Picking a portable music player
Find the right mobile audio solution for you
For years, the world's best-selling bands and the hottest home PCs have been making sweet music together.
Thank the magic of MPEG Layer-3 (or MP3, as they're more commonly known) files, which greatly compress the size of audio recordings without compromising sonic quality.
It's a match made in heaven: From rump-shaking acts like A Tribe Called Quest and Black Eyed Peas to the toe-tapping, finger-snapping rhythms of Yellowcard or ZZ Top, everything sounds better in digital.
Today's on-the-go lifestyle all but demands that fans make use of a portable MP3 player, though. Smaller and lighter than Walkmans and CD players, these units feature the capacity to hold hundreds—and in some cases thousands—of songs. Use your Microsoft Windows-based computer to store and catalogue your music collection, and then transfer tunes onto such devices, which can travel almost anywhere.
Offered in as many colors, sizes, and forms as you can imagine, these magnificent gadgets are capable of going anywhere you do... and there's always an appropriate choice for any given situation. You can see the variety of MP3 players at Windows Marketplace.
Just be sure you take the following into account when shopping for the perfect match!
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Size and weight
Hundreds of MP3 players are available in all shapes and sizes. Take a second to stop and think about how you intend to use the gadget. Plan on using the device at the gym? Compact and lightweight's the way to go. Seeking a companion for cross-country flights? Something a little bulkier, but able to store more, may prove a better option. While all MP3 players serve the same general function, never settle. No matter your specific needs, it's possible to find a solution that will suit them.
Choose an MP3 player that is the size and shape that fits your needs.
Storage space
Current MP3 players are offered in storage capacities ranging from 64 megabytes (MB) to a whopping 60 gigabytes (GB) and up. The larger the collection you want to store, the more space you'll need.
As a rough benchmark, 64 MB is enough to store 12–16 songs, or one CD's worth; 1 GB can store about 250 individual tunes. Lengthier fare such as news feeds, podcasts (homebrew talk show/music programs), and audio books can eat up even more space—figure roughly 1 MB per minute of recording.
For most users, 4 GB of storage is plenty. You can always replace or remove songs on the player as necessary. But audiophiles who really do want to take it all with them should consider springing for a roomier (20 GB or more) unit.
Durability
Hard-drive MP3 players are great for warehousing massive music collections. But because they have moving parts, skipping and failure are possible if you mistreat these players.
For everyday use, look to svelte and tiny Flash players, which store songs on miniscule computer chips. Expect to trade storage space for versatility, though: These units generally don't hold as much as hard-drive players.
Hikers, campers, runners, mountain bikers, and others prone to subjecting MP3 players to adverse conditions should pick a skip-proof or drop-resistant player. Thankfully, as advanced as the industry has become, you needn't necessarily trade form for function. Extreme sports enthusiasts take note as well: Options that let you enjoy music in a blizzard, pouring rainstorm, or even underwater are also available. Example: the Oregon Scientific MP120 is shock-resistant, while H2O Audio can waterproof your iPod so it's submersible up to 10 feet.
Choose an MP3 player that is durable enough for your needs.
Screen
A variety of screen types and sizes are available, including everything from tiny monochrome LCD panels to dazzling full-color OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) displays. Certain high-end models even include support for picture storage, photo slideshows, and video playback.
Before you buy, consider what you want to do with your player. If you just want to listen to music, there's no sense spending more on a fancy monitor that's going to go to waste. Then again, if you'd prefer carrying along not just songs, but entire music videos on your next vacation, that fancy monitor could prove a sound investment.
Choose an MP3 player that has the screen size and type that you prefer.
Battery life
Battery life on most MP3 players ranges anywhere between 8 and 20 hours. Typically, the larger a unit's storage capacity, the shorter its battery life.
The majority of devices run on dedicated rechargeable or replaceable batteries. Additionally, some players allow for charging straight from a PC, while others feature quick-charge options.
Look for a player that offers maximum lifespan and versatility. You never know when you'll run out of juice, or how convenient a recharge will be.
File format
The more file formats a player can handle, the greater the range of audio files you can enjoy.
The most popular format that songs are stored in, MP3 files, will work with all players. Provisions for other common formats such as Windows Media Audio (WMA), Waveform Audio (WAV), and Advanced Audio Coding (AAC) are also widely featured. However, support for more esoteric file formats such as MIDI and Ogg Vorbis is harder to come by.
Always check for file compatibility first before buying a digital music player.
User interface
A USB 1.1 or USB 2.0 connection is required for uploading songs onto an MP3 player. How these tunes are manipulated once on the player is determined entirely by the manufacturer, though.
Scroll wheels, buttons, switches, even touch-screen interfaces… all are possibilities. The manner in which artist and track data is displayed (if at all) also differs between players. Similarly, while certain devices allow you to create and manipulate playlists (preset song rotations), others can only play random selections.
Hands-on tests at local retailers prior to purchase are recommended. Be certain you've familiarized yourself and are comfortable with the menu systems, controls, and general device setup before making a final selection.
Music subscription services
Online vendors such as MSN Music, Rhapsody, and iTunes conveniently allow you to sample and purchase songs on demand, which are downloaded directly to your computer.
Depending on the provider, selections are yours to enjoy on a permanent basis, or for the duration of a paid subscription package. These files are specially encoded to prevent unlawful distribution.
Many MP3 players are designed to work hand in hand with the services offered by these vendors, allowing you to take downloaded tracks with you anywhere you go. Nonetheless, not all players are compatible with such tunes as a result of anti-piracy measures.
If you're considering expanding your music collection using an online provider in the near future, be sure to confirm an MP3 player's compatibility prior to purchasing the device. This information can be obtained via the player's official Web site or by calling the manufacturer.
MSN Music is one of the music subscription services you can use to collect songs for your MP3 player.
Miscellaneous options
MP3 players frequently ship with a variety of extra incentives. Bonuses can include FM tuners, carrying cases, CD ripping software, trial music service subscriptions, and more. Certain models even have digital camera and voice recorder capabilities built in. A general rule of thumb: The more you're willing to pay, the more features you can add.
Shopping
As with any other high-tech item, the asking price for an MP3 player is relative. Always shop around. You'll find great deals both in-store and at online destinations like Windows Marketplace. Is your preferred selection out of stock or beyond your means? Chin up. Immense as the market has become, you can easily find an equally qualified alternative.
Windows Marketplace is one place where you can shop for your MP3 player.
 | Scott Steinberg
Get Rich Playing Games author, freelance writer, and radio/TV host Scott Steinberg has covered technology for 400+ outlets from CNN to the LA Times, NY Times, Playboy, Rolling Stone, and TV Guide. For more of his insights, visit him at scottsteinberg.com or gadgetexpert.net, where he highlights the hottest new gadgets and games.
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