All About MP3 Players

Consider this

Few characteristics actually distinguish one MP3 player from another.  The file formats are similar so sound generally depends on the headphones you use.  Some are more portable than others, but none will weigh you down too much.  After that, there is memory, software, ease of use, and a couple features.  In short, more money gets you more memory, which may cut out some components you want.

The smallest of these devices use flash memory.  They are simple, durable and the biggest can store about eight compact discs worth of stuff.  However, download times are slower because they use USB 1.1 ports and some are close in price to models with big hard drives.  The Rio Forge Sport and Apple iPod Shuffle are both quality examples of small flash players.  Many of these have FM radio and recording capacities, not seen on the larger and more expensive models.  These advantages, along with a modest price, make them a nice choice for students and professionals.

Higher prices, fewer features

Moving up in price and memory are the MP3 players with smaller hard drives.  At this level of technology, features like recording and radio are usually left out to keep costs down.  They range in memory from 1 GB to 4 GB and are great for traveling, exercise, or simply organizing a significant portion of your music collection.  The high end here suffers the same problem as the nicer flash players.  Once you get to the 250 dollar range, you are essentially paying because you want more memory.

The biggest, but not necessarily the best, can store up to 60 GB, but most stick around 30GB.  They weigh in at close to half a pound, which makes them a bit unwieldy for exercise.  Most popular is the iPod, but at 300 dollars, you have to question your need to travel with about 10,000 songs.  A smaller hard drive for the same money will get you some pretty cool features.  The iriver H10 has radio and voice capabilities for well under the cost of a new iPod. 

Before you buy, ask yourself "What is an MP3 Player going to do for me?"  Otherwise, you may end up with something that is not quite suited to your needs in a market that is rife with options.

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