Recommendations for MP3 player and speakers please

[fruitcorner]

Can anyone recommend an MP3 player and speakers/dock for an 8 year old boy for listening to music and audiobooks in his bedroom. I know that Ipods are great but I am really not sure I want to spend that sort of money on an MP3 player - there must be some sort of reasonable alternative!?

Will look around a bit later for some MP3 players - I have a 2 yo MP3 player with FM radio and record facility that was a tenner, but I remember someone looking for an MP3 player and found one at under 30 pounds (with 4 GB of storage, not 1 GB like my cheapo one!)

For speakers, good old Dixons used to sell powered speakers for personal stereos (before the iPod was launched) and I got such a pair (in a 'sound tube' [carry bag with 'mesh' ends for sound to come out, a bit like an archer's carry bag for dozens of arrows] for a fiver, 15 years ago)...

However, this link for personal amplified speakers may help - prices variable, but will look for something more similar to what I bought... Still using my speakers however, output from PC is loud enough without batteries or mains power.

You might find the Creative A35 (12.99) or A60 (16.99) (on their website uk.store.creative.com/ ) worth looking for elsewhere online - clearly amount you spend on speakers must be in line with cost of MP3 player as a big pair of speakers with grotty sound from a cheap MP3 player would be worse than lower sound level from a better quality player.

However they have no bass / treble control and whatever you choose, it would be worth getting speakers which can use batteries or mains for flexibility and lower cost (on mains) if 99% of the time will be used at home.

I've just bought this and this for my 8yo.

At Dabs.com (owned by BT) they have the Edifier 1250 speakers (at about a tenner).

Various other places sell the 1350 and 1360 models (the latter provides 2.1 ie there's a sub-woofer speaker for bass... move up to home theatre and the sub-woofer is what can shake the floor, walls and your stomach!)

Perhaps an idea to give hint at budget as I'm looking at the 'just above cheapest' levels... based on similar for the MP3 player...

Rats - just spotted you'd need a USB for power supply, for the model 1250 speakers.

I know there are mains-powered USB hubs (I use a 7-port hub to drive some Christmas LED lights, charge 3 mobile phones and run 2 desk lamps) and there are even power strips with a couple of USB ports to allow people to charge up (yes, you've guessed it) Apple kit, but if he has no USB items always on, the 1250 would be unsuitable.

Thank you so much for the ideas!

Might be worth looking on www.bid.tv (Bid-up TV) too as they have had some 4 GB MP3/MP4 players.

That was source for the other person (her Mum bought it, OP has yet to see it), but watch out for the 8 quid postal cost if you use Bid-up TV. Have never used them myself, but the OP told me in a private message that it bumped up the cost somewhat.