Manufacturers release new models of MP3 players every month. Each model has a multitude of features, sizes and formats that meet the needs of different sections of users.
MP3 is an acronym for MPEG (Motion Picture Experts Group) Audio Layer 3. This is just one of the many formats used by audio players. It is a data compression technique that drastically reduces the size of the original CD music files. The other formats widely used by online music retailers are: WMA (Windows Media Audio), WAV, AIFF (Audio Interchange File Format), ATRAC, OGG, AAC (Advanced Audio Coding).
Main features
storage types
The two main classifications are: hard drive models and Flash-based models. There are other models that are not as popular as portable CD players and built-in memory players.
flash memory players They are the smallest and the lightest. They come with long-lasting batteries, so audio playback time is longer than hard drive-based players. They’re solid-state, which means they have no moving parts, so they won’t skip tracks, even while jogging over the roughest terrain. The storage capacity ranges from 32 MB to 8 GB, that is, they can store between 120 and 2000 songs. Well, if you compress more, you will be able to include more songs but with compromised audio quality. Possible additional features such as voice recording and line input.
There are flash memory models that have expansion slots. So adding memory via the card slots is easy. The memory formats used for expansion are:
Compact flash,
media cards,
secure digital cards,
Hard Drive Based Players It can store a large number of songs compared to flash memory types. Portable audio players with a hard drive can handle 160 GB of material. Let’s take a look at the various abilities of this breed:
store playlists and tag information attached to computer audio files
organize files according to identifying tags like artists, genres, etc.
accommodate tens of thousands of songs, but chosen songs can be tracked with less trouble
additional features like showing calendars, notes, contacts
ability to handle documents, images, files and digital music
can be a substitute for portable storage drives, read and transfer files from the computer
And all good things have a price! The complex technology involved in manufacturing miniature hard drives with large storage capacities has driven up the prices of these models. However, the cost per megabyte is much lower than flash-based memory types. Another negative factor is the delicate frame, excessive rough use and jolts from falls can damage the unit.
Micro Hard Drive Based Players offers the best of flash and hard drive based players. These models are smaller and lighter than hard drives and store more music than flash-based ones.
Portable CD players play digital music stored on discs. These models are bigger (big enough to fit a 5.2-inch CD) and less expensive compared to other players. These units can play standard audio and MP3 formats; however, these players do not support the copyright-protected formats of online music stores. These can store up to 150 MP3 songs on a 650MB drive. The power consumption is due more to the spinning of the CD drives.
Built-in memory players– Data is collected from your PC via the PC’s USB, serial or parallel port connection and stored in the unit’s memory. No more than 3000 songs can be stored.
Storage capacity
Obviously, the higher the storage capacity, the more songs you can store. Hard drive based players score top marks with a storage capacity of 40,000 songs, flash based players are next on the list, followed by CD players. Depending on how you intend to use the MP3 player and the type of storage, you can find various models in different ranges of storage capacity at the following links:
0.125 to 2GB,
2 to 8GB,
8 to 31GB,
31 to 100GB,
100 to 160GB.
File management
Each MP3 file includes ID3 tags. The metadata for each file provides information about the songs, i.e. artist, title, album, etc. Players can organize files based on this information.
file type support
audio formats
File format support is an important feature. It will decide which music file format you will be able to play. All digital audio players can play MP3 files, but they can’t say the same for other file formats like WMA, ATRAC, OGG. So check the specifications and if the player is not in the preferred format, you can download it from the manufacturer’s site. The most common audio file formats are the following; You can consult some models in the corresponding links:
aafc,
AC3,
AIFF,
african swine fever,
ATRAC3,
IMA ADPCM,
MP3VBR,
Oqq Vorbis,
wav,
and WMA.
video formats
If your player comes with a screen, i.e. video capability, you’ll also need to check for video format compatibility. The most common are AVI,
divx,
H.264,
MPEG-1,
MPEG-2,
MPEG-4,
WMV,
XviD IMA ADPCM IMA ADPCM
MP3,
MP3 VBR,
Ogg Vorbis,
wav,
um,
IMA ADPCM,
MP3,
MP3 VBR,
Ogg Vorbis,
wav,
WMA.
Weight
MP3 players have morphed into various shapes and sizes. The hard drive based player weighs between 1.2 ounces and over 22 ounces. The Flash-based player weighs about 2 ounces. For models in various weight ranges, see the following links:
2-30g,
1.06 to 3.26oz,
90-150g,
5.51 to 396.83 ounces,
screen size
The small screen helps you navigate through options like volume control and song selection. Make sure you can see the screen even when you’re outdoors in the glare. Check various models in the given screen size range:
1 to 1.7 inches,
1.7 to 2 inches,
2 to 3.5 inches,
3.5 to 7 inches.
Battery duration
Hard drive-based players last on a battery for about 14 hours with just the audio on; with video on the battery it will drain even faster. Hard drive-based players with non-removable lithium-ion batteries last two to four years. You get 20 to 50 hours with flash based devices since there are no moving parts. Go for the ones with rechargeable batteries. If you’re making a selection based on battery life, check the following two ranges:
0.58 to 6.4 hours,
6.4 to 150 hours.
Other cool features music and voice recording functions, built-in tuners, photo viewers, video viewers, slideshow functions
Types of MP3 players
Musicoholics-Music all day
For those of you who listen to music all day, a hard drive based player would be an ideal choice. It can store a large number of songs and has a long battery life. They are not suitable when it comes to listening while exercising. The moving parts of the player are prone to damage from high impact movements.
in training
If you want to go running around the world, flash based players would be ideal since they have no moving parts. Take a look at the models with accessories like armband, headphones and it can be a sweat resistant model.
budget models
MP3 CD players and flash based players are inexpensive compared to hard drive based players. If you are comfortable burning CDs frequently, you may want to consider purchasing these models. Those with an FM radio tuner allow you to connect to local radio stations.
Watch video
MP3 players come with a screen, a very small one but one that can be entertaining enough. These are very similar to portable video players and if you intend to have this feature in your player, choose ones with screens that are 2 inches or more diagonally.
Price
MP3 players can be purchased for as little as $100 to $1,500. Features will vary.
low range models from 0.01 to $237.49 are available from many manufacturers. You get above-average audio and video, good battery life, and limited storage capacity.
Middle range MP3 players from $237.49 to $599.84 have great features, good battery life, and good screen resolution.
high rank models from $599.84 to $1437.12 have an excellent and fast photo viewer. The LCD screen is ideal for organizing playlists and browsing media.
brands
Today there are a number of brands vying for your attention. Once you’ve decided on the price, you can check out the various brands for features like how many songs it can hold, size and weight, battery life, etc. Some of the big names in this field are:
Apple, Archos, Iriver, SanDisk, Samsung, RCA, Sony, etc.