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156 Comments
- LaughingMan11, on 10/12/2007, -3/+23There's more than one reason why the iPod has dominated the digital music player market. Though the iTunes music store compatibility is an issue, I have to remind people that the iPod was VERY popular even before the launch of the iTunes music store.
There is something to be said about the momentum factor. iPods are popular because everyone has one... but people who buy iPods aren't just lemmings...
The iPod stands out above all of the other players out there because it has a huge number of 3rd party accessories built specifically for every kind of iPod. There's hundreds of different cases, sleeves, car accessories etc etc... that I can use with my iPod and are specifically designed for the iPod. Lots and lots of choice. Picking another player actually limits your choice on accessories... most of the accessories you'll get from the OEM directly, except for the handful of 3rd party ones.
And then, there's also the simplicity factor of the iPod. While most of the people on digg would dismiss the iPod as lacking this feature or that feature, and for being expensive next to devices like the Creative Zen whatever... what Apple has done better than Creative has been to focus on simplicity. They are not jack of all trades. They stick with one thing and do it well. Apple has shown that they can charge a premium on simplicity. - ThePhilomath, on 10/12/2007, -7/+24Have you never heard of illegal downloading? The ipod was very popular in canada before the music store was even open!
- Raingwc, on 10/12/2007, -1/+17Any competition is always good, hope it'll be a worthy one.
- VinniePaz, on 10/12/2007, -3/+19Noone will be able to kill the ipod until the stop using model names such as ys25 and *****. They have to come up with something as simple and catchy as "ipod"
"hey im thinking about getting an mp3 player soon, i really like the one that you have, what is it called?
"uh, it's a um y 2a something"
"eh, i'll just get an ipod." - ThePhilomath, on 10/12/2007, -17/+32Agreed, there's nothing special looking about it. In fact, it looks kind of cheap in my opinion.
- Shrill, on 10/12/2007, -2/+14hmm... interesting. Competition is always good I guess.
Although this quote taken from the article: "its user interface was designed by a team of programmers..." has me slightly worried. Programmers usually aren't the best people to talk to regarding interface design and usability, they are programmers for a reason and should probably leave the that stuff to the designers and usability engineers etc... - inactive, on 10/12/2007, -5/+16let's be honest... the ipod has succeeded (mainly) by it's ease-of-use and it's design. i actually was going to buy one of samsung's cheaper models, but then the nano came out so i got that instead.
- eclipxe, on 10/12/2007, -4/+15Great response. Many people bash the iPod just because it's popular, while failing to realize why it's so popular. Give people something that is attractive, easy to use and does what they want (listen to music) and you are golden. The average consumer could care less if the iPod has 24bit line-in recording with on the fly mp3 compression (although there are accessories that give you the line in recording feature). The average (mass market) consumer wants something functional, pleasant to use and stylish. You can't fault Apple for building something that people ENJOY using.
I have both an iPod and a smaller Samsung (YP-t7z or something) and while it's an ok player, the menu system is awful. It also broke within 3 months of light use (hold button always on). I've had my iPod for 2 years now and I use it everywhere, in the car, at the gym, at home and it still works as perfectly as it did on day 1. - jav1231, on 10/12/2007, -3/+14And since the name "YP-Z5" just rolls off the tongue, they'll be #1 in no time!
- inactive, on 10/12/2007, -4/+15Creative had the Nano name first! http://www.engadget.com/2005/09/10/will-apple-face-trademark-infringement-with-creative-over-the/
- inactive, on 10/12/2007, -21/+31This isn't generic crap.
There are many mp3 players better than the iPod. The fact is that none of them have succeeded because of the iTunes Music Store. - tokachu, on 10/12/2007, -7/+16They haven't succeeded because either (a) they're crap, or (b) they don't bother advertising because they display a holier-than-thou attitude.
But this is the stinger: "The YP-Z5, priced at 199 dollars to 249 dollars, is designed as a head-on challenger to Apple's newest iPod nano, which costs 149 dollars to 249 dollars". So they're going to compete with the iPod Nano by releasing a MORE EXPENSIVE version of the iPod Nano? BRILLIANT! - muikano, on 10/12/2007, -0/+9Don't dismiss that. I mean, having everyone have the same voting power is democratic. It's also extremely hard to insure a meritocracy--who are you to judge?
This comments system forces commentators with opposing views to post their stuff worded better or else face instant dismissal.
And i find it bad that you can't reply to a reply. - converge, on 10/12/2007, -1/+10I'm a programmer and agree with you 100%.
- sanmarcos, on 10/12/2007, -3/+12Actually, YP stands for Yepp, so Yepp Z5, or just a "Yepp".
What sucks about this, is that the Ipod is prettier, way simpler, and an established trademark. They dont get it. The clickwheel is the whole basis of success behind the Ipod, that, the UI and the music store.
It is just so simple, do it, and be done.
