NW-A3000 or NW-HD5: it's decision time!

[Semjaza]

The decision to buy a new DAP has been long overdue for me. The trusty old Creative Nomad IIMG that has been by my side / in my pocket for some time now is getting cantankerous.

So I decide, I'm gonna use my Sony Points to get an HDD player .. and NW-HD5 is the only choice. Good thing it's got pretty good reviews, save for a few bad points. Nobody seems to much like Sonic Stage. None of my music is in ATRAC but at least half my collection could be re-ripped from CD so that's okay.

But then! oh my gawsh, look at that gorgeous new NW-A3000 just announced. And it seems Sonic Stage will eventually go away. And what's this? WMV might be added? Accessories available? This is all looking very nice.

Hmm, to be shipping in October .. overseas. No availability announced yet for stateside release. To wait, or not to wait .. that is the question.

What would you do? And more importantly, why? Wait for the new model or satisfy my cravings to get a new one now?

[Rumz]

It's easy for me to say this since I'm not in the market for one right this moment, but I'd wait.

If I understand correctly these newly announced players represent a bit of a change of direction for Sony. If it were me I'd want something I was certain was going to be supported under this new direction (ie firmware updates, greatest potential for codec support, etc). I'd want something I could be sure would work with the new Connect player that's coming out. I'd want that screen.

Between the 2 I'd want the a3000, but that's me. I'm sure the HD5 would do the job nicely for you. Sonic Stage isn't the greatest but I don't mind it at all.

[mmp64]

It's easy for me to say this since I'm not in the market for one right this moment, but I'd wait.

If I understand correctly these newly announced players represent a bit of a change of direction for Sony.  If it were me I'd want something I was certain was going to be supported under this new direction (ie firmware updates, greatest potential for codec support, etc).  I'd want something I could be sure would work with the new Connect player that's coming out.  I'd want that screen. 

Between the 2 I'd want the a3000, but that's me.  I'm sure the HD5 would do the job nicely for you.  Sonic Stage isn't the greatest but I don't mind it at all.

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Good advice.

[Dinko]

What would you do? And more importantly, why? Wait for the new model or satisfy my cravings to get a new one now?

I'd wait.

I'm currently in the process of transferring to PC all the audio tapes and records that I have not yet transferred to a digital format. My original intent was to digitize everything into WMA format, and then get a Samsung YH-J70. The Samsung is due out in Canada around October, so I figured I had just enough time to transfer everything to the PC and wait for the Samsung. It would free up a whole bunch of minidiscs which are lying around with songs on them, and the minidiscs could be used for more productive purposes (like recording).

Now, I'll wait. I'll still transfer the tapes and records to the PC, but I'll probably wait for the A3000. If it looks as good in person, and if it's priced in a decent range, I'll probably get that. If not, the Samsung, the Toshiba Gigabeat and others will still be there.