5 Tips for buying a MP3 player

On the mp3 market you’ve got a lot of choice. But how do you choose a MP3 player that fits your tastes? With our 5 buying tips we help you make the choice.

1. What type of MP3 players are there?
You can make a difference between 4 types of players:

1. MP3 players with a hard disk
   These players have a huge storage capacity because of a built-in 1.8 inch hard disk. These disks vary from 10 GB up to 60 GB. Often they have a lot of functions and a bigger screen. They are heavier in weight however and the hard disk is made of rotating parts. These players are therefore less suitable to use them while jogging. They also contain rechargeable batteries (lithium-on batteries that last 2-4 years) that you cannot replace yourself.
2. MP3 players with a micro hard disk
   These hard disks measure 1 inch and can store 6-20 GB of music. They have the same disadvantages as the 1.8 inch hard disks. They’re less heavy, but still not resistant to shocks.
3. MP3 players with flash memory
   MP3 players with flash memory don’t have any rotating parts and are therefore great to use for physical activities. They’re really small and can store from 32 MB to 4 GB. Because they don’t have any rotating parts the battery will last longer. The only disadvantage is you cannot store a lot of music.
4. MP3 CD players
   They look like portable cd players. You can burn about 150 MP3 tracks (10 albums) on a 650 MB CD-R/RW. These players also play normal CD’s. The best thing about these players is you can change discs, instead of linking your player up with your computer to refresh your music. Biggest disadvantages are the size of the players and their non-resistance to shocks.

2. What audio formats exist?

1. AA: for audio books
2. AAC: known from the iPod
3. ATRAC3: Sony’s own music format
4. FLAC: open source format for audiophiles with no quality loss
5. MP3: the famous standard
6. MP3Pro: better sound quality, but much less used
7. Ogg Vorbis: open source with great sound quality, but also less used
8. WAV/AIFF: non-compressed audio (therefore bigger files). WAV on Windows PC and AIFF on the Mac.
9. WMA: Microsoft Windows format. Can also use DRM (Digital Rights Management).

3. What MP3 player fits my needs?

1. You’re driving a car often: choose a MP3 player with hard disk and get a car lighter adapter.
2. You’re travelling with public transport: choose a MP3 player with flash memory and sound isolating headphones.



3. You’re a fitness fanatic: choose a compact Flash player with pulse link and headphones that don’t fall off quick.
4. You’re a long-distance traveller: choose a MP3 player with hard disk and don’t forget the speakers for your hotelroom.
5. You’re an audiophile: watch the output values of the player and ofcourse buy high-end headphones.
6. You’re a music collector: buy a MP3 player with a hard disk of a minimum of 40 GB storage.

4. What else can I ask of my MP3 player?

1. Radio receiver
2. Remote control
3. Recording music with the line-in (great way to transfer music from lp’s or cassettes)
4. Voice recording: use your MP3 player as a memo recorder
5. Data storage: you can also use your MP3 player as a USB memory stick
6. Equalizer: to change the frequencies to your own tastes
7. Playlists: certainly with mass storage playlists come in handy

5. Where do I find the music?

1. Music on your PC: which you’ve already downloaded or ripped. Watch the format and the player’s specifications.
2. Music CD’s: rip your collection of music cd’s to your computer
3. Online music stores: like iTunes
4. With P2P
5. With a MP3 player with line-in from lp or cassette

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