NO other company out there gets it right. They might have better products.. but they will never catch the market.
People *ARE* stupid, they *WILL* make mistakes. They want simplicity, it *just works*. They dont care if Apple Losless or Flac is better, if this or that technical bullcrap.
Believe me, when there is a good product, people ARE willing to pay 35 dollars for a stupid cable. Again, it's Apple.
There is no "mp3 player", there is iPod. - mushoo, on 10/12/2007, -1/+10Set the Global Comment View Threshold and Sort option to your liking if it is so discomforting. If someone can't figure how to do that it's their problem.
- rauz, on 10/12/2007, -6/+14Just the name by itself puts it out of competition...
"Oh man have you checked out the new Why-Zee-Pee-Zed-Twenty-Fiddy's?" - cwilson, on 10/12/2007, -3/+10I agree here. I think the iPod continues to succeed because of the iTunes Music Store and the ease of use. The UI on the iPod is friendly, easy to understand and making it work with iTunes is beyond easy. Talk about something that just works. I've owned two Samsung players before I got the nano and I liked both of them a lot. However, I'll be the first to admit that the iPod was one of the simplest devices to use. Plug it in and watch the music copy over. Unplug it and you are ready to go.
Of course, the fact that the name iPod is a household name makes it hard for anyone to break through, as well. - zouhair, on 10/12/2007, -3/+10Why buy any of this proprietary players while you can buy an iAudio and listen to your music in lossless FLAC files, ripped securely with EAC (follow this guide http://forum.calonet.org/index.php/topic,127.0.html )?
- littleidiot, on 10/12/2007, -4/+10i think one of the biggest advantages of the ipod over any other mp3 player is the amount of accessories available. i can buy a skin, a charger, or anything else i want for my ipod practically anywhere. until samsung or anyone else matches that, then apple will forever own the market...
- mrASSMAN, on 10/12/2007, -2/+8the best non-ipod mp3 player i have seen. made completely of metal instead of the cheap plastic most others use. big screen, good interface, good design.
looks like a winner - cranium, on 10/12/2007, -2/+8They've got a brand issue with the kids. Also, the third-part accessory market is nearly unanimously IPod.
- 7of7, on 10/12/2007, -8/+14Samsung doesn't have to do much beat the iPod technologically but that's not the hard part. Althought it's partly the iTMS, the other thing that Apple has on it's side is a cult following among trendy hipsters. It's hard to break into that group of people, but once you're in, you can really make a ton of money off them. The key is to make them think you aren't an evil corporation even if you are. Their herd instinct really kicks in once a couple of them put their faith in your company. Ironically they are some of the least "different" people even though they subscribe to so many companies who profess to "think different."
- inactive, on 10/12/2007, -5/+11I'm no lawyer, however I don't think ANYONE can trademark a unit of measure.
- thepopo, on 10/12/2007, -2/+7this is an interesting article
however
is it just me, or do the users teeg, ddizzle, coldman, therowe, imreal, dub2, digidigg, tranzport, fortress, unrealfan, code, hoegaarden, relevant, eliztown really like to digg marykate's stories? - CaptainMal, on 10/12/2007, -0/+5Guy, Samsung hired the same guy Apple did to design the UI for this thing. It's made by the same guy who designed the iPod UI. That guy and his "team" anyway, which is very small since they recently sold the company that designed the iPod UI and started over because he didn't like how big they were getting. Or something like that.
Anyway, if anything, it's iPod UI 2.0. Certainly not something to scoff at. - pacificdave, on 10/12/2007, -3/+8sorry nazuraki... but i'm pretty sure there's more pirated music on iPods than iTunes downloaded music. so the iTunes Store really has little to do with the music player market. i used to have a Zen X, my buddy has a Zen Micro, and i just recently bought a 5th Gen iPod w/ Video... all i can say is ... wow. Apple gets the cake with the 5th Gen iPod. iTunes isn't that bad but uTorrent is way better.....
- huper, on 10/12/2007, -0/+5It's worth saying that Samsung asked for the help of Paul Mercer (former Apple employee and founder of Pixio... the firm Apple used to design the original iPod UI).
While there is no doubt the iPod is an amazing player, there will be a time when someone will create a strong competitor.
Let us not forget that it's competition that drives innovation.
-h - inactive, on 10/12/2007, -2/+7The specs may be better, but the iPod is something this will never be: a fashion trend.
- LaughingMan11, on 10/12/2007, -2/+7Starting when they introduced the 1GB iPod Nanos, they switched over to using Intel/Micron NAND flash.
- crickert, on 10/12/2007, -0/+4I will consider the new Sansa e250 or e260 coming out here in March. Their website says the battery is user replaceable. Battery life (per charge) appears a tad better than a nano. The form factor is thicker than the nano and new samsung player but not much. I like the Sansa's FM tuner feature - great for the gym when a football or basketball game is on the TV.
