Which MP3 player is the best buy for you

by editor@text4price.com @ 30 April 2006 - 13:03:13

Buying an mp3 player – your quick guide

First of all, how do MP3 players work? MP3 is a standard of digital audio processing that enables digital audio files to be compressed to a smaller file size, so that they become portable. The player is the machine that allows you to store and listen to the music or other audio/visual content.

There are three different digital player options – an MP3 player with a hard disc for program storage, an MP3 player that uses flash memory (memory sticks, flash cards etc) or an MP3 player that uses standard CD format with music stored in MP3 or other compressed formats. Each option has its strengths and weaknesses and they all come with different features, functionalities, designs, battery life, and prices. On some you can watch video, on some you’ll get a FM dial to tune into the radio. Leading brands include the Apple IPOD, Creative Lab, Scandisc, Phillips and Sony.

Hard-Drive MP3 Players

With Hard-Drive players like the iconic Apple iPod memory sizes go up to 100GB at the time of writing. 60 GB will store about a thousand hours of music which, at about four minutes per song, means you can store roughly 15,000 songs. Video consumes more memory and the hard drive route is the only realistic option if you expect to store a lot of video. The only downside of a Hard-Drive player is its size and weight. The bigger ones aren’t suitable for your average jogger because, with their moveable parts, they can be damaged by shock. Hard-Drive MP3 players usually have a shorter battery discharge life than flash memory machines.

Flash Memory MP3 Players

Flash memory players currently offer storage up to 4GB, which means you can store about a thousand songs – not bad. Flash memory players are more durable and tend to be smaller and lighter too. Battery life will be a lot longer than a hard disc player.

CD Media MP3 Players

These fall half way between a CD player and an MP3. Basically, they’re CD players that can play mp3 and other compressed audio formats as well as CDs. You download your music on to your computer, burn it onto a CD in mp3 format, and play it in your portable CD MP3 player. Storage capacity is a doddle. A single CD will hold 700 MB of music or about 200 songs. CD MP3 players are usually relatively cheap to buy but they’re easily damaged and reliant on CD storage – which is part of the beauty of MP3 – no plastic to store.

Weighing up your options

With portable players issues such as weight, size and battery life are important. Don’t rely purely on the manufacturers’ claims when it comes to battery life. Go to the review sites and check out users’ views too. Players with Hard-Drive storage weigh more and are bulkier than those with flash memory. CD players will have to be at least as big as a CD so think about how you are going to use the player. If your main use is for exercise, a bulky CD or Hard Drive player may not be a great idea.

Other issues to consider are the quality of headsets and the accessories included with the player or bought separately. These include power adaptors, additional memory, carrying cases, car adaptors and software for other forms of content.

Text4Price helps you compare the different MP3 players from hundreds of different brands and vendors. Going for the discount or very cheap MP3 players isn’t necessarily going to get you the best value. It really is worth checking what you’re going to get for your money and thinking through how you’ll use the player.

Filed under: MP3 and Digital Media Players

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