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

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

Anne Ahira asked:




Creative Vision Mp3 Players come in a wide variety of colors, sizes, and formats. While the market has been dominated by Apple and the iPod other manufacturers are coming up and creating competitive products. Creative Zen is one such company.

Creative Zen is an Asian company based out of Singapore and has several products to their name, including mp3, personal media, and digital photo applications. They are shining brightly in the mp3 market however with their line of Creative Vision Mp3 players.

One of the favorite players from Creative Vision Mp3 players is the 30 GB media player with video capabilities. It boasts a compatibility with Amazon’s Unbox, a media download center, and they are the first to do so.

Features:

• 30 GB hard drive

• 2.5 LCD screen

• Video Formats Supported- AVI, DVX-4, 5-3, MEG-1 -2 -SP, WMV-9 and WAV-9

• FM radio tuner and recorder

• Voice recorder

Good

Creative replaced the click wheel familiar to iPod users with a vertical touch pad plus four navigational buttons instead. The Creative Vision Mp3 player comes out of the box with a synch adapter making it easy to plug into your computers USB port. Windows XP recognizes it easily and you will be ripping music to your mp3 player in no time.

Screen size is a bit larger than the majority though it is still small at 2.5 inches, this however does not affect video resolution. You will have no problem watching your favorite movie or video during long commutes.

Bad

There are a few nitpicky things that people found irritating. The first is the sensitivity of the vertical touch pad. You may find that it is a little over sensitive while the navigation buttons require firm pressure.

Customer Comments

The Creative Vision Mp3 player has over 1,000 customer reviews, and out of all those reviews over 800 have given this player four out of five rating with the majority ranking if a perfect five. Comments include:

“Beautiful bright screen even at the factory setting of 50% brightness.”

“Great sound!”

Overall, nearly everyone was happy with the Creative Vision Mp3 player. Few commented on the issues above. In fact, it seems the most frustrating thing reported is the charging mechanism.

Bottom Line

Creative Vision Mp3 player 30 GB is a hands down winner among people. Don’t look at it as if you are buying a generic iPod, instead compare the functionality and appearance of both models then choose based on that. Past performance has the Creative Zen Mp3 player sneaking up on the profits of the Apple franchise. Dare to venture out and explore all the possibilities you can find mp3 players and more Amazon.

Arthur

YA DIG!? asked:


I mean like other mp3 players (zune, creative zen ,ece) are soo much cheaper but why do people still choose ipods over them? I have an ipod touch, its great and stuff AND I LUVV IT!! but i just wanna know the answer to this question thanks!

Lauren

Anne Ahira asked:




While electronics used to be the domain and passion of male consumers, that’s not the case any longer. Female consumers, especially the younger ones, are just as excited as music and electronics as any young man. That’s why pink MP3 players are such a popular choice for buyers these days. A number of models are available with their own great features. Below is an overview of some of these pink MP3 players.

SanDisk Sansa Fuze

These bright pink MP3 players are good choices, especially if you value the reputation of SanDisk which is most known for making flashing memory. The player has a 4 GB hard drive so you can store a large number of files. However, the player also comes with an FM player that contains 40 pre-set stations so you can easily hear the latest music to find new favorites to add to your collection. The rechargeable batteries can give you up to 24 hours of music enjoyment. Voice recording and video viewing are also options on the player which costs around $90.

Sony Walkman Video MP3 Player

This paler example of pink MP3 players is made by Sony who clearly has a strong reputation in the portable music industry. The player includes a 4 GB hard drive capable of holding more than 900 songs. Along with this capacity, the player also features a back lit screen that makes navigating through your library easier. Plus, the battery life of the unit is impressive. Up to 45 hours of music listening can be enjoyed without the need for recharging. Of course, the battery life is greatly reduced when viewing videos but that’s common with all of the pink MP3 players. The price is around $70.

Creative Zen Mozaic

While these pink MP3 players also come in silver and black, the pink version is the most eye-catching. Unfortunately, the device has a smaller capacity than some of the others. Only a 2 GB hard drive is inserted in the player so only 500 MP3 files can be found. Double that number of WMA files can be stored on the device. More than 32 hours of music listening can be done on a single battery charge. The gadget includes an organizer and FM tuner. Video viewing is also possible on the gadget but any videos will need to be reformatting using software that accompanies the player. The price is around $60.

