How To Buy Guide - MP3 Guide

Now that we’ve covered the basics, here are some other things you might want to think about when looking for an MP3 Player.

Screen Size – MP3 Players have screens ranging from small, single-line monochrome screens to big, full-color screens for viewing video (and some MP3 players like the Creative ZEN Stone are intended for short use, and don’t have screens at all.) It’s worth considering whether the person will want to watch videos on their MP3 player, and if so, perhaps to look for a model with a larger screen.

Interface – Normally, MP3 players are operated via a series of buttons (to our knowledge, MP3 players controlled by your mind haven’t yet made it to the market. But it’s only a matter of time). Apple’s signature scroll wheel is a good example. Recently, however, a number of touch-screen players have appeared on the market (the Archos 605 and the iPod Touch are two good examples). As more and more are released, look for touch-screen MP3 players to become much more popular.

Battery Life – These days, most MP3 players run on rechargeable Lithium batteries, which yield longer life and increased durability. However, a lot of the new features popping up on MP3 players are somewhat power-hungry. If you get an MP3 player with WiFi, for example, be sure its battery life doesn’t suffer too much when you use it.

PriceGrabber.com lists the average battery life of most MP3 players on our site, so be sure to check them out as you’re browsing.

WiFi – A lot of MP3 Players (like the Microsoft Zune) now support WiFi connections, allowing them to connect wirelessly with your PC, the internet, and in some cases other MP3 players. This new connection opens up a world of possibilities, as far as sharing music and convenience go.

Recording Capabilities – A number of MP3 players now offer you the ability to record voice notes, memos, or even FM radio broadcasts. It’s then easy to sync them up to your computer and do with them what you will.

Availability of Accessories – In recent years, an entire market has sprung up around accessories for MP3 players like the iPod and the Zune, allowing you to use them more in your daily life. Everything from docks, cases, speaker systems, and remote controls now interact with MP3 players. Before you buy, be sure and double-check whether the accessories you want are available for the type of player you’re purchasing.

All-in-all, an MP3 player makes a great gift – whoever you’re shopping for will be sure to love it (especially now that you’ve got a good idea of what features to look out for).

Ready to start shopping? Click here to find the perfect MP3 player gift!