MP3 PLAYERS: A NEW WAVE IN MUSIC

Top Brand Names, Features, Accessories and More


For those of us who have watched portable music capabilities transform from the old transistor radios, through boom boxes, portable tape and CD players, finally to MP3 players and the like, we've come a long way, Baby! It's hard to imagine all that music coming from one little object the size of a deck of cards--or smaller yet. And if you're willing to spend the money, you can even watch TV and movies from your MP3 player. If you are ready to join the digital audio music revolution, this article covers some of the most popular MP3 players, like iPod, Rio and others, where to find them, choosing the best one for your needs, the accessories you'll need to make it work, and more. Come on along as we help you with your music decisions.

Your Choices in MP3 Players

Apple's iPod started the digital audio revolution. They continue today to bring you even bigger and better innovations in music storage and enjoyment. Apple makes more than 20 models, ranging in price from about $70 for the iPod Shuffle 512MB flash player, to the deluxe 80GB Color iPod with video, which sells for around $350. Plenty of models in between to choose from as well. Anothe rPopular favorite, Rio, has five or more models. Creative Labs offers 13 models, prices range from around $60 for their Zen 512MB model, to the $300 30GB White Zen VisionM, with video capabilities. Sandisk is another popular brand, with 9 models to chose from. Their largest capacity is 30GB, and runs for about $300. Other MP3 makers include iRiver, Panasonic, Philips, Samsung, Sony, and Toshiba.

Some Good Places to Look

You can find MP3 players most anywhere these days. We've done a little searching for you, and find the following sites worth your while to check out:

  • MyCEknowhow consumer guide to MP3 players delivers how to guides and information on digital music players, managing digital music file size and more.
  • Circuit City has information about MP3 players, including the accessories you'll need to go with it. You'll even be able to order online and pick it up in a store near you.
  • Sonystyle.com can help you find an MP3 player just for you, based on the features you want.
  • PC Magazine provides up-to-date coverage and MP3 Player reviews to help you with your decision.

How to Choose

Probably the first thing to consider is how much music you'd like to store on your MP3 player. The more memory, the more songs. There are three basic types of MP3 players with various sizes of storage capacities; Flash players are smaller in size and in memory. If you don't want to spend too much money and only want a few hours of music on hand, consider one of these.

There are expandable memory players, so you can add to the memory and to your songs. Hard drive players can store up to 20,000 songs, depending on the capacity you choose. Of course these cost more money, too. There are also extra features you can consider, such as color screens with image display, video capability, video games, a built in alarm clock, voice recording and a digital tuner. If any of these features are of interest to you, add them to the list of what you'd like to have before making your choice.

Accessories

Once you have chosen your MP3 player, be sure to get the accessories you'll need to really enjoy your new toy. You can purchase music online from services like Napster or Rhapsody, download the music to your computer, then to your MP3 player. And if you want to move songs quickly from your computer to your MP3 player, a USB 2.0 cable is one way to do that. You can download from CD's to your computer, then the MP3 player as well. You may want headphones rather than the earbud type that come with the player. Travel speakers let you play your favorite tunes wherever you go. And a docking station may include speakers so you can park your player and listen to your tunes.

If you enjoy music as much as we do, we're sure you'll enjoy your new MP3 player. Have fun shopping for, and playing, your MP3 player!

Resource Index

Audio-Video-and-Cameras:
Plasma TV, LCD TV, MP3 Players, TIVO, Satellite TV, Dgitial Cameras, Digital Camcorders, Bose iPod Speakers, Multimedia Projectors, GPS, Blu-ray Disc

Computer and Accessories:
Choosing a Laptop Computer, Computer Memory Upgrade, Copying a Hard Drive, Dual Monitors, Networking Computers, Microsoft Office, PDA's, Cheap Ink/Toner, Color Laser Printers, Multifunction Printers, Scanners, USB Flash Drives, Wireless Printers, Dell computers, Wireless Routers, Wireless G Routers, Wireless N Routers, Laptop Carrying Cases

Computer and Video Games:
Age of Empires III, Battlefield 2

Entertainment:
Online Gambling, Poker, Routlette, Blackjack, Craps and other Online Games, Online Casinos, Movies, Online DVD Rentals, Home Theater Systems , Home Theater Components, HDTV, HDTV Buying Tips, HD Radio, Portable DVD Players, Magazine Subscriptions

Fun-Hobbies:
Tropical Fish, Aquariums, Scrapbooking, Rubber Stamping, Geneology, Geocaching, Soap Making, Candle Making

Legal:
Criminal Defense Attorneys, Tax Attorneys, Lemon Law Protection, Structured Settlements, Investment Fraud, Bankruptcy Attorneys, Personal Injury Attorneys, Family Law

CellPhones-and-Communication
Cell Phones, Cell Phone Carriers, Prepaid Cell Phone Plans, Cell Phone Ringtones, Headsets, VOIP, Cheap Long Distance, iPhone, Blackberry, Bluetooth Technology, SmartPhones

