MP3 Players

Buying an MP3 player used to be an easy decision to make. However, with so many nice-looking choices these days, it may be a little harder to choose the perfect MP3 player for you. Here are some tips on buying an MP3 player:

Available memory of the MP3 player

Consider the available built-in memory when buying an MP3 player. Built-in memory affects how much music files you can save into your player. Likewise, consider if the MP3 player has an available memory slot for external memory drives.

Size and design of MP3 players

Looks, of course, can matter a lot when buying an MP3 player. Some may decide purely on aesthetic preferences. You might also want to consider the compactness of the MP3 player, especially if you like to move around a lot, minus the bulky gear and audio toys.

MP3 player prices

Likewise, prices matter. Set some priorities for yourself when buying MP3 players. Know what features and looks you’d want and how much you’re willing to pay for them. Based on this list of priorities, canvass for models that suit your needs and budget.

So far, the Apple iPod is still the leader of the mp3 player pack. Each time news of an iPod killer comes along, we got our ears perked up. Sometimes, a new player makes waves, but as soon as the hype dies down, the features of the newcomer also tends to disappear into oblivion. Witness the wacky Creative Zen. It is powerful, but not as intense as iPod's capabilities. This year saw the emergence of new products ready to bash the iPod - from Toshiba to Samsung to Sony. Is there hope for a new kid called Samsung SBH-300 Bluetooth?

Not so many have punched their fingers on this bluetooth iPod phenomenon. But Apple is now vying for the bone on this one, since the Samsung SBH-300 exhibits new features that can match Apple's white handheld. For example, the Samsung SBH-300 features a 262k color OLED LCD display, an FM tuner, a voice recorder, and a Bluetooth A2DP stereo for a humble 2GB flash unit. It has 2GB of Flash memory and supports mp3 format along with image files. The 2GB of Flash memory can still be installed with a Micro SD card slot.

Samsung's SBH-300 comes with a USB data cable, a necklace strap, earphones equipped with inline mic, and volume control. It can also handle phone calls when linked with another handset that supports Bluetooth. It's quite small, and I must say I'm impressed with its features. There's no doubt, though, that it competes more with the Creative Zen rather than the Apple iPod. The reason? It hasn't crossed the "killer iPod" hurdle to the finish line just as yet.

Whenever I'm at work, I usually drink coffee and put on my Creative Zen Vision player. This is the latest innovation that Creative has produced. I like this player because it has everything I need in a player. Anywhere I go I can carry this light compact baby while watching my favorite Spanish movies or while listening to the latest music. It's very convenient and relaxing to have a Creative Zen Vision during work as it helps to reduce stress. It also spurs ideas and thoughts that I need to write in an article.

Music, memory storage, films and photos are the four greatest components that Creative Zen Vision offers it's users. With this player, you can watch one hundred twenty hours of nonstop movies, listen to AM and FM radio, accommodate at least fifteen thousand songs and even save and create voice memos. With the massive memory of Creative Zen Vision, you can even record fond memories with your loved ones such as dates, birthdays and special moments. All these things are possible thanks to Creative Zen Vision.

The Creative Zen Vision is a 30GB model that is perfect to bring anywhere: at work, school and out-of-town trips. It easily slips into your pocket with its chic and sleek design. But do not be deceived. Great things come in small packages, as they say. The great thing about Creative Zen Vision is that it offers more alternatives and less hassles. In fact, all your one hundred and above pictures can be viewed as well as different formats of video clips. If you want to watch movies in a big screen, you can plug the cable connecting the television and the player. You can also use this as your organizer and alarm by recording important appointments through voice memos. For me, Creative Zen Vision is not simply an entertainment gadget but a helpful product that suits my lifestyle.

I can only get fed up with so many white gadgets. I mean, we're all looking at possible iPod killers now - the Creative Zen attempted but didn't only succeeded terribly. But the Toshiba Gigabeat S series comes in three colors: red, black, and...well, white. It was also a tad heavier than the iPod but that shouldn't be a big deal. It comes in both 30GB and 60GB hard drive capacities so storage is also not a problem.

A horde of iPod suckers question the features of the Toshiba Giga. For example, I'm not sure whether it has a voice recorder, but it has an FM tuner and plays mp3 (and/but more often) wma formats. You can also use it with your Xbox and Tivo to make things more fun. The video monitor is so crunk - it's a hefty QVGA screen. The battery allows this video to run for 5 hours while the Toshiba Gigabeat itself purports to last for 20 hours.

The Toshiba Gigabeat S has just been released this May, but ever since January, the iPod folks on the other side of the island have been speculating on this Microsoft-powered mp3 player's success. Of course, no player seems to beat the iTunes' success, so good luck to the next iPod contender. Unfortunately, the Toshiba Gigabeat can only support WMV for video but the Media Player eventually works to transcode the other formats to play it back on PMC.

