Are you looking for an MP3 player but am not sure which type and model to buy? There is a wide variety of MP3 players out there, from flash memory based players to hard drive based players. Choosing a good player from the market is no easy task. What features should you look for? What are the key considerations? This article aims to answer those questions and more. Now, let’s see how we can pick the perfect MP3 player.
Types of MP3 player
There are essentially four types of MP3 players in the market today. These include flash-based players, hard-drive based players and MP3 CD players. Let’s look at them in turn.
Flash-based MP3 players
Flash-based MP3 players have a flash memory chip built-in. They tend to be very tiny, ultra-portable and have no moving parts. As a user, you can do all your sports activities without worrying about your music skipping a beat. The downside to flash players is their high cost per megabyte. These players range from 32MB to 2GB, and the most popular models tend to be those from the Creative Muvo line, the iRiver iFP series and more recently, the Apple iPod Shuffle.
Hard-drive based MP3 players
Hard-drive based MP3 players use a 1.8-inch hard disk drive to store your music. The hard disk can hold large amounts of music – we’re talking about 10GB and above. If you have a large music library and want to store tons of music, a hard-drive based MP3 player is the way to go. The cost per megabyte is very low. The downside? Well, due to the hard disk drive, which has moving parts, these players are not suited for rough physical activity or extreme sports. One of the most popular MP3 players in this category is the Apple iPod, which is selling like hot cakes out there.
Micro hard-drive based MP3 players
More recently, manufacturers have come up with micro hard-drive based MP3 players like the Apple iPod Mini, Creative Zen Micro and Rio Carbon. Featuring a smaller hard drive (which still gives ample storage space of about 4 to 5 GB), they have a much more compact design compared to full fledged hard disk players. The few models mentioned above are selling like crazy too.
MP3 CD players
MP3 CD players are another type of MP3 player. These units look and feel like regular CD players. You can burn up to 150 MP3 songs to fill one CD-R disc, then play it on the unit. The disadvantage of such players is their large size and their tendency to skip if jostled.
Key Features of MP3 Players
Having looked at the different types of MP3 players, let’s look at the key features of an MP3 player.
Size and weight: If you’re looking to bring your MP3 player on trips or on sporting activities, a small compact design is very important. In such cases, you should go for a small flash based player or one of the micro hard drive players.
Storage capacity: This is an important factor too. If you need to store your whole music library into the MP3 player, then you probably need a hard drive based player with 10GB of storage or above. If you only want a few select songs to listen to on the subway, then a flash based player would suffice. Do take note that some players offer expansion slots in the form of CompactFlash or SD cards.
Battery Life: This is often overlooked. Battery life is a very important consideration, especially if you’re out with your player and have no way to recharge. Hard disk players tend to have lithium-ion rechargeable batteries while some flash players offer AAA battery support. I personally own a Creative MuVo Micro N200 which uses AAA batteries. This is great for me because once it runs out, I can just pop in a new one – no hassles about finding some electrical socket to recharge.
Connectivity Options: The way the MP3 player connects to your computer is also an important factor. The latest models tend to support high-speed USB 2.0 transfers. The better ones like the Apple iPod also give Firewire support.
File Format Support: You will most likely be wanting to play MP3 songs on your player. However, if you want to listen to a wider variety of music files, like WMA or OGG Vorbis, then make sure you see it in the player specs.
Other Considerations
Many of the latest players also include features I’ve not covered in the above. For example, some players come with a built-in FM tuner, which is very useful if you get tired of your MP3 music. Other have a built-in voice recorder which allows you to record audio as WAV files.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many considerations to think about when purchasing an MP3 player. To get the most suitable player, you want to think about how you will use the player. Usage should drive your purchase decision. The other thing to take note of is to shop around, both online and offline – compare prices before shelling out the cash. Good luck hunting for that MP3 player!
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Can you creat your own MP3 ringtons?
Over 200 Americans now own a cell phone, according to the Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association. With that said, not only has selling cell phones, cellular services and accessories become a lucrative business, but selling ringtones has become a money-making gold mine as well.
One might even say that a company selling ringtones has its own money tree.
For example, there is a huge value disparity when an entire song downloaded costs under $1 but yet a six-second ringtone costs more than double – from $2 to $3. Plus, most people who are purchasing ringtones more than likely already own the full-length song.
Why pay from something you already purchased? Some might reason that it’s out of convenience or time constraints and that’s okay, but for those of you reading this who want save a few dollars and take advantage of your MP3 collection – this article is for you.
What you will need:
* A way to upload files to your cell phone. There are many ways of doing this, including Bluetooth, infrared, USB, and the Internet.
* Software that will allow you to edit music. One of the best editors is Audacity and it’s free.
* Software for audio conversion. This is only if your phone will not allow MP3s as ringtones. Try DBPower AMP music converter.
