Roberto Sedycias asked:




Mp3 player is a small sized, portable, digital audio player, which is used to play audio files. It also stores and organizes files stored in it. It can be attached to earphones for flawless listening of music for an individual and can also be attached to external speakers for group listening.

Types of mp3 players:

Various types of players are available in the market. The main types are: memory flash, hard drive based players and mp3 CD players.

The flash based players come with an inbuilt flash memory chip. They are very small, portable and are not disturbed by movements. Their memory ranges from 32MB to 2GB and the cost of the player depends upon their storage capacity. The Creative Muvo, the iRiver iFP and the Apple iPod shuffle are few very popular brands of under Flash based category.

Hard drive based mp3 players are most useful for storing tons of music as they come with a 1.8 inch hard disk drive to store music. The disks have a very high capacity of about 10 GB and more. Since the hard disk drive has moving parts, this type of player is not advisable for use during physical activities or sports as there is a chance of the moving parts getting damaged. Apple iPod is one of the most fast selling players under this category.

Mp3 players with micro hard drives are the latest trend amongst all. They come with a much smaller hard disk drive with ample storage capacity of about 4 to 5 GB. The micro hard disk drive enable them to have a more compact and handy design. Few fast selling models under this category are the Creative Zen Micro, Apple Ipod mini and the Rio Carbon.

Mp3 CD Player looks like a regular CD player. Up to 150 mp3 songs can be stored in one disk and played on the CD-MP3 player. They usually come in a large size, which is not so handy and portable.

Features of mp3 player – considerations before buying:

Storage capacity: If only few or limited songs are required to be stored then a flash based mp3 player will be sufficient, but if a whole library of songs is needed then a hard disk based mp3 player should be selected. Some players also come with expansion slots for enhanced storage capacity.

Weight and size: For sporting activities and traveling a small compact player should be preferred and for this purpose a flash based player or a micro hard drive player will be best suited.

Connectivity: Computer connectivity is a very important factor to be considered while buying an mp3 player. Compatibility to high-speed USB transfers is an added advantage while considering options before any purchase.

Life of the battery: It is an important feature while traveling with an mp3 players to places where there is no easy access to recharge the batteries. There are some flash players, which offers AAA battery support that is suitable while traveling as batteries can be replaced when they run out. Hard disk players generally support lithium batteries that are rechargeable with electric power.

Specifications regarding files supported: It is advisable to check the specs regarding support to variety of music files such as WMA and OGG Vorbis.

Built in FM tuner and recorder are other options available with the mp3 players. While all the considerations are important, the price and usage consideration has to be taken care of in all the options.

Cory

Mike Selvon asked:




Since mp3 players have become a popular product, many mp3 players accessories are now devoted to these cool devices so everyone who wants can personalize their portable ones.

No longer does a person have to be content with just searching for headphones to accessorize their music player. These latest technological gadget accessories have become big business in the retail market. So many different items are available that a person may feel overwhelmed if they are not careful.

One popular type of their accessories that is a must have for music lovers is a docking system. A docking system includes speakers, and this will allow such a gadget to transform into a full blown stereo system that can be used by anyone.

This unique device allows a person to have just one type of system for all their various music activities. They are even portable and most include a battery charger.

These can give the feel of a large boom box, but when one wants to retreat to their own private musical world, they can just remove their player and take off.

The Apple ipod ones are one of the most sought after types of these types of players to be found on the market today. When one is purchasing equipment to accessorize these neat little machines, then they must be sure that it is compatible.

Not all mp3 players accessories will work with the ipod. Apple has done a great marketing service by making a line of accessories just for their brand of players. The arm band shuffle is just one of those accessories.

With this piece of equipment, a person can exercise while not having to worry about dropping their valuable player. The band resembles a sweat band and can be worn without worry while jogging, mowing, or even cleaning the house. Now a person can listen to music in peace without disturbing anyone else around them.

Mp3 players accessories are meant to enhance one’s musical experience. No matter what kind of this latest gadget a person has, an accessory is out in the retail market.

A person can have cool ear buds, matching leather case, or even a docking system that makes musical entertainment that much more enjoyable.

Depending on what a person is willing to spend, the perfect accessory can make all the difference in the world when it comes to listening to a mp3 player and using mp3 players accessories.

Eric

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

Robert A Hull asked:




It is just amazing how technology have evolved and helped the music much more accessible to people. The invention of MP3 players leads us to a new kind of music addiction that we can’t just survive a day without hearing our favorite songs or favorite artists. As MP3 players improve its features each year, big changes often results into complicated configuration, thus, more and more players have failed to become user-friendly which is the biggest slip-up of how portable music player should be.

One of the most popular brands of MP3 that emphasized usability over extra features is the Apple iPod Shuffle. This player only has the basic control buttons needed for a standard music player, it’s also very small that you might lose it between your sofa cushion or get swallowed by your dog. SanDisk Sansa Shaker or Sansa is a bit bigger than the Apple’s.

If you want to have a more classy, sophisticated and durable MP3, you can opt to the Toshiba Gigabeat U. This player has an exceptional audio quality and a unique line-input recording that can record CDs in no time.

