One Stop MP3 Shop

The Best Place For MP3 Accessories

So you're ready to buy your first MP3 player, or maybe you are ready to upgrade.  In either case there are so many devices to choose from, the process can be daunting.  Which type, model, maker, size, etc. should you choose?  Our guide will simplify the purchasing process by giving you some simple things to look for.

Use:  What will you use your MP3 player for?  Will you use it primarily to listen to music, audio books or podcasts?  Some players are super small without screens that will work just fine if all you want to do is listen to audio playback.  If you want to watch movies, shows or look at photos you should opt for an MP3 player that has a screen, most are full color these days.  If you're uncertain, I'd go for the player that handles all forms of media, just to be safe.  Chances are you will use your player for more that you originally thought.

Name Brand:  Your pretty safe if you stick to brands you know and trust.  Brand name MP3 players ensure good quality, a decent warranty and for the most part a fair return policy if you decide you don't like it.  Off brands may save you money in the short term, but will most likely cost you money in the long term.  Brands I trust include Apple iPod, Sony, Microsoft Zuen, Creative Zen and Sony.

Storage Capacity:  There are two types of MP3 players currently on the market.  Some contain internal hard drives and others contain Flash Memory.  Players with hard drives store much more content than those with Flash Memory and generally cost less.  For example an 80 gig MP3 player with a hard drive can hold about 20,000 songs and will cost you about $250 USD.   An 8 gig Flash Memory MP3 player holds roughly 2,000 songs and costs anywhere from $150 to $300 USD.  Why the huge difference in price?  Players with Flash Memory are generally thinner and weigh less, have longer battery life and generally better quality.

Physical Size:  Size matters when you're looking at MP3 players, as they come in a wide variety of sizes.  Super small players are great for the gym, running and other forms of physical activity.  Palm sized players with 2 to 3.5 inch screens are the most popular and can handle audio and video.  Large MP3 players (those with 4 inch or larger screens) are more expensive and less popular.  Keep in mind, the larger MP3 players have less accessories available.

Battery Life: Make sure that your MP3 player's battery life is at least 12 hours for music and 4 hours for video.  MP3 players come with integrated rechargeable batteries, you may want to opt for portable charging cords or car chargers to keep your device charged while traveling.

PC or Mac?: While most MP3 players work with all types of computers and operating systems (Windows, Linux or Mac OS X), some players work only on Windows based computers.  My suggestion is to buy an MP3 player that’s as flexible as possible.  However, if you're sure the MP3 player will never be connected to a Mac, buying a Windows-only player is fine.

Accessories: Finally our favorite subject, accessories.   We love accessories and add-ons. They make our original purchase even better. The more popular the brand of MP3 player, the more accessories will be available. Accessories range from protective cases, vanity cases, arm bands for runners, speaker systems, wireless headphones and car charger adapters.

Good luck shopping for your first or next MP3 player.  We hope we've given you some helpful hints to ensure you're happy with your purchase.