DAP recommendation...

[tuneboy]

So, I recently got a Zune as a gift for xmas and have become dissatisfied with it. In the past few weeks I have been doing a lot of research on computers, as I got ready to buy a new one, and ended up finding out a lot about Linux and the open source community.

So now I'm looking for a player that plays ogg, and preferably rockbox as well. It should have a high capacity (20+ GB) and reasonable battery life. Color screen/video optional. I've semi-settled on the iRiver H340, but I'm not very familiar with how stable rockbox is on various DAPs, so I thought it would be a good idea to check first.

Any suggestions?

[Davide-NYC]

I STRONGLY suggest the H1x0 series.

I have several H1x0s as well as an H320 and an iPod 4G all with Rockbox on them.

Since you said color is optional I really strongly suggest an H1x0.

My $0.02

[michael.conner]

The H1x0 series is really, really good.  I've moved on to a 40GB Gigabeat myself (I'd had an H120 upgraded to 30GB, which was the maximum size drive one can have with the H120's form factor), but like Davide says, the H1x0 units are really good.  I readily got over 20 hours battery life on mine with a cheap iPod battery that I'd replaced the factory battery with, and that's primarily with Ogg Vorbis q4 files.

I still hit the wrong button on the Gigabeat sometimes because it's what I'd do on the H120...

A couple of comments re: H1x0 vs. Gigabeat

Gigabeat charges via USB, H1x0 can't charge with a standard USB cable (BoxWave? sells USB cables that have a charger plug built in for the H1x0 series)

Gigabeat's LCD is unreadable without backlight on (same holds true for the H3x0), H1x0 is readable without backlight

Gigabeat has no recording, H1x0 records to multiple formats in Rockbox

Gigabeat has line out, but only via the cradle; H1x0 has line/optical out, but the gain on it is controlled by the volume (still a true line out, though.)

Gigabeat's controls make no noise; H1x0's joystick does make mechanical noise -- can be an issue if you're putting together a playlist when your spouse is already asleep...

H1x0 (and H3x0, if I recall correctly) have some hiss from the headphone jack if you're using in-ear monitor type phones. The Gigabeat has none.

H120 can only go up to 30GB w/Toshiba MK3006GAL hard drive, H140 can go up to 60GB. H140's in good condition can be hard to come by and if you find them, can be expensive.  Refurbished (w/warranty) Gigabeat F40's can be got for US $119 on Amazon.  There are some H1x0 and H3x0 units labeled as "refurbished" on Ebay, but you might look at this forum on misticriver: http://www.misticriver.net/showthread.php?t=40107

H1x0 series can also have Rockbox flashed to ROM for near-instantaneous boot.  Gigabeat can't (yet?).

H1x0 series has LCD remote, but needs an adapter cord for many earphone/headphone plugs because of a recessed jack.  Gigabeat has non-LCD remote, but needs no adapter cord.

[AlexP]

I love the H1x0 - I have a H140 with a 60 Gb disk in it, and a £8 iPod battery in it that gives me more than 26 hrs playback - it also has optical in and out etc.

The H3x0 is also very good, colour but no optical in out.  I prefer the joystick on the H1x0 to the buttons on the H3x0, and the H3x0 is slightly more bulky.  The H3x0 should be easier to find than the H1x0, but both are difficult.

The X5 also runs rockbox well as I understand, as does the Gigabeat.  If you want stability, battery life etc, all I'd really say is to stay clear of the iPods for the time being as they are the least developed.

Summary:  H1x0 or H3x0, thereafter X5 or gigabeat.  However, these are my opinions only!

[soap]

The only bad things I have ever heard about the H1x0 series is that they are so valued as a oh-so-sweet-and-tight recording device that you will pay for the recording functionality, if you value it or not.

[Nate!]

I haven't tried any of the iriver DAPs, but I'm in love with my Gigabeat F60.  We don't have recording capabilites or an FM tuner, but the screen is 2.2" or 2.4."  Depends on if you can get your hands on the ever elusive X60. (I think only sold in Australia and Japan. 2.4" display)

Immediately putting Rockbox on, opens up many doors that the original firmware has locked and sealed shut.  (No encryption of files, Different codecs, Eq and other above-me-Sound enhancements, customizeable "While Playing Screens."  The list goes on.  Then again, these enhancements are standard in Rockbox, they just look and sound really good on the Gigabeat!)

Good luck with your choice!