Topic: Gadgets/Gizmos
Not really. I'll keep them both. They're like little electronic pleasure sticks.
Okay, that didn't sound right at all. But they are nice to have.
The comparison will be between the MuVo and the iPod Shuffle. Note that MuVo makes a TX version, which has a voice recorder, and also a TX FM, which has a voice recorder and an FM tuner. We'll just look at the basic MuVo, though, since it is functionally similar to the iPod Shuffle. The advanced MuVo offers the functions I mentioned above, but at a higher cost.
Moving on.
The first category: storage.
iPod Shuffle has 512 Mb of storage capacity, and can be used as a "thumb drive" as well. So far as I can find, the Shuffle comes in the 512 Mb flavor, or for a little more, the 1 Gb taste sensation. The MuVo comes in morsels of 64Mb, and 128 Mb, although the TX and TX FM have larger storage sizes ranging from 128, 256, and 512 Mb, and 1 Gb feast. For similarity's sake, though, we'll stick to the basic MuVo. The iPod has more memory capacity, and wins this portion of the comparison. However, the MuVo has the option of allowing you to purchase another memory stick portion, and you can swap them out for more total memory. It's not all in one unit, and it will cost more overall, but you can effectively have more memory on the MuVo. This is a win for the iPod, though, since all the storage is in one package, consecutive, and more functional than swapping memory sticks.
Next: functionality. Both can be used as a flash drive (or a "thumb drive") allowing you to store music or other files for easy transfer to another computer. To play MP3's, the iPod Shuffle has a simple set of controls allowing you to play, pause, advance, rewind, increas or decrease the volume, and change modes from serial play to shuffle, where it plays the songs in random order instead of sequential. You simply uncap the USB connector, and plug it in to the port, and you can manage the files on the device using the very effective software with which it is packaged.
So does the MuVo, but there's a catch: the MuVo slides into a support sleeve sort of thing, which houses it while it is not plugged into your USB port. To use it as an MP3 player, it must be plugged into this sleeve. The battery is in the sleeve, and the USB plug is protected by the sleeve as well. So while the iPod is stand-alone, the MuVo has two portions, and it loses MP3 functionality while not connected to its dock. Simplicity wins this one; iPod takes the functionality point.
Battery life: the MuVo uses one AA battery to power itself when it is used as an MP3 player. The battery doesn't sit in the connections very well. And the cover does not lock into place effectively, either. Plus the battery, while easy to replace, does not last long and needs frequent replacement. Furthermore, if it does not get seated in the casing just right, the slightest jar may momentarily disconnect the battery, shutting off the MuVo.
iPod uses a lithium-ion rechargeable battery. It is housed within the iPod itself, and recharges up to 80 percent after sitting in your USB port for 2 hours. It charges completely after 4 hours (just plug it in when you go to sleep, and you'll be set). The power lasts a good while, too. The down-side is that the batteries will, eventually, be un-rechargeable. And they can't be replaced by the user. You need to mail your iPod to the Apple folks so they can do that for you.
This one's a toss-up. Half a point each. While the iPod is easier to recharge and you don't have to buy batteries, the MuVo can have the batteries replaced by the user. The downside on Muvo is the battery life and the unreliable battery casing.
I won't worry about looks; that isn't important to me. If it's important to you, then look them up.
Cost. yeah... the nitty-gritty. Muvo with 128 Mb (the model I own) retails at $49.99 USD, and is currently out of stock. This will make it hard to obtain the additional memory stick portions too. You'll probably end up getting the NX (voice recorder only), TX, or TX FM version, which sells for, respectively, $99.99 USD, $59.99 USD, and $69.99. Remember, these are for the 128 Mb versions: to match the iPod storage capacity, the TX FM will cost you $119.99 for 512 Mb, or 169.99 for 1 Gb. iPod sells for $99.00 USD for 512 Mb, and $149.00 USD for 1 Gb. You'll get fewer features with the iPod, but pay less, than for a MuVo TX FM of the same storage capacity. Look at this page for a listing of MuVo's and their features and prices. Here are all the iPod features and prices. Compare and contrast on your own for your personal needs and preferences. But if you get a MuVo TX with 512 Mb of storage, you'll pay the same you would for an iPod of the same storage, plus it has voice recording capability. I doubt I'd use that very much, personally. But you might. For my purposes, the cost is identical. Half point each.
So. What do we got here. 3 total points for iPod, and only 1 point for MuVo. iPod Shuffle wins.
If you disagree, that's cool. Get your own web page and do your own comparison. This is mine, and reflects my opinions. You are entitled to your own opinions, and you're more than welcome to express them, so long as you do it somewhere else. Good day.
Posted by roguespidor
at 1:45 AM EDT
