Can someone recommend an inexpensive MP3 player?

[Spacemom]

I'd like to get something simple for my son for his birthday. He's turning 6. Nothing fancy, just plays music. Hopefully under 50 bucks? Is that possible?

His big brother is always getting the "new" stuff first. (gameboy, CD player, etc.) I thought this would be a neat way for him to get a new gadget before his brother does. :)

Thanks.

[speedoo]

1. When's his birthday?

I have one that's probably perfect for him. "Factory refurbished" and well under $50.

If you can't wait long and have to get something now, I can tell you what I would look for...:hi:

[Spacemom]

6. His birthday is

next weekend.

What would you recommend?

[speedoo]

10. Something like this...

http://www.amazon.com/Rio-Cali-Sport-MP3-Player/dp/B0000AXKBK/sr=8-7/qid=1157345472/ref=pd_bbs_7/104-1129590-3235918?ie=UTF8&s=electronics

Unfortunately, you may not have time to buy something that has to be shipped, so you will need to go to a local store.

And Rio has apparantly gone out of business now, so I doubt you will find this brand in a store.

Why I think it's good for your 6-year old, and the features I would suggest you look for:

1. internal flash memory that can be supplemented with SD cards to provide unlimited memory.

2. FM radio

3. earphones that can be used comfortably while working out, or in the case of your 6-yr. old, playing.

4. easy to use and reasonably tough... hard to break, except for the earphones which are kinda fragile.

5. replacable AAA battery.

6. arm/wrist strap for convenience

Something you should look for is straightforward software for loading music from a computer to the PDA... very important, IMO.

I don't know if you can get all these features in your price range or not. I paid about $25 for my factory refurbed version of this Rio player, but that was a special internet deal. I'm headed out of town early tomorrow, so I can't ship you mine in time... sorry.

Good luck! It's a great idea, IMO.

[Spacemom]

11. Thanks for your help

I've found these

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000EG5UAA/ref=pd_cp_e_title/002-6251596-5140014?ie=UTF8

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000BWZGIS?v=glance

that I think might work. I hope I can find something like that at Best Buy.

[SKKY]

2. Just go to best buy and get the first flash mp3 player you find for...

...the price you're looking at. At 6, he's not going to appreciate the difference between an IPod and a Sensa. The flash player will make it way easy
to put music on and take music off. Also, several have FM receivers, which is a nice extra.

[Spacemom]

7. I didn't even consider

an Ipod. :)

I've seen simple ones that just have a play button and buttons to skip forward and back. Something like that would be perfect. I'm not even worried about gobs of memory either. Something that holds 50-100 songs would be plenty.

[pscot]

3. Take a look at Costco online

I think I saw one there.

[Spacemom]

8. I'm not a member at Costco

This might be the perfect oppurtunity to buy a membership. :)

[L A Woman]

4. Creative Zen is about 60 bucks

Holds about 220 songs, comes in pretty colors. 60 bucks at Target. i love mine.

[ghostsofgiants]

5. Check out this site...

Lots of good reviews: http://www.dapreview.com

[Spacemom]

9. Great site

I always read reviews before I purchase electronics. Usually to find out what NOT to buy. :)

Thanks.

[Rabrrrrrr]

12. I would imagine so, yes.