If gadgets by a certain Cupertino-based company don’t excite the tech enthusiast in you, then the iPod alternatives listed below may probably do the trick in delivering what you seek as an audiophile. Certain options in the roundup may also just prove to become permanent companions for entertainment buffs. When diving into multimedia content with friends or blaring out music at a party or simply enjoying your favorite tracks while on the move, these top options may not make you feel like you’re missing out on something. So read on to help you decide which one of our candidates can be a substitute for the iPod.
1. Sony Z Series
If you are snooping around to get a gadget in place of the Apple Touch, then the Sony 32GB Z series mobile media player may be one option you should consider. We say so because this beautifully carved out device drapes a 4.3-inch touchscreen, runs on Gingerbread and fits in an Nvidia Tegra 2 processor. You probably know the specs don’t end there, for the media player integrates S-Master MX audio technology to deliver enhanced sound for music lovers. Along with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, you can take pleasure in splattering content onto larger screens thanks to the HDMI micro output. You may choose between 8GB, 16GB and 32GB variants to be your companions on your globetrotting adventures. And with the Android Market at your disposal, you can have a field day by downloading apps to enhance the user experience.
2. Sansa Clip Zip
The cute and curvaceous Sansa Clip Zip can serve as a proxy to the Apple shuffle for a couple of reasons. For starters, this one among our alternatives to iPod devices is compatible with DRM-free iTunes AAC music, integrates a memory card slot, dons a 1.1-inch full color screen with a user-friendly UI and features a built-in microphone for voice recording. Plus, the stopwatch and FM radio only go on to pep things up and more so, if you happen to be a fitness enthusiast.
And as the name suggests, you can clip the gadget onto your sports gear and you’re good to go for long jogs in the park or workout sessions in the gym. The MP3 player’s affordable pricing with the number of vibrant color options it’s available in, may be reasons why many would want to give these 4GB and 8GB offerings a second glance.
3. Cowon D3 Plenue
The Cowon D3 Plenue is complete with all the necessary flair you would expect from an alternative to iPod gadgets and also packs in additional attributes that many audiophiles may fancy. Its 6.2mm x 116.4mm x 11.8mm chassis has been adorned by a 3.7-inch AMOLED capacitive touchscreen display on which you can enjoy full HD video playback. This Gingerbread slice is Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled and sports an HDMI and a USB port as well as a microSD card slot. You can enjoy music for around 21 hours on a single charge and dabble in FM radio amidst plenty of other features. If this portable media player makes you want to give up your handset, then either you are too much of a music lover or the attributes on this one surpass your current smartphone’s features. Either way, you can select this 32GB offering if you are looking for a decent substitute to the Apple touch.
So if you’re hunting for something different as far as alternatives to iPods are concerned then you may want to set your eyes on the Sony Walkman B170 which flaunts a Bass Boost button, a USB port and ZAPPIN search technology to swiftly sift through tracks. A 3-minute charge is probably what it will take so that the battery can breathe life into the device for a good 90 minutes. If you aren’t in a hurry and can completely charge the gadget, then you can enjoy about 18 hours of playback. There is an integrated clip for times when you are commuting or working out in the gym. Having debuted only last month, this offering comes drenched in vibrant shades of black, gold pink, blue or black and it features a color-coordinated LED display for both of its 2GB and 4GB variants.
5. Creative Zen Touch 2
While looking for alternatives to Apple iPod devices on the web, you won’t be able to miss out on the Creative Zen Touch 2. Running Android 2.2, it allows streaming music without wire hassles to other Bluetooth-enabled speakers in order to liven up parties at a tap of a button. The front boasts of a 3.2-inch color TFT touchscreen, while the rear panel flaunts a 2MP camera. If this wasn’t enough for entertainment seekers, the gadget proffers wireless LAN capability so you can stay connected to the world even when on the go. Hoarding data on the device should not be a problem because both the 8GB and 16GB versions are incorporated with microSD card slots so you can carry your digital world in your pockets.
6. Philips GoGear Spark
Another offering which may want you to get over your lost Apple nano is the Philips GoGear Spark. A 1.44-inch backlit screen spans diagonally on its cube-like form factor and proffers resolutions of 128 x 128 pixels. You can record songs playing on the radio as well as employ the built-in microphone to tape voices. This compact gadget is incorporated with FullSound technology so you can groove to your favorite MP3 tracks when on the move. The Philips Songbird program that comes with this offering makes organizing, finding, syncing and playing songs easier. On a single charge, you can listen up to 22 hours of music playback with features such as smart-shuffle that only pushes things a notch higher. The 2GB GoGear Spark can also be easily clipped onto clothes, making morning walks enjoyable.
Did any of the iPod alternatives make you want to rush out and get hold of it? You can list the ones that grabbed your attention and let us know if we missed out on any device that serves you as a worthy companion.