cheap MP4, is it worth it?

[youngspot]

I've been lurking around some deals on iPod touch (on ebay) and stumbled upon this MP4.

Apparently, for more features and more spaces, these companies from Hong Kong can offer the exactly/similar device at a third of cost.

Well..I knew pretty much iPod ripped off people with their ingenuity but seeing as MP4 can offer similar quality (hopefully) of my want (or desire), I am questioning whether genuine device is better or the pretender for my money's worth.

Has anyone bought this MP4 device yet?
Does it contain harmful chemicals ? (concerned...)

[Kwirky]

I'm no Apple fan, but the cheap MP4 players are just that, cheap. You won't have any support, the software is usually flaky and poorly designed, and the build quality is often poor.

Having said that, if you're not picky and are willing to accept that your device will have a number of shortcomings, they can be a cheap way to get the job done, just buy it from a proper retailer and not eBay to insure that if it breaks you'll be covered. You could also check out www.anythingbutipod.com for some suggestions of cheaper good-quality devices.

[DerekD]

I have one of those apple lookalike MP4 players, and I have to say that it's not worth the $20 I spent on it. The interface is terrible, the buttons stick, the battery only lasts about 30 minutes when fully charged... It's not even fast enough to use as a USB flash drive.

I recommend spending a bit more (not necessarily iPod money) for a known brand that will work as expected.