Last weekend, my friend came from South Korea. He had his vacation there to experience winter in an Asian region. I was actually laughing on him because he really insisted that he wanted to see snow in Asia. He immediately gave me a visit a day after his arrival. My attention was caught by the new MP3 player he is holding. I asked him about it and he told me that its the Samsung Helix. I asked him the reason why he change his MP3 and he provided me a lot of reasons why.

According to him, this Samsung Helix receives live content without being docked. It can also records up to 50 hours of XM radio and can play MP3s and WMAs. It has also an excellent integration with XM+ Napster client. It is very sleek and possess a very good sound quality. This MP3 has also a colored screen. According to him, Pioneer Inno and Samsung Helix are almost identical except for some differences. After explaining everything to me, he just sit in the sofa and listen to his favorite songs. He almost forgot to give me the things he bought for me there. That's how he's hooked on his new Samsung Helix.

The usual MP3s are quite boring, especially if you do not take the time to update your playlists. You get stuck hearing the same song played over and over again. XM Satellite Radio spotted this problem and turned it into a profitable venture. XM Satellite Radio has introduced the new and the first portable players that play live from satellite radios and MP3 music formats. In doing so, XM put the best and latest of two worlds in consumers' hands.

The radios Samsung Helix XM2go and Pioneer Inno XM2go, are wearable and provides music on the move through satellite radio. They are portable and light, weighing a measly 4.5 ounces each; but don't be deceived of its power. The radios store WMA and MP3 music files, and are XM program-capable. Like in a computer, a bookmarking option is also featured wherein you can bookmark songs you heard on the XM radio. The bookmarked songs can also be transferred to your PC or laptop using a P2P service. Inno and Helix also possess flash storage for WMA, MP3, and XM music. The devices are also capable of storing 50 hours worth of XM programs.

Another feature offered is the TuneSelect option. This alerts users whenever their favorite songs are being played on any XM stations. Category and favorite lists are also provided. Both players have full-color LCDs and easy to use interface. It is fairly easy to use compared to the other leading players in the market today. Features I particularly like about the Inno and the Helix are their memory buffers. These buffers allow saving songs even after they started on XM radio. Perfect for people like me who take a long time to recognize songs.

For people who want MP3s, the equation is usually simple: MP3 means an iPod. But there are other choices out there than iPods, and some are even better like the latest from Philips digital music technology. The new GoGear HDD6330 is a 30GB player that is fast gaining popularity as the archrival of Apple iPods. Plus, it is also touted as the "sexiest" and "most alluring" MP3 player. After using it once, I understood and ditched my iPod. I'm sure many people will follow suit once they have tried this sexy player.

The player comes complete with accessories, a warranty, and a manual in CD format. But don't be fooled by its modesty. Philips GoGear HD6330 boasts of a magnificent design which radiates "high- tech" aura. It's a dark and mysterious thing that seems to forbid users to touch it, only to excite them further. The player sports a black finish polished like a mirror with a 64K color interface. Subtle and smooth curves enhance its sleek appeal. The sensitive and soft controls make for easy use and the player is inviting when it lights up in icy blue. The rear brushed finish helps reinforce durability and is not prone to abrasions. The sound quality is excellent and adjustable. The screen is smaller than average which makes watching videos a close affair. Truly, using GoGear HD6330 is like dating your austere lady boss: pure sophistication and superiority.

It was when I encountered the Neuros MP3 portable few years ago when I first heard of HiFi. It stands for Hear it, Save it. HiFi will identify the songs the unit recorded from the FM band (through some form of fingerprint technology) once you connected it to your PC and the Net and then populate that info into the player. Although it worked fairly well for popular songs, at that time the services library was still limited and had difficulty with more obscure music.

Now, MusicMarker offers a service somewhat similar to that and they have now released their first portable to take advantage of it, which is the Venzero One. This 8GB Microdrive-based player offers such now standard features as FM Tuner, voice recording and plays tunes in the Play MP3, WMA, WMA DRM and WAV formats. It sports a 2" color TFT display to view pics and videos, the latter which the unit can handle if it is in the AVI format similar to the early Archos PMP units. The Venzero One has its own integrated file manager called Shareport, which allows users to share files with other USB devices without the need for a computer.

There are many people who doesn't know that JVC stands for Japanese Victor Company and that it was originally a foreign subsidiary of RCA, hence Nipper on the faceplate. JVC has become one of the leading global manufacturers of high quality consumer electronics ranging from computers, audio, video, telecommunications, and the like. Our family had been getting most of our home electronics from JVC not only because of their top of the line quality, but also we find JVC designs better. The company has just released two more PlaysForSure DRM capable portable audio players, namely the XA-C109 and the XA-C59.

