More than half my library is ‘legacy’ 128 bitrate files from when storage was more expensive and hard drives were much smaller. Ideally I should re-rip them to flac for archiving, but I hate having to convert back to mp3 for portables. And of course the idea of re-ripping to high bitrate mp3 doesn’t appeal when I can get ample, cheap storage for flac files.
The D2 or even the iTouch are more player than I need – in fact, I don’t want a touch screen which will need protection against breaking. I just want a good quality music player, ideally small and sturdy, without having to pay for a bunch of features and functionality I don’t need.
I know I’m a broken record about this, but 32gb flash memory retails for under $50. You have to figure the wholesale/production cost is at least half that amount. There’s really no reason why a good quality 32gb player couldn’t be offered at a reasonable retail price. But as long as people are thrilled by the release of new 8gb players…