* Software that will synchronize your PC and your cell phone. This is only for those of you connecting via a USB cable (Motorola users can purchase PhoneTools or download the free application, P2kman, off the Net).
Create and upload the ringtone:
* Start your audio editor, such as Audacity, and open up a particular MP3 you wish to use as your new ringtone. Select your favorite 10-15 second clip of the song by setting the in and out edit points. Save that clip as a new MP3 to be used as a ringtone.
* If you’re phone is Web enabled then send this MP3 to your phone. You can also use free services on the Web to do this by uploading the file and entering in your cell number.
* If you’re using a USB cable, connect your cell to your PC via a USB 2 cable; this is same type of cable that came with your digital cable. Sync the two using the appropriate software and upload your ringtone to your phone.
* If you’re using other means to send the ringtone to your cell, refer to your cell phone’s manual on uploading files.
After completing the above, the final task is simply to set the MP3 as your current ringtone on your phone and enjoy.
One might even say that a company selling ringtones has its own money tree.
For example, there is a huge value disparity when an entire song downloaded costs under $1 but yet a six-second ringtone costs more than double – from $2 to $3. Plus, most people who are purchasing ringtones more than likely already own the full-length song.
Why pay from something you already purchased? Some might reason that it’s out of convenience or time constraints and that’s okay, but for those of you reading this who want save a few dollars and take advantage of your MP3 collection – this article is for you.
What you will need:
* A way to upload files to your cell phone. There are many ways of doing this, including Bluetooth, infrared, USB, and the Internet.
* Software that will allow you to edit music. One of the best editors is Audacity and it’s free.
* Software for audio conversion. This is only if your phone will not allow MP3s as ringtones. Try DBPower AMP music converter.
* Software that will synchronize your PC and your cell phone. This is only for those of you connecting via a USB cable (Motorola users can purchase PhoneTools or download the free application, P2kman, off the Net).
Create and upload the ringtone:
* Start your audio editor, such as Audacity, and open up a particular MP3 you wish to use as your new ringtone. Select your favorite 10-15 second clip of the song by setting the in and out edit points. Save that clip as a new MP3 to be used as a ringtone.
* If you’re phone is Web enabled then send this MP3 to your phone. You can also use free services on the Web to do this by uploading the file and entering in your cell number.
* If you’re using a USB cable, connect your cell to your PC via a USB 2 cable; this is same type of cable that came with your digital cable. Sync the two using the appropriate software and upload your ringtone to your phone.
* If you’re using other means to send the ringtone to your cell, refer to your cell phone’s manual on uploading files.
After completing the above, the final task is simply to set the MP3 as your current ringtone on your phone and enjoy.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Innovative Technology For Best Music And Mp3
These days people want to have all the comforts that life can offer. We wanted easy access to everything. Well, with all the technological innovations that are created who wants to have less right? Unless, you don't have the financial capacity to buy those then you better be in line to the harder way of life.
One of the best creations of this century is the MP3 player. Mp3 players are mini devices where you can listen music from using a headset or a blue tooth device. This innovation had easily replaced the status of other music devices such as the radio and music V C D and D V D players. Some of its advantage are: its weight which is definitely light, the memory capacity which can store a lot of songs depending on the size of the memory and its capability to download songs from sources like the Internet.
Well, we know that the Internet is a place where you can find almost anything you might want to look for. Song downloading sites are usually one of the most sought after sites in it. Some of these websites offer cheap and affordable fees for those who wanted to download different variety of music. Some provides song downloads for your PC and for your MP3 player depending on what you prefer. There are also song download sites that offer pure P S P downloads, it means only your P S P can download what they have to offer.
Actually, I have a list of song download sites for your MP3 player and for your PC as well. You can check it all out on the site that I'm contributing articles with. Those sites are great and they provide secure and safe downloads which will free your MP3 players or PC from any viruses or spy wares or ad wares. These sites also gives out great bonuses.
We are very fortunate for what we live around these days where we can see the technological advancements of our time race ahead at breakneck pace. So, the question now is, what will be next?
And what about free music? Will the record companies die and roll over so the artists can be in control of their music catalogs? Many will want to make their music available for free download so that a larger audience will be able to listen to and enjoy the songs.
Perhaps some day we will see ALL music free available for download at no cost and the artists will make their money on merchandising and tour dates. Some are already doing this successfully by selling rare C D s with performances and official bootlegs.
Music and technology are so exciting! We are in a special place in time. We have so much joy at our fingertips!
One of the best creations of this century is the MP3 player. Mp3 players are mini devices where you can listen music from using a headset or a blue tooth device. This innovation had easily replaced the status of other music devices such as the radio and music V C D and D V D players. Some of its advantage are: its weight which is definitely light, the memory capacity which can store a lot of songs depending on the size of the memory and its capability to download songs from sources like the Internet.
