MP3 Player Buying Guide

from Overstock.com

There isn't much that changes faster than the world of MP3players -- a fact which can make shopping for digital audio electronics a daunting task. This MP3 player buying guide will give you the information you need to make a wise purchase, so you can confidently and coolly be a part of the digital music age.


What you need to know

Before you can really shop for a portable MP3 player (or any kind of electronics these days) you need to know the difference between megabytes (MB) and gigabytes (GB). Memory storage capacities are measured in bytes. More bytes in an MP3 player equal more space to hold all of your songs. A megabyte is 1 million bytes. A gigabyte is 1 billion bytes (and therefore bigger and better). You won't see too many digital MP3 players with capacities measured in megabytes these days, but there are still a few out there.

Know your MP3 players

There are two basic types of MP3 players. The MP3 players with the largest capacities are hard-drive MP3 players. They store the music and files on an internal hard drive, which means MP3 players of this type can have large capacities. Some feature up to 80GB of space, which would require an awful lot of music and videos to fill.

The downside of hard drive MP3 players is that hard drives have moving parts, that is, shake-able, breakable parts -- not the best choice for people who want a portable MP3 player for working out. Hard drives also take up a little more space, so the MP3 players won't be quite as slim and light as others.

Flash-based MP3 players feature flash memory, which has no moving parts. Flash MP3 players are light-weight and slim (perfect for the gym or a jog), but flash-drive MP3 players have smaller capacities. Still, their capacities run upwards of several GB, which is still plenty of space for most people.

Generally, more memory in a portable MP3 player means higher cost. Discount MP3 players like as a 512MB MP3 player, for example, won't hold too much. If you really want the highest capacity model, save up for an 80GB model, it's worth the wait. Also, there are plenty of affordable MP3 players in between.

Common MP3 player features

Many MP3 players do a lot more than just play your digital audio files. They are often versatile multi-media machines, letting you watch videos, listen to the radio and record; all in all, they can be like your own personal media jukebox. Following is a list of features you might want on your digital MP3 player.

  • Data storage: Some MP3 players also serve as data storage devices, so you can transfer other types of non-music files between computers using a USB or other similar connection..
  • Photo viewing: If you are a photographer, or if you just like to share your family pictures with everyone, you need an MP3 player with photo viewer capabilities. If you have a lot of high-resolution photos, get something with a lot of memory, like a 20GB MP3 player.
  • Recording: Some MP3 players feature digital voice recorders, which are great for recording lectures or personal reminders, but not music. If you want to record music, get something that has an audio input jack, so you can record directly from other devices.
  • Video playback: Most portable MP3 players with video playback are great for watching short clips and maybe a digitized TV show or two. They're probably not the best for watching feature films, however, because the screens are too small. But then again, if you're stuck in an airport, an entire movie on a screen that small could help pass the time.
  • Wireless capability: Many of the newer MP3 players are able to transfer songs and files wirelessly. Just make sure your other devices use the same wireless technology so they are compatible.
  • Hold switch: If you're like most people, you'll be storing your digital MP3 player in your pocket or backpack. That means you may inadvertently bump a button now or then, which could potentially waste valuable battery life or skip to then next song before you're ready. A hold switch will make that less likely to happen, essentially making the MP3 player controls ineffective until you release it.
  • Expandability: More and more MP3 players feature memory expansion slots, where you can insert flash memory cards. This can be handy for transferring files, or for listening to a few songs once or twice that you don't want taking up space on your MP3 player.

File formats MP3 players use

Songs can be saved in a variety of file formats, some higher quality than others; MP3 is the most common (hence the term "MP3 player"). Different online music stores use different formats, however. While most MP3 players are compatible with most formats, it doesn't hurt to check before you buy. The most common formats you need to worry about are:

  • MP3, or MPEG Layer III
  • AA
  • WAV/AIFF
  • WMA

One caution on formats: Songs in the AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) format are copyright protected. They are sold on iTunes and most can only play on iPods. If you plan on buying songs from iTunes for your MP3 player, you should reconsider. There are plenty of other online music stores who would love to have your business. If you really have a thing for iTunes, read Overstock.com's iPod Buying Guide, then visit our iPod department. We'll be happy to sell you one.

Common MP3 player questions

What do I need to know about the MP3 player's battery?

Most hard-drive-based MP3 players will be powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. These will usually last three or four years, and most manufacturers have some sort of a replacement warranty. Just check before you buy.

Most flash MP3 players also have an internal rechargeable battery. Many are powered by AA or AAA batteries, too. Those that require removable batteries will probably cost less, but if you don't have rechargeable batteries you may end up spending more in the long run. Check out Overstock.com for great deals on battery chargers and rechargeable batteries.

Can I listen to my MP3 player without headphones?

There are all kinds of speakers or "docks" you can connect to your MP3 player which allow you to listen to your music through a regular stereo system. Many of these are quite versatile, compatible with iPods, MP3 players and other devices. Overstock.com has a large selection of MP3 speakers for less.

Ideas from Overstock.com

Personalize your MP3 player

It seems like everybody has an MP3 player these days, so you should make yours unique. With Overstock.com's discounts on a huge assortment of iPod and MP3 player accessories, it's easy to do. You'll like our many fun, colorful MP3 player cases. Get an MP3 car charger for trips where you won't have your computer. An FM transmitter will also let you enjoy your music on those road trips, allowing you to wirelessly beam your music from your digital audio player to your car stereo. If you need an MP3 adapter, chances are pretty good you'll find it for less at Overstock.com

Get yourself some more comfortable headphones

Often, the headphones included with MP3 players are not the highest quality, and they are usually ear buds, which can be uncomfortable for some people. Overstock.com carries a wide variety of headphones, so you're bound to find something that tickles your fancy. If your MP3 player has wireless capabilities, you might try some wireless headphones. You can also get some noise isolating headphones or wraparound buds that stay on while you bounce around working out.

New MP3 players don't always have to be new (or expensive, for that matter)

If you want to save money on a quality digital music player, you should think about getting a refurbished MP3 player. When you hear "refurbished MP3 players," don't think "cheap MP3 players." They have been lightly used or demoed before being factory reconditioned to like-new condition. Nobody will know it was a discount MP3 player because it looks and performs like a brand new one. Overstock.com has a variety of refurbished MP3 players from some of the best brand names.