MP3 Player: No need to get One from abroad

Portable MP3 players until recently were not commonly available in India, and the only way you could get your hands on one was courtesy some relative living aboard. Things have changed now. Not only do you have a variety of models to choose from but their prices have also dropped below the Rs 10,000 mark, making them an affordable gadget for many an MP3 enthusiast. We’ll look at some of the things that you need to be extra careful about before you go out and buy your very own

MP3 player.

Memory



The amount of memory your player has will govern the number of songs you can store in it at a time. A minimum of 32 MB is recommended, which will let you store around seven songs. Players also let you add flash memory cards later, to expand your total capacity. So you could go for a

32 MB model now, and add another 32 MB later when you have more money saved up. So make sure the player you are planning to buy has room for expansion.

Size and weight



You will, no doubt, carry your portable MP3 player wherever you go. so, make sure it fits comfortably in your pocket and doesn’t weigh a ton.

Interface



USB is the preferred interface for most devices these days, because it’s much easier to use and faster than the older parallel port. So unless you have an older system, make sure your player has a USB interface.

Battery life



Another very important aspect of your player is its battery life. This is the only consumable that goes into your player, so it’s very important to know how long a fresh pair of batteries will last. A minimum playing time of around 6 hours is recommended. Some players also give you the option of buying an optional docking station, which lets you use re-chargeable batteries. So, if you do have extra cash, this is a good accessory to buy for your MP3 player.

Navigation



Try navigating between a few songs and see how easy it is to do. Look at the placement of the various buttons and make sure you are comfortable using them. Finally, check to see if your player has just a digital display or a backlight too. A backlight lets you see the display even in the dark.

Software



Apart from the standard application, which will let you transfer songs to your MP3 player, some players also throw in software rippers and MP3 encoders. So look out for these applications, which will add to your MP3 experience.

Extras



Apart from these regular features you need to look out for additional things, which will add more value to your player. Look for an equalizer, which will let you adjust the base, treble, etc, to suit your listening taste. Some players also come with a built-in FM tuner, so you can use it as a portable radio too. A carrying pouch meant specifically for your player will be very handy while traveling.