iPods, MP3 and multimedia players
Since the original little white box appeared on the hips of trendy music fans the world over, Apple’s ubiquitous iPod (and the associated iTunes software) has revolutionised the way we listen to, buy and share music. Bringing together must-have desirability, a user-friendly interface and sexy design, it’s still the first port of call for many buyers. But other companies are fighting back by offering a wide range of attractive alternatives. iPods, MP3 players and multimedia players come in a huge variety of shapes and sizes but all do pretty much the same thing.
What’s an MP3 player and how does it work?
Ignoring all the marketing hype, these must-have gadgets are really just storage devices that can play specially-compressed media files. Some are audio only, while some have high-resolution colour screens and can play both music and video - all require connecting to a computer to upload content.
Using a variety of compression formats (e.g. MP3, MP4, AAC) songs or videos can be turned into relatively small digital files allowing you to cram tens of thousands of songs or hundreds of hours of video onto a typical computer hard disk. The beauty of MP3 means that while the sound quality is lower than a CD, it’s barely discernable to the human ear.
The players themselves have tiny hard disks or Flash drives tucked inside them so you can choose from all your favourite tracks without having to cart a bag full of CDs or DVDs around. Depending on price and specification, players store between a few hundred and tens of thousands of songs or videos - generally speaking, the bigger the storage the higher the price…
Some high-end models are now fully web-enabled via WiFi or the 3G network, allowing you to surf the net and download apps as well as listening to songs and watching movies. But all that functionality tends to mean less storage space and higher prices.
Getting music onto the player
Getting songs or video onto an MP3 player couldn’t be simpler, but you do need a computer (PC or Mac). There are two main routes: Uploading CDs or downloading files from the internet. Either way, you’ll need to install a media library system onto your machine (such as iTunes). Simply stick a CD in your computer and it’ll walk you through the process step by step, harvesting a load of interesting info about each track, such as artist, song title, genre and BPM. Or you can purchase and download songs direct from the internet (legally, of course). Many of these systems have other innovative features that can put you in touch with other people or recommend other bands or films you might like. Once the songs or films are on your computer, you simply connect the player using a USB cable and it’s all sorted in a matter of moments.
Choosing an iPod, MP3 or multimedia player
Does size matter? Bigger doesn’t necessarily mean better - it’s what you do with it that counts! Runners and sporty types may prefer the light weight and ease of operation of a simple, Flash-based player over a cumbersome gull-size unit with a large screen. On the flip side, no one wants to watch a two-hour movie on an inch-wide screen.
Video: Likewise, there’s not much point shelling out on a player with a four-inch full-colour widescreen display if you’re only going to use it while pounding the treadmill down the gym. But if you want to surf the net, catch TV shows or watch movies on the move, an audio-only model isn’t going to scratch your itch.
Storage capacity: If you’re a real music buff who can name every song in Led Zeppelin’s back catalogue, chances are you’ve got a big collection and will need plenty of capacity. One gigabyte of storage can hold around 250 songs, so 30gb or more might be necessary for real musos. But if you only have a handful of favourite albums on your shelf, a 4gb player might be plenty. There’s not much point paying for storage space that’s never going to be used.
Battery life: The earliest MP3 players had poor batteries that decayed with time and use. These days, most manufacturers have sorted this out, but do consider battery life - and the ease of recharging - when making a choice. Most modern players can be charged either with a USB lead connected to your computer or with a mains power supply. But some manufacturers may charge more for a standalone charger.
Design: Don’t underestimate the importance of good design and desirability. If you’re lusting over the top-of-the-range shiny silver gadget Dave from accounts keeps showing off, you might be left with a serious case of gadget envy if you opt for a lower spec alternative to save yourself €20. Practically speaking, you’re going to be using this for a long time so go for one you’ll love. More popular models hold their value better as well.
iPod accessories
One of the best things about owning an MP3 player is the ability to take your music collection with you and plug it in to whatever system you find.
iPod docking and portable speakers: There is a huge range of docking systems to suit a range of different needs. Some let you plug your iPod into an existing hi-fi system, while others are fully integrated hi-fis in their own right, with speakers, remote controls and maybe even an internal DAB clock radio. If you want a docking station that can be taken to the bathroom, garden or beach, consider a battery-powered model for portable playback. You may even find that an old hi-fi can be replaced entirely by one of these nifty little boxes. Sound quality - and price - varies considerably, but you generally get what you pay for. Most docking stations will recharge your player while it’s hooked up, leaving it fully juiced up for your next trip out.
Headphones: A set of specialist headphones can totally transform the personal audio experience. Ranging widely in terms of design and price, there’s something for everyone. Runners and gym bunnies will love a sport-specific design that banishes forever the annoyance of trying to poke a sweaty earphone in without breaking stride, while noise cancelling units are perfect for frequent fliers, using clever technology to silence the outside world, leaving you free to enjoy your tunes as they were meant to be heard. Wireless headphones are also available for people who potter or for anyone who wants to avoid a nasty air-guitar/cable-related accident.
Accessories: Once you’ve chosen your perfect player, you’re going to want to make the most of it. That means taking it out into the big wide world where it’s likely to get scratched, dropped or damaged. Hundreds of accessories are available, from arm-bands for runners, handcrafted leather cases for tech-savvy execs to funky fashion covers for trendy teens. There are also plenty of connectivity options that allow you to hook up your player to your car stereo via a tiny FM radio transmitter or charge it up using solar power alone.
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