How to Buy an MP3 Player (continued)
Key FeaturesStorage
The greater the storage capacity, the more songs you can take with you. Hard-drive-based players hold the most--currently, the highest capacity is 80GB (which can accommodate about 20,000 MP3 songs ripped at 128 kilobits per second). The latest (and most expensive) flash-based players can hold up to 8GB of music (about 2000 MP3 songs ripped at 128 kbps); more-affordable options tend to max out at around 2GB.
The greater the storage capacity, the more songs you can take with you. Hard-drive-based players hold the most--currently, the highest capacity is 80GB (which can accommodate about 20,000 MP3 songs ripped at 128 kilobits per second). The latest (and most expensive) flash-based players can hold up to 8GB of music (about 2000 MP3 songs ripped at 128 kbps); more-affordable options tend to max out at around 2GB.
File management
MP3 files include ID3 tags, meta information embedded within each song file that provides artist, song title, and album name information to the player. Working with this data, a player can organize the files for you, though each does so in its own way. Most players have a built-in LCD screen, so look for one that shows the information you use most.
MP3 files include ID3 tags, meta information embedded within each song file that provides artist, song title, and album name information to the player. Working with this data, a player can organize the files for you, though each does so in its own way. Most players have a built-in LCD screen, so look for one that shows the information you use most.
Transfer speed/port type
Downloading 5GB of songs all at once from your PC using a USB 1.1 interface can take all night. Almost all new players employ the much faster USB 2.0; but if speed is important, ensure that your player of choice supports the faster standard before you buy.
Downloading 5GB of songs all at once from your PC using a USB 1.1 interface can take all night. Almost all new players employ the much faster USB 2.0; but if speed is important, ensure that your player of choice supports the faster standard before you buy.
Software
All players come with software and drivers that allow you to download songs to them from a PC. Some units work well only with their included software, while others work with a variety of music programs. Before buying, always be sure your favorite jukebox software will work with your player of choice.
File type support
All digital audio players can play MP3 files, but your music may not be recorded in that file format. If you use media files encoded in the proprietary Windows Media file format (.wma) or the open-source Ogg Vorbis format (.ogg), your media player will be able to play those files only if it has appropriate support built in. Check the player's specs, either on the box or on the manufacturer's Web site, if file format support is important to you. And even if your player doesn't support your preferred format out of the box, many manufacturers provide downloadable updates to the player's firmware, some of which can add support for other formats.
All digital audio players can play MP3 files, but your music may not be recorded in that file format. If you use media files encoded in the proprietary Windows Media file format (.wma) or the open-source Ogg Vorbis format (.ogg), your media player will be able to play those files only if it has appropriate support built in. Check the player's specs, either on the box or on the manufacturer's Web site, if file format support is important to you. And even if your player doesn't support your preferred format out of the box, many manufacturers provide downloadable updates to the player's firmware, some of which can add support for other formats.
Music service compatibility
Online music stores offer users with a broadband connection a fast, easy, and legal way to build their digital audio collections. However, not all players work with all stores. For example, Apple's ubiquitous iPod line works well only with the iTunes Music Store. Similarly, online music subscription services (such as Rhapsody) that let you "rent" music for your portable audio player work well only with specific players that carry Microsoft's Plays For Sure logo. If you have a favorite online music source, make sure that it works with your player of choice.
Online music stores offer users with a broadband connection a fast, easy, and legal way to build their digital audio collections. However, not all players work with all stores. For example, Apple's ubiquitous iPod line works well only with the iTunes Music Store. Similarly, online music subscription services (such as Rhapsody) that let you "rent" music for your portable audio player work well only with specific players that carry Microsoft's Plays For Sure logo. If you have a favorite online music source, make sure that it works with your player of choice.
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