Generally, both units are identical except that the XA-C109 offers 1GB and the C59 offers 512MB of memory. Both also support MP3/WMA/WAV and PlaysForSure WMA playback, a 1.3-inch display, FM tuner, about 20 hours of music playback, and even the ability to record in WMA stereo via an external microphone. They measure 44×11.7×86mm and weigh 49g . These portable audio players can be your perfect companion when you are stuck in heavy traffic or going for a long trip. No word yet on pricing and availability, but I am definitely looking forward to checking these cool gadgets.

The introduction of wireless headphones and speakers into the iPod world had given more freedom of movement for mp3-philiacs to listen to music almost anywhere. One producer who pioneered in this innovation was Logitech, who began marketing in 2005 a wireless headphone unit that works with any model of iPod that has a dock connector on the base, a feature standard on all new models and is available on older models as well. The headphones use Bluetooth technology to connect to the iPod through an adapter that transmits the signal and they come with rechargeable batteries that supposedly can play up to eight hours of music per charge.

The iPod controls are provided on one of the earpieces, so there is no need to return to the iPod to adjust the volume or move through the play list, and the iPod can be left sitting on a counter or on a desk, and the headphones will pick up the signal for up to 30 feet away. The benefit of this wireless headset is that you can use it to make your existing speakers wireless without having to purchase additional equipment, and it is easy to plug in and use so you can easily move to other rooms in the house. The only disadvantage is the 30-feet distance restriction between the receiver and the transmitter.

What I like so much about the Sonos system is its very simple set up, much elegant design, and so easy to use features. For me the Sonos System seems to be the best way to play the digital music sitting on your computer throughout the house. The Sonos Digital Music System was voted by BusinessWeek as one of the Best Products of 2005.

The original Sonos system includes a device that is just about a size of a shoebox, called a ZonePlayer or ZP100, that costs $500, which is a digital audio receiver that connects to a computer through a home network router. Only one ZonePlayer need be connected via wire, and others would have to connect wirelessly with each other, creating a network that can zap music all over your home.

Its $400 paperback-book-size controller looks a bit like an oversize iPod right down to the scroll-wheel navigation mechanism. It doesn't just let you riffle through the tunes on your PC, but it also lets you choose what song to play on which ZonePlayer, so the kids can rock out to Green Day in the playroom while you listen to Bruce Springsteen in the kitchen.

From now on, jogging while listening to your favorite music player will have a new face. The world's favorite shoe company Nike and the leading iPod producer Apple have joined hands in coming up with a product line called Nike+iPod, and the first product to be launched is the Nike+iPod Sport Kit which is a wireless system that allows an iPod nano and Nike+ footwear to communicate. The Nike+iPod Sport Kit features an sensor within the shoe and a receiver that attaches to the iPod - this provides the nano with data on distance, time, calories burned, and pace. These data can be displayed and stored on the nano and given as audio feedback through the nano's headphones.

Nike+ footwear and the iPod nano are the only products compatible with the Sport Kit and are sold separately, and Nike has also developed a range of apparel specifically with the iPod nano in mind. If you want to see a streamed video of how it all comes together, check out their website at nikeplus.com. This very intriguing and cool Nike+iPod Sport Kit has a suggested retail price of $29 USD and will be available in the market from July 13th.

Even pre-teens have become a fan of hi-tech gadgets especially audio players, that's why German maker Maxfield came up with the Max-Joy audio player for children aged between 6 and 12. Maxfield claims that they came up with several features of Max-Joy with youngsters in mind. The player comes with 256MB of internal memory and supports both MP3 and WMA music formats and also supports Microsoft's Digital Rights Management (DRM), so should work with tracks downloaded from services such as MSN and Napster. Maxfield claims that Max-Joy will run for up to 19 hours on a single AAA battery.

The Koss headphones have soft sponge earpads and will not get caught in your ears if pulled off roughly. Its volume limit of 60dB is a very good idea as it provides plenty of sound in your ears but is below the threshold where it can do any damage. The sound quality is very good, with clear middle and upper frequencies and only a slight drop-off in the bass ranges. It comes in smart yellow and red case making the Max-Joy easy to spot in untidy bedrooms.

Fancy yourself stranded in the middle of a desert. No water supply and virtually no sign of civilization. Help is farfetched, perhaps a thousand miles away. But you don't mind at all because lying in your sweaty palm is a 6MB MP3 player. Preposterous? Well, not really.

Creative Technology has launched Nomad Jukebox, an MP3 player capable of stockpiling audio file formats up to six gigabytes such as WAV and MP3. That is like carrying more than 150 compact discs at the same time. Like a conventional CD player, this MP3 player has a large backlit liquid-crystal display LCD. Fortunately, this gadget of extraordinary significance is powered by four rechargeable AA-sized batteries. It also boasts of a high quality audio sound and special feature that allows creation and personalization of audio files.