- inactive, on 10/12/2007, -2/+6i don't this these company realizes that its not the music store its not the price its not the capacity its the look. its the white ear buds its the click wheel its the sliver back plate with the laser etched product code and or engravings. you could release a 200 gig media player and make it cheaper then the ipod and still no one would want it because its just is not the ipod.
- Amishplumber, on 10/12/2007, -4/+8We shall see if this player gets anywhere, because the 2 things that really sell the ipod are the simplicity of using it(both the click wheel, and iTunes and ITMS) and by now just the popularity, but the fact that the article specifically mentioned "also offers a more comfortable user interface " makes me think if thats just marketing BS or if its true. Because the truth is the average consumer doesn't care about an FM tuner or voice recorder or whatever, because 80% of the time its a pain in the ass to use.
- LaughingMan11, on 10/12/2007, -1/+5Samsung is well known for imitating iconic products. They've been doing it to Motorola for their RAZR phone and soon will do it for Moto's new Q phone.
Samsung is a big company, and their flash business probably operates with different goals than say their MP3 player business. That being said, Apple is moving away from Samsung as their sole supplier of NAND flash. They recently switched over to Intel/Micron flash if i remember correctly. - LaughingMan11, on 10/12/2007, -4/+8Except you can use lossless music on an iPod...
And most people aren't audiophiles... they neither have the equipment or the golden ear to tell the difference between lossy and lossless. Lossless encoding, for 99% of people, is a complete waste of bandwidth. - crickert, on 10/12/2007, -0/+4Played with it at Best Buy yesterday here in Des Moines. Very solid design and interface. The 16 year old sales guy obviously didn't know anything about it - surprise. Very intuitive interface. I think they will have to price a little below the Nanos to make any appreciable dent in Apple's market share. Also wonder about accesories and battery replacement. I am going to wait for the new Sandisk flash players due out at the end of this month.
- chrism1128, on 10/12/2007, -4/+7"Plays for Sure" = Sits on Shelf
Nobody wants that model. Nobody!
Just make it hook up to iTunes. sell it with an iTunes plugin.
DO NOT RELEASE YOUR OWN CRAPPY JUKEBOX SOFTWARE! - akira117, on 10/12/2007, -9/+12Yea that's what they've been saying! Too bad the iPod is always the best
And no its not because of the itunes music store. - Phaedrus73, on 10/12/2007, -3/+6I hope this thing has some awesome functionalty, because it is really fugly looking. Not to mention it's totally uncatchy name. Many people may say apple is mostly style over substance, but the ipod truly has the best of both worlds. I can promise this is not going to be the ipod killer, hopefully Microsoft does a bit better.
- GliTCH82, on 10/12/2007, -1/+4Some dude: "Yo check it out girrrl I got that new YP-Z5"
Girl: "Huh?"
*girl walks away* - bludra84, on 10/12/2007, -3/+6Apple also has better marketing, the iPod has been marketed very well.
- Daniel591992, on 10/12/2007, -2/+5Is it just me, or are other people getting tired of more mp3 players. Even Amazon is getting into the mp3 business!
- inkswamp, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3But Apple was extremely arrogant about the Mac early on. They didn't advertise it the way they should have (used that silly evangelist approach), didn't make the hardware operate with the wider world, and shunned compatibility. All of that opened the door for the competitors. They are making none of those same mistakes with the iPod.
- qortex, on 10/12/2007, -2/+5A couple of interesting things... first, this is the Samsung device that includes the new user interface by Paul Mercer, formerly of Apple. Also, it seems surprising that it is being launched in the US first, instead of Asia (especially South Korea.) I don't think it looks too "cheap" like some others, I am interested in the aluminum finish.
- treytech, on 10/12/2007, -3/+6Oops, thanks for the head up. Strike my last comment. (Wish the editing timerwas a bit longer :P )
- sabit, on 10/12/2007, -1/+4From article: "Samsung says price alone is not a decisive factor. Instead, the South Korean firm is playing up the capacity and user friendly aspects of the YP-Z5. "
Yeah .. right. - CaptainMal, on 10/12/2007, -1/+4And once again, the dude who designed the UI for the iPod designed this one too. Do some research before you start bashing ease of use. You've never even picked one up, obviously.
- muikano, on 10/12/2007, -2/+5Don't you know about the rampant Biker Digger chain gangs that roam these mean streats? Hah, sooner or later there are going to be Republican and Democrat digger, you mark my words.
- fireflyx, on 10/12/2007, -3/+5What do you guys think about SanDisk Sansa?
Has most features of nano, +SD slot, twice as cheaper. I've being thinking buying a nano, but I'm (always) short in cash so i've look into alternatives, and found out there are many players out there who don't get the deserved attention. - rosemat2, on 10/12/2007, -3/+5Seems like a good product, I would want more then 4gb though.
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