If you're thinking about getting an MP3 player then you need to brush up on MP3 player basics. There are many makes and models to choose from but some of them are not very good quality. Some players double as video players, or have advanced audio functions built in as a secondary feature. Finding a player that's just limited to playing music is something of a rarity these days.
Playing music is just one of the many features you can find on the Apple iPod. In fact, they are so far ahead of everyone else, some of the benefits aren't found on other units. Simplicity of use is perhaps their biggest feature, and it took some time before other companies were able to challenge them in usability. Using an iPod is as simple as downloading songs, and playing them for your enjoyment.
While the iPod may be the main (perhaps only) brand name that first comes to mind when discussing MP3 players, there are several others out there. There's even cheaper "knock-offs" from smaller companies that are out there, but these don't offer all the benefits. Due to legalities in the industry, these companies stick with just giving their consumers the ability to play music. The bigger companies look at the big picture.
Another one of the MP3 player basics is that it has to have good battery life. A cheap model may still use the old AAA sized batteries that wear out quickly. Most models made with any quality will use rechargeable lithium ion batteries. When buying a player you have to decide whether you want to buy batteries every month, or simply recharge it.
Then of course it's important to look at the durability. Thanks to our societies "jump on the bandwagon" ways, it's the most overlooked part of the process. You need to know whether or not the product you purchase is going to last years, or a couple months. All it takes is one misstep for one of them to be damaged or simply breakdown.
This happens very rarely with major name brands and outlets, but cheaper companies and stores cut corners where they can. This is why it's best to do your research before committing to buy any particular player. The Apple iPod for example is subjected to various manufacturer tests before being allowed on the market. You can still break it if you try, but it won't break from general usage.
One final MP3 player basic to consider before buying is the button layout. On very rare occasions you may find a basic player that has no buttons other than play or stop. I'm not joking; these do exist, although they aren't sold at very many outlets. These are the very bottom barebones models that are cheap, and often fail within a month or two.
What it comes down to is you just need to do a bit of research before purchasing an MP3 Player. Whether you are looking at the functions, checking the life of the battery, or wondering about the durability, the info can be found fairly quickly nowadays. If you don't have the time or don't feel like dealing with the hassles, then just purchase an Apple iPod. The Shuffle is cheap (starts around $50) but has no visual display, while the Nano (around $140) is a great player with a natural interface. The Classic (around $230 and up) has a larger display, and the Touch ($200 and up) has Internet access where Wi-Fi is available. You can also find new units of the previous generation pretty easily, and get a 10% or higher discount on those prices. - 22787
Playing music is just one of the many features you can find on the Apple iPod. In fact, they are so far ahead of everyone else, some of the benefits aren't found on other units. Simplicity of use is perhaps their biggest feature, and it took some time before other companies were able to challenge them in usability. Using an iPod is as simple as downloading songs, and playing them for your enjoyment.
While the iPod may be the main (perhaps only) brand name that first comes to mind when discussing MP3 players, there are several others out there. There's even cheaper "knock-offs" from smaller companies that are out there, but these don't offer all the benefits. Due to legalities in the industry, these companies stick with just giving their consumers the ability to play music. The bigger companies look at the big picture.
Another one of the MP3 player basics is that it has to have good battery life. A cheap model may still use the old AAA sized batteries that wear out quickly. Most models made with any quality will use rechargeable lithium ion batteries. When buying a player you have to decide whether you want to buy batteries every month, or simply recharge it.
Then of course it's important to look at the durability. Thanks to our societies "jump on the bandwagon" ways, it's the most overlooked part of the process. You need to know whether or not the product you purchase is going to last years, or a couple months. All it takes is one misstep for one of them to be damaged or simply breakdown.
This happens very rarely with major name brands and outlets, but cheaper companies and stores cut corners where they can. This is why it's best to do your research before committing to buy any particular player. The Apple iPod for example is subjected to various manufacturer tests before being allowed on the market. You can still break it if you try, but it won't break from general usage.
One final MP3 player basic to consider before buying is the button layout. On very rare occasions you may find a basic player that has no buttons other than play or stop. I'm not joking; these do exist, although they aren't sold at very many outlets. These are the very bottom barebones models that are cheap, and often fail within a month or two.
What it comes down to is you just need to do a bit of research before purchasing an MP3 Player. Whether you are looking at the functions, checking the life of the battery, or wondering about the durability, the info can be found fairly quickly nowadays. If you don't have the time or don't feel like dealing with the hassles, then just purchase an Apple iPod. The Shuffle is cheap (starts around $50) but has no visual display, while the Nano (around $140) is a great player with a natural interface. The Classic (around $230 and up) has a larger display, and the Touch ($200 and up) has Internet access where Wi-Fi is available. You can also find new units of the previous generation pretty easily, and get a 10% or higher discount on those prices. - 22787
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