Review of Rio MP3 Players

Below you will find some useful information and comments about a few of the most popular MP3 players by Rio, including the Nitrus, Carbon, Cali, and Forge. None of these MP3 players are perfect, but each offers a unique set of strengths and weaknesses that should be taken into consideration before you purchase any one of them. Be sure to compare price, usability, and the overall performance of each.

Rio Carbon 5 GB MP3 Player

Manufacturers Description: The Rio Carbon is capable of holding up to 80 hours of MP3 (160 hours WMA) music, and with up to 20 hours of battery life on a single charge, music lovers need not worry about running out of juice.

Sporting an ultrathin and tapered design and with 25 percent more memory than iPod Mini, this tiny MP3 player--about the size of a business card--will slide into any pocket, virtually unnoticeable. The Rio Carbon is capable of holding up to 80 hours of MP3 music (160 hours of WMA), and with up to 20 hours of battery life on a single charge, music lovers need not worry about running out of juice. Supporting USB 2.0 and a host of file formats, users can download music efficiently and easily from most of their favorite online music sites. The Rio Carbon also includes voice recording and provides seamless integration and support of both the Windows and Mac platforms.

Features:

- 5 GB of memory stores up to 80 hours of MP3 music or 160 hours of WMA music

- Plays MP3, WMA, and Audible audio formats

- Built-in microphone for voice recording

- Easily drag and drop data and music files onto your player

- Rechargeable battery offers up to 20 hours of battery life on a single charge

- USB 2.0 for faster downloads

- Charge from USB or the included power adapter

- Windows and Mac compatible

- Includes Rio Music Manager, the most intuitive way to create and manage your digital music library

Comments: Users tend to agree that this is one of the best mp3 players Rio has developed. It's really quite small and slim, and can actually fit in your pockets. 5GB of memory really doesn't sound like all that much any more, but I think most new user will find that that is plenty of space. The long battery is nice (20 compared with iPod's 12), and the interface is easy enough to work with. One little dissapointment is the inability to hit any buttons on the device when it is in its carrying case. Also, it does have some compatibility issues with Mac music programs like iTunes. If you really love Mac, you may want to consider iPod or Shuffle instead (this goes for all Rio products).

Price: $230

Rio Cali 128 MB Sport MP3 Player

Manufacturers Description: Wrapped in grippy, protective rubber, the Cali 128 is built to play hard. Solid-state electronics carry over 30 songs with no skips -- ever. Comfortable Sport Clip earphones, case with armband, and integrated stopwatch with lap timer make the Cali a functional sport accessory. 5-band adjustable equalizer gives more control over your sound than most players. Onboard FM tuner means you always have something to listen to. An empty expansion slot allows you to add up to 512 MB of additional SDTM or MMCTM memory. Simple menus and intuitive controls make for easy one-handed operation.

Features:

- 128 MB of memory plays back over 2 hours of MP3 or 4 hours of WMA music (over 30 MP3 or 60 WMA songs)*

- Expansion slot to add up to 512 MB additional memory using SD or MMC cards (sold separately)

- USB 1.1 connects to almost any computer

- Transfer content between multiple PCs

- 18-hour continuous playback using one Energizer AAA Battery

- 5-Band adjustable equalizer with pre-sets

Comments: Anyone considering buying this device should be aware of some odd functional issues that may be frustrating. First of all, when changing memory cards, many users have had to actually take out the batteries in order to get the device to recognize the new memory card (another note: some users have had problems getting the device to accept 3rd party memory cards). Also, it seems that the player may not be able to play regular mp3 formats you may have on your pc hard drive. Rio admits that these mp3 files need to be converted through their own software in order for them to work. These, and other odd quirks, undermine this particular player quite a bit. On the positive side, the device has good battery life, plays clear, crisp music, and has a good radio feature as well.

Price: $120

Rio Forge 512 MB Sport MP3 Player

Manufacturers Description: The Rio Forge series is our latest generation of flash based sport players. The Rio Forge was designed for people that like to play hard and use music to play even harder. The new design integrates the grippy, protective rubber from previous models with a new shiny stainless steel face plate for added durability. Up to 20 hours of battery life allows you hours of non-stop work out time. Comfortable Sport Clip earphones and a newly designed case with armband keep your player and music secure and accessible. Simple menus and intuitive controls make for easy one-handed operation. Stopwatch and Lap Timer make the Rio Forge the ultimate gym or running companion. Plus, the new FM record feature allows you to record radio content onto your player to listen to at a later time.

Features:

- Holds 16 hours worth of Music

- Storage capacity may be upgraded up to 1 GB

- Durable Stainless Steel Face

- 512 MB of storage

- Stopwatch feature for work-outs

- Up to 20 hours of battery life

Comments: This latest generation of sport mp3 players by Rio is perhaps the best so far. What we really liked about this device is the easy to use and intuitive user interface and clear LCD screen. The one downside is the 512mb upper limit in storage (although technically you can upgrade to 1GB), which is a little low compared with the market average. Even so, the features like the FM tuner and stop watch make this a really cool little sport mp3 player. It's about as durable and user friendly as they come, plus the battery life is friendly for those long work-outs. Thumbs up on this one.

Price: $180

Rio Nitrus 1.5 GB MP3 Jukebox

Manufacturers Description: The revolutionary Rio Nitrus packs 1.5 GB into a stealthy, razor-thin design. With the ability to carry over 375 songs, never before has this much capacity been offered on a player this small. Fast USB 2.0 connection loads the player quickly. Simple menus, thoughtful controls, and a clear display make navigation instinctive. A 5-band adjustable equalizer provides a custom listening experience. Quality components throughout yield a player without compromise.

Features:

- 1.5GB HDD plays back over 25 hours of MP3 or 50 hours of WMA music (over 375 MP3 or 750 WMA songs)

- USB 2.0 for fast transfers

- Transfer content between multiple PCs

- 16-hour continuous playback with the rechargeable LiIon battery

- 5-Band adjustable equalizer with pre-sets

Comments: This is an overall fairly solid mp3 player with a few design and engineering defects that should be mentioned. First, the buttons are not quite as easy to use, or as well laid out as some of Rio's other players. Specifically, the volume buttons are smaller and closer together than they should be. Another thing is problems with the battery life, some users getting significantly less time out of their batteries than they are supposed to. And you really can't expect to get the full 16 hours. Also, the scrolling feature doesn't seem to help much. On the plus side, the device is big enough in storage size (1.5GB), and small enough in physical size to appeal to alot of potential consumers. The sound is also quite good and just about every volume level.

Price: $175

Bradley James is a senior editor at SciNet.cc, a website containing many helpful consumer electronics review articles. For more information on Rio mp3 players, please visit our Rio mp3 webpage.

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How to Buy an MP3 Player that Works for Your Life

If you've just decided that the time is now right to buy an MP3 player then you might well feel completely confused about the choices you have to make. It doesn't matter whether you have a big budget or whether you want to keep it cheap and simple - there are a bewildering number of different players out there to choose from. Like any purchase if you buy the right MP3 player then you'll spend your money wisely - buy the wrong model and you'll end up having to spend more money in the long run.

The key thing to think about first of all when you look to buy an MP3 player is the type of player that will suit you best. There are two primary choices for you here. The first type of portable player you can look at is one that uses Flash memory. Players that use Flash memory have no moving parts - they work on an embedded memory chip. So, these models will be small and won't skip or jog even if you're training for a sprint or working out at the gym.

The downside here is that you won't get a huge memory capacity with a Flash player - but, if you're only using the machine to listen to music for short periods while you exercise or while you are out and about for a few hours then this won't be an issue.

The second type of MP3 player to consider is one that works on a hard drive principle. These machines hold their memory in a hard drive just like a computer - so they can hold more memory as they will have larger capacity than Flash drive models. Nowadays it's perfectly feasible to buy a player with a massive 60GB of built-in memory which is enough to keep the keenest music fan happy for a long time!

This does mean that these kinds of players will be larger than Flash based models - but with today's technology this won't mean a huge increase in size. And, you will find that a player with a hard drive is that bit more fragile in terms of skipping/jogging. Basically these models are not designed to let you listen to your audio while undertaking strenuous exercise!