Another player famous for its audio quality is the Sony NWZ-B105F. This gadget also includes a built-in USB stick for convenient song transfer and download.

Then there’s the Creative Zen. Its large screen defies the norm of “tiny MP3s are stripped of fun features.” This gadget is feature packed and also has an exceptional audio for fun long use.

MP3 player manufacturers in the past couple of years are just competing for better usability and richer features. Some players can now even play music video on its wide screen, store pictures and pick-up FM radios which only makes it more complicated and hard to get-used to, especially for people on the go who just wants to wear the earphone and listen to the music immediately. Simple players are still the best buy. It comes in simpler controls which makes it look much simple but durable.

Jeff

Anne Ahira asked:




With so many amazing MP3 players on the market, you’re probably having a hard time deciding which one to buy. Sure, iPod is the market leader but that doesn’t mean those are going to be the only choices worth considering.

You’re going to find that flash MP3 players are going to be your best choice because they are more durable in the long run. That’s because those flash drives don’t have any working parts to shatter when it accidentally falls out of your pocket into the sidewalk. Keeping that in mind, here are some of the best flash MP3 players you might want to check out.

Apple iPod Touch

Some people forget that the Touch models are actually flash MP3 players. That’s probably because so many of them are used for other things, such as accessing the Internet or running fun applications.

However, they do have a decent amount of memory and can store a sizable amount of MP3 files. The touch screen makes navigating through your music a snap. Plus, it’s an iPod and that name is synonymous with popular flash MP3 players. You can find three different sizes available with largest being 32 GB and costing around $400.

Creative Zen

Creative Labs ventured into the world of flash MP3 players with the Zen. It’s a fun and small player that gets overlooked by too many audiophiles. The most amazing thing is that the entire player is about the length and width of a credit card but can still hold a 2.5 inch full color screen.

The player comes with 8GB of memory which can hold a decent library of your favorite songs, but you can also use the device to record audio, play videos, and listen to FM radio stations. An even better feature is that the memory is expandable thanks to the addition of an SD card slot. At around $100, this is one of the most affordable flash MP3 players on the market given its size and features.

iRiver E100

Among the flash MP3 players, 8GB seems to have become a standard size for memory because that’s also what is included in this model. The iRiver provides some of the same excellent features as the Creative Zen model, including the ability to record audio with a built-in microphone and view an assortment of different types of media on the 2.4 inch full color screen.

Plus, the model comes in a number of colors including the standard black, pink, sky blue, white, and brown. Although it’s not exactly a rainbow, it’s more options than you’ll find with the iPod Touch and many other flash MP3 players on the market.

While the iRiver does have an expandable memory through an SD slot, too, that memory doesn’t get integrated into the main memory which some users consider a bit of a drawback. Overall, however, the model gets high marks and provides a good alternative for someone looking for affordable flash MP3 players. Generally, the price is around $80.

George

Chris M. Holland asked:




This Christmas season, mp3 players are going to be high on the lists of music loving kids all over the world, and parents need to be informed before they rush out to buy one. So, here is a list of some great kids mp3 players. 

The Apple iPod shuffle is an inexpensive, but kid-friendly mp3 player that comes in at a much lower price than you might expect for an iPod. You can pick up an iPod Shuffle for as little as £37 depending on where you purchase it. The iPod shuffle comes in five different colors (green, blue, pink, orange, and grey), has a built in belt/clothing clip, and is available with 2GB of storage, which equals about 500 songs. Apple also has a few more iPod products, ranging from the 8GB Nano for around £130 to the 160GB iPod Classic for about £175 and of course the latest iPod Touch, which will set you back about £215 for the 32GB model and £290 for the 64GB model.

If an iPod isn’t exactly what you’re looking for, don’t worry because there are plenty of other options available. The Lego 2GB model is an excellent kids mp3 player. This durable, portable music player is easy for even the youngest child to use, as it features easy-to-press control buttons, and a handle to ensure easy carrying. You can pick up the Lego mp3 player for about £35-40.

Many other personal music players on the market can be found for under £20. It just goes to show that the coolest electronic gadgets for kids do not have to break the bank!

No matter which kids mp3 player you choose to go with, if you follow this guide, you’ll be in good hands. Remember that the best electronic gadgets for kids are ones that are durable, fun and easy to use, and come at a great price for the gift-givers.

Jennifer

Karl Bantleman asked:




MP3 players are portable media players to listen to your favourite music, store video files and images. Without question the most famous one is the Apple iPod but other brands are catching up quickly with the technology and features.

The development started with portable cassette players followed by CD players and finally Mini Disc players. However, the devices were not able to store music in digital files and relied on external storage drives. As they were much bigger than today’s MP3 players and had a limited functionality their use wasn’t as handy and the audio quality often suffered from movements. Consequently, portable audio devices were not best for outside activities, running and exercising in those days.

This all changed in 2001 when Apple released the first iPod with 5GB storage for more than 1000 songs in the new mp3 format. Supported by iTunes and thanks to the small size and huge storage capacity, the iPod is still the most popular MP3 player on the market. According to recent surveys it is not only the best selling MP3 player but also has almost no substitute product.

