MP3 Player Buyer's Guide
Everything You Need To Know About MP3 Players
MP3 players are the latest and greatest toys in the portable music market. They are more compact, rugged, and feature-packed than conventional music devices. You can download songs from the internet, create your own personal music mixes, and even record your own voice.
There are many things to consider when buying an mp3 player, so you should really look carefully to find one that's right for you. Don't worry, even if you don't have a clue as to what you want, this guide will walk you through the selection process.
Times are changing - This guide was originally written in 2003, but has been thoroughly updated for 2005 due to all the technological advances in MP3 players.
This guide covers everything you need to know about features, but remember this - most new players will have all the basic features. Some of them are even incorporating video!
Now, while you must still consider basic features, it is very important to look at the user interface, usability, style, storage, and cost. They can't just be good, it has to be the best one for you.
- Pros & Cons
- Types & Cost
- Key Features
- Extra & Advanced Features
- Accessories
- Where to get mp3s
- Where to buy
Pros & cons of mp3 players
If there weren't more pros than cons, mp3 players wouldn't be such a big hit. The main benefit of mp3 players is that you can store a lot of music in a little space (without much loss of audio quality.) Even better, you get to choose what songs and in what order they play. If you commonly listen to only 1 or 2 songs on a CD before switching to another, you'll love this. You won't have to carry a whole case of CDs anymore, and you'll still have all of your favorite songs. And if you get sick of your current mix, just make a new one!
Another great "pro" of mp3 players is that they eliminate a big "con" of CD players: skipping. Since mp3s are stored digitally, most mp3 players have no moving parts (referred to as solid state.) The only exception would be if the mp3 player uses a hard drive to store the music.
What else sets them apart? They look cool!
If 1 hour of music is enough for you, then you're set. But if you insist on listening to any song you want, whenever and wherever you want, you better have a good job or a rich uncle. Most flash mp3 players hold roughly an hour of music. You could buy extra memory cards or a player with a spacious hard drive, but the prices get pretty steep.
Lately, hard drive based mp3 players have been taking off, with capacities around 4-40 gigabytes. These days, some hard drive players cost less than flash based players.
Types & cost
There are three general types of mp3 players: home, car, and personal.
The home mp3 players are usually in the form of DVD players that also play mp3 files that have been burned onto a CD. Due to the many different possibilities, systems can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.
Car players are inserted into the dash board like a usual car stereo. Other than that, they are fairly similar to home systems. Some systems allow you to hook up your mp3 player to your car's speaker system. Most will cost a few hundred dollars.
The most popular version, personal mp3 players, are very compact and can easily be carried in one's hand or pocket. Prices range from just $50 up to a whopping $500. This guide will focus on personal players. The next section lists individual aspects to look at.
Key features
Weight & size - Many people consider size the most important feature, and for good reason. Their small size is what sets them apart from other [not so] portable music players.
A word of caution: Be careful if you have big hands. Some players have buttons so small and close together that it is hard to press them in. Just make sure to find one that you feel comfortable with.
Audio format - MP3 isn't the only format available now. Microsoft's WMA, RealNetwork's G2, and Ogg Vorbis are other audio file options. Some players can play only one format, while others can play three (or more.) Others can even be upgraded to play future formats. There is nothing wrong with an mp3 player that can only play mp3 files, but other formats may become more popular in the future.
Memory capacity & format - Most players have built-in memory, which usually goes from 32 MB up to 512 MB. A 64 MB player will hold roughly an hour of music. Other players use memory cards to provide storage. Some use both (these players are said to be expandable.)
Memory cards are available in different types, such as MultiMediaCard (MMC), SmartMedia, CompactFlash, Secure Digital, and Memory Stick (for Sony.) If an mp3 player uses a type of memory card, it will be listed in the specifications. Other electronics such as cell phones, PDAs, and digital cameras use memory cards, so if you already use a certain type, you could find an mp3 player that uses that type, too.
More expensive mp3 players will use a hard drive for storage. While hard drives can hold thousands of songs, they are expensive and not quite as rugged as the solid state versions. I would highly recommend buying a protective case for your mp3 player if it has a hard drive.
These days, hard drive mp3 players are becoming very common and the prices are dropping as newer and better models arrive. This is due to the popularity of the Apple iPod which seems to be the standard in hard drive mp3 players.
Hard drives from 4 to 30 GB are quite common, while some players offer 60 GB of storage. Even players with built-in flash memory are offering 1 GB of space!
