Choosing an MP3 Player

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Choosing an MP3 Player

Technology is constantly redefining the way we live our lives, and while portable music players are a relatively new invention, they are being constantly improved, with more elaborate, smaller and faster MP3 players coming out every week.

With the production of the iPod, Apple has, in the past few years almost monopolised the MP3 player industry, but, depending on your demands, they are not necessarily the best product on the market, so you should not feel restricted to choosing just Apple products or what is currently popular. Though they are some of the most aesthetically pleasing MP3 players, iPods have a tendency to break easily, to keep up demand for new, better products.

If you take the initiative to do a little research, you will find a wealth of other better, just as pretty and potentially much cheaper MP3 players. This lens will explain some of the different types of MP3 player to give you some ideas to suit your needs.

What exactly is an MP3 player?

Ok, dumb question, but let's look at the definition of MP3 player so we know exactly what we're looking for. From our good friend Wikipedia:

"A digital audio player, usually referred to as an MP3 player, is a consumer electronic device that has the primary function of storing, organizing and playing audio files."

1979 prototype of the 'IXI'Basically, an MP3 player is a device on which we can listen to music, though many of them are also MP4 players so support video files, games and organisers. The first MP3 Player was designed by Kane Kramer in 1979, and held 3.5 minutes worth of audio. Fortunately, MP3 players nowadays are capable of holding literally days of songs, and they look a lot prettier, too.

What do YOU want in your MP3 Player?

Because there is such a huge range of MP3 Players to choose from, it saves a lot of time to narrow down your search by thinking about what you actually want from your MP3 player. If it's just music, no fancy touch screens or extra features, if you want to be able to watch music videos, DVDs or have internet access via wifi or want to incorporate your phone into your MP3 player, it's all available, it's just up to you to choose.

Your opinion

When buying an MP3 player, what are your requirements?

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No frills MP3 players


Coby 2 GB MP3 Player with FM Radio, USB Drive, and LCD
(Black)



For MP3 players that are just what they were originally designed to be - just personal music players, you won't need to spend near as much money and the devices are often tiny in size. Click on the photos to see the Amazon webpage.

The Coby MP3 player is in essence what a music player should be, with the added features of FM Radio and plugging easily into the computer via USB port, meaning no cables to lose! It's also very nice looking with an LCD screen and glossy finish, and at $30, it's an absolute bargain.


SanDisk Sansa Clip+ 2 GB MP3 Player
(Black)



The SanDisk MP3 player is the same price at $30, and is a tiny MP3 player with TV remote style buttons we all recognise. Though similar in style to the iPod Nano, the the sound quality is much better according to what I've heard. What's better is there is no messing around with iTunes-like programmes, as you can simply slot a micro SD card containing your music directly into the device. Easy.


Coby 4 GB Video MP3 Player with FM Radio
(Red)


The new Coby 4GB Video MP3 Player is even sleeker than the older one, and it comes in blue, red or black. It's slightly larger and has a 2inch LCD display, and holds photos, videos and text files as well as having an integrated radio function. This is even cheaper at only $27 dollars, reduced from $45, so if you want it, better buy it quick!

Buy no-frills MP3 players from Amazon

All the following MP3 players are high quality, cheap and without all the unnecessary add-ons.
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Looking for a little bit more...?


Sansa Fuze+ 4 GB MP3 Player
(Black)


It's always a nice feeling holding a sleek, new, luxurious gadget, and it's ok to want a little more from your MP3 players. Here's a few that do that bit extra to appeal to you.

The Sansa Fuze+ 4 GB MP3 Player encompasses the traditional MP3 player with a video player and a large LCD screen, while still being affordable at $64.


Creative Labs Zen X-Fi 2 8 GB MP3 and Video Player with Touchscreen and Built-In Speaker
(Black)


The Creative Zen X Fi2 is very similar in design to the iPod Touch, though considerably cheaper at just $100 for 8GB of space. It proves you can get quality without breaking the bank, and even comes with a built in speaker to share your music with your friends. It incorporated a 3inch LCD touchscreen, and supports multiple audio formats, which will save you endless time trying to convert files to MP3.