Your choice here really comes down to what you want to buy an MP3 player for. If you have a vast CD collection that you want to rip to a player or hanker after using a download service to build up your music collection then you'll probably end up opting for a player with a hard drive to get a decent memory capacity. But, if you simply want to take your player out while you exercise or while you commute to work then you may well opt for a Flash based player instead.

It is vital to get this choice right as - if you get it wrong - you'll probably find you end up upgrading sooner rather than later. You cannot add memory to the majority of MP3 players - you have to buy a new one if you need more capacity as time goes on. There are however some players that come with memory card capacity slots which could be an alternative solution but this won't allow you to store all of your music on the player and you'll have to keep a library of memory cards as well.

For many of us the MP3 player of choice is the Apple iPod. This player has become a 'must-have' fashion accessory as well as a great MP3 player. There's nothing wrong with going with an iPod because it looks good and you'll score some points with your friends - but, if this isn't so important to you, then do shop around and look at other models before you make your final choice. Many manufacturers have made great moves to make their players look just as good as Apple's products (take a look at the Creative Zen Micro range as an example) and many will even give you features and benefits that you won't get from an iPod.

Many of us buy an MP3 player on impulse but this really isn't the way to go. If you want to make the right choice for your needs you should do dome research first and the easiest way to do this is to go online and read some reviews or guides - ideally those written by other consumers like yourself as well as the official literature produced by the manufacturers. These kinds of consumer reviews will give you a great idea of how a digital player will actually work 'in the field' so you'll get an instant feel for the best player for your needs.

For example, if you read reviews on particular players you'll learn all kinds of stuff that you wouldn't otherwise be able to find out without buying and using a player. There are all kinds of issues associated with finding the right player that don't get covered elsewhere. A good review, however, will tell you all about stuff such as:

Software issues

Most MP3 players come with their own software to help you manage your audio ripping and downloads. If you take some time to look at reviews you'll get an idea for how the software works and how useful it actually is from people that have already used it.

Sound quality

One of the biggest issues with MP3 players is the sound playback quality of the players. A good review will tell you what you need to know here.

Downloading compatibility

You may be able to find out if the player you favor works with specific legal music download services or not. Don't assume that all players work with all services as this isn't the case.

Battery life

Some players have a built-in battery that you need to recharge and others work on standard batteries. In either case you need to get a feel for how long a battery charge will actually last - if your batteries only last a couple of hours then your player will be expensive to run and not as truly portable as it should be. The actual battery time can be a lot less than the time quoted by manufacturers in their marketing literature.

Ease of use

All MP3 players are not equal and some are not as easy or as convenient to use as you might think. Again, quality MP3 player reviews will give you an insight into this.

Finally, the best way to buy an MP3 player is to make sure that you get it at the cheapest cost possible. Prices in the sector are extremely changeable and it's always possible to get a good bargain if you shop around a little. Online price comparison sites are always very good at digging out the lowest cost with major stores both on and offline and could help you save a lot of money.

By Carol Finch of http://www.mp3-players-n-reviews.com

Carol Finch is a regular contributor to MP3 Players N' Reviews, a website built by MP3 player lovers FOR MP3 player lovers. Find everything from un-biased product reviews and tips here: http://www.mp3-players-n-reviews.com

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An MP3 Player Sandisk Could Be Your Answer

Anyone venturing out in public these days sees people of all ages sporting handheld MP3 players with ear buds dangling from their ears, walking to school, to work, or just hanging out. If you want to see what all the fuss is about, check out an MP3 player Sandisk for yourself. While there are many brands and models

of MP3 players out there, many of them cost hundreds of dollars. An MP3 player Sandisk is a user-friendly model MP3 player that won't break your budget while offering optimal play features.

What is an MP3 player? An MP3 player is a device that is designed to play compressed audio and files. A basic MP3 player, like the MP3 player Sandisk, gives users the opportunity to download thousands of their favorite tunes. Some types of MP3 player Sandisk models also allow users to download digital files of

newspapers, books, magazines and radio programs. An MP3 player Sandisk model also comes in a convenient thumb drive design that allows for one-handed use. MP3 player Sandisk has partnered with Rhapsody for music downloading, as well as Audible for downloading non-music digital files.

An MP3 player Sandisk model can run anywhere from $60 to $90 on average, at lease a hundred dollars cheaper than other MP3 models, and yet, the Mp3 player Sandisk models have just as many features as the more expensive models. The most popular MP3 player Sandisk models are the Sansa e100 series,

which profiles the e140 and the e130 MP3 player. Playback time on the MP3 player Sandisk Sansa e130 model is about eight hours for the MP3 files and double that for Windows Media audio files, which works out to about 120 to 240 songs respectively. The Sansa e130 MP3 player Sandisk model holds about 512 MB. It's brother (the e140 MP3 player Sandisk model) allows roughly sixteen hours of playback time for MP3 files and thirty-two hours for Windows Media audio files, or about 240 to 480 song titles, respectively.

While the MP3 player Sandisk models do not have the thousand-plus song playback capacity as several other MP3 players, you'll spend way less on the Sandisk models than the others. And keep in mind that you can only listen to one song at a time anyway. All MP3 player Sandisk models play MP3 files and Windows Media audio files. Each of the models allows for easy navigation to sort and organize songs with various methods, either by title, artist or album names, just to name a few options. The MP3 player Sandisk models come in a variety of styles and colors and all come with carrying case with armband for

easy transport.

If you are in the market for an MP3 player, don't pay more for the same functions that the less expensive brand will get you. An MP3 player Sandisk model offers all the functions and options that other players of the same capabilities offer, yet at a third of the cost. When shopping, make sure to compare MP3 player

specifications and download sources. It doesn't pay to spend hundreds of dollars on an MP3 player if it's a hassle to download songs for it. If you want to listen to music and not spend hours trying to download it, an MP3 player Sandisk model is for you.

Linda Woods is a freelance writer and radio talk show host with a focus on healing, self-help and empowerment. Get all the latest on mp3 player information at [http://www.bestbuymp3players.com] Be sure to check out our mp3 player sandisk [http://www.bestbuymp3players.com/mp3sandisk.html] pages

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Secrets Of How To Buy A Cheap mp3 Player - Part 1

There is no doubt that, since the advent of the original mp3 players some years ago, it has become considerably easier to make your music or downloaded audiobooks truly mobile.

But, if you look to buy a branded machine in your local high street or at the mall, like an iPod, for example, you'll quickly discover that it is not a cheap mp3 player.

So, do you have to spend large sums of money to avail yourself of an mp3 player?

Absolutely not! It is actually not that difficult to buy a cheap mp3 player, and these articles will show you how to go about it.

If you are looking to buy a cheap mp3 player, it is safe to assume that you are working to a budget. So, the first step, way before you attempt to locate and buy a cheap mp3 player, is to decide what your budget actually is, exactly how much money you can afford to spend on your cheap mp3 player.

Now, this may seem very obvious, but often, it seems to be forgotten.

However, there is a simple reason for this, I believe.

Imagine for a moment that you are NOT in the market to buy cheap mp3 player, but are, instead, able and willing to shell out for a branded model.

Then, the pricing structure is very easy to understand. You want an mp3 player with 1GB of memory it will cost you less than a player with 2GB. Likewise, a 512MB memory machine will cost less than a 1GB player, but more than a 256MB.

At the top end of the range, an 80GB video iPod will cost more than a 30GB video player.

And so on, and so forth, ad infinitum.

Thus, it's all very logical and straightforward.

You decide the specification that you want, how much memory storage your branded mp3 player should have, whether you want video or not and so on. This points you to a certain model, and you can either afford it or you cannot.

You can afford it, you buy it. If not, you reduce your expectations, and go for a lower specification model.

If you want to buy a cheap mp3 player, however, the picture is far less clear, for several reasons.

Firstly, to buy a cheap mp3 player, you are going to have to look beyond the stores in the high street or local mall. Those stores will concentrate their efforts on selling higher margin branded models, and probably carry very few cheap mp3 players, if any at all.

Secondly, once you look beyond the high street and actually find good places to buy cheap mp3 players, you will the second problem, the problem that makes it so important to decide on your budget first.

