Angela Mays asked:




In a world filled with MP3 Players, Portable Media Players and music downloads, there are a few of us who are still somewhat confused about how to buy a MP 3 player. With so much information out there it’s hard to get past all of the fancy, high tech jargon to make a decision on which one is best for your needs and by the end of your search, you’re even more confused than before you started. Well here’s a “straight to the point, quick and dirty” lesson on how to buy an MP3 player.

MP3 PLAYER VS PORTABLE MEDIA PLAYER

A MP3 Player is a portable digital device that plays and stores music and audio books. A Portable Media Player (PMP) plays and stores audio and video. The name MP3 Player is used as a generic term to describe all portable devices. Although PMPs can play audio not all MP3 Players can play video. For example, the iPod Shuffle, Creative Labs Zen Stone and SanDisk Sansa Clip are MP3 Players and do not have the capability to play video.

BRANDS

For those of you who were not aware, Apple iPod is not the only brand of MP3 Players on the market. There are several other brands of MP3 Players for you to choose depending on your needs and most importantly, your budget. They are the Archos, Coby, Cowon, Creative Labs, iRiver, Philips, Samsung, SanDisk, Sony, Toshiba and Zune (Microsoft).

TYPE

MP3 Players are classified according to how they store digital data. The most common are HARD DRIVE BASED PLAYERS and FLASH MEMORY BASED PLAYERS. The Hard Drive Based MP3 Players have the highest capacity and are larger and heavier than the Flash Memory Based MP3 Players. An example of a HARD DRIVE BASED PLAYER would be the iPod Classic 80 GB, iPod Classic 120 GB, iPod Classic 160 GB, Zune 120 GB, the Archos 80 GB 605 Wi-Fi PMP, Archos 160 GB 605 Wi-Fi PMP and the Creative Labs Zen Vision:M 30 GB MP3 and Video Player. A drawback to the HARD DRIVE BASED PLAYERS is that it has moving parts that can easily malfunction if it is exposed to high temperatures or dropped. The Flash Memory Based Players are light weight and smaller than the Hard Drive Based Players. This type has no moving parts and will have longer audio playback with a storage capacity ranging from 120 to 8000 songs. An example of Flash Memory Based is the Apple iPod Touch, Apple iPod Nano or Creative Labs Zen PMP. A drawback of the Flash Memory Based is that it is more expensive than the Hard Drive Based Players even if the storage capacity is less.

CHOOSING A MP3 PLAYER OR PMP

Now that you’re armed with the basic information you have to determine which type is best for you. Your personal needs and budget will help you to narrow down your choice.

Decide the type. – Hard Drive vs Flash Memory. When deciding the type keep in mind what you’re using it for. For example, if you’re going to use it while jogging, then the hard drive based player will not be a good choice because of the size, weight and high chance it will malfunction if it’s dropped.

Decide the storage capacity. – When deciding the storage capacity also keep in mind whether you also want to play video and audio (PMP) or just audio. They also come in various storage capacities which can vary by brand. The iRiver brands features a 20 GB capacity. The Archos has a PMP that has 60 GB capacity. Whether you’re looking for 1 GB to 160 GB there is a brand and model to suit your needs.

Decide the features. – Determining features is based on personal preference. Some MP3 Players/PMP have several features that may include voice recorders, calendar syncing, FM radio, wireless capability, photo storage or recording TV like a DVR player. For these particular features you may want to consider the Archos brand of PMPs. Another popular feature is color. If you’re into pink then you can get a pink mp3 player. Your options are endless it just depends on your personal needs and how much you’re willing to spend.

Decide how much you’re willing to spend. – The more features you desire the more you’ll spend on a MP3 Player. If you’re just looking to play music and you’re not concerned about the fancy features then you can find one for under $50. For example, the SanDisk Sansa m250 2GB can be purchased for less that $35. If you’re looking for at least 4GB then iPod Nano or Creative Labs Zen Mosaic would be a good choice. Or, if price isn’t a concern and you want the “Cadillac” MP3 Player with all the bells and whistles then consider the Archos 705 Wi-Fi PMP 160 GB. After considering the type, capacity, features and your budget check out each of the above mentioned brands to compare features and price. Also, if you’re on a tight budget and still want fun features consider one that has been refurbished. Now you’re informed and ready to buy and enjoy your new MP3 Player! Good Luck!