More fancy MP3 players on Amazon

Choose from some of the other more sophisticated MP3 players on Amazon.
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Feel like pushing the boat out?


Mojo MP3/FM Player 256MB USB with voice Recorder & Headphones


If you feel like splashing some cash, there's plenty of ultra high-tech expensive MP3 players on offer to buy, or just gaze at longingly like the majority of us.
The Mojo MP3/FM Player looks pretty normal, but with 256MB of space it is a real-life Tardis!

Integrated phone and MP3 players

It's becoming increasingly popular to buy 2-in-1 MP3 player and mobile phone devices, which makes a lot of sense so you don't have to be carrying around two gadgets all the time.
The most popular of these would definitely be the iPhone, the fourth generation of which has just been released, though there are plenty others on the market. The best thing would be to determine your primary usage of the device, how much space you need for music, and do a little research. The possibilities are endless.

How big?!


Archos 5 500 GB Internet Tablet with Android


This MP3 player is 500GB in size. If you're a music geek or just own all the Disney soundtracks, perhaps this one's for you. It's larger than most common MP3 players, but considering the capacity of it, that's to be expected. As well as playing audio, this device plays videos in 720p HD resolution, and can even access the internet provided there is WiFi connection.

Just for fun

Lego MP3 PlayerEvery day the design of MP3 players gets wackier and more imaginative. If you feel like confusing your friends, go for one a little strange, like this one shaped like a Lego block.

New Amazon Voting (Plexo)

Check out Amazon for some great offers on MP3 players - it's perfectly safe and you can often choose overnight shipping for those as impatient as me.

SanDisk Sansa Clip 2 GB MP3 Player (Pink)

SanDisk Sansa Clip 2 GB MP3 Player (Pink)

Sansa Clip 2GB Pink Player1 point

SanDisk Sansa Clip+ 2 GB MP3 Player (Black)

SanDisk Sansa Clip+ 2 GB MP3 Player (Black)

The Sansa Clip+ MP3 player gives you more to enj more...0 points

SanDisk Sansa Clip+ 4 GB MP3 Player (Black)

SanDisk Sansa Clip+ 4 GB MP3 Player (Black)

The Sansa Clip+ MP3 player gives you more to enj more...0 points

SanDisk Sansa Fuze 8 GB Video MP3 Player (Black)

SanDisk Sansa Fuze 8 GB Video MP3 Player (Black)

Amazon.com Product Description With the SanDisk Sansa more...0 points

SanDisk Sansa Clip+ 8 GB MP3 Player (Black)

SanDisk Sansa Clip+ 8 GB MP3 Player (Black)

The Sansa Clip+ MP3 player gives you more to enj more...0 points

SanDisk Sansa Fuze 4 GB Video MP3 Player (Black)

SanDisk Sansa Fuze 4 GB Video MP3 Player (Black)

Amazon.com Product Description With the SanDisk Sansa more...0 points

Buy MP3 players on eBay

eBay is a brilliant place to go to buy almost anything for almost nothing, so check it out!
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Let me know what you thought

Thank you very much for reading my lens. I hope you liked it - please leave me a comment if you did or you think there's anything I could add.

  • ellagis Aug 29, 2011 @ 7:00 am | delete
    I want, absolutely want the Lego mp3!!!!! :)
    Very interesting lens.... although I think I´m not the best person to apprecciate it, I belong to the "easy to please" group.... I ask my mp3 to let me hear my favourite songs and to have power enough to be superior to the noise of a Roman street - that´s really a lot.
  • VoodooRULEs Jul 9, 2011 @ 8:41 pm | delete
    Wow! This is an excellent article. Well written, the products included were well integrated, and overall the addition of the products actually improves the article. Very very well done. Thank you!
  • Mar 30, 2011 @ 9:56 am | delete
    Cool lens
  • oniArts Mar 24, 2011 @ 3:11 pm | delete
    Cool lens!
  • JoshK47 Mar 7, 2011 @ 12:57 pm | delete
    A very nice lens that's quite helpful in selecting the best MP3 player - good job!
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Kathryn002

Hi. My name is Kathryn, and I enjoy learning about music, nature and science, economics, literature and language, psychology and human behaviour. Ever... more »

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