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Choosing a player

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afruff23:
I am stuck between the Gigabeat F40 and 80 GB iPod 5.5G. I wish to replace my iAudio X5L 20 GB.

Here are my concerns in order with my thoughts in parentheses. Correct me where I am wrong:
-stability (they're the same?)
-battery life (they seem neck and neck)
-capacity (I will likely not use more than 40 GB until 5 years from now, at which point I will likely change players)
-interface (it seems annoying to use Rockbox on the iPod; have never used the Gigabeat)
-size and shape (iPod wins here)
-compatibility (iPods have proprietary connectors, while Gigabeat has usb min-b connectors on the cradle; this matters to me because I have a lot of hardware including chargers and such for usb mini-B)
-price (Gigabeat is half the price)

evilnick:
Having owned both players, I'll give you my thoughts:

-stability - the Gigabeat edges this one. I've had a lot more crashes on the iPod.
-battery life - agreed, since the recent changes as regards disabling iPod hardware.
-capacity - the iPod is clearly superior here, depends on how much you'll want to use as purely music or if you want to have half the capacity free to use as a mobile HDD.
-interface - I find the iPod to be very poor from a usability POV. I'd never owned one before about a month ago and have never used the OF, but certainly within Rockbox it's taking me a LONG time to get used to how quickly the scrollwheel scrolls. I always end up overshooting the selection I'm trying to make, it's pretty frustrating.
Having said that, if you're used to the scrollwheel then YMMV.
-size and shape - the iPod is undeniably sleek
-compatibility - the GB also have USB-B on the unit itself, you don't have to plug it into the dock. There might be support for the apple accessory protocol in the near future, which would mean that more of the myriad accessories for iPods would work as expected.
-price - the GB is going to win this battle!

Good luck, and the final point is that IMHO either player without Rockbox is virtually worthless.

afruff23:
Can the Gigabeat be charged by USB while in Rockbox?

Also, can't I change the F40 HD to an 80 GB hard drive?
http://www.rockbox.org/twiki/bin/view/Main/HardDriveReplacement#Toshiba

It uses an 8mm 50 pins drive and Toshiba makes an 8mm 50 pins 80 GB.

EDIT: Never mind. The 80 GB hard drive is very expensive ($250) and upgrades to a 60 GB  (only 20 more GB) would not justify the cost either ($90).

Febs:
I own both.  Unless the capacity is an issue for you, I would recommend the Gigabeat.  It's more stable and faster, and I personally prefer its touchpad and buttons to the iPod's scroll wheel.

If you think that you may need the additional capacity, then consider the iPod, but otherise, in my mind, the Gigabeat is the clear choice.

afruff23:
Can somebody explain the charging capabilities of the Gigabeat F? Can it charge via USB mini-B while in Rockbox? What about charging via DC in while in Rockbox?

What type of connector is the DC in cable? Is it the kind the iAudio X5 has? Round, small, 5 volts, and 2 amps? The iAudio X5 DC in cable's connector is the same as many Samsung phones.
http://www.wireless.att.com/global/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/acc-71556-l.jpg
It's the one on the left.

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