Need some MP3 player advice

[InvisibleTouch]

I've been wanting to make the leap from CDs to an MP3 player for some time, but I have some very specific requirements/wishes, and I'm a little overwhelmed by what's out there. I don't even know if what I want exists, but I thought I would ask here. Keep in mind I'm a bit of a luddite with this sort of thing, but anyway, I would like to find:

A player that can be plugged into an external set of speakers, so I can play music at home without having to use the ear buds. While plugged into those speakers, I'd like the player to be running off electricity, NOT off its battery, so I don't have to worry about how soon it may need to be recharged. In truth I hate battery-powered items because I have an uncanny capacity to drain batteries quickly, and then they die on me at the most inconvenient moments.

Since the thing will have a battery, though, I'd like one that can be replaced when it dies, rather than having to buy a whole new player.

I'd also like to be able to plug the player into my car stereo so it runs off the cigarette lighter plug and can play music through the car speakers. Ideally I need something that I can lift out of its speaker system and plug into the car, then connect it back to its speakers when I get back home - again without having to worry too much about how much charge is left on the battery.

Would like something that holds upwards of 1000 songs or a couple of full-length audio books, but it doesn't have to be huge. I also don't need or especially want the capacity for picture files, videos, or radio. The physical size of the player isn't that important to me either - I don't care if it's tiny or a little clunky.

I realize the external speakers and car plug-in would be accessories that I'd have to buy separately. That's okay, though I'd like to keep prices down as much as possible.

Any advice, suggestions, or links would be appreciated!


Oh, and on edit: The playlist needs to have the ability to be "shuffled" randomly, as well as setting a single song on continuous loop if I wish. This might be a standard function on these things, but like I said, I'm a little clueless on the latest tech.

[EOTE]

1. Pretty much every player available today meets your specifications

With the exception of the replaceable battery, that is. The thing is, most current players have batteries with extremely long lives, they generally won't need to be replaced for the life of the player. However, if it does become necessary, you'll most likely be able to find a replacement battery on eBay along with the tools required to pop open your player.

Since it seems that your needs are somewhat basic, I'd recommend getting something cheap from Newegg. Here's an 8 GB model (around 2000 songs) for about $60.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16855125130

In terms of outputting to external speakers, you'd most likely do that via the 1/8" jack.

[whistler162]

6. or the SanDisk Fuze....

either one can be upgraded with a micro SD card from whatever the original size was.

[Duer 157099]

2. Almost everything you mention is standard

The only thing you really need to be looking for is the power situation. Most of the devices that can use an AC adapter will be using an internal battery that eventually will die and must be replaced. For that reason, I have opted for a device that uses AAA batteries. I would prefer, as you do, to be able to simply run it off AC power, but for me, the next best thing is to be able to use regular batteries that I can always have fresh ones on hand or use the rechargeable kind.

The same plug that the earbuds plug into can be used to attach the device to speakers. You just need to get the cord from, say, Radio Shack. The simpler the device, the more likely it will use standard cords/etc. It's when you get into some of the proprietary devices, like iPod (I suppose; I don't have one so am not sure) that they make sure you HAVE to buy any attachments ONLY from them, because they are unique to their device.

I listen to mp3 books every day, and have been using the same device for a decade. It's simple and it fits my needs, and everytime I see them on ebay for a couple bucks, I buy extras.

[huskerlaw]

3. iPod chargers

are available from non-Apple sources. You can get iPod compatible car chargers, wall chargers, speakers, etc. at Target, Radio Shack, Best Buy... :)

To the OP, as the others have said, all of your requirements are pretty standard except for the batteries. iPods have a battery that needs to be replaced by the manufacturer. That said, I've had 6 iPods (shuffles, regular iPods, touch) and 2 iPhones (same battery technology, I think) and their batteries have been fine. One of them is nearly 10 years old and the battery still works. However, they do not like it if a) you leave the iPod shuffle in your pocket and run it through the wash, b) leave the iPod sitting on a windowsill while the ice melts off the window and onto the iPod, or c) lose it entirely. That's why I've had so many. No fault of Apple. ;)

[Duer 157099]

5. Regarding proprietary plugs...

I suppose my issue is more about having "universal" cords that can be used in various devices, rather than having each device have its own special cord(s). I didn't mean to imply that the cords were difficult to find (although they are usually much more expensive than universal cords).

I hate having single-use items when it's possible to have something that will work with several different devices (eg, to attach my mp3 player to a speaker system).

[GreenPartyVoter]

4. I have a little one from

http://www.creative.com/products/mp3/

[InvisibleTouch]

7. Thanks all ... so to clarify:

Do all players have an outlet that you can plug an AC adapter into and run it off a wall plug? Or is this a rare feature?

[Archae]

8. Most do.

It's the trapezoid-shaped little outlet that also is used as a data outlet for plugging into the computer.

I have a Polaroid 4 gig mp3 player, it's about the same size as the iPhone.

It also has a camera lens on the back for taking stills and videos.

Got it for $40 at Big Lots.

[InvisibleTouch]

9. Neat, thanks!

Yeah, I'm definitely trying to keep costs down and just have something functional, not too fancy.