And this is, because of the competition in the cheap mp3 payer market sector, the pricing structure is not at all logical!

Thus, Company A might offer you a 2GB player for $100, whereas Company B may only offer 1GB for the same price. So, the first reaction would probably be, go with Company A, and that could be 100% the correct decision.

But, it could equally be 100% the wrong decision, simply because, when you are in the market for a cheap mp3 player, the specifications of machines vary far more widely than seem to in the branded market.

It could be something as simple as the quality of the earphone set that comes as standard with the cheap mp3 player. It could be the warranty that you get from Company B, in our fictitious situation above, offers 12 months protection, rather than the 6 months offered by Company A.

In the final analysis, when you go to buy cheap mp3 player, you have to pay far more attention to the "small print" than you do when you buy in the local mall.

Steve Cowan is a self titled music aficionado and avid mp3 fan. Discover what his “Top 6” cheap mp3 players are, and get a unique free report “Top 99 Free mp3 Downloads” at his website a [http://www.BuyCheapMp3Player.info]

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Accessorize Your MP3 Player With One Of Many Innovative And Popular MP3 Player Accessories

The reputation of transportable sound players has created a complete sub-industry of MP3 add-ons. It doesn't make any difference the variety of machine you own, you are able to locate every sort of variety of extras for it - a few helpful, and a few not very.

While being the most popular player in the category, the Apple iPod offers the maximum quantity of obtainable frills. A number of of these are made by Apple, however a lot of them are offered by coat-tail industries.

The most fundamental fashion accomplice is a holder for your MP3 player. MP3 player Cases offer shelter for the player from maring and additional harm, consequently these are proving to be an excellent investment because they can be capable of extending the useful life of your MP3 player.

These in addition include a attractive aspect - the Apple iPod, for instance, is merely obtainable in black or white. Cases are obtainable in each color of the rainbow helping your iPod to position itself outside of the masses.

Speaker systems are obtainable for folks who desire to make use of their portable audio player at their house. Just plug up the MP3 player into the incorporated dock and let your music be enjoyed by your friends and relatives.

If you want to increase the speaker system into an advanced home amusement structure, extras are obtainable which adjoin FM stereo, cassette decks, CD players or yet record players. If your MP3 player is able to do video playback, you might be capable of connecting it to your TV set for presentation.

To manage the MP3 player, wireless or wired distant controls are obtainable. Remote controls are particularly helpful in the automobile since they let you regulate the player and not have to take your eyes off the road. At hand are distant controls which attach to the steering wheel and permit you to regulate the volume, look through through your music assortment or go forward to the next song.

Distant controls are in addition practical if you maintain your MP3 player on an armband or fixed to your belt. In this position, the isolated control is capable of being kept handily in your pocket or purse for rapid admittance at what time you require regulating the volume or find a new song. A number of them contain monitors that permit you to choose songs by name.

Returning to the automobile scenario, an incredibly practical fashion accessory for individuals who make use of their MP3 player while driving their car is an adapter that permits you to listen in to your music over the auto audio system. These are offered in two fundamental types - an FM radio transmitter or a cassette adapter.

The greater part of MP3 players are offered as standard with an AC adapter and a wire for linking to the PC. The two functions are able to be shared in a docking situation which can become a part of your PC workstation. Merely plug up the MP3 player hooked on the docking location and coordinate your music assortment at the same time as recharging the battery.

Given that MP3 players need a PC to offer their complete functionality; a lot of companies include ways to enlarge the assimilation of MP3 player and PC. Routers particularly intended for MP3 communication arre able to be used to transmit the audio and video from a MP3 player to all computers on a personal system.

If you're still looking for the latest in high tech MP3 player accessories [http://www.hot-deals-on-mp3-players.info/MP3-Player-Accessories.html] then try visiting http://www.hot-deals-on-mp3-players.info, a popular website that offers Apple iPod tips, and MP3 resources to include information on MP3 player cases, batteries and MP3 player features [http://www.hot-deals-on-mp3-players.info/MP3-Player-Features.html] that can enhance your iPod experience.

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All the Tips You'll Need for Buying the MP3 Player of Your Dreams

Whether you are jogging, shopping at the grocery store, working out at the gym, or working, you are constantly seeing people listening to an MP3 player. If you do not have one yet, then you are behind the times. MP3 players are the best way to tote your music from place to place, and listen to it everywhere that you go. Now that you know you must go out and get an MP3 player as soon as possible, here are a few tips to consider when you are buying one.

Price - This is usually one of the most important criteria when you are buying any item, but the price of an MP3 player can vary greatly depending on the many features that are available on an MP3 player. You should try to maximize the amount of features you can get for the best price. Prices of MP3 players usually start around $75 and go up to around $1000 and sometimes even more. You can often find MP3 players for much less, though, during a sale or promotion.

Size - The size of an MP3 player can also vary greatly. The smaller the size of the MP3 player the more expensive it is, but other things like the type of memory can also cause the size of an MP3 player to change. If you must have a very small MP3 player, then you might have to give up some features that the larger MP3 players provide.

Screen Size & Clarity - The screen is also another very important aspect of an MP3 player. The screen is where all of the song information will be displayed. Also if your MP3 player allows pictures or music videos, they will appear here as well. The more clear and larger the screen the more your MP3 player will cost.

Memory Type - The type and size of memory that an MP3 player has will determine the amount of songs the MP3 player will be able to hold. The memory type can also affect the way the MP3 player will react to movement. An MP3 player with an internal hard drive will be able to hold the most songs, but it will make the MP3 player larger, and also might skip if you go jogging, or work out at the gym while listening to it. Flash memory on the other hand will not hold as many songs, but the MP3 player will be very small, and it will not skip at all, even under the roughest conditions.

Battery Life - The battery life of your MP3 player is also very important, because you want to listen to your music, not sit and watch it charging. Some batteries will last for 4 - 5 hours, while others will last more than a day for your listening pleasure. You will also want to find out if the MP3 player uses an A/C adapter to charge, or if it can be charged by plugging it in to a USB port on your computer.

Accessories - Some MP3 players have a large variety of different accessories that will make it more stylish than anyone else's. Some common accessories are headphones, carrying cases, docking stations, and also necklaces to carry your MP3 player on. Depending on your fashion sense you might want to pick out an MP3 player with more accessories, so you can make sure that you stand out in a crowd.

Whether you go for the price as point for search number 1, or for the size as the most important factor, or for the memory type, or the accessories, at http://www.discussMP3.com

you can be certain to find the new MP3 player you are seeking, and at the most discounted prices at that.

Tatiana is the owner of TakeYourFortune.com and runs Needs & Wants on Closeout and Discuss MP3 site and blog. Check out the customer reviews for help in choosing!

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Why Buy an iPod or MP3 Player?

Have you ever been driving somewhere listening to your favorite radio station and all of a sudden the station is nothing but static or fades in and out? Quick, grab your iPod or Mp3 player! Now, you have your favorite music or sport at your fingertips.

You can choose your favorite show or music on your digital media player at a touch. No more trying to adjust the radio or be distracted from watching the traffic.

With an iPod or MP3 player along, that much needed exercise, whether its at the gym, jogging or just staying home to exercise, will not seem so boring. Some players allow you to monitor your mileage while you run. The time will go faster when you are listening to your favorite music, sport or watching a video on your digital media player. Put a spring in your step while cleaning your home or shopping by listening to your favorite tunes.

Your iPod or MP3 player can brighten your day, regardless of your activity.

If you play sports, for fun or professionally, you can record your "moves", then analyze them to see if you are following through or need to make some adjustments.

What to consider before your purchase an iPod or MP3 player

Ask yourself these questions:

Do you want your iPod or MP3 player solely for music or for others things as well?

What size iPod or MP3 player do you want?

What kind of display should you select for your iPod or MP3 player?

What memory or storage capacity do you want? Do you want to only play music or store pictures and videos as well?

Depending on the investment you make in your iPod or MP3, it may be upgradeable to future formats and features.

What about battery life for your digital media player? What type batteries do you want? Disposal of batteries is dependent on the state or principality you live in.

Do you have a favorite color for your player?

Is price a factor when purchasing an iPod or MP3 player?

