Simple to shuffle device with physical buttons (for my mom)?

[mikeymikemike]

I want to get a simple MP3 player for my mom with:

- an easy to activate (or automatic/permanent 'on') shuffle mode (not hidden in menus or has to be reset every time)
- physical buttons for 'play', 'forward', 'back' (no need for touch screen)
- can play while charging.

The original Zen Stone would have been perfect (it has a physical shuffle switch, plays while charging, and has physical buttons) but they are long discontinued.

The iPod shuffle would also be fine except it doesn't charge while playing.

Any ideas?

[CrowdAds]

[FreeZ5]

mike...

the most recommended player on here is probably the Sansa Clip+ or Clip Zip.

• they can be set permanently to shuffle
• they have physical buttons
• they can play while charging from a non-data connection (eg car charger or wall-wart)

My original Zen Stone has problems keeping a charge, but my original Clip bought in Dec 2007 a few months later still keeps a charge quite well.

Steve

[CDMP3PlayerFan]

I'll mention the Sony Walkman players since most meet two of your three requirements. Most have physical buttons, and the ability to easily and permanently set the player to shuffle (touch one button and then set it to shuffle, it will stay in shuffle mode until you change it). Unfortunately, as far as I know they won't play while charging (my player, an NWZ-E465, won't).

[mikeymikemike]

Thanks so much guys. I just ordered the white clip zip. It looks so simple, I'm sure she'll love it.

[FreeZ5]

Originally Posted by mikeymikemike

Thanks so much guys. I just ordered the white clip zip. It looks so simple, I'm sure she'll love it.

mike:

A great choice. The first thing to do is to find USB setting, and change it from Autodetect (we call it Autodefect) to MSC or MTP. I prefer MSC, but it doesn't matter all that much. You will have to change it again after a reset, format, or new firmware install

Steve

[skip252]

Originally Posted by CDMP3PlayerFan

Unfortunately, as far as I know they won't play while charging (my player, an NWZ-E465, won't).

Is that while using a USB wall charger or only when connected to a PC? Except for my iPod Shuffle every player I have will play while charging on a connection that doesn't include the data connection being hooked to a PC creates. That includes 3 different Sonys.

[The DarkSide]

My Sony S639 plays while plugged into a wall charger, and I believe the A867 did as well. You can't play & charge when connected to the comp,...

[CDMP3PlayerFan]

Originally Posted by skip252

Is that while using a USB wall charger or only when connected to a PC? Except for my iPod Shuffle every player I have will play while charging on a connection that doesn't include the data connection being hooked to a PC creates. That includes 3 different Sonys.

I haven't tried while charging from a wall charger. I've only charged it from a computer.

[The DarkSide]

It connects to the computer, so of course you can't play it. All the players will do that,...get a wall charger and you'll have no issues.