Need suggestions for iPod video type player
 

In the past I've used my laptop to watch a movie while flying. Works great in FC, not so great in Y due to my nose being 6 inches from the screen. I have a Rio MP3 player for music.

I've decided that I'd like to downsize my viewing tool and get something like an iPod video. I don't want a portable DVD player. I really want to stick to something about the size of the iPod. I've used one a few times and was fine with the 2inch screen.

I know there are other video players out there but I've not kept up with what's available and the pros and cons of each.

I'd like to keep it in the price range of an 80GB iPod video. I don't need 160GB but I do need more than 2GB.

If you have a preference for a particular player, I'd like to hear why you chose it over others available.

thanks.

Try the iPod Touch / iPhone.
It's a little bigger then the classic iPod but has a much nicer screen. You can get a 8GB model for 299 (or about 249 refurbished).

The 160GB iPod Classic has a longer battery life then the 80GB model.

Haven't watched a movie on my notebook during a flight since i got my iPod Touch last Sep. You only get about 4 hours out of the battery though when you are watching video.

I had thought about the iPod touch but was a little hesitant, maybe unjustly so.

I kept picturing watching a movie on having to look through my smudgy fingerprints. Does it show a lot of fingerprints? If so, are you constantly looking for something to clean it with that doesn't scratch it?

I recently received the iPod Touch as a gift and have found it quite convenient for watching videos, particularly when it saves me the trouble of getting my laptop and all the assorted cables out on shorter flights. You can watch right up until they close the door, then keep it in a pocket til you reach 10,000 ft!

The Apple Store has a number of cases and screen protectors - the latter will avoid the fingerprint problem to which you're referring, although you have to make sure not to get any lint underneath the protector. I have the Griffin Elan Form and have been happy with the case (leather outside, hard poly inside). It came with a screen protector that came with some lint on it, so I still have a couple bubbles, but don't really notice them anymore. There are separate screen protectors you can get that may be better.

I got the 8 GB model, which is a bit too small for carrying lots of videos along with your entire iTunes library - I'd recommend one of the larger ones. As for battery life, you can get the iPod iTip and hook it up to your iGo for longer flights if necessary.

Check out Archos systems... it's a French Company but they make some darn fine equipment. Super easy to use and hook up.

I'm not an IPOOP fan.

Archos players have nice specs, but the user interface is horrendous. I've got a 605 here but barely use it because it just drives me crazy. It's a shame when they take great hardware and mess it up with a stupid button layout and useless interface. Also; the unit is quite useless without another $100 in accessories...

i have the iPod 160Gb Classic, and a handy set of cables that allows me to recharge/watch video on the hotel tv later.. can't travel without it

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry8320/4.2.2 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/100)

I'm glad I read this. I saw you recommend the Archos in another thread so was seriously looking at using the Archos to play movies in my mini van.

What specifically don't you like about the software?

I know, and I still recommend them simply because there really isn't anything like them (large screen and HD drive) with good codec support.

It's hard to explain just how bad the UI is without going to a store and trying one out. First of all; the buttons are laid out in an insane way, the touch screen buttons are also completely illogical (and despite having a large screen, they are not big enough for finger use). Each button has several uses, and they are not used in any consistent way.

What also annoys me is the extra $$$ for codecs, if you want to play any of the more popular formats (like mpeg 2 or mpeg 4), you'll need to pay another $50 for the 2 license keys for the codecs. It has WiFi, but if you want to browse the web that'll be another $20.

It only comes with a USB cable, but no AC charger so if you want an AC adapter that'll be ANOTHER $40 for the "mini dock" as they didn't bother to put a normal mini-USB connector on the unit.

All in all it's a nice looking device, with a great screen but a bad UI, poor support and terrible marketing. But as I said; there isn't much else that can match the specifications.

Archos...

The 605 if you judge Archos by just that unit... well that is not a fair comparison IMHO. This unit is funky right out of box but once you get the hang of it, you can manager it. The 605... well the 605 has TOO many bells and whistles... it tries to do too much, they have models that do video and music just fine without all the extra BS... You can't judge the entire company on one unit in their line.

If the current models are too complex, you can always get a used model 380 or such which a child can figure out in two seconds. In our family we have about 8 different units made by archos up to the current models and they are by far the best units out there for all purposes. From watching video to storing files. I do use a seperate MP3 player but you can of course use the archos for music as well. However the 405 are nice as well as other models they have out.

Support, I'm in the middle of no where and the company headquarters responds within a day to all emails I send them. I've broken a screen and sent it back to them to be fixed and and I had it back within two weeks (and with my mail that is incredible). So I'm not sure where support is bad.. if it is US or EU Archos but the headquarters provides great support.

I definitely think anyone should search out and look at Archos before purcahsing other units.

The face is glass so if it gets fingerprinted I just swipe it across my shirt. More prone to smudges is the iPhone since it goes against your cheek. Still, just breathe on it and swipe it against your shirt. Socks and tee shirts are best if you're at home because they're soft.

Regarding the Archos, I had one before my iPhone. Yes, the software is annoying. If anyone wants to try one, I've heard that United PS service has them in business class. If there's a transcon trip in your future maybe take the Archos for a spin.

Thanks to everyone for their replies and suggestions. I truely appreciate hearing the different points of view.

I will check out the Archos but it sounds like it might get to be a little more than I want to spend when adding in the extra fees, etc.

Is the video on the iPod touch better than on the iPod classic or is it just a slightly bigger screen?

It's better because it it's bigger, has a more movie-friendly aspect ratio and higher res.