockbox.org/ Rockbox firmware] to get the best out of it.
==Clip Zip Pros==
* The {{ClipZip}} is small, but large enough to have usable buttons and display.
* Like the {{iPod Shuffle}}, the {{ClipZip}} Clip Zip has a clip that works well.* The {{ClipZip}} Clip Zip has a color display, an upgrade from the previous version that was monochrome. The display is 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 Zip is available in 4Gb or 8Gb, 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}} Clip Zip 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/Gb.
* 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 Zip is that it's 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 a reputation for being buggy but mostly workable.)* The buttons on the {{ClipZip}} Clip Zip 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}} Clip Zip is 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.)