MP3 player, also well known as digital audio player has become a staple of our gadget life. There are many brands of MP3 players on the market today. So, which MP3 player are the most suitable for you? That’s where this MP3 player guide comes in.
Basically, there are 3 types of MP3 player based on capacity: -
Hard drive MP3 player highest capacity largest in size heavy often labeled as an “Jukebox MP3 player” has moving parts example: Apple iPod video, Sony Network Walkman NW-HD5
2. Micro hard drive MP3 player
use smaller hard drives lighter than hard drive MP3 player lower capacity than hard drive MP3 player but higher capacity than flash memory MP3 player example: Apple iPod mini, Creative Labs Zen Micro
3. Flash memory MP3 player
smallest in size lowest capacity very light has no moving parts often labeled as an “portable MP3 player” example: mobiBLU Dah 1500i, Apple iPod nano
What should you concern when you want to buy a MP3 player?
Use / Purpose a) MP3 player good for travel Hard drive MP3 player is good for people traveling or away from computer for an extended period of time, where they can’t transfer music files from their computers. Micro hard drive MP3 player is another option for travel since it is slightly smaller and lighter than hard drive MP3 player. Flash memory MP3 player is also popular for travel if you do not mind to listen to the same music.
b) MP3 player good for sport / jogging / gym Flash memory MP3 player is good for people exercising and jogging since it is very light. No moving parts for Flash memory MP3 player make it ideal for sport.
c) MP3 player good for home use Hard drive MP3 player is good for listening song in living room. It is suited to be connected to external speakers.
Connectivity There are two main options to transfer files from your computer: USB or FireWire. USB supported by both PCs and Macs whereas FireWire is supported only on Macs. For PC users, they need to ensure that the MP3 player support USB 2.0 which is faster than USB 1.1. Most of the MP3 players on market today are support USB 2.0.
Display screen Majority of MP3 players have LCD screen. Some MP3 players have color screen instead of dull black and white screen. The main things to consider are all the information such as battery level, song name & elapsed time are easy to read.
Compatibility PC or Mac compatibility. Mac users should ensure the MP3 player can support Mac since some MP3 players can only support PC.
Battery MP3 players come with either rechargeable batteries (some can be charged via USB port) or disposable batteries.
Music format Music files can be one of several types of formats, such as MP3, AAC (Advanced Audio Coding), WMA (Windows Media Audio) and Ogg Vorbis. Ogg Vorbis is a completely open, patent-free, professional audio encoding and streaming technology with all the benefits of Open Source.
Functionality Some MP3 players have extra features such as voice recorder, FM radio, FM recorder, image viewer, video player.
Memory capacity Most of the flash MP3 players come with 256MB, 512MB and 1GB. For hard drive MP3 players, they have gigabytes of storage capacity. If you would like to store many songs or CD collections in one, hard drive MP3 player or micro hard drive MP3 player is a better choice for you.
Portable Player
Jukebox Mp3 Player, Mobiblu Dah 1500i, Video Sony
Mp3 players function the same way as DVD or CD players and radios, only that they differ in terms of size and memory. Gadget manufacturers have focused on reducing the size of technological gadgets and mp3 players do not escape this phenomenon. Mp3 players are practically small, no bigger than the size of a palm. When it comes to memory, mp3 players can store hundreds of songs depending on its memory size. Since mp3 players are small and can contain hundreds of songs, listening to music is very convenient compared to the earlier days of DVD or CD players and radios. And not only is listening to and carrying an mp3 player convenient, buying it is convenient as well. Mpr3 players can be bought online.
Buy Mp3 Players Online, Earn Great Benefits
When you buy mp3 players online, you benefit great rewards compared to buying at typical brick and mortar stores. Online stores do not usually incur expenses related to maintaining a typical brick and mortar store. As a result, they offer lower prices so they can attract more customers. Mpr3 players are often sold online at a regular low price or at a discount. You also save on postage and packaging when you buy mp3 players online. Most of the time, postage and packaging costs are shouldered by online stores.
Ever since online shopping started, a whole new meaning to shopping was formulated. Online shopping can be done at the convenience of one’s own time and home. You won’t have to follow store hours since websites are open 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Much is basically the same when you buy mp3 players online. Also, you get to read reviews and technical descriptions when you buy mp3 players online. There are a lot of mp3 players available in different architectural shapes and designs, and colors. These outside appearances can easily waylay you to the most important thing to consider in mp3 players-its memory. Fortunately, websites offer reviews and technical descriptions to guide you when you buy mp3 players online.
Secure Your Online Mp3 Player Purchase
Buying mp3 players online definitely spells convenience and savings. With online shopping, a great music experience is just a click away. However, there are certain things to consider when you buy mp3 players online.
