When I started this article I heard many co-workers mention that there wasn't a need to compare MP3 players since the Apple array of products (iPods and Nano) dominate the marketplace. That is very true with Apple having sold millions of units since their inception and there is no end in sight for sales as now the iPhone has taken over with phone capabilities along with music and video playback. There are other products in the portable mp3 player field, though, and that is why it's important to give the consumers of the world the choice to find the right product for them. Other top players are the Microsoft Zune, iRiver Clix, Creative Zen, SanDisk Sansa, and Archos. The 2 most popular types of mp3 players are those based around hard drive and flash based memory systems. The 80 GB Apple iPod (hard drive player) can hold over 20,000 songs which should be plenty but with memory costs continually getting cheaper while the capacity increase, we are looking at newer models that offer 160 GB and potentially beyond. With video storage a new area to expose, many manufacturers realize that increased storage space is a must to remain in this lucrative market. Flash based players like the Nano, iRiver Clix, and the SanDisk Sansa have no moving parts and are very slim and compact.
It's hard to put a price on convenience and that is why products like the Apple Nano sell like "hotcakes". The Nano is lightweight, easy to use and setup, holds plenty of music (8 GB), and the batteries last pretty long with basic usage. You might get more storage capabilities with the iPod Classic or Microsoft Zune, but you give up the sleek feel of the Nano. The hard drive models are bulkier and heavier. I regularly use my 8GB Nano when working out, running, or when traveling on long flights. I can transfer music and setup playlists with a few clicks. As more people use their mp3 players as storage devices for photos or video, the color screens will need to be proficient at photo viewing and video playback. Right now the technology is only improving and digital images usually appear bright, clear and clean on the screens. Some music players offer radio options for FM radio reception, although AM is harder to find available on these units. The Microsoft Zune now allows users to share music files via wireless connectivity. These players function much like a traditional CD player with repeat, shuffle, resume, pause, and playlist functions which let you pre-program sets of songs based on themes, artists, or genres. Battery life is a key component in any mp3 playing device. We have all run into at least 1 scenario where we are listening to our music/songs and the battery dies. Obviously, players with longer battery life will get customers attention. I like flash players the best since their rechargeable batteries are easy to charge up when you are syncing up your player with new songs or downloading more. The hard drive based players have nonremovable lithium-ion batteries that last from 2 to 4 years and then need to be replaced. With costs as high as $100, many people just buy a whole new mp3 player since technology changes a lot within that timeframe. For up-to-date reviews on the newest mp3 players we rely on sites like CNET, PCMag.com, Consumer Reports, Testfreaks.com, and MP3.com. Much like buying a computer or plasma tv a few years back, when you purchase a new mp3 player odds are that it will be much cheaper a few months down the road. That's part of doing business in the ever changing technology sector of products. Nevertheless, what you get is still pretty good value given the amount of songs these players hold and how easy they are to transfer music to or download off the Internet. Just the thought of holding your entire record or CD collection in the palm of your hand with instant access to any song is amazing and is why these products continue to sell so well. All electronics retailers like Circuit City, Best Buy, Frys, and Radio Shack carry many of the models listed on this page. You can also visit any Apple Store to buy the iPod or Nano. Online website for mp3 players include Amazon.com, Wal-Mart.com, and Overstock.com.
Best MP3 Player:
Hands down the Apple iPod Nano (third generation) 8 GB player is the best solution on the market. At less than $200 this mp3 player is very impressive with a razor thin body, video playback quality that is near perfect, and exceptional battery life. The weight of the Nano is currently at 1.7 oz and the 2 inch LCD display is easy to read. Beyond music, the Nano supports digital picture formats of JPEG, BMP, GIF, TIFF, PSD, and PNG. The supported audio formats are AAC, Protected AAC, MP3, MP3 VBR, Audible 2, Audible 3, Audible 4, Apple Lossless, WAV, AIFF. Battery life is roughly 24 hours without needing a recharge. The scroll wheel is still how you maneuver around the controls making for easy operation. After buying the Nano you will definitely wonder how you survived without it for years. The only solution that could be better is an iPhone perhaps when they come down in price in a year or so. You can by the Nano online at Apple.com.
Microsoft Zune:
CNET gives the Zune 80 GB player an excellent review and so does several other leading music websites. Microsoft may have been beaten to market by Apple, but if Microsoft does one thing well they imitate and catchup quite fast. Their Zune mp3 player at $240 is gaining steam and attention. The Zune player has a large screen size at 3.2 inches (LCD) and a good interface. Owners like the wireless file sharing and syncing options. The iPod Classic also offers many of the same features but you will be stuck with using the Apple AAC music format. Even the earphones that come with the Zune are getting rave reviews which is not what you find with other mp3 players like the iPod. New 160 GB versions are expect soon which will hold up to 40000 songs or a mix of songs/pictures/videos. Microsoft may have shown up late to this 'party' but they are gaining a strong footage in an industry once dominated by Apple. You can find the Zune in stores like Circuit City, Best Buy, or online at Amazon or Gateway.com.
Best Value MP3 Player:
At just around $100, you can get the Creative Zen V Plus mp3 player with 4 GB of storage. 8 GB is available for about $50 more. The screen is a touch small and the navigation system may not be as good as those found on the Nano, but at less than $100 you can't go wrong with a company that has been making mp3 players for years. Listen to all your music or view JPEG images. Battery life is estimated at 15 hours of playback and the player comes with an FM radio band. At 1.6 oz it is very compact and lightweight making it the perfect companion for runners, workout enthusiasts or those that travel a lot for business or pleasure. You can find out more about the latest models HERE. If you are looking to purchase the Zen, go to Circuit City or Amazon.com.
Other Music Players:
The iRiver Clix ($240) and the Samsung YP-U3 ($75) are two other players worth mentioning since they are leaders in many ways as well. At $75 the Samsung is a budget mp3 player with features that will still keep you satisfied and the iRiver model is loaded with extras like FM tuner, voice recorder, equalizer, flash games and a touchscreen navigation system.
