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Microsoft plans to launch its latest MP3 device -- the Zune  in time for Christmas 2006. Designed to compete directly with iPod,  Zune offers built-in Wi-Fi, a 30GB hard drive and a three inch screen. Zune users will be able to send full-length tracks, homemade recordings or photos to other Zuners. The device however, lacks video capabilities, like iTunes 7, which offers video downloads on the same day the movies are released on DVD. Zune is expected to retail for just under $400.

Portable Media Players

MP3  devices have pretty much taken the place of portable CD players because they are much more compact, and since they don't have moving parts, they don't skip like a portable CD player does when you're on the run.  MP3 technology keeps getting better and better, so each new model is smaller, lighter and more powerful. In fact, if you already own at PDA  or top range mobile phone,  you might already have a MP3 built in.  MP3 stands for MPEG Audio Layer 3 -- which compresses downloaded data into a tiny size. And the sound quality is not really compromised. A 5GB player can hold about 1000 near-CD quality songs.  While Apple's iPods family of players leads the market in sales, there are plenty of other options. 

Types of MP3 Players

  • Hard Drive Models
    • These models use a hard drive for storage capacity and range from 6GB to 80GB. Starting at 10 GB and up. The 60GB Creative Nomad Jukebox Zen Xtra  can hold around 17,000 songs.
    • Because of the large memory capacity, these devices can hold many forms of data from your computer, such as photos and videos.
    • Generally come with extensive features and larger screens for easy photo and video viewing.
    • Built around a 1.8-inch hard drive, these players are larger and heavier than other slimmer designs.
    • The hard drives have moving parts, making these players unsuitable for strenuous physical activity.
    • The standard iPod  is an example of a hard drive model.
  • Micro/Mini Hard Drive
    • Smaller and lighter models hold up to 6 GB of music or other data.
    • Historically, can't playback videos. However, this has begun to change with the new series of iPod Nanos and the forthcoming Meizu Mini.
    • The Creative Zen Micro  is a mini hard drive model.
  • Flash-Memory MP3 Players
    • Flash memory is stored in a solid state drive with no moving disk.
      • Super light and very portable.
      • Very sturdy -- no moving parts means that there is nothing to skip or break.
    • Max capacity is 4 GB and keeps creeping up as flash technology improves.
    • The iPod nano  and shuffle  both use flash memory.

The most popular line of MP3 players by far is the iPod line from Apple. With 90% of the hard drive player market and 70% of the MP3 player market, iPods are everywhere. There are lots of alternatives, though, if iPods aren't your style.

MP3 Brands

Top Ten MP3 Players (C-Net.com.au):

Buying Tips

  • You can listen to more than just music with MP3 players. You can download some recorded books, comedy and radio shows as well. One thing to consider when shopping for an MP3 player is its ability to play other audio file formats, such as WMA.
  • Many MP3 players have AM/FM radio tuners built-in. You can also buy an AM/FM tuner accessory for iPods, which lack this feature. Try the Griffin iFM Radio,  Remote, and Recorder for iPods.
  • Most of today's models come with a colour screen. Some even have video playback capability for watching TV shows, music videos, and films.
  • Look for models that have easy to use interfaces, a display that you can read easily and all the features you want.
  • Some models include the base station, but sometimes it is sold separately. Be sure you know what comes bundled with the player before you buy.
  • There are MP3 players that let you connect to the device like a hard drive (mass storage device), and players that connect to the device using a special program that might not always be as usable, but may offer features like instant recompression, automatic synchronization of playlists and more. Some find hard drive like behaviour more flexible, others find specially designed tools easier to use.

MP3 CD Players

  • MP3 CD Player  are essentially CD players with the same size, format and weight, but can also read and play MP3 files.
  • These are good options for people who have lots of burned CDs and who don't own a computer.
  • Some well-rated, no-skip players include: iRiver SlimX iMP Â and Philips Nike PSA. 

Related Products

PDA

Mobile Phones 

Smartphones 

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