MP3 & Video Players

Definition

When manufacturers first began to develop portable MP3 players, the most popular devices stored data on small hard drives. However, this system had drawbacks; hard drives are mechanical devices that are susceptible to shock and consume battery power quickly. Flash MP3 players store data on flash memory, much like the memory card you might use for your camera. Flash memory has decreased in price in recent years, making it possible to outfit MP3 players with a considerable amount of flash storage and avoid the problems inherent in hard drives. Modern flash MP3 players may also have the ability to play other forms of media including movies and games.

Choosing Your Flash Memory MP3 Player

Storage Capacity

While flash memory has seen significant price decreases, it remains more expensive per gigabyte than hard drive-based storage. The least expensive flash MP3 players offer around 2 GB of storage space, which is sufficient for storing a few hundred songs. These models often cost under $50. The most expensive flash MP3 players have up to 64 GB of space. While these models tend to cost several hundred dollars, they are large enough to hold entire music collections and frequently offer additional features such as video playback and the ability to run applications.

Media Types

While the MP3 format is the most common for digital music, you may prefer another format such as WAV or Apple Lossless. If you store your music collection in an obscure format, it is important to look at the compatibility list for a flash MP3 player before purchasing it. For example, only the iPod can play the Apple Lossless format. Some Sony MP3 players have support for the OGG music format, while the iPod does not. In addition, a flash MP3 player with a screen often has the ability to play videos. Some of the most common video formats include Apple QuickTime, H.264, DivX and Xvid. You can find support for the Xvid format in some Samsung MP3 players, but the iPod does not support Xvid videos.

Display

While many premium flash MP3 players have color LCD displays, the least expensive MP3 players do not. A screen enables you to browse your music collection quickly by looking through lists of albums, songs or cover art. MP3 players without displays may use voice synthesizers to speak the names of songs. Others may provide no way to browse content at all. A display is necessary for a flash MP3 player to play video content; without one, a player is limited to music only.

Weight

The largest flash MP3 players are approximately the same size as a smartphone and typically include features such as the ability to play games and run applications. These MP3 players also offer increased storage because their circuit boards have more room for flash memory chips. However, the weight of a larger MP3 player can be a drawback. For example, Apple’s iPod Touch weighs 3.56 oz, which may make it inconvenient for use in a gym if your workout outfit doesn’t have a pocket. Lighter MP3 players such as the iPod Shuffle weigh as little as .44 oz and can be clipped to clothing.

Online Support

Premium flash memory MP3 players may have built-in wireless networking adapters, enabling them to connect to wireless routers and use the Internet. With this feature, your MP3 player can act as a small computer for Web browsing, chatting and email. If you currently bring a laptop computer to work or to local coffee shops for Internet access, purchasing an MP3 player with a wireless adapter can allow you to perform many of the same activities while significantly reducing the weight and bulk of the items you carry every day.

Application Support

The iPod Touch is an MP3 player that runs Apple’s iOS operating system. This is the same operating system installed on the iPad and iPhone, which means that the iPod Touch can run the same applications as these two more expensive devices. If you want to try applications from Apple’s App Store but are already under contract with another mobile phone provider and do not want to buy the expensive iPad, the iPod Touch can give you access to these applications at a much lower cost. The applications available for the iPod Touch include social networking, business and game software. Thousands of applications are available and many cost nothing to download. Some Samsung MP3 players can also run applications. These MP3 players run the Android operating system, which supports the thousands of applications available on the Android Market.

Which Flash Memory MP3 Player for Which Use?

The Fitness Fanatic

If you will be spending most of your time using your flash memory MP3 player while exercising outdoors or in the gym, even the lowest-capacity MP3 player will hold more than enough music to keep your entertained during a lengthy workout session. If you are unable to watch videos during your preferred workout, having an MP3 player with a display is unnecessary. Select the lightest MP3 player possible. Look for a player that can speak the names of songs and offers either voice control or large, tactile buttons. A clip can also be a valuable feature.

The Media Maven

If you have a large collection of music and videos that you want to enjoy on the go, the key features to look for are a large display, high storage capacity and the ability to play video content. If you have been building your media collection for several years, you may also need to look for a flash MP3 player with the ability to play obscure formats.

The Road Runner

If you go everywhere with your MP3 player and like to travel light, you need a product that can be a capable replacement for a laptop. The most important features in this type of flash MP3 player are Internet connectivity and a popular operating system with many available applications, such as iOS or Android. In addition, you should look for an MP3 player that offers plenty of storage space, because applications are typically much larger than songs. Lastly, consider the size of the display; if you will be browsing the Web or reading email on your flash MP3 player, the display should be sufficiently large that you can read text without eyestrain.