Decide whether to get an iPod. With Apple’s family of players so ubiquitous and so similar in many ways, it’s worth considering the advantages and shortcomings of iPods before considering other options. iPods are easy to use, thanks to their superb integration with the company’s iTunes software. The iTunes Store offers the largest selection of legal digital content on the Web, including almost all the available downloads of major TV shows. And with the use of iTunes software so widespread, it’s very likely that a friend or family member already uses it--so you’ll need an iPod to share their songs or videos.
As for drawbacks, iPods typically cost a little more than non-Apple players with comparable capacity. They also lack some of the features and accessories that adapter with many other players, such as an FM radio, voice recorder, and an AC charger. Equipping a new iPod with some of these options can add more than $100 to its price. And iPods have some special limitations, such as the inability to easily transfer music to any other device.
Weigh capacity vs. size
As for drawbacks, iPods typically cost a little more than non-Apple players with comparable capacity. They also lack some of the features and accessories that adapter with many other players, such as an FM radio, voice recorder, and an AC charger. Equipping a new iPod with some of these options can add more than $100 to its price. And iPods have some special limitations, such as the inability to easily transfer music to any other device.
Weigh capacity vs. size
Consider a flash-memory model (4GB can hold about 1,000 songs) if a lower price, smaller size, and lighter weight are more important to you than a vast selection of tunes. Opt for the largest-capacity flash player you can afford. Look for models that can accept external memory cards if you want expanded song capacity.
If you have a large music collection that you want to keep with you, a hard-disk player might make more sense. Players with an 80GB capacity can can hold up to 20,000 songs and could serenade you for weeks without repeating a tune. However, a hard-disk player can be more complicated to manage than a flash-memory player. Hard-disk players vary in size, generally in step with capacity. Microdrive players are about the size of a credit card, and a 6GB model can hold about 1,500 songs, whereas models with 30GB hard disks are about the size of a deck of cards and can hold about 7,500 songs.
Consider download choices
If you have a large music collection that you want to keep with you, a hard-disk player might make more sense. Players with an 80GB capacity can can hold up to 20,000 songs and could serenade you for weeks without repeating a tune. However, a hard-disk player can be more complicated to manage than a flash-memory player. Hard-disk players vary in size, generally in step with capacity. Microdrive players are about the size of a credit card, and a 6GB model can hold about 1,500 songs, whereas models with 30GB hard disks are about the size of a deck of cards and can hold about 7,500 songs.
Consider download choices
Be aware that online music copy-protected sources are limited with some models. For example, Sony players work only with one online music store, while iPods are compatible with iTunes and Real.
Consider power consumption and battery type
Consider power consumption and battery type
With any portable device, batteries are a consideration. Our tests found a wide variation in battery life. Depending on the player settings, some will run out of power after only six hours of play, while others can play music for more than 150 hours before their batteries give out. Playing videos can run a battery down in a few hours.
Consider ergonomics and design
Consider ergonomics and design
Whichever type of MP3 player you choose, make sure you’ll be comfortable using it. Look for a display and controls that are easy to read and that can be worked with one hand. Because sizes and shapes vary widely, check to see that the player fits comfortably in your pockets and is easy to access when you need to need to reach the controls.
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