| Tip #1 - Type of MP3 Player - There are basically four | | | | with MP3 players. Options include standard batteries |
| types, flash, hard drive, micro hard drive and CD based | | | | (AAA or AA type batteries) or rechargeable batteries. |
| players. | | | | With standard batteries, you can easily replace them |
| Flash players are small, have a memory chip built-in, | | | | when needed, while some rechargeable models are |
| and are more durable with no moving parts, which | | | | non-removable lithium-ion batteries, and typically last |
| mean they will not skip a beat during sports activity or | | | | two to four years. Since flash players need to be |
| running. Because of their compact size, space is limited | | | | synced more often, recharging occurs as you sync. |
| to 4gigs or less depending on the model you choose. | | | | For larger players, battery life is usually longer but may |
| iRiver, SanDisk and Creative MuVo are three popular | | | | not always be the case. Make sure you inquiry about |
| brands of flash memory players. | | | | battery life for those models. |
| Hard drive players are great for anyone who wants to | | | | Tip #4 - Features - With the capability to view video |
| take their entire library worth of music with them. | | | | and photos, bright color screens with image display are |
| Featuring high capacity storage ranging anywhere | | | | usually a favorite among buyers. Voice recording with |
| from 4gigs to 60gigs of hard drive space. With so | | | | built-in or optional voice recorders, let you record |
| much disk space available, you can also store data | | | | seminars or meetings. Want to listen to other music, |
| files, pictures and video, allowing for true portability. | | | | some models include an FM tuner for listening and |
| Unlike flash players, hard drive players are larger in | | | | recording (mp3) radio stations. Players such as Apple |
| size, cost more and have more movable parts, which | | | | iPOD and Creative Zen line allow for personal |
| may not make it idea for physical activity. Popular | | | | information management options such as phone books |
| among the brands are Apple Ipod, Creative Zen Vision, | | | | and calendars that can synchronize data between |
| and Wolverine MVP models. | | | | desktop applications and the player. |
| Additionally you can opt for an micro hard drive player. | | | | Other features to consider: advanced playback |
| Micro MP3 players are a cross between a flash and a | | | | features such as shuffle, repeat, resume, and playlist |
| regular hard drive player. Max storage capacity is | | | | functions. Newer models now offer the ability to |
| usually 8gigs, have a miniature hard drive, and are light | | | | create on the fly playlists, smart playlist for grouping |
| weight and compact. These players still have movable | | | | songs in shuffle mode and automatic volume control |
| parts and some models include non-removable | | | | that makes songs play at the same volume. Don't |
| re-chargeable batteries. | | | | forget about music search and sort options to find |
| CD MP3 players are similar to CD players, except | | | | songs. |
| they can read data CD's. Capacity is the same size as | | | | Tip #5 - Connectivity Options - Most if not all MP3 |
| a CD which is 650mbs, and the music needs to be | | | | players support USB 2.0. Other connectivity options |
| burned. They can also play standard CD's. | | | | you may want to consider is Firewire, audio and line |
| Tip #2 - Digital Format - Not all players support every | | | | inputs. Some next-generation models include Ethernet, |
| music format but should play the standard mp3, wma, | | | | Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth capabilities. |
| wav formats. For additional audio format, look for | | | | Tip #6 - Functionality - Don't just consider bells and |
| players that support aac, asf and ogg. Not stopping at | | | | whistles when looking for the right MP3 to purchase. |
| audio format, you may also have a need to view | | | | Functionality is usually what makes MP3 players stand |
| video formats such as mp4, mov, wav, avi, and flash. | | | | apart from each other. Test drive each player and |
| To get the most out your purchase and enjoy your | | | | notice how easy or hard it is to navigate the menus. |
| favorite digital pictures, look for models that support | | | | Do the buttons feel cheap or easy to press? Is the |
| picture formats such as jpeg, gif, tiff and png. Flash | | | | screen display sufficient in bright light? Is it compact |
| Players such as Creative Zen, iRiver Clix, and Cowan | | | | enough for daily or sport activity? What accessories |
| iAudio can display text documents. | | | | are available for the player? |
| Tip #3 - Battery Life - Next to storage capacity, | | | | No matter what model you choose, an MP3 player will |
| battery life is probably the most critical consideration | | | | be a great addition to your entertainment hardware! |