| What many people don't realize is that there are | | | | * They have moving parts that limit physical activity. |
| different types of MP3 players. They don't all use the | | | | * The have non removable batteries that eventually |
| same technology. There are three (3) basic types: | | | | wear out and need to be replaced. |
| 1. Flash Players | | | | Buy a Micro Hard Drive Player if: |
| Flash Players have no moving parts and are known | | | | * You are a traveler who spends a lot of time on the |
| for their shockproof operation and ultracompact | | | | road, and doesn't want a big player weighing you |
| dimensions. A large flash player is around 8 GB | | | | down. |
| (gigabytes), which would hold roughly 96 hours of | | | | * You need a player that is compact and lightweight. |
| music (2000 songs). | | | | * You don't need a player that will store your whole |
| Advantages: | | | | music library. |
| * No Moving Parts, so it will never skip and is very hard | | | | Important Accessories: |
| to damage | | | | * Headphoneso Noise-canceling headphones for the |
| * Batteries last longer | | | | airplane.o Portable Speakers. |
| * They are tiny | | | | Recommendations: |
| * Many include lots of extra features such as voice | | | | Creative Zen Micro Photo |
| and line-in recording | | | | 3. Hard Drive Players |
| Disadvantages: | | | | Hard Drive Players use larger hard drives (moving |
| * They have the highest per-megabyte cost. | | | | parts). They are a high-capacity player and will be able |
| * They max out at 8 GB. | | | | to hold every single song you own. They hold up to 80 |
| * The extra features sometimes make them harder to | | | | GB (gigabytes) of storage, which would give you |
| use. | | | | roughly 960 hours of music (20,000 songs). They also |
| Buy a Flash Player if: | | | | allow you to fill up their storage with videos. |
| * You are a commuter, and commute via subway or | | | | Advantages: |
| bus. | | | | * Store all your music on one device. |
| * You are a fitness freak and need a player that won't | | | | * Larger Screens. |
| skip and can withstand your tough workouts. | | | | * More features, such as video playback. |
| Important Accessories: | | | | * Definitely the best bang for your buck! |
| * Armbands | | | | Disadvantages: |
| * Headphoneso Noise-canceling headphones for the | | | | * Larger and Heavier than other players. |
| commuter.o Headphones that will stay in place during | | | | * They are NOT ideal for strenuous physical activity |
| your vigorous activities, rather than the cheap ear buds | | | | because they have moving parts. |
| that come with the players. | | | | * Most use rechargeable batteries that you can't |
| Recommendations: | | | | replace yourself. |
| SanDisk Sansa e280 (8 GB Flash) | | | | Buy a Hard Drive Player if: |
| 2. Micro Hard Drive Players | | | | * You are a file hoarder and need (and want!) |
| Micro Hard Drive Players use miniature hard drives | | | | enormous capacity. |
| (moving parts), so they are small and lightweight. They | | | | * You don't mind the fact that it isn't ideal to take |
| hold around 8 GB (gigabytes) of storage, which would | | | | jogging with you. |
| give you roughly 96 hours of music (2000 songs). | | | | Important Accessories: |
| Advantages: | | | | * Headphoneso Wireless Ear-Cup designs.o Portable |
| * Compact and Lightweight. | | | | Speakers. |
| * Holds lots of tunes. | | | | Recommendations: |
| * Many now come with extra features such as picture | | | | Creative Zen VISION:M 30 GB Black |
| viewing. | | | | Remember, don't buy anything because it's cute. |
| Disadvantages: | | | | Clever looks will soon pale if you have trouble using |
| * You get fewer megabytes per dollar than you do | | | | your MP3 player. |
| with a larger player. | | | | |