When shopping for an iPod or MP3 player consider sound quality, durability, ease of downloading music, cost, benefits and design.

What functions, features and accessories are available?

Features and capabilities will increase or decrease the size of your player. Digital media players are very portable going anywhere with you.

They can be as small as a pack of gum and weigh less than a car key. Depending on the capabilities will increase or decrease the size.

Various iPod or MP3 player system requirements are:

· PC: Microsoft® Windows® 98 SE, ME, 2000 or XP, Intel® Pentium® II 350MHz or AMD K6®-2 450MHz processor

· Macintosh: USB port, Mac OS X 10.2.8 or later (Mac OS X 10.3.4 or later recommended for use with low-power USB ports)

Additional system requirements can be: Windows Media Player, CD-ROM drive (for installation and import or playback from CD), USB 2.0 compatibility and Internet connection, (broadband suggested).

Large memory in your iPod or MP3 player enables you to store thousands of songs for music on the go plus thousands of photos and videos. From 120 songs to 10,000 songs, photos and videos.

Memory or storage capacity is measured in bytes. The more bytes, the more songs, photos or videos you can store. The K in 512 KB stands for kilobytes or 1,000 bytes, and 512 KB player can store around 120 songs. The G in 30 GB for gigabytes or a million, 1,000,000 bytes. A 30 GB player can store up to 10,000 songs. Below is an example of iPod and MP3 players and their song capacity. As you can see, the size of the players is as diverse as what they can hold.

Flash or Hard Drive

Based on 4 minutes per song

512MB

120 - 350 songs

1GB

250 - 500 songs

2GB

480 - 500 songs

4GB

1,000 or more songs

5GB

Stores 166 hrs of music

6GB

1,500 songs

8GB

4,000 songs

20GB

5,000 - 9,000 songs

30GB

7,500 songs

40GB

10,000 songs

60GB

15,000 songs

Some players have available expansion slots. Expansion slots are integrated receptacles for installing additional memory via a removable memory card (Secure Digital, Multimedia Card, Compact Flash, etc.). Installation is simple; the card simply pushes in and clicks into place.

Via the USB 2.0 connection from your computer, you can transfer your favorite tunes from a music website to your iPod or MP3 player in as little as a few seconds. IPod or MP3 players have a wide compatibility with many online subscription and pay-per-download music services. Some iPod and MP3 players are "PlaysForSure" compatible. When purchasing your player, look for this logo on the packaging. Any music download service displaying the "PlaysForSure" logo will work.

Display screen size is a personal choice and can be as varied as the players themselves. Screens can be as small as a 4-line graphic LCD, similar to a calculator, to as large as 3.6" color high-resolution LCD with 320 x 240 pixel resolution.

You can press a button and transfer an entire CD to your player in as little as a few minutes using the USB 2.0 connectivity from your PC.

"MP3" might be the buzzword, but it's not the only digital music file format out there. Fortunately, most online stores and digital music players support a full range of digital file formats. Here are the more popular formats in use:

· ATRAC3 which stands for "Adaptive Transform Acoustic Coding 3", WMA, MP3, ACC (used only used by the Apple® iPod(TM)), and WAV/AIFF

· There are many additional file formats used by the MP3 and iPod industry, not all of which are listed here:

· MP3, WMA, WAV and DRM are audio formats.

· Display formats are JPEG, BMP, TIFF, GIF, and PNG.

· Image formats and AVI, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, MPG, MPE, VOB, DAT, ADF, QuickTime MOV and WMV video formats

Docking cradles, power supply, AC adapters and cables, belt clips, personal speakers, headphones/ear buds, cases, car FM stereo transmitters, lanyards, sync adapters and management software are some of the accessories available with iPod or MP3 players

Additional considerations are: digital audio, micro-photo, FM transmitter, PC compatible and voice recorder. Depending on the iPod or MP3 player you purchase will determine which options are available and work for you. Options like digital audio enhances the sound quality. Micro-photo players can take and display photo images. Some players have voice recording options while others are PC compatible. You can also get players with FM radio receivers allowing you to tune in your favorite radio station.

Some players have vertical touch pads to make navigation easier than ever. These are micro-sized and curved to fit your hand, allowing for enjoyable pure ergonomic comfort and bliss.

Removable, rechargeable batteries are used in iPod or MP3 players, some use lithium, rechargeable Lithium-ion or lithium polymer rechargeable type batteries, while others use alkaline batteries. Depending on how you plan to use your player will help you decide how much battery your will need. A 16 to 24-hour playing time is a good length of time before needing to recharge. Recharging your iPod or MP3 player can also be done in various ways, with either car chargers, wall chargers and/or the USB port on your computer.

If you get tired of your stored music, tune in to your favorite radio station with the built-in FM radio. As many as 32 preset stations are available on some iPod or MP3 players. Some players have games already loaded, while others allow you to download games for playing, as well.

Use the recording feature for multi-function convenience or record music from the FM tuner. With the built-in recorder in your iPod or MP3 player, you can record your baby's first words, the interview at the office, or anything else that is important to you. Record messages to yourself and play them back later, never again forget that anniversary gift!!

Personal organizers including daily tasks list, contact list and calendar; which easily syncs with Microsoft Outlook, are available on Ipod and MP3 players with hard drives instead of flash drives.

Make your ears happy!!! Enjoy skip-free playback, with custom equalizer and pre-set EQ settings, this lets you get your music just the way you like it - there are settings for acoustic, classical, disco, house, jazz, new age, pop, rock and vocal at the touch of a finger.

Ipod and MP3 players fit on your arm, in your pocket, on your belt, just about anywhere. Some digital media players weight as little as 0.8 oz. The lightweight of the players makes them as portable as your lifestyle demands.

The price of a digital media player ranges from $100 to $300 depending upon the features and memory capabilities you choose. Digital Media players come in a wide range or prices - the price range is dependent on what features and capabilities you get. Ipod and MP3 players' general price ranges vary from up to $100.00 to $300.00 or more.

Digital media players come in many colors and a wide variety of colored cases. You can make them as distinctive and personal as you are!

Clara Luber is writer and senior administrator for IpodsForFun.com which specializes in Ipods and Ipod information.

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Choosing an MP3 Player - 5 Things You Need To Know When Choosing an MP3 Player

So you've decided that you want a portable MP3 player to take your music collection with you. You hop online and search for MP3 players and discover that choosing an MP3 player is going to be more difficult than you thought. There are a myriad of options out there. First, the iPod which is the most popular option, second, the other brands of mp3 players that compete with the iPod (some well, some not), and then there's phones and PDA's that play mp3s. If you feel like you've gotten in over your head choosing an mp3 player, relax. I will give you 5 great tips to make choosing an mp3 player easy.

Choosing an MP3 Player Tip 1: Hard Drive vs. Flash Memory

The first thing to consider when choosing an MP3 player is the type of memory you need. Hard drive players store files on small hard disks just like your computer. The advantage to getting a hard drive player is the capacity is very large. MP3 players with 20, 30, 80, or 160 gigabytes (GB) can be had that store up to 25,000 songs! The disadvantage when choosing a hard drive MP3 player is that the hard drive has moving parts, whereas flash memory does not. These hard drives will war out faster than flash players (although hard drives will still last you several years), and they will skip if you bounce the player when using the player during jogging or other physical activities.

Flash memory players, as mentioned, do not have moving parts so are safe for workouts. They have smaller capacities than hard drive MP3 players, but they can be had cheaply with 1 GB of memory which can easily hold about 250 songs. The flash memory is also more compact than a hard drive, so flash players can be made much more compact and thinner than a hard drive player. When your choosing an MP3 player, consider size, amount of memory, and durability before you buy.

Choosing an MP3 Player Tip 2: Music Options

When you are choosing an MP3 player, you need to determine how you are going to get music on to your player. There are 4 major ways to get music onto your MP3 player:

1. Music software that comes with your player, including iTunes or the Zune Marketplace. You can buy songs online and add them to your player all in one convenient software package.

2. Independent music stores such as Amazon.com. You can buy songs at these stores and download them to your computer, where they can be added to your MP3 player.

3. Subscription music such as Rhapsody or Napster. For a low monthly fee, you can have unlimited music downloads. Some players do not support this, so make sure yours does.

