I found a great gadget this week to aid in my workout enjoyment at the gym. In the past, I’ve always brought along my iPod Touch to watch videos and listen to podcasts, but I could never get the audio from the TVs, since they require tuning into channels on an FM radio.
Plus, the iPod Touch is somewhat sensitive and pricey, so I was a little concerned about messing it up with sweat, dropping it off the elliptical, etc.
Anyhow, I came across a post at Chuck Eglinton’s chuckegg.com called “Great little MP3 Player for Music, Audiobooks & Podcasts $12”.
It was about a device called the SanDisk Sansa, which looks like a thumb drive. And that’s because it is a thumb drive with 1 GB of space. But it’s also an MP3 player and an FM radio.
I think 1 GB fits about 200 songs or so. When I put together a podcast for GeekCast.fm, it’s often just 30 MB or so for a half hour, so you could fit tons of podcasts on one of these SanDisk Sansa things, too.
I couldn’t believe it when I saw this on TigerDirect for $13 (that was a temporary discount) or so. Not only does it solve my FM problem at the gym, but I don’t have the same concern about breaking it, and if it does break or get stolen, it’s not a big deal.
Also, there is a slot for a microSD card to add even more songs or podcasts. And it doesn’t require batteries – you charge it by plugging it into the USB slot on your computer. Oh yea, and it’s got a built-in microphone and audio recorder, in case you need help remembering to buy your butter, milk, and eggs from the grocery store.
Plus, it is similar in weight to a typical thumb drive, so it’s much less cumbersome in your pocket than an iPod.
I think even at twice the price it’s still well worth it. Note: the low price was for a refurbished one. I picked of three of them – one for me, one for my wife, and another for when I lose the first one.
On a weight loss note, I dropped some more pounds this week, so it’s a big win of a week.
Starting weight: 225
Last week: 223
This week: 221