Well, we know that the Internet is a place where you can find almost anything you might want to look for. Song downloading sites are usually one of the most sought after sites in it. Some of these websites offer cheap and affordable fees for those who wanted to download different variety of music. Some provides song downloads for your PC and for your MP3 player depending on what you prefer. There are also song download sites that offer pure P S P downloads, it means only your P S P can download what they have to offer.
Actually, I have a list of song download sites for your MP3 player and for your PC as well. You can check it all out on the site that I'm contributing articles with. Those sites are great and they provide secure and safe downloads which will free your MP3 players or PC from any viruses or spy wares or ad wares. These sites also gives out great bonuses.
We are very fortunate for what we live around these days where we can see the technological advancements of our time race ahead at breakneck pace. So, the question now is, what will be next?
And what about free music? Will the record companies die and roll over so the artists can be in control of their music catalogs? Many will want to make their music available for free download so that a larger audience will be able to listen to and enjoy the songs.
Perhaps some day we will see ALL music free available for download at no cost and the artists will make their money on merchandising and tour dates. Some are already doing this successfully by selling rare C D s with performances and official bootlegs.
Music and technology are so exciting! We are in a special place in time. We have so much joy at our fingertips!
HIgh Quality Mp3 Ringtones For Mobiles
MP3 ringtones, otherwise known as Truetones or Realtones, are the most popular form of ringtone. This comes as no surprise since nearly every cell phone produced in the past few years has built in support for this new, high-quality ringtone format.
What makes MP3 ringtones so popular? Undoubtedly the quality is the first reason, but also the incredible variety of ringtone selections available via the cell phone's built in browsers (or "media malls"), the ability to send tones from one phone to another, and the even larger selection available from the internet. It is very easy for an owner of a newer cell phone to have ringtones sent directly from their internet-connected PC to their phone. This is possible either with the cables that should have came packaged with the phone, or by signing up with many of the online ringtone services - which enables the user to have ringtones sent directly to their phone without fussing with any form of hard wires.
MP3 ringtones are responsible for over three quarters of all customizable digital cell phone purchases. One might recall the older forms of ringtones available in the infancy of cellular communications - the monophonic or polyphonic ringtones, and the relatively short-lived midi tones. Since the inception of Truetones, these formats have lost popularity and account for less than a quarter of all ringtone purchases.
If the reader has purchased a Realtone, they aren't alone - over 24 million mobile customers have purchased and used this higher quality format according to a study conducted in mid 2006. This transitional phase has been compared to CDs and cassette tapes.
Gone are the days of dial tones - remember what one of those sounds like? But soon enough we might have trouble remembering what an actual ring sounds like, coming from the other end of the phone line when you make a call. Since the popularity of MP3 ringtones has exploded in the past few years, another customization option has been made available for cell users: the Ringback tone. Instead of hearing the usual ring when waiting for the second party to answer a call, the caller will hear a personalized "ring," most often a song.
The functionality and customizable options for cell phones has continued to grow, and will continue to do so until the next paradigm in telephony communications - one can only wonder what will be available in just a few years time. However, for the time being, and more than likely for quite some time, MP3 ringtones will be the best option for any person interested in having a ringtone that is not only a form of self expression, but is cheap and high-quality.
What makes MP3 ringtones so popular? Undoubtedly the quality is the first reason, but also the incredible variety of ringtone selections available via the cell phone's built in browsers (or "media malls"), the ability to send tones from one phone to another, and the even larger selection available from the internet. It is very easy for an owner of a newer cell phone to have ringtones sent directly from their internet-connected PC to their phone. This is possible either with the cables that should have came packaged with the phone, or by signing up with many of the online ringtone services - which enables the user to have ringtones sent directly to their phone without fussing with any form of hard wires.
MP3 ringtones are responsible for over three quarters of all customizable digital cell phone purchases. One might recall the older forms of ringtones available in the infancy of cellular communications - the monophonic or polyphonic ringtones, and the relatively short-lived midi tones. Since the inception of Truetones, these formats have lost popularity and account for less than a quarter of all ringtone purchases.
If the reader has purchased a Realtone, they aren't alone - over 24 million mobile customers have purchased and used this higher quality format according to a study conducted in mid 2006. This transitional phase has been compared to CDs and cassette tapes.
Gone are the days of dial tones - remember what one of those sounds like? But soon enough we might have trouble remembering what an actual ring sounds like, coming from the other end of the phone line when you make a call. Since the popularity of MP3 ringtones has exploded in the past few years, another customization option has been made available for cell users: the Ringback tone. Instead of hearing the usual ring when waiting for the second party to answer a call, the caller will hear a personalized "ring," most often a song.
The functionality and customizable options for cell phones has continued to grow, and will continue to do so until the next paradigm in telephony communications - one can only wonder what will be available in just a few years time. However, for the time being, and more than likely for quite some time, MP3 ringtones will be the best option for any person interested in having a ringtone that is not only a form of self expression, but is cheap and high-quality.
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