In a world filled with MP3 Players, Portable Media Players and music downloads, there are a few of us who are still somewhat confused about how to buy a MP 3 player.  With so much information out there it’s hard to get past all of the fancy, high tech jargon to make a decision on which one is best for your needs and by the end of your search, you’re even more confused than before you started.  Well here’s a “straight to the point, quick and dirty” lesson on how to buy an MP3 player.

A MP3 Player is a portable digital device that plays and stores music and audio books.  A Portable Media Player (PMP) plays and stores audio and video. The name MP3 Player is used as a generic term to describe all portable devices.  Although PMPs can play audio not all MP3 Players can play video.  For example, the iPod Shuffle, Creative Labs Zen Stone and SanDisk Sansa Clip are MP3 Players and do not have the capability to play video. 

For those of you who were not aware, Apple Ipod is not the only brand of MP3 Players on the market.  There are several other brands of MP3 Players for you to choose depending on your needs and most importantly, your budget.  They are the Archos, Coby, Cowon, Creative Labs, iRiver, Philips, Samsung, SanDisk, Sony, Toshiba and Zune (Microsoft).   

MP3 Players are classified according to how they store digital data.  The most common are and .  The Hard Drive Based MP3 Players have the highest capacity and are larger and heavier than the Flash Memory Based MP3 Players.  An example of a HARD DRIVE BASED PLAYER would be the iPod Classic 80 GB, iPod Classic 120 GB, iPod Classic 160 GB, Zune 120 GB, the Archos 80 GB 605 Wi-Fi PMP, Archos 160 GB 605 Wi-Fi PMP and the Creative Labs Zen Vision:M 30 GB MP3 and Video Player.  A drawback to the HARD DRIVE BASED PLAYERS is that it has moving parts that can easily malfunction if it is exposed to high temperatures or dropped.

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The Flash Memory Based MP3 Players are light weight and smaller than the Hard Drive Based MP3 Players.  This type of MP3 Player has no moving parts and will have longer audio playback with a storage capacity ranging from 120 to 8000 songs. An example of Flash Memory Based MP3 Players is the Apple iPod Touch, Apple iPod Nano or Creative Labs Zen PMP.  A drawback of the Flash Memory Based MP3 Player is that it is more expensive than the Hard Drive Based Players even if the storage capacity is less.

            Now that you’re armed with the basic information you have to determine which type is best for you.  Your personal needs and budget will help you to narrow down your choice. 

 – Hard Drive vs Flash Memory.  When deciding the type keep in mind what you’re using it for. For example, if you’re going to use it while jogging, then the hard drive based player will not be a good choice because of the size, weight and high chance it will malfunction if it’s dropped.

 – When deciding the storage capacity also keep in mind whether you also want to play video and audio (PMP) or just audio (MP3 Player).  MP3 Players can come in various storage capacities which can vary by brand.  The iRiver brands features a 20 GB MP3 Player. The Archos has a PMP that has 60 GB capacity.  Whether you’re looking for 1 GB to 160 GB there is a brand and model to suit your needs. 

– Determining features is based on personal preference.  Some MP3 Players/PMP have several features that may include voice recorders, calendar syncing, FM radio, wireless capability, photo storage or recording TV like a DVR player.  For these particular features you may want to consider the Archos brand of PMPs.  Another popular feature is color. If you’re into pink then you can get a pink mp3 player.  Your options are endless it just depends on your personal needs and how much you’re willing to spend.   

. -  The more features you desire the more you’ll spend on a MP3 Player.  If you’re just looking to play music and you’re not concerned about the fancy features then you can find a MP3 player for under .  For example, the SanDisk Sansa m250 2GB can be purchased for less that .  If you’re looking for at least 4GB then iPod Nano or Creative Labs Zen Mozaic would be a good choice. Or, if price isn’t a concern and you want the “Cadillac” MP3 Player with all the bells and whistles then consider the Archos 705 Wi-Fi PMP 160 GB.  

After considering the type, capacity, features and your budget check out each of the above mentioned brands to compare features and price.  Also, if you’re on a tight budget and still want fun features consider a refurbished MP3 Player.  Now you’re informed and ready to buy and enjoy your new MP3 Player! Good Luck!

Apple iPod Touch A1288 2nd Gen 8GB MP3 Video Player GET IT FAST US $80.45

Portable Karaoke MP3 Lyric Player US $40.00

Sony MZ N420D Minidisc Player USB Recorder Mini Disc MD Grey MP3 WMA US $99.00

Sports Wireless Headphone Earphone MP3 Player Support UP TO 8GB Micro SD TF Card US $.58

Apple iPod Touch iTouch 1st Gen 16GB MP3 Video Player US $66.00

STEALTH AUDIO SYSTEM IWORLD FOR IPODIPHONEMP3 PLAYERS NEW US $2.99

2GB 22 LCD 5th Pink MP3 MP4 Player Video Earphone Camera Picture Music COOL US $50.00

4GB 22 Green 5th MP3 MP4 Player Video Camera Picture Music Cool Bundle Cool US $50.00

Purple Painting Shell 100 Brand New 8GB MP3 MP4 Player AMH US $9.99

SanDisk Sansa Clip Red 4GB MP3 Player W memory card slot BRAND NEW IN BOX US $39.99

NEW Home Charger MP3 Player for Creative Zen Stone Plus US $1.99

Real 8 GB 28 Touch Screen MP3 MP4 Player Built in Speaker FM with Camera Bk US $.99

Black 4GB Mini Metal Clip MP3 Player FM Radio Recording txt reader LCD Screen US $8.53

Portable Slim Body 8GB Flash Popular Fashion MP3 MP4 Player AMF US $9.97

For iPod MP3 player 5X Audio Aux Auxiliary Car Retractable Cable Cord Black US $6.05

New Clip MP3 Player for 2GB 4GB Micro SD TF Card Black US $.02

CAR STEREO CASSETTE ADAPTER FOR IPOD MP3 CD PLAYER US $4.72

Klipsch Image S4 Earbud Headphones Black IPOD IPAD IPHONE MP3 PLAYERS US $31.00

New 28 4GB Touch Screen Mp3 Mp4 MP5 Player Camera Game Video FM Technology US $15.78

MI JAM FLOWER EXTERNAL SPEAKER FOR IPOD AND MP3 PLAYER PC B2 NEW NIB US $25.00

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