4. Rip music off of CDs you already own.

When choosing an MP3 player, make sure your preferred method of getting music is supported.

Choosing an MP3 Player Tip 3: Photo and Video Options

If you want to watch movies or view photos on your player, consider choosing an MP3 player with a large color screen. Even a small increase in screen size on a compact device can make it alot easier to view photos or videos on your player. Also, if you like movies, choose a hard drive MP3 player because movie files are very large.

Choosing an MP3 Player Tip 4: User Interface and Other Features

It is very important to take a look at the user interface when you are choosing an MP3 player. Try to pick up the player and navigate the menus to get a feel for how easy it is to find your songs or media. If you are buying online, try to read some thorough reviews to get a feel for how easy the player is to operate. This is a major source of customer dissatisfaction, so don't overlook it.

MP3 players also come with many extra features, such as Wi-Fi syncing or FM radio. When you are choosing an MP3 player, shop around to get a feel of what types of features are offered.

Choosing an MP3 Player Tip 5: Integrated Devices

Some phones, PDA's, satellite radios, and even GPS units can play MP3 files. Playing music is not their primary purpose so you will have to make some compromises if you choose to go this route. The advantage is you only have to carry one device.

Choosing an MP3 player doesn't have to be complicated. Just remember these five tips an be sure to shop around for a player that meets your needs in your price range.

The Zune 80 is a great hard drive MP3 player. If you are in the market for this type of player, check out my Zune 80GB review

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Hot MP3 Players

MP3 Player News

A portable mp3 player is the easiest way to take your favorite music with you anywhere you go and anytime. Mp3 players are more compact than a CD, and you don't have to take with you an entire box of CDs because the memory of an mp3 player can be up to 5 GB. Even if the capacity is huge sometimes, portable mp3 players are very small, design to fit in a small pocket, and sometimes fashionable as you will see in this mp3 player review.

If you decide to purchase an mp3 player, there are many models to choose from, and you should get familiarized with their features. Using an mp3 player review can help you to make your choice, as mp3 players are grouped into main categories by their memory type in any mp3 player review. Also, there are many more features that can make the difference between mp3 players.

Mp3 compatible CD players were the first mp3 players sold in stores. At that time they were considered very useful because an mp3 player can store up 10 times the amount of songs an audio CD can. The preferred mp3 players in any mp3 player review are those with flash memory. Mp3 players with hard drives or micro drives, have the largest capacity from all mp3 players.

Categories of mp3 players

Usually, mp3 players are grouped by their capacity and their ability to read different file types. The most common file types used to store music are mp3 and wma, and the physical support for data can be flash, micro drive, hard drive, or CD.

Flash memory mp3 players are the most popular. The most recent players have flash memory between 256 MB and 4 GB. If we consider the fact that the average length of a melody is 3 MB, it results that actual flash memory players can store between 80 and 1200 melodies. Flash memories have no moving parts, so the players can be easily manipulated without the risk of damaging it.

Micro drive mp3 players have much more storage space than flash memory players, varying from 5 GB to 10 GB. Hard drive mp3 players have the largest amount of memory for multimedia files. Mp3 compatible CD players became pretty old-fashioned due to their size. The CD can easily crash if you drop the CD player from your hands and the capacity of a CD is just 700 MB. You should check also for discounts if you want to save some money.

Nowadays many of the mp3 players also have lots of other interesting functions. A newer mp3 player can also FM radio, agenda, possibility to sort and group melodies, recording and playback capabilities as well as many others.

Other Features of MP3 Players

The newest mp3 players have wide color screens where you can play DVD quality movies. We can't finish this mp3 player review information without speaking about other important features of mp3 players, like voice recording or FM radio tuner and sometimes even TV tuner.

An mp3 player with 5 GB of memory can record up to 40 hours of high quality sound. In the last two years, mp3 players have become the most common device for listening to music. Very small, portable, and with a large storage capacity, an mp3 player can also be fashionable.

How to Buy MP3 Players

If you want to buy MP3 player devices, it's not a difficult choice. There are players to respond to all kinds of needs. Here are a few tips on how to buy MP3 players that meet your expectations.

If you want to listen to some music while jogging, then you probably need a light-weight device, such as a flash-memory player. Get the highest-capacity player you can afford

When you want to buy MP3 players, either flash or hard drive-based, make sure you get the model with the largest storage space within your price range. Some flash MP3 players use replaceable batteries, but most hard drive players have built-in rechargeable batteries that are hard to remove. Hard-drive players can keep playing for hours and hours.

Buy MP3 players with broad file format support

While all players support the MP3 format, some also support AAC, WMA or Ogg Vorbis files. An FM tuner is usually available on flash players.

Does the player need a carrying case?

When you buy MP3 players, they often come with a carrying case as well. However, if your player is expensive and fragile, a custom-fitted case can help you protect it. You can buy MP3 players from both online and offline shops, at different prices. An MP3 player can be a great source of entertainment, especially while traveling.

Mp3 players represent the newest technology for listening to preferred music anytime and anywhere. Most of the mp3 players are pretty cheap, if we consider the plenty of features they have, as the prices can vary from $40 up to $300. The most important advantage of mp3 players is the mp3 or wma compression which makes a huge file of songs fit into a small flash memory.

Features of Cheap MP3 Players

In this section we will consider cheap mp3 players, the devices with prices up to $80. Most of these players have flash memory from 128MB up to 2 GB. Unlike hard drive mp3 players, the flash memory mp3 players are cheaper and they are much portable than any other mp3 player. One of the most important advantages of portable mp3 players is their size from 2 to 4 inches. Unlike the CD players which require you to carry the box with CDs, mp3 players are much smaller but in their memory may fit up to one hundred audio CDs. Most of the cheap mp3 players do not support radio or TV tuner functions, but they have voice recording feature. Also, these mp3 players do not have rechargeable batteries but you can buy them afterwards.

If you have some extra money you may buy an mp3 player with built-in and customizable presets, and many other useful functions. You also have the possibility to buy an mp3 and wma compatible CD player. It is the cheapest mp3 player, but it is not as portable as usual mp3 players and you have to carry your CDs with you in order to have all your favorite music.

The best place to buy cheap mp3 players is an online store with discounts. Recently, a few companies from Asia offered free shipping for all mp3 players bought online from their virtual shops.

If you would like more information about MP3 players visit my Hot MP3 Player News site.

Ian's website gives you the hot news about MP3's. Please visit the site for more information on MP3 Players.

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How To Buy An MP3 Player

Are you looking for an MP3 player but am not sure which type and model to buy? There is a wide variety of MP3 players out there, from flash memory based players to hard drive based players. Choosing a good player from the market is no easy task. What features should you look for? What are the key considerations? This article aims to answer those questions and more. Now, let's see how we can pick the perfect MP3 player.

Types of MP3 player

There are essentially four types of MP3 players in the market today. These include flash-based players, hard-drive based players and MP3 CD players. Let's look at them in turn.

Flash-based MP3 players

Flash-based MP3 players have a flash memory chip built-in. They tend to be very tiny, ultra-portable and have no moving parts. As a user, you can do all your sports activities without worrying about your music skipping a beat. The downside to flash players is their high cost per megabyte. These players range from 32MB to 2GB, and the most popular models tend to be those from the Creative Muvo line, the iRiver iFP series and more recently, the Apple iPod Shuffle.

Hard-drive based MP3 players

Hard-drive based MP3 players use a 1.8-inch hard disk drive to store your music. The hard disk can hold large amounts of music - we're talking about 10GB and above. If you have a large music library and want to store tons of music, a hard-drive based MP3 player is the way to go. The cost per megabyte is very low. The downside? Well, due to the hard disk drive, which has moving parts, these players are not suited for rough physical activity or extreme sports. One of the most popular MP3 players in this category is the Apple iPod, which is selling like hot cakes out there.

Micro hard-drive based MP3 players

More recently, manufacturers have come up with micro hard-drive based MP3 players like the Apple iPod Mini, Creative Zen Micro and Rio Carbon. Featuring a smaller hard drive (which still gives ample storage space of about 4 to 5 GB), they have a much more compact design compared to full fledged hard disk players. The few models mentioned above are selling like crazy too.

