Have your say & ask the experts

JohnDuncan:

Without confusing the issue too much, you can think of mp4 players as basically playing video as well as audio.

Like an ipod?

plastic penguin:

Like an ipod?

Like an ipod. 

Octopo:

plastic penguin:

Like an ipod?

Like an ipod. 

I used to be stupid, but now I can't work it out. . .Lol

Not to worry, obviously replacing a 3 with a 4 has this exact meaning:

Some devices advertised as "MP4 players" are simply MP3 players that also play AMV video and/or some other video format, and do not play MPEG-4 part 14 format. To the makers of these players, the "MP4" designation simply means that they play more than just MP3. This can get rather confusing for potential buyers. 

JohnDuncan:

Like an iPod that plays video yes (like most of them), but not like an iPod that doesn't (like the Shuffle) but not like mp3 players from many other manufacturers (which only play audio), but like mp4 players from other manufacturers (like Archos), which do, though it may not actually be mp4s they play, but other video codecs. *Now* can you see why I answered the way I did?

*Yes* I can. . .. I've never, until now that is, had the need for an MP3 etc so consequently I've just ignored this particular format.

Octopo:

This can get rather confusing for potential buyers. 

Yes. 

Octopo:

Octopo:

This can get rather confusing for potential buyers. 

Yes. 

"Not arf, pop-pickers." I think I'll go and lay down for a while

Octopo:

No judgement on you PP I was talking about the number and letter switching propaganda we innocents are unduly led into.

Totally agree. When I purchase anything outside my 'comfort zone' I always stress it has to be "idiot proof."

plastic penguin:

"idiot proof."

Which the ipod is so I foresee no future problems.

Hi chaps,

Just a quick note to let you know that the December issue (on sale tomorrow, I believe!) has a round-up of cables for connecting an MP3 player to other equipment. It includes 3.5mm-3.5mm cables, 3.5mm-RCA cables, and one cable with a dedicated iPod connector at one end and an RCA at the other. PP, you might want to take a look if you're planning to connect your new portable to a hi-fi.

Oh, and just to back up the general advice of the thread - go for a nano. You can't buy better around the £100 mark.