Apple iPod Nano

One of the most popular pink MP3 players is the Apple iPod Nano which is currently in its fourth generation. The newest versions have brighter screens and slightly better battery life than their predecessors. For around $150, you can purchase the 8 GB model which can hold an amazing 2,000 songs or 7,000 photos or even 8 hours of videos. Battery life is still not quite as impressive as with other pink MP3 players at only 24 hours for music or four hours for video. Overall, it’s still one of the best mp3 players on the market.

Leroy

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

BMJ2008 asked:

What’s the deal with MP3 Players these days, anyway? Why don’t they work? Or do they work? I was saying CH100 in the video but its actually CH600. My Views: * CamNex CH600 20gb * RCA HC106a 6gb * Creative Zen 4gb

Marie

findyourzen asked:

On Creative ZEN MP3 and Multimedia Players. Lettori MP3: fr.europe.creative.com – Jean Marc Dupuis, Vice-President of Creative Labs and Riccardo de Rinaldini, Marcomm Manager Creative Labs Europe (an interview recorded at IFA 2007).

Darlene

Roberto Sedycias asked:




The invention of the MP3 player, with MP4 player and iPod following it, has revolutionized the music industry. These lightweight, reasonably priced, portable music gadgets are almost everywhere you look. Earlier they used to be the obsession of the geeks, nerds and the electronic enthusiasts but today these players are a must have consumer electronic item for almost everyone whether it is the stay at house mom, working business executive, fitness freak joggers, teenagers or even the bored granddad.

MP3 player has personalized music like never before. The MP3 craze has reached its peak with people wanting more and more features in their players. What they want is to download their complete collection of music in their player. You can download and store more than thousands of songs inexpensively into your device and listen to it whenever you want; whether at office or at home or tolerating a boring lecture or even struggling past a heavy traffic jam. A music player seems to be in every hand nowadays. These are wireless, portable, wonders of music and entertainment that can store, systematize and play music on demand.

The three main types of digital audio players are MP3 CD Players that can play both data CDs and audio CDs with MP3 format files, Flash-based Players that are solid state devices with internal media or memory cards type external media and Digital Jukeboxes like the apple iPod and Creative Zen which can read digital audio files from a hard drive. These types of players are the most advanced in technology and have high memory ranging from 1.5 GigaByte to 100 GigaByte.

There is a myth regarding MP3 and MP4 player as Mp4 being a successor of Mp3 player, but these two are different things. Fundamentally, Mp3 is a specific category of audio format while Mp4 is actually a container format. But an Mp4 player can also play Mp3 files besides MP4 format files with complete clarity just like the original player.

The iPod was introduced by Apple Inc. and was launched in October 2001. The varieties of iPod available today include video fifth generation iPod, the small iPod nano and the display free iPod shuffle. You can use Apple`s iTunes software to transfer music of your choice to the devices. An iPod supports and plays MP3, AAC, AIFF, Protected AAC, WAV and some other audio file formats. The Apple iPod also has some additional features like displaying text files, viewing contacts and synchronizing it with the host computer, gaming facilities like the Brick, solitaire, Parachute and Music Quiz. A lot of accessories have been made for the iPod such as sound recorders, wired remote control, FM radio tuners, and cables for enabling TV connections.

iPods have often been criticized due to their short life-span, delicate hard drives.There are also some health risks associated with frequent use of these players which can lead to loss in audio capacity and can also lead to absent mindedness.

All of these music players are portable and use either a semi-permanent rechargeable battery or conventional batteries that can be disposed or recharged. Some MP3 / MP4 players also have additional features like playing FM stations, games, microphone for voice recording, address storage book and etc.

The MP3 player have created a huge mass hysteria amongst some age groups leading to many companies joining the bandwagon to design and market different types of MP3, MP4 players and iPods. It has also given rise to an entirely new industry of downloading sites. This heavy competition has forced companies to find new and innovative use of these players like incorporating features like camera, mobile and etc.

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Bill