When buying a flash MP3 player, consider memory capacity, external flash memory cards, playlist creation, file compatibility, custom EQ, advanced system options, LCD window size, FM tuner, voice recorder, and rechargeable battery vs AAA. Prices range from under $20 to over $200.
There is no shortage of choice when it comes to buying a flash MP3 player. But with so many options and such a wide price range, what features are really important? The answer will of course be subjective, but the features can be broken down into a handful of options. Knowing what’s available is half the battle of deciding what you want or need.
Capacity: The first consideration is memory. If you prefer to keep your entire music library on your MP3 flash player, you should consider spending more money to get a larger capacity player with a larger LCD screen. The typical flash MP3 player is about the size of a pack of chewing gum, and for all its advantages, it’s not the easiest device to use for navigating through large numbers of files and folders. Most players have a one or two line backlit LCD screen. Larger players with larger color LCDs typically also offer the ability to view photos and navigate folders in a Windows-like environment.
External Flash Memory Cards: With removable flash memory cards, you can load and store a music library on flash cards instead of your MP3 flash player. In this case, the player never runs out of memory, and your music library is potentially safer if stored “offsite” by the player. You can also use a flash card to create a “playlist” without the MP3 player having to support the playlist function. A potential downside to having external flash card storage is having to get a card reader for your computer and the fact that your music library and/or playlists will be spread across multiple flash cards.
Ability to Create Playlists: This feature allows the user to program the MP3 flash player to cycle through specific songs within the resident music library. Without the playlist feature, the flash MP3 player treats the entire library (or its contents) as one huge playlist.
File Compatibility: Most MP3 players also play Windows Media Audio (.wma) files. In general, more expensive players often support more file formats, including wave and Ogg Vorbis. Apple’s iPod@trade; supports a proprietary format known as Advanced Audio Coding (.aac), Audio Interchange File Format (.aif) and converting MP3/.wav files to AAC format.
Custom EQ EQ (equalization) settings usually come prepackaged on MP3 flash players. Users can typically cycle through preset sound contours such as “normal”, “pop”, “rock”, “jazz”, “classical” and “bass”. Audiophiles may find these choices limiting. Some players have a custom EQ option that allows the user to manually adjust the frequency bands to taste.
Advanced System Options: Some players offer advanced setup screens that allow the user to set parameters such as how long the LCD screen will stay on before shutting down, how fast or slow the player should scan forward or backward through tracks of the songs and whether the auto-play position should start from the beginning of the last played song or from the last stopped position. Other features may allow the user to delete files directly from the player’s firmware, instead of having to connect to a computer.
LCD Window Size: The smaller the MP3 flash player, the smaller the screen. One-line displays make navigation more difficult but save battery power, while three-line (or more) displays provide more information at a glance but consume more power. MP3 players with large color screens generally cost 4 to 8 times more than their humbler MP3 cousins.
FM Tuner: The average MP3 flash player has an unusually clear FM tuner. This is useful when you get tired of the music on your player, and when paired with a digital recorder it can be a good source for new music.
Voice Recorder & FM: The digital voice recorder function is great for note taking, lecture, journal keeping and memos. This feature gives you the ability to record FM music directly from the tuner to your MP3 flash player.
Rechargeable Battery vs AAA: Rechargeable batteries require recharging by plugging the flash MP3 player into a powered USB port on your computer. A full charge could provide 12-16 hours of operation on a healthy battery. Other players use a single disposable AAA battery which could provide 6 hours of operation. Some users prefer the rechargeable battery as it is less expensive. Others prefer the disposable battery because it can be replaced in the field for continuous operation while camping, hiking, backpacking or boating, for example.
Whether you’re looking for something simple or a multipurpose gadget, there’s a flash MP3 player that’s right for you. MP3 players can be found wherever electronic devices are sold, and their price ranges from under $20 US Dollars (USD) to over $200 USD.
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