Battery type/life - You will either be replacing or recharging batteries for your mp3 player. Some players give you the option to use standard or rechargeable batteries. Some claim to play up to 35 hours on a single AA battery. Others use a rechargeable lithium ion (built-in) or will accept NiMH batteries, also rechargeable. Rechargeables will last about 8-10 hours between charges. Stay away from NiCad rechargeable batteries, which are lesser quality.
You can find a wide selection of batteries online at www.batteries.com. Batteries.com carries over 3500 batteries including rechargeable NiMH and alkaline batteries that will work great in your mp3 player.
Displays & appearance - A good, back-lit LCD screen is a must. You should be able to read it in any light condition and not have to get too close to decipher the words. The screen should at least display the track number and length, and maybe even the artist and song title.
But if you don't need a display, that's fine. The Apple iPod Shuffle doesn't have one! (This player is pretty cool due to it's VERY small size.)
Some MP3 players are turning into portable media stations. It started with photos, now some players are offering high-resolution screens for viewing text documents and videos! For a great example of this, check out the iAudio X5.
Interfaces & transfer - To get songs onto your mp3 player, you'll need to connect it to your computer somehow. The fastest transfer rates can be achieved with either Firewire (IEEE-1394) or USB 2.0 connections. Above all, make sure that the connection is supported by your computer.
Software - The software bundled with an mp3 player is often overlooked in the buying process. Quality, easy-to-use software makes your mp3 experience much more enjoyable. It should allow you to make your own play lists using tracks from different sources, including your own CD collection. Even if your player comes with crappy software, there are many programs available on the internet free of charge. You may want to check out MusicMatch Jukebox.
Compatibility - Even the best software and interfaces are useless if they aren't compatible with your computer. Be sure that your system meets or exceeds the requirements of the mp3 player, the software, and the connection.
SDMI compliance - Copyright violations are oh so common on the net nowadays. That's why copyright protection actions are in full swing (but not widespread.) Plans are in order by the Secure Digital Music Initiative (SDMI) to place a digital music access technology (DMAT) watermark on all new CDs. If your mp3 player is not SDMI compliant, it will not be able to play these marked files.
For some people, SDMI could be the least of their concerns. There are so many different ways to get songs, like iTunes for example, and each service or method could use different encoding or have different regulations. So it's a good idea to think about your music selection in the mp3 player buying process.
Extra & advanced features
FM radio - Some players offer an FM tuner. It can come in handy if you get tired of listening to the same old music, but reception is not always top quality.
Voice recording - This capability will utilize a built-in microphone to let you record any memos or important times that you need to remember.
Low battery indicator - It's nice to know how much battery power is left so you know when to change or re-charge the battery.
Equalizer controls - The ability to choose between equalizer presets will enhance the sound quality from the mp3 player for various types of music. Some players offer bass boost, too.
Random play - This feature causes the tracks to play in random order, so you never know what song is coming up next.
Auto resume - This feature allows you to start listening where you left off when you last turned the player off.
Auto power down - Automatically turns off the mp3 player after a period of inactivity to conserve battery power.
Belt clip/arm band - Most players feature a belt clip for hands-free operation, while some provide a strap so that you can attach the player to your arm for more security during physical activity. Cases are available that provide these if your player does not have them.
Water resistance - This is useful if you plan to use your player in the rain. (I would still not recommend using it while swimming, though!)
Waterproof MP3 players are actually getting to be big things these days.
Accessories
Most necessary accessories will come with the player. You should at least be getting headphones and transfer cables. Other accessories include cases, remotes, cigarette lighter adapters, special batteries, and extra memory cards.
Headphones are a very popular upgrade for almost any mp3 player. If you have an iPod, there are tons of accessories out there just for you!
Where to get mp3s
You probably know where to get mp3s illegally, so here's a list of where to get them legally:
Apple iTunes - The ultimate music download site. If you have an iPod, you must get iTunes!
eMusic.com - Download unlimited mp3s for one low monthly fee. Start your free trial today and get 50 free mp3s!
PressPlay.com - Unlimited downloads and streaming music for only $9.95 a month. Get started today with a 3-day free trial!
Audible.com - Listen to over 18,000 audio books, programs, and radio shows including science fiction novels, national newspapers, and investment tips. You also get a free mp3 player just by signing-up for a year!
Where to buy mp3 players
Amazon.com - The best selection at the best prices. What did you expect?
Crucial Technology - Your factory-direct source for superior quality memory upgrades, and a great source of Flash cards (all types.)
irock! - Find mp3 players, software, and accessories by iRock.
eBay.com - New, used, or refurbished mp3 players up for auction.