Today, the Apple product range comprises the iPod classic, iPod nano, iPod shuffle and the latest iPod touch as well as the iPhone. These small portable MP3 players can play audio files like mp3 and others but also display images and play videos. Recent models also support the new MPEG-4 format.

In a nutshell, the Apple iPod provides an all-around solution for portable audio. The Apple software iTunes can be regarded as the most popular programme for organising and storing music and other audio and video files. Whereas it was previously only available for Apple computers like the Mac, it can now be downloaded by everyone. It offers the user the benefit of automatically updating the iPod as soon as it is connected to the computer. This makes it easier to organise the music library and saves a lot of time, too.

Even though other manufacturers like Sony and Samsung try to gain some market share, the iPod is still the outstanding market leader due to Apple’s innovation focus this is unlikely to change in the near future.

Johnny

Paul John Collins asked:




Have you been living under a rock these past couple of years? Or are you too stingy when it comes to some things, take gadgets, for example? If you are interested in getting yourself a new MP3 player yet have the misconception that MP3 players are still very expensive, then here is a comprehensive guide that you can use to help you get a better idea about he best MP3 players out in the market today.

Apple iPods: definitely the most popular type of MP3 players around, the line of Apple iPods that are now available in the market have definitely become more sophisticated, and even more affordable compared to previous models. Take for example the Apple iPod Nano which used to be very popular because of its sleekness, just a couple of years after its successful launch, the Apple iPod Nano has already went through some upgrades and is now the very cute and compact, Apple iPod Nano video, which is available with either 4gig or 8gig of memory. It is also comparatively cheaper than the first generation of Apple iPod Nano, which makes it a great buy for anyone who wants to get their hands on a cool MP3 player.

Creative Lab MP3 players: for those who want more bang for their buck, then Creative Lab’s cool lineup of MP3 players is definitely something worth checking out. While these may not be as slick and stylish like the usual Apple iPods, Creative Lab is able to make up for it through functionality.

Florence

I Liu asked:




You can get a great deal on cheap MP3 players for the holidays. You don’t have to spend a fortune for a quality portable music player. This article features some great values on some popular and cheap MP3 players for under $80.

The Apple iPod is really hot this Christmas. While many are vying for the high-end iPod touch model, you may not be ready to spend over $400 on a music player. Luckily, Apple and other brands offer some great alternatives for a quality, more affordable MP3 player.

For about $75, you can buy an Apple 1 GB iPod shuffle (3rd Generation) in a variety of cool colors like purple, silver, or blue. Its lightweight and small design makes it a great choice for people on the go, such as runners and joggers.

Creative Zen MP3 players offer great value in a sleek, pretty package. With a tiny, eye-catching design, smooth contours, and a discreet size, this trendy little player fits perfectly in your palm and into your smallest pocket. With 2 GB of storage space, the Creative Zen V Plus 2 GB Portable Media Player holds up to 1,000 songs, and is a practical value for just $60.

Sansa has several options for budget music players in the affordable $20 to $60 range. The Sandisk Sansa Shaker 512MB is a small MP3 player that’s available for about $30 in pink or blue. For around $24, you can pick up a new or used SanDisk Sansa M240 1 GB Player. It’s a cute little silver music player that has received good reviews as well.

Peter

John Gibb asked:




Portable mp3 player has changed the way people use and listen to music. Due to new technological innovations both in software and hardware, this has kept this field fresh and exciting and may be a bit confusing for any first time purchaser. The hardware for the MP3 players and the software needed to run these have been developed on a day to day basis adding a variety of features in these MP3 players to satisfy the needs of each and every type of users of these new era Gadgets.

It might seem difficult to choose the right mp3 player for you as there are many portable mp3 players available in the market today. Try to gather some information about the mp3 players available and their price range. Compare their features and decide which one shall suit you the best.

If you are a music lover you would always wish to have an in built FM tuner. If you love to play games then you would ask for something else. The major criteria for mp3 player comparison would include its music store download system, its capacity in gigabytes, music storage in hours, music formats supported, video formats supported, image formats supported, built-in FM tuner, built in microphone, accessories included, other third party accessories available, navigation, dimensions, weight and price.

The major factor that differentiates between players is that whether they form a part of a closed download music store system or an open download music store system. Closed systems have all elements such as online music store, PC music store, portable software and portable player that are fully integrated to work together.

The Apple ipod that operates iTunes is an example of closed system company. Open system provides you a selection of music stores and portable players from different companies as they share the same music file format you can easily mix and match players and services.

The largest open system is Microsoft’s windows media audio. The terms “closed system” and “open system” describe the online music store to software to portable player relationship and the copy protection their respective formats use. You can download and play mp3 files from other kinds of internet websites such as band websites and pod casters.

You can import music from your personal CD’s to your computer and then transfer the songs to your portable player in your preferred format of mp3. Now using of Music is ever easy due to the emergence of various user friendly technologies and new Gadgets that add more spicy music in our Lives.

Juanita