| Choosing to buy the right MP3 player isn't that difficult, | | | | options. While some portable players use replaceable |
| but one player does not fit all. People will want different | | | | alkaline batteries, many feature a built-in rechargeable |
| things from their players. MP3 CD players represent | | | | battery that cannot be easily removed. While these |
| the best value: Most retail for less than $200, and | | | | devices can keep going for tens of hours, if you're not |
| additional blank discs are cheap.* Think about how | | | | going to be somewhere near a power outlet or a |
| you'll use the player. Joggers will almost certainly want | | | | computer with a USB port, you might find yourself out |
| a lightweight, flash-memory-based device, since hard | | | | of juice with no way to charge the player.* Check the |
| drives don't react well to the shock of bouncing around | | | | prices for extra storage. If you're considering a player |
| all the time; audio aficionados who want lots of music | | | | that uses one of the major memory card formats |
| at their fingertips should keep their eyes on the | | | | (Secure Digital, SmartMedia, MultiMediaCard, or |
| highest-capacity hard-drive models.* Try your favorite | | | | Memory Stick) to store music files, factor the price for |
| before taking it home. Make sure you can use the | | | | an extra or replacement memory card into the cost of |
| on-screen display to navigate to a specific song, and | | | | the player.* Look for wide file format support. While |
| ask a clerk to show you how to transfer music to the | | | | this isn't a necessity, players that support music files in |
| device, if possible. Always bring your own set of | | | | the MP3, WMA (Windows Media Audio), and OGG |
| headphones to listen to the sound quality of each unit | | | | formats give you more listening options than players |
| you're interested in. If you plan to test CD-based MP3 | | | | that support just one or two of those formats.* |
| players, bring your own disc. | | | | Consider a player with an FM tuner. This feature isn't |
| * Get the largest-capacity device you can afford. | | | | essential, but it's a nice addition--especially if you grow |
| Whether you buy a flash- or hard-drive-based MP3 | | | | tired of your own music.* Do you need a carrying |
| player, make sure to choose a model with the largest | | | | case? The more expensive and more fragile the |
| storage capacity possible. Even if you don't think you'll | | | | player (hard-drive devices are the most delicate), the |
| need it now, you will probably be happy to have it | | | | more likely you'll want a custom-fitted case to protect |
| later.* Pay close attention to the user interface. The | | | | it. If you plan to carry your player with you wherever |
| simplest-to-use MP3 players use a Windows | | | | you go, consider investing in both a fitted cover and a |
| Explorer-like file and folder interface to organize music | | | | rugged carrying case that can also hold headphones, a |
| on the player. While some players require you to use | | | | USB cable, and/or spare batteries.* Shop around, online |
| their software to pick the play order before loading | | | | and offline. MP3 players are widely available in almost |
| music files, other players let you rearrange the songs | | | | every consumer electronics outlet, and their prices |
| once the music is in the player.* Mind your power | | | | fluctuate. |