1. Online store’s reputation. While the internet has been a good place for business, a lot of individuals have used it for fraudulent activities. Some websites promise to deliver products and services yet when delivery time comes; no product or service is actually delivered. So the first thing to consider when you buy mp3 players online is the store’s reputation. Do they deliver paid products as promised? You may check the store’s reputation by reading online forums and checking internet scam lists.
2. Return Policies. Since you do not get to check mp3 players for defects when you buy them online, ensure that the online store you buy from have return/replace policies. These policies are usually covered by warranties but when products have warranties, they usually cost more. Manufacturing defects are naturally unavoidable, so paying for a small price for warranty will definitely be worth it.
3. Payment Schemes. Nowadays, the internet is full of hackers who have nothing better to do than execute fraudulent activities on unsuspecting internet users. They steal almost anything: files, identity information and even money, during unsecured internet transactions. So when you buy mp3 players online ensure that payment schemes are secured. If you use a card to pay, your card must have a payout verification feature.
Portable Player
Brick And Mortar, Technical Descriptions, Technological Gadgets
What’s hot for 2009 in mp3 devices? If you go by name recognition alone it would be anything from Apple’s iPod series. Face it Steve Job and team have done a great job equating the iPod with all things mp3. There is more to the mp3 landscape, however.
Did you know there are mp3 players that do not require any connectivity to the Internet to function? Did you know there are combination CD mp3 players? Did you know there are many models that are extremely affordable and easy to use? If not, keep reading we think you’ll find something that’s a perfect fit.
Apple iPod – We’ll bring this up first because we know it’s what you’ll probably think of first. From the iPod Shuffle to the iPod Touch you’ll find an option from $49 to around $400. Price and unit will depend entirely on what you want it to do. The 1 GB unit will allow you to house more than 200 songs, while the larger 32 GB units allow video, movies and certain PDA qualities that make it a function that goes beyond what you might think of an mp3 device.
Sony MP3 – The 21st Century finds Sony selling an entirely new Walkman. At the time of this review a 2 GB Walkman could be purchased for around $40. This included an FM receiver and a record function for radio shows you want to record digitally for later playback. Like the iPod you can also feature larger units with a video display. Available units provide up to 8 GB of storage.
Phillips MP3 – Like the Sony the top end player is an 8 GB video and audio mp3 device. Also like Sony this provides an FM receiver. Their top end unit (SA6185) provides built in speakers allowing you to share your video and music without ear buds.
Coby MP3 – This company has always been about providing affordable electronics. They provide a 2 GB mp3 player for around $27. This unit is based on a USB plug built in. No cords needed. On the top end Coby provides a wide screen video playback unit that comes in models up to 16 GB of storage.
Creative MP3 – How’s this for tantalizing? A 2 GB mp3 player for more than $20 less than a 1 GB iPod Shuffle? Creative has provided this with the Zen Stone. This also features speakers and an FM receiver. PC World reviewed Creative’s top model, the Zen X-Fi and said, “…beyond question a better all-around digital music player than any of Apple’s current iPods.” The 32 GB unit sells for less than $300 and comes with the ability to use certain Internet functions in a wireless atmosphere.
RCA MP3 – RCA has long been known for their electronics and commitment to audio. The 2 GB Pearl is an unusual offering. This mp3 player provides the least expensive unit and it comes with the ability to expand your playlist through an onboard slot for an expansion card. The downside is the unit is powered by a single AAA battery. This will need replacing about every 15 hours. For the sports enthusiast RCA provides the Jet Stream. This provides wireless earphones, a stopwatch, calorie counter and pedometer.
Zune MP3 – So, you’re thinking 32 GB may not be enough for the music and videos you want to play on your portable mp3 player. Zune from Microsoft offers up to 120 of space for around $250. They also offer units for less die hard fans with 4 GB at the lower end.
Sandisk MP3 – This company has taken a hard look at how some people listen to music and concluded that there were some who would love an mp3 player, but who either did not have a computer or the expertise needed to download music. That’s the premise behind SlotMusic. This product allows you to simply plug a pre-loaded card into the mp3 player with music – much like a CD. It is the only mp3 player reviewed that offers a completely offline way to gain mp3 music. However, they also provide units that do require Internet connectivity with up to 32 GB of space for around $250.
Buying Your MP3 Player
Online shopping has become a great way to purchase electronics. When looking for your new mp3 player you might consider sites like http://www.bizrate.com, http://www.mysimon.com http://www.allmp3-players.com or http://www.amazon.com.
Portable Player
mp3 player, Video Playback