MP3 CD players

MP3 CD players are another type of MP3 player. These units look and feel like regular CD players. You can burn up to 150 MP3 songs to fill one CD-R disc, then play it on the unit. The disadvantage of such players is their large size and their tendency to skip if jostled.

Key Features of MP3 Players

Having looked at the different types of MP3 players, let's look at the key features of an MP3 player.

Size and weight: If you're looking to bring your MP3 player on trips or on sporting activities, a small compact design is very important. In such cases, you should go for a small flash based player or one of the micro hard drive players.

Storage capacity: This is an important factor too. If you need to store your whole music library into the MP3 player, then you probably need a hard drive based player with 10GB of storage or above. If you only want a few select songs to listen to on the subway, then a flash based player would suffice. Do take note that some players offer expansion slots in the form of CompactFlash or SD cards.

Battery Life: This is often overlooked. Battery life is a very important consideration, especially if you're out with your player and have no way to recharge. Hard disk players tend to have lithium-ion rechargeable batteries while some flash players offer AAA battery support. I personally own a Creative MuVo Micro N200 which uses AAA batteries. This is great for me because once it runs out, I can just pop in a new one - no hassles about finding some electrical socket to recharge.

Connectivity Options: The way the MP3 player connects to your computer is also an important factor. The latest models tend to support high-speed USB 2.0 transfers. The better ones like the Apple iPod also give Firewire support.

File Format Support: You will most likely be wanting to play MP3 songs on your player. However, if you want to listen to a wider variety of music files, like WMA or OGG Vorbis, then make sure you see it in the player specs.

Other Considerations

Many of the latest players also include features I've not covered in the above. For example, some players come with a built-in FM tuner, which is very useful if you get tired of your MP3 music. Other have a built-in voice recorder which allows you to record audio as WAV files.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many considerations to think about when purchasing an MP3 player. To get the most suitable player, you want to think about how you will use the player. Usage should drive your purchase decision. The other thing to take note of is to shop around, both online and offline - compare prices before shelling out the cash. Good luck hunting for that MP3 player!

Gary Hendricks runs a hobby site on digital photography. Visit his website at http://www.digital-music-guide.com for tips and tricks on selecting MP3 players, music services and music software.

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MP3 Player Guide

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: -

1. 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?

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. Compatibility

PC or Mac compatibility. Mac users should ensure the MP3 player can support Mac since some MP3 players can only support PC.

5. Battery

MP3 players come with either rechargeable batteries (some can be charged via USB port) or disposable batteries.

6. 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.

7. Functionality

Some MP3 players have extra features such as voice recorder, FM radio, FM recorder, image viewer, video player.

8. 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.

Alfred Ang is a blogger and web developer. Read more reviews at MP3 Player Review [http://mp3-player.gadget-review.net] web and MP3 Player Accessory [http://mp3-player-accessory.gadget-review.net] web.

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What to Look For When Buying an MP3 Player

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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Protect Your MP3 Investment With An Approved MP3 Player Protective Carrying Case

MP3 players are great, except lots of well-liked styles come in a restricted quantity of colors. The iPod, for instance, is only obtainable in black or white. If you want your MP3 player to be noticeable from the mob, the easiest method is to acquire a lively case.

Cases are not only style enhancers. MP3 player cases can guard your player from marring, falls and bangs. A high-quality case can extend the useful life of your MP3 player.

There are many first-rate choices of both custom mp3 player cases and standard cases obtainable. Since the great reputation of the iPod, the major assortment of custom cases is for this kind of MP3 player, but at hand and in addition are custom cases for the Zen Micro, Sony portable players, iRiver and the majority of the additional main brands.

Custom cases are prepared to fit an exacting model of MP3 player, and present the greatest shield and utility. They are intended to make the controls easy to get to and the player can be operated with no taking it away from the case.

Generic cases are intended for a broad assortment of MP3 players, as a result, are a superior option if you can't get a custom-made case. Generic cases might also contain individual features like arm bands or pockets for your earbuds.

The trouble with generic cases is that the controls of the MP3 player are frequently not easy to get to unless you take the player out from the case. Is this a major concern? If you use your player as a set-it-and-forget-it appliance, this will not be a trouble in any way. But if you like to fiddle with each song, the deficiency in admittance to the controls can be an annoyance.

For superior security, a number of cases are totally covered and are watertight down to a particular water depth. Even though it's not a first-rate thought to carry your MP3 player along for a swim, this type of container offers plenty of fortification against showers. Sealed cases in addition present security from sand and grime - indispensable if you carry your MP3 player to the seashore.

Cases might be fashioned of aluminum or plastic, or a mixture of resources to defend them from water. Silicone cases permit the controls to be adjusted while in the case, but present a lesser amount of shield from shock than rigid cases.

While cases might typically be rather practical in cost, they in addition, boast a style component, and similar to the majority of fashion-related stuff - there is very little boundary for pricing. Fancy a diamond covered casing for your iPod? No trouble - now gimmie $5000.

It's greatest if you can test a container with your MP3 player prior to purchasing it. This allows you to get a feel for the way the case fits and shows you if you will be able to manage the player when it's in the case. If the case has an armband or additional variable band, make certain it fits correctly.

You have, in all probability put out somewhere between $100 and $300 for your MP3 player, therefore you would like to get the majority of use out of it if feasible. A case is a guaranteed way to extend the life of your player, as well as is a pleasant means to create a fashion announcement. This is a must-have fashion accessory!

If you're still looking for the latest in high tech MP3 player accessories [http://www.hot-deals-on-mp3-players.info/MP3-Player-Accessories.html] then try visiting http://www.hot-deals-on-mp3-players.info, a popular website that offers Apple iPod tips, and MP3 resources to include information on MP3 player cases, batteries and MP3 player features [http://www.hot-deals-on-mp3-players.info/MP3-Player-Features.html] that can enhance your iPod experience.

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How Do MP3 Players Work? Digital Audio Technology Revolutionizes Music Enjoyment

Millions have enjoyed recorded music since 1877 when Thomas Edison invented the phonograph. Then came radio, records, tapes and CD's. But today's digital audio players are a quantum leap forward in music technology. To understand what makes these music players so revolutionary, let's explore the question, "How do mp3 players work?"

Until recently listening to music recordings involved mechanically moving the media past an interface to pick up an analog signal called a wave-form. This signal of vibrations was amplified and sent to the speakers where we heard it as sounds. When digitized, the wave-form becomes a WAV file. It's a major improvement, but the file is very large and a CD disc is limited to about 80 minutes of music.

So What is an iPod, and How does an iPod work?

Apple's iPod is the best known mp3 player. In answer to the question, How do iPods work, the next two paragraphs really describe how all portable digital music players function.

Software converts the music to a small digital file, usually WAV to mp3, using a codec like MP3 or WMA. The codec compresses the file by discarding sounds inaudible to the human ear. The digital file is stored in the mp3 player's flash or micro-drive memory. Because the file is so small, a player no larger than a deck of cards can hold up to thousands of songs.

For play-back the mp3 player executes several functions. Embedded software reads the file, decompresses the encoding, converts it back to analog, amplifies the signal and sends it to the headphones. And voilá, we have crystal clear sound without the annoying cracks, pops and hisses particularly common to records and tapes.

How We Do MP3 (Player Types, Functions & Features)

Even with a seemingly never-ending stream of new products, there are basically three types of audio devices that work well for audio CD duplication in a portable personal player.

Flash Players - the smallest, least expensive, and most reliable. Using solid state memory with embedded software, they have no moving parts, so batteries last longer and skips are eliminated. They have limited memory, but will still hold dozens of songs. Most players have search, shuffle, repeat and other popular features.

Micro-Drive Players - the tiny hard drives in these mp3 players have up to 60GB of memory and will hold thousands of tunes. Some also store and display photos. Anti-skip technology helps, but shock or vibration can still cause skips. They typically have more functions and features than flash players.

CD MP3 Players - the new generation of portable CD players. Using formats like mp3, WMA and ATRAC, they play (some also burn) CD's that hold 10 to 45 hours of music per disc. They play standard and/or 3" MiniDisc CD's. Standard CD sized units cost less than most mp3 players. MiniDisc player prices are higher but they hold the most music, and they're about the same size as a micro-drive mp3 player. Most play both pre-recorded and CD-R/RW discs. Features are similar to the other players.

