NW-HD5 versus NW-A3000

[rclimbs]

I'm looking to make my first portable music player since the Discman I bought about 12 years ago. I've been reading a lot here and elsewhere and would really like to get a Sony player as they seem to be excellent in battery life, sound quality, and general design. The software always gets knocked but I have been trying Sonicstage (first v 3.2 and now 3.3 and really don't think it's much worse than Itunes). Itunes is a lot more intuitive but after using Sonicstage for a bit I think it is definitely something I could live with, although I haven't yet hooked any devices up to it so maybe that is where the problems really begin. I was thinking about getting an HD5, but then I thought that might be a bad idea since new Sony software doesn't support old players. Is there any reason that I wouldn't be able to continue using Sonicstage with an HD5? Alternatively, if I buy an A3000, is it possible to use that with Sonicstage or with the new program from xispe? I am leaning toward the HD5 but I want a player that I can keep for at least 5 years, maybe longer. Sony seems to have no qualms about screwing their customers, so I want to make sure I don't waste $300 and have to buy another player a year from now. Anyone have any thoughts? Thanks.

[Ascariss]

the new A series works just fine with sonicstage, some features such as intelligent shuffle and tme shuffle work work, but everything else should.

the new connect player has some bugs but in 2 weeks to 3 times time it should be all fixed up according to info from sony provided by kurisu.

Also, the new CP doesn't support any old players, up to HD5, so if u don't want to use CP but want the new player, it will work. Likewise HD5 will work fine with SS3.3 but NOT with the connect player.

actually we all get screwed every year, since most firms release a new product every 12-16 months or so. I am sure once I get my A3000, by this time next year, there will be a new model lol.

Not sure about the new program from xispe and the A series, it would be nice for someone to test it out.

If you can go check out both in person, if not possible, go with what you think looks better on paper.

Edited November 28, 2005 by Ascariss

[Ishiyoshi]

*thread moved to its appropriate section of the forum.

[Guest Stuge]

Hardwarewise have u looked at both A3000 & HD5 in the market .Get a feel of them at the same time, then it will be easier to decide ..

New Software by Sony that is "connect" is somewhat iritating but u must wait before u go and buy A3000 till its Major Updates comes.....

I will not adivise u to buy A3000 till that Major update comes

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