Alma

Anne Ahira asked:




Maybe you really want that great MP3 CD players you saw at the store recently but your bank account is definitely telling you not to get your hopes up. You might be wondering if there is a good way to find cheap MP3 players so you get the one you want at a price tag that won’t scare your debit card. The answer is yes, but you need to be careful about shopping only based on price. Below we’ll look at some methods for finding cheap MP3 players and some caveats you should follow if you choose to do so.

Places to Find Cheap MP3 Players

One thing you need to be aware of being starting your search is that the majority of retailers are not going to offer reduced prices on these digital unit. That’s because they are required by the manufacturers to charge a specific price. In fact, many online retailers have similar problems and must charge about the same price. However, you are going to have the best luck finding cheap MP3 on the Internet in most cases.

If you are open to other avenues other than retailers, you can sometimes find cheap MP3 players via online auctions. Some of these are going to be new but most will be used. Make sure you read the description carefully so you know exactly what you are getting.

Ways to Save Money

If you are serious about cheap MP3 players, you need to be prepared to make some sacrifices. You’re not going to find the fullest featured, newest models for low prices. Instead, consider looking for discontinued models or models that are being replaced by newer versions. The good news is that even when you do this you probably won’t lose much in terms of quality or features.

Another way to get cheap MP3 is to sacrifice some hard drive space. The difference in price between a 8 GB and a 16 GB iPod Nano is about $50. While that may not seem like a lot in terms of money, it could make a big difference if you are low on cash. And the price is definitely a big difference compared to the massive 120 GB iPod classic which usually runs about $249. The bottom line is that cheap device may have less room for songs but that may just be the trade-off you need to make.

A Few Tips

Before you begin hunting for cheap device, make sure to always research the model you are interested in first. That way you’ll know the going price and will be able to find a good deal. You should also be very cautious about buying used, cheap unit. Although you could save money this way, used digital unit are often being sold because they are damaged or because they are very outdated models. They may also not come with everything you need, including USB cables and docks or music management software. Whenever possible, you should always purchase new, even if that means not getting cheap MP3 players.

Jamie

I Liu asked:




Everyone loves music — so buy some cheap MP3 players and give them a fun gift they’ll be thrilled to receive. They’re easy to use and won’t break your wallet. And these music players are perfect for kids or for a first-time MP3 player. If you have your own, you might want to pick up one of these budget music players for the gym or trail hiking (or whenever you don’t want to tote your expensive iPod around).

Here are our Top 3 Cheap MP3 Players Picks:

1. Sandisk Sansa Shaker 512MB MP3 (Pink or Blue)

It’s cute design and affordability makes this a great choice for kids, teens, and adults. Just shake the player to skip to the next song and listen with earbuds or the built-in speaker.

Just shake, rattle, and roll! The Sansa Shaker gets its name from its most exciting feature–the ability to jump to the next song by simply shaking the device. You can also use the colorful controller bands for advancing/rewinding and changing volume.

This MP3 player is all about sharing your favorite songs. You can use the built-in speaker to enjoy music without headphones, or listen with friends and family. It’s also got two headphone jacks, so you and a friend can both plug in for a more intimate experience. For only about $29.99 and free shipping, it’s a great buy for everyone on your list.

2. SanDisk Sansa M240 1 GB MP3 Player (Silver)

This tiny player is another practical option from SanDisk that is a good value and great for adults, teens, and kids. It has a sleek design and small size so it’s easy to take with you while you’re on the go. A good quality and cheap MP3 player, the SanDisk Sansa M240 1 GB MP3 Player makes a great choice for kids and adults of all ages. And for just around $25, it’s a smart value music player.

3. Creative Muvo Mix 256 MB MP3 Player

One of the best bargains is the easy-to-use Muvo Mix. It’s the perfect choice for a first MP3 player, as a gift, and as an affordable music player to take with you anywhere and anytime. The multi-tasking Creative Muvo Mix is both a lightweight, easily pocketable digital audio player as well as a USB flash drive, which allows you to store and transport your most important files.

While it doesn’t offer all the bells and whistles of other digital audio players, the Muvo Mix offers an easy way to enjoy your favorite music while working out, commuting, or just hanging out. You can navigate your songs and data files easily with the Muvo Mix’s simple, easy-to-use controls, and it provides up to 15 hours of continuous usage. It’s a great value (steal) for only about $15, so you can pick up a few Creative Muvo Mix MP3 players for yourself and for the kids as stocking stuffers.

