New MP3/Video player - Opinions needed

[BlackDwarf]

Hey all.

After more than a years use, my Creative Zen Touch 20Gb has started to go a bit wonky. It's crashing and the HDD is making some awfully strange noises, so I'm pre-empting the worst and looking for a new one.

I need something larger than 20Gb, as my Zen is not holding my whole collection currently, and I'd also like to be able to play Divx/Avi/Mpg files, preferably without converting them, but if necessary, then it'll have to do.

So, I'm looking at preferable at least 30, if not more, for as cheap as possible.

What are my options? Any personal experience with them?

Cheers

[Skinleech]

I'm keen on the Archos series - I have a 20gb Av400 which is excellent. The pic quality is good, as is mp3 playback, it comes with the gear to connect it to your TV and a source to record from if you;re interested in recording stuff to watch on the move.

You need to convert files to play them on it - it's video support is limited, though that may have changed with newer incarnations.

Well worth a look.

[HyeongSeong]

How about the zen Vision M ? It supports lots of video format i.e MPEG (1/2/4), DivX, XviD, WMV and it is very cheap as well ( £189.99 from play ) and gets lots of good review as well.
Another one to consider for is the Cowon A2 range , they are alot more expensive but have a bigger screen ( 3.5 inch ) and more functions e.g UMS support , USB host .

[MiLaMber]

Ipod video 60gig is always an option...admittedly not a great option compared to a vision m due to the small screen, but it is a lot more portable...I sometimes use it to watch divx/avi or whatever.
Prefer to watch stuff using my pdas larger screen tho...

[Funkstar]

Might be a bit on the pricey side, but the AV500 is great. I have the 100gig model which is thicker and heavier than the 30/40/60gig models, it uses a a regular 2.5" drive as opposed to a 1.8" and an up rated battery. With MP3 playback, the battery lasts a *lot* longer than my old Rio Karma.

[fuddam]

well, I bought me the AV500 last week. 60GB. very happy with it

however..............Archos has decided to bring out a new range if players, starting with the 404 and 604. Due end of August. 504 to follow soon.

604 specs include 30GB, 4.3" screen, better UI, 16 million colours, wifi, option to buy mpeg2 / AC3 compatiblity, I think even talk of GPS

and most NB, price about 260. Not bad at all for something that is soooooooooooooo kewl.

well, I loves my AV500, I does.