GNU\Linux Portable MP3/OGG Player & Music Service (Recommendations)

[Alan Dayley]

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Derek Neighbors wrote:
> I bought one of the first mp3 players in the Diamond Rio PMP 300 many
> moons ago.  After a long stint of just burning things to CD, I am in the
> mode where I think a large capacity portable probably makes sense.  Some
> key features would be minimum 1gig storage.  Ability to broadcast to FM
> receiver.  Under $300. 
> 
> I prefer something that can play OGG or at a minimum MP3 formats.  I
> don't own a windows box and run Debian/Ubuntu desktops so need something
> with software that will run with minimal fuss on Debian/Ubuntu.
> 
> The second part of the question is I would like to use an online music
> source like napster, itunes or the likes.  What services are the most
> GNU\Linux friendly?
> 
> I started to do some googling, but there are so many choices now a days,
> figured it would be better to ask here first with peoples first hand
> experience to try to narrow it down some before googling for hardcore
> specification data. :)

My small contribution.

Player:
If I had the fundage I'd get a Neuros Audio Computer.  They were the
first to support OGG, I believe.  They also went full open with source
code and schematics.  They are no longer in current production, sadly.
Check ebay for used deals:

http://search.ebay.com/neuros_MP3-Players-Accessories_W0QQcatrefZC12QQfromZR8QQfsooZ1QQfsopZ1QQsacatZ97927

Manufacturers site (but has no information on the MP3 only player that I
could find):http://www.neurosaudio.com/

Google: "neuros digital audio computer" for lots of info.

Music source:
http://www.magnatune.com.  Not a "napster-like" service really but very
good nonetheless.  If you are looking for "main stream" artists there
are not there but what is there is great stuff.  Magnatune points:
- - All music is available under no cost Creative Commons License for
non-commercial and school use.  It is provided no cost as 128-bit MP3s
which is not the best but is very listenable.
- - Purchase a "CD" for $5 to whatever, you pick the price to pay.
- - 50% of the gross price you pay goes to the artist.
- - For an extra fee they'll burn a nice labeled CD in a case and mail it
to you.
- - Once purchased, download the format you want: OGG, MP3, WAV and AC3 (I
think).
- - Once purchased, download them again if you hard drive crashes (Try
that with iTunes.)
- - No DRM.

My family loves Magnatune.com.

Alan
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