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How to choose the right mp3 player - Be an informed shopper
What is an MP3?
MP3 stands for MPEG1 layer 3 audio. MP3 is a compression algorithm that is used to compress audio files. Audio data on a conventional music CD is very large (usually larger than 40 megabytes). After this file format undergoes MP3 compression, it is reduced in size by about 1/10th. This makes .MP3 files much smaller (around a megabyte a minute depending on the quality). Because of their small size and incredible quality, MP3 files have become a very popular download on the internet.
What do I do with mp3s?
MP3 files can be listened to using an MP3 player program on a computer. Most player programs act very similar to CD players and are very easy to use. The are many free programs out there on all computer platforms, like Winamp, itunes, etc. What if you want to listen to your music elsewhere besides your computer? One of the most popular electronics devices today is a portable MP3 player that you can carry with you similar to a walkman or portable cd player. The first of these players to hit it big was the Rio, by Diamond Multimedia. Now there are hundreds of brands throughout the world making mp3 players.
What makes portable MP3 players so great
The biggest advantage portable MP3 players have over CD players is that there are no moving parts. Most mp3s are stored digitally (Flash memory). The only exception would be if the mp3 player uses a mini hard drive to store the music (usually called a jukebox). You can jump all around while you listen and the music won't skip. Because there are no moving parts, battery life on most players is very good. For instance the Rio Player runs on one AA battery for up to 12 hours. Plus, because there is nothing to put into the player, they are very small and portable, sometimes less than half the size of a portable CD player. 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 specific CD before switching to another, you'll love this. Choose just the songs that you like to put on your player. 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 tired of your playlist, delete it and make a new one.
Storage Capacity and Additional Memory
The ever-changing electronics world is hard to keep up with for a guide like this, but the basic principles are still the same. In today's market, mp3 flash players generally range in size from 64mb to 512 mb. The smaller ones generally hold 1 to 4 hours of music. The newest models have the capacity to add memory using small memory cards similar to the ones used in digital cameras. Many manufacturers use different types. Some of the different digital flash memory types include: SmartMedia, Compact Flash, Memory Sticks, and the newer and smaller types MMC (Multimedia Card), SD Memory (Secure Digital Media) and xD-Flash Memory. So you can now more than double or quadruple your storage capacity of music. For example, if you have a 128 mb mp3 player and you can add a 256mb SD Memory Card, you can now hold 384mb of music. That is many more hours of music, depending on the bit rate of your songs. There are now memory cards that are super fast, super secure and they are even surpassing the 1 gigabyte capacity. All on a card the size of a half dollar. Of course the prices are high for the newest, largest and fastest, so spend wisely.
On the other hand, the ipod by Apple and th Archos Jukebox have changed the mp3 player world by creating a MP3 Player with a small hard drive with computer type functions and controls. All with a large capacity hard drive (1.5 gig to 40 gigabyte or more) you can hold thousands of songs for hundreds of hours of music. You can also use them as a hard drive to transfer files from work to home, etc. The other great thing about the hard drive style players is the fact that you can make folders, categories, many playlists and scroll through them and not have to play them in a specific order.
Now there are more options than ever on mp3 players that weren’t offered just a year ago. Some now come with FM tuners, digital voice recorders, audio recorders, camera attachments, video players, color displays and so on. Every day there seems to be something new out there.
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 $29 to a
thousand dollars or more.
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. I predict car stereos will have slots for flash memory cards to play mp3 songs in the near future.
The most popular version, personal mp3 players, are very compact and can easily be carried in one's hand, pocket, attached by belt clip or armband. This is a joggers dream come true. Prices range from just $50 up to a whopping $500. This guide will focus on personal players.
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 compress them. Just make sure to find one that you feel comfortable with.
Audio format - MP3 isn't the only format available now. Microsoft's WMA and RealNetwork's G2 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. You can now get one that plays movies!
Memory capacity & format - Most players use 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.)
As stated on page 3, 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.
Battery type/life - Most 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 NiMH batteries, also rechargeable. NiMH batteries last longer and claim to be recharged thousands of times. Rechargeables will last about 8-12 hours between charges. Stay away from NiCad rechargeable batteries, which are lesser quality.
Displays & appearance - A good, large 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.
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. Remember, USB 2 can read USB 1 but not vice-versa.
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 or Roxio’s software. Or, download Apple’s itunes.
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 common on the internet 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.
Extra features
• FM radio - Some players offer an FM tuner. It can come in handy if you find a radio station that plays only the songs you love! Like your mp3’s.
• Voice recording - This utilizes a built-in microphone to let you record memos, dates, times etc.
• Low battery indicator - This meter lets you know how much battery power is left so you know when to change or re-charge the battery.
• Equalizer controls - Choose between equalizer presets to enhance the sound quality from the mp3 player for various types of music.
• Random play - This feature plays tracks in random order, so you never know what song is coming up next.
• Auto resume - Listen where you left off when you last turned the player off.
• Auto power down - Automatically turns the mp3 player off 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. Also a protective cover is usually supplied.
• Water resistance - This is useful if you plan to use your player in the rain, but not recommended.
Accessories
Most necessary accessories will come with the player. You should at least be getting headphones and a usb cable to connect to your computer to download songs. Other accessories include cases, remotes, cigarette lighter adapters, extra memory cards wireless transmitters for car or home stereo and more.
Where to get mp3s
There are many legal places to buy mp3’s online, most have buy per song and some have membership fees for unlimited downloads. Use your search engine to find a place that has the most in your genre. The most common place to find your favorite songs is in your own home. Take out those cd’s rip your favorite songs and load them on to your player!
Happy Listening!
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