This player comes in blue-silver or silver colors. Not surprisingly, the cost, $499, is as high as the sky. The good news is, according to Creative authorities, prices may fall if the flash memory chips fall. For in the meantime, I am going to save some dollars so I can enjoy a superb musical experience with Nomad Jukebox.

Almost every one loves music. Depending on preferred kind of sound, music can relax the person's mind. As a matter of fact, some expectant mothers use music to communicate with their unborn babies. That's why there is a major development in world of music technology. Before it was the era of components, but now the MP3 players are waving on the air.

As time passes by, MP3 players are getting more advanced. Some MP3 players come with stylish designs; while others have unique features. Some players are bulky, and others were designed in light and small sizes. Although there is no perfect player in the market, still there are some good MP3 players that one can choose to have. One of the best MP3 players available is the Rio Carbon 5 GB MP3 Player.

The Rio Carbon P 5 GB MP3 Player is capable to store 5 GB of music on its hard drive. The battery can stand approximately for 20 hours. It has a built-in voice recorder. It also allows the user to connect to computer with the use of USB 2.0.

It is so sad to think that in order to keep updated with the latest features of music players; we are obliged to constantly buy, throw away, and buy another one. It is undeniable that MP3s are more expensive than the ordinary radio or cassette disk player. As manufacturers upgrade MP3s, we are bound to at least own one and experience music the MP3 way.

One of the expensive music players is the iRiver U10 by Apple. The high appraisal for such MP3 is equal to the superb features it contains. The price though did not hinder buyers to support the product since in a very short period from its release in Asia, iRiver swept the American market. The iRiver is attractive with its sleek, slim, and television-like design. It is also relatively light weighing only two and a half ounces. Users will not be disappointed with the colorful graphics display of iRiver.

Convenience comes with this model since it contains soft-touch buttons on each of its side that users can use to navigate the features. Each unit comes in a package which includes a remote control, a cradle, and a cable. The cradle serves as a stand for iRiver, and gives the more convincing television-look. Add to the effect the loud speakers that are built in the player. iRiver is not only for music lovers, but for flash gamers as well. Absolutely impressive, the iRiver is really a must have.

Are you searching for a portable music gadget that is affordable and dependable? If you love music but are on a tight budget, then the right gadget for you is the Alba 128MB MP3 Player. This is the music gadget that you can bring wherever you are because of its small and sleek size. You can definitely fit it inside your packed luggage or even your pockets.

What I really like about this music player is that it has a 128MB memory and offers an eight-hour music playback. This is the perfect gadget when you are on the road, hiking trip, fishing trip, or vacation. If ever you get bored, you can just use your Alba MP3 player and listen to all your favorite songs saved on your music playlist.

Some more features of the ALBA 128MB MP3 player are the LED indicator, the USB port, and the six-band equalizer. You can use them to adjust the quality of the sound for better listening. When you buy this gadget, you will also receive the in-ear headset so that you can start listening to music wherever you are, whenever you desire.

It is undeniable that music players are famous nowadays. So many manufacturers have already made a mark in creating indispensable mp3 players. One of them is Logitech. The company recently released its wireless music system that works almost all kinds of music playing device.

Logitech allows the users to send or share music via wireless connection. The music system produces a definite clear and high quality sound. Setting up the system is a breeze. Each Logitech music system is packaged with a transmitter that is meant to be placed on top of an iPod or any music player.

It comes in white that perfectly suits and can be mixed and matched with any color of any iPod unit type. The coolest thing about this music system is that its battery automatically shuts off when it receives no signal. Aside from that, each unit comes with a battery charger. With just a slight push of the button, the music player is activated. The button turns blue when it already has connected to the receiver. The receiver, on the other hand, is like a box with an antenna. The Logitech music system is available for $130.

Going to the workout gym can sometimes be a drag, especially if you do not have a portable music gadget to get your mind off things. Even though you desire to bring your music gadget at home, you cannot really play it while you are working out because the songs jump whenever you move. As such, you cannot really enjoy listening to music because of the poor sound quality.

You must know that there many MP3 players out there that can be used even when you are doing strenuous workouts. The superb sound quality is still there even when you are doing jumping jacks, running on the machine, and other exercises. These music players usually have a shock-proof feature that prevents songs from jumping or stopping.

If you easily get bored with playing a few songs over and over again, you can choose to buy one MP3 player with a flash memory. This feature allows you to store up to 240 songs in your device. For this reason, you can save as many songs as you want on your playlist. Aside from that, these gadget types are also smaller in size, have a longer battery, and are more affordable. They can easily fit in your budget if ever you want to buy one.