For more information, see Compare MP3 Players

MP3 players information from A to Z: player types & features, how they work, accessories,comparisons and more - plus free music download tips and info at A-Z MP3 Players.com, Your Complete A-Z Resource for MP3 Players, Accessories and Information.

This article may be re-printed in its entirety, with no changes and this resource box included. © 2005 http://www.a-z-mp3-players.com All rights reserved

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MP3 Player Buyer's Guide

Manufacturers are unleashing new models of MP3 Players every month. Each model has multitude of features, sizes, formats catering to the needs of different sections of users.

MP3 is an acronym for MPEG (Motion Pictures Experts Group) Audio layer 3. This is just one of the many formats utilized by audio players. It is a data compression technique that drastically reduces the size of the original CD music files. The other formats widely used by the online music retailers are: WMA (WindowsMedia Audio), WAV, AIFF (Audio Interchange File Format), ATRAC, OGG, AAC (Advanced Audio Coding).

Main Features

Types of Storage

The two major classifications are: Hard drive models and Flash based models. There are other not so popular models like portable CD players and built in memory players.

Flash memory players are the smallest and the lightest. They come with long lasting batteries hence longer audio playback time than hard disk based players. They are solid state meaning no moving parts so no skipping of tracks even while jogging on hardest of terrains. Storage capacity ranges from 32MB to 8GB i.e. they can store around 120 to 2000 songs. Well, if you compress further you will be able to fit in more songs but with a compromise on audio quality. Possible extra features like voice and line-in recording.

There are flash memory models that have expansion slots. Adding memory via card slots is thus easy. The memory formats used for expansion are:

Compact Flash,

MultiMedia cards,

Secure Digital cards,

Hard drive based players can store huge number of songs when compared to the flash memory types. The portable hard drive audio players can handle160GB worth of material. Let us have a look at the various capabilities of this breed:

store play lists and information tags attached to the audio files from computer

organize the files according to the identifying tags like artists, genres etc.

accommodate tens of thousands of songs, yet the choice songs traceable with least hassle

additional features like displaying calendars, notes, contacts

ability to handle documents, pictures, files and digital music

can be a substitute of portable storage drives, read and transfer files from computer

And all good things come with a price! The complex technology involved in the making of miniature hard drives with large storage capacity has pushed the prices of these models up. Per megabyte cost is however much lower than flash based memory types. Another negative factor is the delicate frame, excessive rough use and jerks due to drops can damage the unit.

Micro hard drive based players offer the best of both hard drive based player and flash based players. These models are smaller and lighter than hard drive ones and store more music than the flash based ones.

Portable CD players play digital music saved on discs. These models are larger (large enough to accommodate 5.2 inch CD) in size and least expensive when compared with other players. These units can play the standard audio and MP3 formats; however the copyright protected formats from online music stores are not supported by these players. These can store up to 150 MP3 songs in one 650MB disc. Power consumption is more due to the spinning of CD drives.

Built in memory players- The data is collected from your PC through the PC's USB, serial or parallel port connection and is stored in unit's memory. Not more than 3000 songs can be stored.

Storage Capacity

Obviously, greater the storage capacity, more the number of songs you can store. Hard drive based player score the maximum with storage capacity of 40,000 songs, flash based players come next in list followed by CD players. Depending on how you intend to use the MP3 player and the storage type, you can find various models in the different ranges of storage capacity at the links below:

0.125 to 2 GB,

2 to 8 GB,

8 to 31 GB,

31 to 100 GB,

100 to 160 GB.

File management

Each MP3 file includes ID3 tags. The metadata of each file provides information regarding the songs i.e. the artist, title, album etc. The players can organize the files based on this information.

File type support

Audio Formats

The file format support is an important feature. It will decide what music file format you will be able to play. All digital audio players can play MP3 files , but can't say the same with other file formats like WMA, ATRAC, OGG. So check out the specifications and if the player doesn't have the preferred format you can download the same from the manufacturer's site. The most common audio file formats are the following; you can check few models at the corresponding links:

AAC,

AC3,

AIFF,

ASF,

ATRAC3,

IMA ADPCM,

MP3VBR,

Oqq Vorbis,

WAV,

and WMA .

Video Formats

If your player comes with a screen, i.e. video capability, you will have to check out the video format support too. The most common ones are AVI,

DivX ,

H.264,

MPEG-1,

MPEG-2,

MPEG-4,

WMV,

XviD IMA ADPCM IMA ADPCM

MP3 ,

MP3 VBR ,

Ogg Vorbis,

WAV ,

WMA ,

IMA ADPCM ,

MP3 ,

MP3 VBR ,

Ogg Vorbis ,

WAV ,

WMA .

Weight

MP3 player have morphed into various shapes and sizes. Hard drive based player weighs 1.2 ounce to over 22 ounce. Flash based player weighs around 2 ounces. For models at various ranges of weight, check the following links:

0.1to 1.06 oz,

1.06 to 3.26 oz,

3.26 to 5.51 oz,

5.51 to 396.83 oz,

Display Size

The tiny display screen helps you to navigate through options like volume control and choice of songs. Make sure you are able to see the display even while outdoors under glare. Check for various models in the screen size range given:

1 to 1.7 inch,

1.7 to 2 inch,

2 to 3.5 inch,

3.5 to 7 inch.

Battery life

Hard drive based players last with one battery for about 14 hrs with only the audio on; with video on the battery will drain even faster. The hard drive based players with non removable lithium-ion batteries last for two to four years. You get 20 to 50 hours with flash based devices as there are no moving parts. Go for the ones with rechargeable batteries. If you are making a selection based on battery life check the following two ranges:

0.58 to 6.4 hrs,

6.4 to 150 hrs.

Other interesting features music and voice recording features, onboard tuners, photo viewers, video viewers, slideshow functions

MP3 players types

Musicoholics-Music all day long

For those of you who listen to music all day long a hard drive based player would be an ideal choice. It can store a huge number of songs and has long battery life. They are unsuitable when it comes to listening while exercising. The movable parts of the player are prone to damage on high impact movement.

On Workouts

You want to go jogging out in the world, flash based players would be ideal as they don't have movable parts. Check out the models with accessories like arm band, head phones and may be a sweat-resistant model.

Budget models

MP3 CD players and flash based players are inexpensive when compared to the hard drive based players. If you are comfortable with burning CDs frequently you can consider buying these models. Those with FM radio tuner enable you to hook on to the local radio stations.

Watching Video

MP3 players come with a screen, very small one but can be entertaining enough. These are very much akin to the portable video players and if you intend having this feature in your player go for the ones that have 2-inches or more diagonal screens.

Price

MP3 players can be purchased for as low as 100$ to 1500$. The features will vary.

Low range models from 0.01 to 237.49$ are available with many manufacturers. You get above average audio and video, good battery life and limited storage capacity.

Mid-range MP3 players from 237.49 to 599.84$ have excellent features, good battery life and good screen resolution.

High range models from 599.84 to 1437.12$ have excellent and fast photo viewer. The LCD display is ideal for organizing play lists and navigating media.

Brands

Today there are a number of brands competing for your attention. Once you have decided on the price you can check the various brands for features like how many songs you can store, the size and weight, the battery life etc. Some of the big names in this field are:

Apple, Archos, Iriver, SanDisk, Samsung, RCA, Sony etc

For MP3 Player Reviews you can visit:

http://www.reviewgist.com
Reviews
MP3 Player Reviews

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Buy A Better MP3 Player By Learning What All The Extra Features Are That Come With New MP3 Models

MP3 players are all the rage especially with teenagers. The ability to carry your favorite songs around with you wherever you go is cool. But selecting the type, model and features that best suits your needs can be a challenge at best and many times a rather frustrating experience.

The attractiveness of MP3 players is seen by the fact that there are hundreds of models to pick from. This diversity includes with it various selections of which might be perplexing to the typical purchaser. Never fear - here we will show you all the data you will require to make a knowledgeable choice about buying your MP3 player. We will start with the basics and move on to more technical issues so you can make better choices and, in turn, enjoy your MP3 Player more.

