The MP3 player market covers a range of shapes, sizes, features, storage capacities, file formats, and download services. Amid such variety, how are you to choose? This guide will help you pick the perfect player.
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1. What are my choices? 2. How does an MP3 player work? 3. What kind of MP3 user am I? |
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What else can I do with an MP3 player? 5. Where do I get music? 6. What else do I need? |
What else do I need?
By now, you should have a pretty good idea of how to choose an MP3 player. But the fun isn't over yet. You can pick from an endless number of accessories that will enable you to use an MP3 player as your car stereo, protect your hardware, improve your player's sound quality, and much, much more. Here are the main types of add-ons for portable audio players.
Extra goodies:
Headphones | Optional add-ons | Battery life and type
Some people don't care about which headphones they use, but
they probably haven't tried on a high-end pair; the
difference will blow you away. The sound quality on MP3
players varies but nowhere near as much as that of
headphones, so be sure to budget for a new set. If you want
more "oomph" from your digital music, bite the bullet and
invest in a decent pair -- your ears will appreciate it.
Some headphones can keep external noise from interfering
with your music. Noise-canceling models work by
electronically negating external sound, while sound-isolating
headphones form a seal around the ear canal to stop other
audio from getting in. Both types are great for planes or
other boisterous environments, but we wouldn't recommend them
for biking through city streets or any other activity that
requires awareness of your surroundings.
Scour product reviews and manufacturer Web sites to determine
whether any optional add-ons are available. Examples include
in-line remote controls, jogging kits, deluxe carrying cases,
flash memory adapters, FM transmitters, flash memory, docking
stations, USB/FireWire kits, extra rechargeable batteries,
car adapters, and more. Just because these extras are
optional doesn't mean they won't enhance your enjoyment of
the device.
How about using an MP3 player in your car? As far as
cassette adapters go, they work with anything that has a mini
headphone jack, so there are no compatibility issues. Yet you
have to be really careful with power adapters for both car
cigarette lighters and wall plugs. Use only those provided by
the manufacturer; even if the plug physically fits, you still
need to confirm the adapter's polarity, voltage, and
amperage. While amperage can usually be 20 percent less or up
to 100 percent more than what's needed by the player,
polarity and voltage must be identical to the unit's
requirements. If you're unsure about these factors, skip the
bargains and buy the power adapter sold by the manufacturer
-- you'll avoid frying your player.
Battery type and life
Most hard drive-based players come with nonremovable
lithium-ion batteries, which typically last two to four
years. Many manufacturers have some sort of return/repair
plan, so check the warranty policy before you buy.
Flash and MP3 CD players are split between those using AA
or AAA batteries and those with an internal rechargeable
cell. Since flash players need to be synced more often and
it's easy to recharge as you sync, flash players with
rechargeable batteries are usually preferable. Generally
speaking, the larger the player, the longer the battery life,
but this isn't always the case, so be sure to read the
battery-test results in our reviews before you pull out your
wallet.
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Hen
03/10/2004 07:40 AM
Nice review, answered all my questions.
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ray
05/10/2004 03:16 AM
Great review, able to confirm the mp3 players I looked at airport duty free were all that was available, now, all I have to do is buy one.
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Bobra Wilbakns
06/04/2005 10:37 PM
We're looking for an MP3 player with high output for use with helmet set for motorcycling. Many MP3 players we've tried can't be heard above standard, normal motorcycle pipes when using a full-face helmet and volume and equalizer turned up all the way. Any suggestions?
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nick
26/07/2005 12:24 AM
i have bought an mp3 player and wanted more info on the diferent formats. i would like to know which format i should put my music onto the mp3 player. MP3 and WMA are the obvious ones and all my music is on my computer as WMA at 192kbps. i want to get as many songs on my mp3 player as possible and a resonable quality. will i fit more on with mp3s or WMAs at similar qualities. if someone can explain the differences or know a website that gives this information please email me at nick___X@hotmail.com
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daveinozbikes
13/01/2006 11:37 PM
This cleared my mind..hard to get straightforward info. for a beginner...well done..Dave in Mandurah,WA
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Pat
15/08/2006 03:47 AM
is there a mp3 player out there that records off the radio and plays videos, but is not huge??
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Neale
13/09/2006 05:17 AM
Need to update this article. Flash based players are now at 8GB and will grow larger, fast. The way to go is; 1. Flash; 2. Replaceable battery; 3. Drag and drop.
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aleesha
16/11/2006 03:43 PM
i loved the video and all of the great info a big thank you to all the mavens out there well done. Cheers~Aleesha
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Steve Farless
03/12/2006 12:26 AM
I have not experienced any skipping problems with my CD mp3 player, the only complaint I have is that they’re rough on batteries. I love the concept and I hope they work on a solution.
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