Cheap mp3 Player
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If you're in the market for a cheap mp3 player, there are a slew of options. However, there are a few factors to consider before making a purchase.
What Do You Really Want?
The majority of users stock their mp3 players with downloaded music only. Others load their favorite selections from an existing CD library onto the units, and change out listings frequently.
Answer these questions before finalizing your choice:
- Is technology easy for you to understand?
- Do you have high-speed Internet access for downloading music?
- Is the unit mainly to be used as “travel” music to get you through a commute?
- Are you tired of jumpy CDs or FM radio? Do you want a new musical companion for your workouts?
- Do you think you’ll listen to 2,000 individual songs or download full albums?
- Do you purchase a lot of music and listen to it in many different situations?
You also need to make sure that before you invest in a cheap mp3 player that it’s compatible with your computer or laptop. The software included with many players is designed to work with higher operating systems on a PC or Mac, such as Microsoft XP or OS 10. Before going shopping, write down your computer’s specs so you have them on hand when comparing products.
Additionally, not all online music subscription services work with all players. If you plan on downloading a lot of music, do the necessary research to make sure your player and service are compatible.
Not All Players Are Created Equal
Factors for Comparison
As you draw up your spending plan for a cheap mp3 player, factor in an average price of $50-$200 for a reliable unit. Prices change drastically for mp3 players based on:
- Hard drive memory
- Micro-drive memory
- Flash memory
Other features that will affect your final cost include:
- Battery life
- Audio quality
- Size of the unit
- Ability to store files without the need to reset or reload the player
- Screen features, if there is a read screen at all. Players such as the iPod Nano and many basic digital music players, don’t have read screens.
- Picture and video options
- Capability to categorize
- Customer service assistance
- Type and size of functions and controls
- USB or FireWire port options to connect to your computer
- Companion features, such as music memberships and free upgrades of new releases
Product Examples
The Samsung YP-U2 is considered to be a reasonable flash mp3 player from a reliable electronics manufacturer, with some introductory use features. With 512mb of storage, you can probably fit 150 mp3 sound files on the unit. The average price ranges from $27 to $70 through online retailers.
Another mid-range flash unit, the Sandisk Sansa e250R Rhapsody, has 2G capacity, amping up the file storage capabilities considerably. It comes with an easy “plug and play” computer compatibility feature; a two-month trial Rhapsody Go membership for downloads; and stores photos as well as music and video. A current promotion on the Rhapsody site offers the player for $119, but the Dell site offers a c-version of the player for $90.
So you see, the more features you want, the higher the price will be. Cheap mp3 players aren’t cost effective when you want 20G storage for pictures, music, and videos, or if you spend too much time reloading the player because it “lost” your important files. Ask yourself what you truly need, take time to compare and read reviews, and budget accordingly.
Find a Cheap mp3 Player
For more information on cheap mp3 players and other electronics, check out LoveToKnow Buy’s electronics buying guide.
To compare the most popular mp3 players, check out these links:
- MP3.com, for comprehensive information on all types of digital music players
- Zune, the latest mp3 player on the scene
- Apple’s iPod, considered the premier player
When you're ready to load your favorite music, find free daily downloads, interviews, and other music information at LoveToKnow Music.
This page has been accessed 1,126 times. This page was last modified 17:40, 20 February 2007.
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