Jobs-Schooling
Online College Degrees, Business Degrees, Home Schooling, Drivers Education, Job Resumes, Online Job Search
Internet:
Cybercrime Prosecution, IE Security, Affordable Web Hosting, Web Hosting, Domain Name Registration, Search Engines, Web Site Design, Internet Mailing Lists, Blogging, Internet Serive Providers, Free Email, Clip Art

Finance and Insurance:
Auto Insurance, Car Insurance Quotes, RV Insurance, General Insurance, Travel Insurance, Business Insurance, Basic Guide to Consolidating Student Loans, Cash Advance Loans, Federal Student Loan Consolidation, Debt Consolidation, Debt Management, Credit Card Debt Consolidation, Free Credit Reports, Home Mortgages, Home Equity Loans, Mortgage Refinancing, Mortgage Rates, Mortgage Companies, Second Mortgages, Mortgage Brokers, Health Insurance, Insurance Quotes, Term life Insurance, Mortgage note buyer, Renter's Insurance, Household Budgeting

Home:
Home improvement, Outdoor Lighting, Kitchen Remodeling, Kitchen Countertops, Espresso Makers, Food Processors, Coffee Makers, Coffee Grinders, Slow Cookers, Popcorn makers, Blenders, Cutting Boards, Refrigerators, Freezers, Washers & Dryers, Bathroom Remodeling, Kitchen & Bathroom Faucets, Bathtubs, House Windows, Closet Organizers, Window Treatments, Hardwood Floors, Carpeting, Home Security, Water Heaters, Water Filters, Carbon Monoxide Detectors, Bamboo Flooring, Portable Air Conditioners, Dehumidifiers, Siding, House Cleaning Services, Home Organization, Vacuum Cleaners, Cannister Vacuum Cleaners, Handcheld Vacuum Cleaners, Upright Vacuum Cleaners, Stick Vacuum Cleaners, Wet-Dry Vacuum Cleaners, Furnaces, Fireplace Inserts, Electric Space Heaters, Pellet Stoves, Wood Stoves, Heat Pumps, Buying a used car



Business-Office-Supplies:
Discount Office Supplies, Home Office, Office Furniture, Copiers, Home Business, Business Cards, Business Brochures, Mailing List Companies, Affiliates, Franchises, Business Telephone Systems, Employment Agencies, Call Centers, Fax Machines
Health and Wellness:
Fioricet for Migraine Relief, Online Pharmacies, Phentermine for dieting, Tramadol for Chronic Pain Relief, Mesothelioma, Mesothelioma Lawyers, Acne Treatment, Contact Lenses, Drug Rehabilitation, Cerebral Palsy, Hair Loss, Hair Loss Products, Human Growth Hormones , Diet Pills, Treadmills, Fragrances, Reducing Cholesterol, Diabetes, Obesity, Arthritis, High Blood Pressure, Heart Disease, Acid reflux, Cialis, Understanding Depression, Unraveling Diet Plans, Erectile dysfunction, Lipitor, Sleep Loss, Viagra, Autism, Asperger Syndrome, Living With Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Seasonal Affective Disorder

Gifts:
Gift Ideas, Corporate Gifts, Gift Cards, Wristwatches, Replica Watches, Sunglasses, Wholesale Jewelry, Jewelry Boxes, Wedding Gifts, Food Gifts, Books, Music, Flowers, Gift Baskets, Candles & Candleholders, Chocolate & Candy

Sports:
Health Clubs, Home Gyms, Treadmills, Golf, Golf Vacations, Golf Schools, Golf Clubs, Fantasy Baseball, Fantasy Basketball

Travel:
Railroad Train Travel, Greyhound Bus Travel, Moving Guide, Rental Cars, Luxury Cruises, Maui Vacation, Spain Travel, Panama Cruise, Mexico Travel, Europe Travel, Disneyland Vacation, Disney World Vacation, Airline Tickets, Las Vegas Vacations, Las Vegas Sights, Las Vegas Entertainment, Las Vegas Dining, Lake Tahoe, Reno Vacations, Grand Canyon Vacation, Alaska Vacation, San Juan Island Vacation, Seattle Vacation, San Francisco Vacation, San Diego Vacation, SeaWorld Vacation, Yellowstone Park Vacation, Los Angeles Vacation, Bed & Breakfasts, Las Cruces New Mexico Vacation, Texas Hill Country Vacation, Columbia River Gorge Vacation, Albuquerque Vacation, New Mexico Vacation, Utah Vacation, Denver Vacation, Carlsbad Caverns, Branson, Missouri, Arizona Vacations, Jackson Wyoming, Skiing Wyoming, Skiing Oregon, Skiing Utah, Skiing Colorado, Skiing California, Skiing Washington State, Skiing Idaho

Yard-and-Garden:
Lawn Care, Patio Furniture, Hot Tubs & Spas, Gazebos, Fences, Decks, Barbeque Grills, Greenhouses, Patios, Sprinkler Systems, Landscape Design, Backyard Ponds, Bird Baths, Hedge Trimmers, String Trimmers, Wheelbarrows and Gardencarts, Lawn Mowers, Lawn Mowers, Lawn Care Tools, Lawn Edgers, Leaf Blowers, Now Blowers, Rakes