[Thra110183]

Im looking for a mp3 player for under $200. It has to have the capability to put songs on it that aren't directly ripped from a cd or bought from an online music store. I'd like for it to have an equalizer and video capability, though i understand video mp3 players can be quite expensive. I was thinking of a 2gb or 4gb nano, but they're expensive for the storage space they provide. It also has to have normal head-jacks, not the mini ones. Thank you guys for any recommendations you can provide!

[Cosmo]

I'm happy with my 8gig SanDisk Sansa e280 series mp3 player. It has a lot of storage for the price I bought it at (180 with sale coupon, it retails for around 120-150), and I've never had a problem playing "downloaded" songs.There are smaller versions available here:http://www.sandisk.com/Products/Default.aspx?CatID=1166

[Thra110183]

how do videos look on it?

[Cosmo]

The video looks pretty good for a small LCD. It also comes with a utility, Sansa Media Converter, that supports most video formats.

[KellieCM]

Just so you know, the iPod nanos don't play video. They do, however, take any file in mp3 format, and have a normal headset jack.

[Thra110183]

But since the ipod nano can play a sldieshow w/ music i assumed there was a hack that would let you convert a movie into a slideshow, but i'm not shure because it may only show you 10fps or something...

[dotstream]

Have you checked out the iRiver clix player? It plays video, and it seems flexible in what types of audio files you can put on it. But at your price point, there are many other choices out there that would meet your needs. You need to ask yourself questions like, do I want to exercise with it, what's the storage capacity I need, etc. and narrow your choices from there. There's a test you can take at http://www.thedigita...t.com/mp3s.html that can help you find players that meet your specific needs at the price you want to pay. Good luck!

[KellieCM]

There is no such hack for the nano that I know of. And yeah, if you could do it, the framerate would be pretty low. And you couldn't have audio synced to it.

[Thra110183]

Wow, cool site, ty. Darn, i enjoy getting more out of a product then the manufacture said you could (unlocking pieplines, overclocking, etc.), it's a little bit like sticking it to the man. I think I'm gonna go with the e260. Thanks again for your help guys!