Mp3 players - What to look for when getting one?

There are basically two types of portable audio players - flash memory or hard drive. There are also portable CD players, but these are becoming less common because they have problems with audio skipping.

The major difference between flash memory and hard drive MP3 players is their storage capacity. Hard drives usually have several times the storage capacity of flash memory so if you have thousands of songs that you want to store on your MP3 player, you are probably better off with a hard drive.

Other common mispellings: mp3 payers, p3 players, mp3 plaers

The major drawback to hard drives is that they are subject to skipping and audio dropouts. The problem is not as severe as with CD drives, and the technology is improving all the time to minimize this, but the fact remains that if you use your hard drive MP3 player while you are jogging or doing other vigorous activity, you are likely to experience dropouts.

Flash memory MP3 players, on the other hand, are completely stable even under the most demanding conditions. That is because there are no moving parts - audio files are stored in computer memory.

Both flash and hard drive MP3 players can be used as data storage devices as well as for audio playback. Computer data can be transferred to and from the MP3 player for easy portability. If this is a feature that you are interested in, the extra capacity of a hard drive MP3 player allows you to store more files.

What are the storage capacities of each type of player?  The maximum size of flash players is about 4 GB, while hard drives up to 100 GB are available.

File Formats

Virtually every portable audio player is capable of playing MP3 files, but that is not the only kind of file compression format available for audio files. WMA files are very popular, and the Apple iPod uses the AAC format. Both of these formats offer higher sound quality and smaller file sizes than MP3.

Audio files can be converted from one format to another, but this can be a bothersome 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 To Look For

The type of navigation system on any MP3 player is an important buying consideration. It should be easy to find particular files, especially on a hard drive which may have thousands of songs. An easy to read screen and simple controls will allow you to find songs efficiently.

Many portable audio players have extra features such as FM radio, a built-in microphone for voice recording, outputs for connecting the portable player to a home stereo system, and color displays for viewing photos or album art. Many of the latest generation of players support video playback.

Consider carefully which features you are likely to need. This will help you narrow down your choice and make it easier to find the ideal MP3 player.