Whichever music player you go with, you’ll be getting the most bang for your buck with one of these quality, cheap MP3 players. Please visit our best MP3 players reviews website for more information on these featured players, along with special holiday deals and coupons while they last.

Elmer

Alden Jerry asked:




It can be availed for many purposes like: MP3 with recorder, car MP3 players and portable MP3′s etc. These players come in all your famous brands like: Sony, Samsung, Archos and eBay. So, visit these places and buy a right MP3 player for yourself. It can also become a perfect gift for your family or friends. This device comes in so many styles and varieties to provide you full entertainment options. MP3 players have many advantages like: light weight, the memory capacity, which can store a lot of songs.

Expandable memory can also allow the users download songs through the Internet. You can enjoy your favourite music at your fingertips. Basically, they are available in four types: Hard drive based players, Micro Hard Drive Players, Flash Based Players and MP3 CD Players.

Hard Drive Based MP3 players generally have large screen with some easy to use features. These type of MP3s contain their own hard drive. These highest capacity devices are the first main type in MP3 player. It has 20GB of memory, where you can listen every song of your choice. These models are available in less or high price range in the market. Another type is Micro Hard Drive Players, they are low in price but high in quality. This portable device is quite similar to hard drive MP3 player. This good model offers lots of features in your price range.

Flash Based Mp3 Players are easy to access and small in size. This player is based on high advanced technology with high memory storage. This flash based MP3 player has no moving type and can be perfectly carried while jogging, cycling, hiking, driving or anywhere. This player is rich in features and its music allows many options to play. MP3 CD Players are consider as the analog form of technology and rarely used these days; but old is gold. They are still in trend and in use to play some romantic songs for their loved ones. You can put some selected songs from the list on a 650 MB disk. It can play around 10 songs in one round.

If you want the MP3 player in your budget, then Sandisk Sansa Shaker is one of the cheapest MP3 player available in the market. It has 512MB storage memory, which is available in vibrant pink or blue colours in the market. Its vibrant and charming colours mostly attract kids and teens. This shaking device makes you dance. You just need to put the ear buds and enjoy the rocking music. It also has one of the most exciting feature which helps to jump to the song by shaking the player. With the help of built-in speakers, you can enjoy the loud music with or without your friends.

Creative Muvo Mix is also the another type of cheap mp3 player. It can also become the perfect gift at affordable price. It is filled with 256 MB storage memory. This multi tasking device is light in weight and completely portable to carry anywhere. This pocket-able digital audio player also has USB flash drive, which allows you to store or share your data. This creative device is a perfect music player for yourself as well as for the kids. Now the the decision is totally yours. Which one you want to buy and for whom? There are numerous types and categories available in the market, which makes your search easier.

Brad

Debra Brian asked:




There are over a thousand varieties of MP3 players in the market, as this is one device that almost everyone wants and thus every company has tried to fulfil this huge demand. The different MP3 players are all different in shape and size, and the functions they perform, making it difficult to choose one, especially if you are a novice where technology is concerned.

Here are the top MP3 players on the market to make it easier for you to choose from all the variety. The first four are the best ones to have for their small sizes, and the last four are the best where storage and performance is concerned.

Size:

1. Apple IPod Nano: Apple’s IPods are undeniably the market leaders where MP3 players are concerned. The Nano is one of their newer additions to the IPod family, with an extremely thin body, and 2 GB and 4 GB storage. Like a hard-drive player, it prevents songs skipping but its size provides all the comforts of a flash player. It has a colour display and the famous click wheel for navigation.

2. Creative Labs Zen Nano Plus: The Zen Nano has Line-In encoding, for when you want to record directly from your CD player, as well as the ability to connect to your laptop directly with ease. It comes in 512 MB and 1 GB models, available in 10 colours.

3. Cowon iAudio U2: This MP3 player provides great quality sound, with its BBE sound system. It comes in three colours (red, black, blue) and the display even shows song lyrics. It comes with a built-in batter, which can be charged via USB or AC adapter.

4. Apple IPod Shuffle: The Shuffle weighs less than an ounce, and is the smaller IPod on the market. It’s a great option if you’re on a budget or love exercising while listening to music. There is no screen, and it plays songs on random, so it’s great if you aren’t one for making play lists and like being surprised. It connects to your computer via USB and randomly downloads a number of songs onto its memory, and so you’ll never know what songs are on it till you listen.

