I need an MP3 player for an old man

[träskmannen]

My dad wants an MP3-player for his birthday, and I have no idea what to get him. He is 77 years old and not handy at all with technique, old or modern (which is rather strange since he is an engineer). The user interface has to be simple, easy, not complicated, understandable, intuitive and logic. Oh, it has to be simple as well. Not too small, if the buttons are too tiny he will feel intimidated by the machine. I have almost no experience with MP3-players so I was hoping for some advice from you guys. Any suggestions?

[guns1inger]

iPod Touch ? I don't know how customisable the interface is - if you can turn off or hide some of the buttons - but at least it is easier than the wheel on a iPod. It is also physically one of the larger players in a world where small is the new black.

Otherwise I would look at the Creative Zen range of players or perhaps a Zone (can't speak for them personally as they aren't sold over here).

[MeDiCo_BrUjO]

If the need for a screen is not imperative, perhaps you could consider the Ipod shuffle. It is small and it just has 5 buttons: Play/pause, vol up, vol down, next and previous.

[Midzuki]

Sony Walkman TPS-L2.

[träskmannen]

Thanks for the input, guys!

[yoda313]

perhaps a Zone (can't speak for them personally as they aren't sold over here).

I believe you mean a ZUNE.

I have a zune and like it very much. However I don't know if it is suited for an "older" generation.

My best advice would be to go to a store and test some models yourself. If you aren't an mp3 expert yourself find a model that seems intuitive to you. Chances are if you can pick it up quickly your father won't have too much trouble to adapt.

That being said another alternative might be a mp3/wma cd player. I know its not the same thing but if he is comfortable burning cds then all he has to do is burn the disc and pop it in the player. However I don't know of any cd player that would play encrypted material. that would have to be burned as an audio cd after purchase and would preclude any subscription service.

[guns1inger]

perhaps a Zone (can't speak for them personally as they aren't sold over here).

I believe you mean a ZUNE.

If I could type I would work in IT - oops, I do. Damn keyboards never put the right keys where my fingers are.

[yoda313]

@guns1inger - well at least the u and o key are both for the right hand so you were in the right part of the keyboard

Have you tried any of the voice recognition programs???

[Xylob the Destroyer]

...Have you tried any of the voice recognition programs???

Do you think any software could ever decipher an Australian accent???

[guns1inger]

All it needs to understand is " Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi"

Actually, I was going to look into those sticks on headbands that you can get.