There are fundamentally two kinds of transportable audio players - flash memory or hard drive. You will also find portable CD players, but these are a less attractive option because they have troubles with audio skipping. So, memory is going to be one of the larges deciding factors here.

The chief divergence involving flash memory and hard drive MP3 players is their memory storage capability. Hard drives usually have quite a lot more storage capacity than that of flash memory, so if you have thousands of songs that you want to accumulate on your MP3 player, you are almost certainly better off with a hard drive. The difference between memory is in storage ability and playability.

The chief disadvantage to hard drives is that they have problems with skipping and audio dropouts. The situation is not as relentless as with CD drives, and the equipment is getting better all the time and the engineering is better able to decrease this. But the fact is that if you use your hard drive MP3 player at the same time as you are jogging or doing further dynamic movement, you are apt to get dropouts. If vigorous exercise is not a concern of yours than the greater capacity of the hard drive might be your best bet.

Flash memory MP3 players, on the other hand, are entirely secure even during the most challenging circumstances. That is, since there are no moving parts to move around - the audio files are stored in computer memory. So, it is between storage capacity and quality of the music in terms of skipping when jarred. Both types allow for advanced feature to be used with them.

Both flash and hard drive MP3 players can be useful as data storage devices as well as for audio playback. Computer information can be moved to and from the MP3 player allowing for easy moving. If this is a trait that you are concerned with, the additional ability of a hard drive MP3 player lets you to accumulate more files.

So, how many files do you think you want to store? What are the storage abilities of the two types of MP3 players? The upper limit of flash players is about 4 Gigabytes, and hard drives up to 100 GB are obtainable.

Various MP3 Player File Formats Practically all portable audio players are proficient at playing MP3 files, but that is not the only kind of file compression design obtainable for audio files. WMA files are very well-liked, and the Apple iPod uses the AAC format. Both of these formats offer superior sound excellence and lesser file sizes than MP3.

As we just discussed, there are at least 3 formats to choose from. Format is of lesser consideration since they all have superior quality. Audio files can be changed from one format to a different format, but conversion can be an inconvenient extra step for most people. Be sure to choose a portable audio player that supports the file format you are most likely to use.

Other Features Of The MP3 Player

The type of routing scheme on any MP3 player is a key purchasing concern. The ease of which an individual can locate a particular file, particularly on a hard drive, is of utmost significance since a hard drive might have thousands of songs. Also, an easy to see screen and uncomplicated controls will let you locate songs proficiently.

A lot of portable audio players have additional features such as FM radio, a integrated microphone for voice recording, outputs for linking the portable player to a home stereo system, and color displays for presentation of photos or album art. Numerous of the most recent production of players hold video playback.

The list of extra features might help you decide on the particular type of MP3 player you want. Think about what particular extra features you are probably going to want. This consideration will expedite the process of reducing your choices and will make it less difficult to locate the perfect MP3 player.

Do you like the ability to change face plates? Or how about choices of colors, is that a consideration? You see this is still not going to be an easy choice but now you have a better understanding of what is out there and the knowledge to talk about this to a sales person.

In fact, you might know more now than the sales person who waits on you! Now that is a real advantage and a new sensation! Go make that sales person sweat a little! Show your knowledge about format and capacity and features of each type!

So, now maybe you can go out and find your MP3 player of choice and have hours of listening pleasure by being able to listen to your favorite songs and go anywhere you want too! You will be able to have the features you want since you are in a better buying position with your new knowledge.

For more up to date information on MP3 players to include MP3 player accessories [http://www.hot-deals-on-mp3-players.info/MP3-Player-Accessories.html], MP3 player features, batteries, cases and an extensive Apple iPod overview [http://www.hot-deals-on-mp3-players.info/Apple-iPod-Overview.html] please visit Hot-Deals-On-MP3-Players.info [http://www.hot-deals-on-mp3-players.info]

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MP3 Players - Past, Present and Future

What is the MP3 format?

MP3 is a format which reduces the size of music files to roughly 1 tenth of a normal CD file; its does this primarily by cutting out frequencies the human ear cannot hear. The sound quality suffers when such a compression in file size is made, but many listeners think this is a worthwhile cost to pay to have greater accessibility to their music collection. The MP3 format was made popular on the internet since the small size of its files made downloading tunes easier.

MP3 Players

The first MP3 player, the MPMan F10, was created by South Korean company SaeHan Information Systems in 1997 and could hold 32 Meg (about ¾ of a CD). This has vastly improved over the years as MP3's popularity increased. Mp3 players are now firmly in the mainstream with landmark products such as the iPod, and Mp3 players on the market today are capable of holding 160 gigabytes, holding literally hundreds of albums and videos.

As a result of so much music on your Mp3 player, finding a tune can be problematic, so programmes and techniques have sprung up to help you listen to the music you love. Many people use iTunes or a media library tool such as mediamonkey to organise their tracks into play-lists. Also you can "tag" you music so if you are looking for certain genres, such as rock, jazz or classical, you can quickly and easily browse through the appropriate tunes. Tags are limited only by your imagination; some people label their music by concepts such as emotion, colour or location.

A problem with so many Mp3s may be they play at varying volumes due to coming from lots of different sources, causing you to change the volume continuously whilst listening to your tunes; for this online tools such as MP3Gain.net will help normalise (make same volume) your music collection.

Putting MP3's on your player

If you're looking for new MP3's there are lots of sites around that will help you find your next favourite tune; the classic MP3.com has reviews and options for you to buy; the new site Seeqpod.com is a great tool to search, download and listen to MP3s on the web. Last.fm is also a great place to search for new music you like by typing in your favourite artists and browsing through tunes it thinks are similar.

You can also convert your old records and CDs to MP3's so you can listen to them on the move, there are various tools available for this including the entirely online resource at Media-Convert.

MP3 Player Accessories

It's worth upgrading your headphones when you buy an MP3 Player; the ones packaged with most players are of poor quality. It's also worth buying or considering batteries when selecting your Mp3 player; some manage a pitiful 8 hours but with large capacity, whilst others could last 20 hours plus; perfect for travellers.

Companies have started thinking of ideas of using MP3 players other than a traditional player; MP3 players are now appearing in washing machines and guitar shaped toys to help shape your air guitar fantasies, also more integration with mobile phones and personal organisers such as the hotly tipped iPhone.

Have Mp3s Changed How we Listen to Music?

We now as a consumer of music have more access to different music than we have ever had before; almost anyone can make music and upload it for the world to listen to. As such we have exposure to a lot more new music these days if desired; before the internet and Mp3s the only way this would have been through the radio. Listening habits have changed; less people now listen to albums in sequence; "random" play-lists exist scanning through the entire music library and "tags" exist for your tunes which help play all those tracks in your collection that are in a particular style.

As such the focus of selling tunes has moved more to buying individual tracks rather than buying albums. Even the process of buying albums has changed; across the country CD shops are closing down as more and more people buy their music online. iTunes passed its 3 billionth download in the summer of 2007 and the rate of downloads is increasing.

More people these days listen to music of less quality; the music industry peaked at the advent of CDs in reaching the limit of human perception; CDs essentially cannot be improved upon. Paradoxically, the growth area of music formats now are those which are actually inferior to the formats of the past; although only Hi-Fi freaks with expensive gear may be the only ones able to tell the difference between a high bit-rate MP3 and a CD track.

The Future?

At the moment mp3 players are moving to flash drives rather than hard drives to store their information, this promises smaller, faster and quieter operation for future Mp3 players. Looking further ahead, Mp3 players may eventually merge and become more integrated with all media so that one device will play your music, your video, be a digital camera and enable internet surfing on the move. The music quality should increase until it re approaches that of CDs. Voice recognition software should make it easier to interface with your music, with Bluetooth facilities meaning you'll be able to interface with your PC and other users quickly; there is talk of a peer-to-peer network appearing using just the players themselves connected wirelessly. Batteries may become a thing of the past as power consumption decreases and solar power is all that's needed to keep you with music all the time.

by Hollow

List of current MP3 players

Normalise your MP3 collection at MP3Gain

Convert all files to MP3 online

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