Most people know what MP3 players are but just in case you don't, MP3 players are electronic devices for playing digital audio files in the MP3 format (and, in many cases, also files in some other formats) that allow people to enjoy their favorite music. Traditional formats such as records, 8-track tapes, cassette tapes and CDs didn't provide the convenience that MP3 players deliver. You can create a personalized music list and have thousands of songs to carry around with you in your hand or in your pocket. The portable MP3 music players allow you to listen to your favorite music while you are on the go, whether you are working out in a gym or commuting on public transit or in your car. There is a wide variety of different styles and features to choose from when buying an MP3 player which can make it difficult to decide which one is best for you. The best starting point is to think about what features you want in an MP3 player and how you plan on using it. The purpose of this article is to help you understand the options available to enable you to select the MP3 player that's best suited to your wants and needs.
THREE BASIC TYPES OF MP3 PLAYERS:
1. FLASH (EMBEDDED) MEMORY PLAYERS: These are the smallest and lightest of the MP3 players and contain no moving parts, making them ideal for bringing on trips, using while exercising or performing other strenuous physical activities. These players can range from about the size of a pack of gum to slightly smaller than a deck of cards. Typically, the best flash memory players weigh about 2 ounces. They have a smaller storage capacity than hard drive players. One minute of MP3 music takes up about 1 megabyte (MB) of memory. The storage capacity of the latest flash memory players can hold up to 8 GB of music. This translates into about 2,000 MP3 songs. If you don't need or want to have your entire music collection available to you at all times, and are satisfied with just having your favorites available to you, then this type of MP3 player is a good choice. Some models also offer video and photo capability and their batteries can last up to 28 hours. The advantages of flash memory players lacking moving parts, are that they are relatively energy-efficient and more durable. Depending upon their features, they can support a battery life ranging from 20 to 50 hours.
2. HARD DRIVE and MINI-HARD DRIVE PLAYERS: These are larger and heavier than Flash (Embedded) Memory Players. Hard Drive and Mini-Hard Drive Players range in weight from about 0.3 ounces to just over 6 ounces. These players contain moving parts, which can be a disadvantage because a jolt may cause the player to skip. Excessive, repeated jostling can shorten the operational life of the player. To compensate for this, you might want to purchase a player that has anti-shock buffers or anti-skip protection. These players offer considerably more storage space than flash memory players, holding from 8 GB to 80 GB of music. This translates into about 20,000 MP3 songs. If you are looking for a player that can hold your entire music collection, this is the type of MP3 that is best for you. These are also the best players for holding photographs, data and video and for allowing podcast recording. However, you should keep in mind that these features along with the hard drive consume more power. For music playback alone, some batteries will last anywhere from 8 hours to 20 hours and for video playback, up to 6 hours. Playing video will drain the battery much faster. You could also consider Mini-Hard Drive Players which are not only smaller in size and storage capacity than the traditional hard drive players, but are also lighter. However, like the hard drive players, they also contain moving parts making them more susceptible to damage and they also contain less memory than the traditional hard drive players, usually up to 8 GB.
3. MP3 CD PLAYERS: These are a type of CD players available that play both MP3 files and other digital files, that is, they can read both CDs and CDs of MP3 files. It is necessary to have a CD burner if you plan on buying an MP3 CD player. The MP3 files have to be burned to CD-R/RW discs from your CD player in order to be used in the MP3 CD player. If you have alot of burned CDs and don't own an MP3 player, then these players are a good option for you. When compared to flash memory players and hard-drive players, MP3 CD players are cheaper and are much larger in size, but due to their moving parts, they skip when jostled.
Below is a checklist to help guide you before buying an MP3 player. It includes some points that have already been mentioned, along with other factors you should consider.
1. How it will fit in with your lifestyle. If you want to use it while exercising, you will definitely need a flash memory player that can withstand sudden shocks and won't skip. If you are much more into music you probably will want to have more songs available to you therefore, you will want a higher-capacity hard drive model.
2. Consider the storage capacity. Whichever type of MP3 player you decide on, get the one that has the most storage capacity that you can afford. You may think that you may not need that much storage, but in the long run you will be happier with your purchase.
3. Make sure you are comfortable with the user interface. You will want a display that you can read easily with all of the features that you want. Apple has a great interface. It has been praised for its simplicity while remaining extremely effective.
4. Pay attention to the player's advertised Battery Life. Some flash memory portable players, use replaceable alkaline batteries, but hard drive players have a built-in rechargeable battery. These rechargeable batteries can last for about 10 to 28 hours on a single charge, however, manufacturer's claims aren't always exact. Many of the players also have AC adapters so they can be plugged into a normal electrical outlet, and some even have DC adapters for use in a car.
5. Make sure that the player you choose is compatible with a variety of file formats. All players should support the MP3 format, however, this is not the only file format in widespread use. Microsoft's Windows Media Audio (WMA) format was developed for Windows-based PCs and players. Advanced Audio Coding (AAC) format is used by Apple in their computers, Apple iPods, and in their popluar iTunes Store. There's also a free, open and un-patented music format known as Ogg Vorbis. This file format works with a select group of players and systems. Keep in mind that not every player is compatible with all of these file formats.
6. You might want to consider a player with a built-in FM tuner. This feature is common in both flash memory players and hard drive players, but not all players have this option. This feature comes in handy when you would rather listen to the radio then to your programmed music.
In summary there are a variety of choices you can make with regards to MP3 players and there are always new innovations being made. Having a clearer understanding of the types of MP3 players available and the features that they offer, will enable you to purchase the MP3 player that is best for you.
Jerome Girolamo is the founder of http://www.freeaudiovisualsolutions.com By providing your email address at this website you will have access to a unique service. You will receive a FREE copy of "Audio Visual Review: Consumer FAQ" and also a Professional Audio Visual Buyer's Guide in a non-technical format. The purpose of this is to help you make intelligent decisions so that you don't waste your money on something that you don't want and don't need.
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