Today, MP3 players have become very popular. However, selecting the right player that meets your needs is not an easy task. Here are some tips:
1. Answer the question: Why do I want it?
If you plan to buy a player for use while jogging in the morning/evening, driving, or during breaks at the office, opt for a low-cost player with dynamic memory. If you need to listen to music anytime, anywhere, and enjoy “endless playback,” purchase a model with a hard drive. However, keep in mind that hard drives do not withstand shocks well, making them unsuitable for active users.
Every minute of MP3 music takes up about 1 MB of memory, so a 128MB player can only store about 2 hours of music. Unlike computers, the terms dynamic memory and hard drive are sometimes used interchangeably in MP3 players, as hard drives in small devices are often made from dynamic memory chips.
2. The more, the better
Whether buying a hard drive or dynamic memory player, always ensure that you choose a player with the largest storage capacity possible. Even if you don’t think you need much storage now, you might find it helpful in the future.
When purchasing models with small internal memory, be sure to check the memory card slot. CompactFlash, MemoryStick, and SecureDigital are the most common types of memory cards. If the player you intend to buy only supports a rare type of memory card, it’s best to avoid it, as rare memory cards are often expensive and hard to find. High-end MP3 players typically use hard drives to store more data. With these products, you can even use a regular USB drive as a replacement.
3. Check the controls
Is the menu of the player simple, understandable, and easy to use? Is it too complicated and frustrating? If you cannot quickly and easily find the song, artist, or album you want to listen to, it’s best to look for another model.
4. Comprehensive testing
Lift the player to check its size and weight. Is it comfortable to fit in your pocket or clip onto your belt? How about when you move; does it feel cumbersome? Is the screen bright enough, and don’t forget to ask the seller how to load music onto the device? Some models require you to use a PC, while others allow direct downloading. Remember to bring your current headphones when shopping to test the sound quality of the MP3 player you plan to buy.
5. Check the power source
Check the battery life advertised in the user manual. Keep in mind this is just the standard lifespan; actual battery life will likely be shorter, but it serves as a benchmark for estimation. While most players using dynamic memory chips use replaceable alkaline batteries, those with hard drives typically use rechargeable batteries. Compared to regular batteries, rechargeable ones usually have a longer lifespan, but if you travel to a remote area where finding a power source or a computer with a USB port is impossible, you might find yourself in a tough situation.
6. Compatibility
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| Source: Infotech |
Ensure that the player you purchase is compatible with your home computer. Many MP3 models are not compatible with Apple’s Macintosh computers. The more file formats a player supports (MP3, WMA, AAC, AAC+…), the higher it should rank on your selection list.
7. FM radio capability
If you enjoy listening to FM radio, take some time to find an MP3 model that supports this feature. Some models allow you to directly record music from radio waves and even identify the artist and title of the song the next time you connect the device to your computer. Many other types also function as voice recorders.
8. Listen before you buy
MP3 players typically use standard stereo headphones. If you don’t like the headphones included with the player, you can purchase many different styles available on the market.
Usually, high-end models with hard drives have better sound quality than those using dynamic memory chips.
9. Protective casing
Some players come with protective cases, while many models do not. The more expensive and fragile the model (especially hard drive devices), the more essential it is to invest in a protective case for that device.