Storage:

1. Apple IPod: Known as the Video IPod, this IPod comes in 30 GB and 60 GB sizes, in black or white. The display and the size make it possible for you to watch movies or TV shows on it as well as store your entire music collection.

2. Epson P-2000: This MP3 player will replace your CDs and your photo albums completely It has a 3.8 inch display, and a 40 GB hard drive which can download pictures directly from your camera.

3. Toshiba Gigabeat: This device transfers music really fast from your computer and can store 10, 20, 40 or 60 GB, depending on the model. It comes with a subscription service, and allows you to copy music from a CD with a touch of a button.

4. Iriver H10: This is an extremely durable MP3 player which comes with its own protective sleeve. It comes in 5, 6 or 20 GB varieties and a replaceable rechargeable battery.

Katie

Sarah Nabila asked:




When you are looking to purchase an inexpensive MP3 player there is a lot of factors that you should consider in order to ensure than you get a good MP3 player but not one that is a waste of money. If you are not to clued up on the various different MP3 players you may find it very helpful to spend time having a look at some of the many free resources that are available.

The free resources include several audio book and a lot of player reviews. If you have not done any research yet then this is where you have to start in order to make sure that you get an inexpensive MP3 player. When you are having a read though the various free resources and doing some research it is very important to bear some useful questions in mind.

One of the important things to bear in mind when you are looking for an MP3 player is that it is possible to get a cheap MP3 player but in order to do this you will have to spend some time doing research. It is worthwhile taking some time to look around some of the many sites that are on the internet. A lot of these sites have information about inexpensive MP3 players.

If you are looking for a good deal on a player it is a good idea to look for something with a memory size of about 128MB and this actually translates to between thirty and thirty-five songs, which actually equates in time to about two and a half hours of music. It is possible purchase one of these players direct from China for about twenty American dollars. Most of these players come complete with a guarantee that lasts for about twelve months. When you are purchasing a cheap player via the internet it is very important to make sure that you are dealing with a reputable company.

Gail

John M Axelberg asked:




Are you a real music lover? Do you wish to own the best MP3 player out in the market? Then, you should be patient enough to conduct a good research about the same. There are plenty of MP3 players introduced by different companies and finding the best would be a little difficult task. MP3 players are being used like a cell phone these days and newer models are arriving very soon.
Certain factors are to be taken into account before you choose the one you need. The budget is the first thing as you should be checking out those MP3 players under your determined cost set up. Battery life is something which has to be given the primary consideration. It depends on the usage by you. If you are to use it for short term purpose, battery life will not be affecting you in anyways. On the other hand, if your usage is for undefined hours then you have check out this factor and consider it seriously. Always go for those devices having a longer battery life.

The size is the next parameter which has to be looked upon. There are some devices having small screen and the others with large screens and the weight might also be differing. Always go for those light weight models which come very handy and portable.

Apart from the music player function, most of the MP3 players also act as a storage device, a radio and also provide visual experience. You can choose it depending on your own requirements as there are plenty other functions as well like alarm, album, calendar and lot more.

The final step would be to check out the add-ons which can be availed for the device. You can check out for more information on the internet as there are plenty available.

Alex

Paul John Collins asked:




When it comes to shopping for the best MP3 player, two brands of MP3 players easily come to mind: the ever-popular Apple iPods and the cool line of Creative Labs MP3 players.

But which of the two can be deemed as the best brand of MP3 players in the market today? It really depends on what you are looking for in your gadget. Here is a simple guide to help you out.

Stylish forms – Sleek
Hands down, this is definitely one round where the Apple iPod wins without contest. Sleek and stylish, this has actually been its best selling point compared to other MP3 players in the market today.

Functionality
While the Apple iPods boast of huge memory capacities, sleek designs, great audio clarity and crisp visuals, it still has not been able to meet the other cool functions that most Creative Lab MP3 players are known of. Voice recording, FM radio and drag and drop saving options are the special add-ons that make Creative Lab MP3 players definitely stand out.

Accessories
While Creative Lab has been able to produce a wide variety of cool accessories for its MP3 players, Apple, as well as other companies have produced an even bigger amount of accessories that are tailor-fit for Apple iPods. From ice boxes with speakers to alarm clocks turned speakers, every Apple iPod fan will be delighted with what’s in store nowadays. In fact, Creative Lab has even come out with a whole line of Creative Lab iPod speakers.

Keith