Nano 2gen practical Rockbox usage?

[embrion]

Hi,

I used to use Rockboxed 1gen Nano, then moved to something else and now I like to but 2gen 8GB  Nano in order to run Rockbox again.
I know there is a port status page but for ex 50% completion of something doesn't tell a lot.
I'm only interested in (mostly) crash free mp3 (mpc would also be nice, ogg would be a cherry on top) playback with normal folder browsing (not the whole database/tag based playback mode).
I'd like to know if the parts I described work at least acceptable. Also, how badly does the batterylife is impacted ?
Anywhere to read about progress? 2gen thread has been locked but for example Sansa's thread is still open and people can track progress. How does Nano 2gen devs discuss development? IRC?

[AlexP]

Yes, IRC or the mailing list for development.  The Sansa thread is only still open as there are some players in there that are still "New Port" status.

[embrion]

Thanks for info. One more thing. I've downloaded Nano 2gen simulator and hear some clicking during the playback. Does it mean the same will happen at real Nano? I read some complains about that problem from Nano 2gen owners but since some version the problem disappeared. Does it mean it's back or it is just simulator's fault?

[GodEater]

The sound playback code used in the simulator is nothing to do with the code which actually gets run on the target - so whilst you *might* hear clicking on the Nano, it would have nothing to do with whether or not you got it in the simulator (unless the tracks you're playing actually include them).

With regard to your first questions, why not just try Rockbox and see?

It's not hard to completely uninstall it if it doesn't meet your needs, and it ALWAYS offers dual boot as well, so you can run either the original firmware or Rockbox whenever you  turn it on at your leisure.

[embrion]

Well, believe me if I had 2gen Nano in my hand You wouldn't read that post
I just wanted to know in advance, something like: 2gen Nano RBX usable - buy, way unusable - stay with current player
As much I like how 1/2gen Nano sounds, I dislike iTunes and tag based playback. If now Rockbox, I wouldn't buy 1gen Nano at all some time ago.

[AlexP]

It is difficult to say for the 2nd gen Nano - right now it is considered unstable, which means that there are bugs and/or missing features.  These will probably get fixed eventually, but owing to the volunteer nature of Rockbox, there is no guarantee it will.  If I were buying a player to use today with Rockbox, it wouldn't be a 2nd gen nano.

[embrion]

For the record: Rockbox works with no problems at all with my 2gen, 8GB Nano.