posted on August 16, 2006 05:13:55 PM
I'm interested in purchasing an MP3 player, but I don't know anything about them. Can anyone explain them for me -- the different types, what to look for, what not to look for, etc.? Thanks.
posted on August 16, 2006 05:40:24 PM
I'm watching intently, as I'm no expert.
I recently purchased one thinking I could download music off my CD's onto it. Turns out you have to convert the CD music to mp3 music to make it work, or download music off the internet.
Some of these kids must be spending a fortune to listen to music.
posted on August 16, 2006 05:50:08 PM
glassgrl ... How do they work? Are the songs downloaded onto a chip and then the chip is inserted into it? Does it work with all computers? I really don't know a thing about them, but I would really like one to download just my favorite songs to take to the gym with me.
posted on August 16, 2006 07:03:49 PM
Ipods are easy to use and the Itunes software is free to download. You can store the music on your computer and it you simply plug in the Ipod to your computer to download your music.
You can set it to update automatically so when you delete songs or add songs it will do it for you every time you update your songs.
If you subscribe to Comcast, they also have a music service that you can download music from called Rhaposdy.
Itunes will also import your CDS and convert them automatically into the proper file.
Be aware, though, that the Ipod uses its own format and the Itunes software uses the same.
posted on August 16, 2006 08:25:35 PM
I bought a Sansa 1 Gig player last year for Xmas, and I've used it an hour a day ever since. It's fantastic. I mostly use it for audio books that I listen to while I take a walk in the evenings. It cost around $89 then, but it's probably cheaper now. I also bought a cheap ($14) adaptor at the local drug store that lets me play it through my car's cassette player.
Max, you're going to have to convert your audio CDs into MP3 files for any kind of music player. They ALL require that. there are tons of free programs that will do it. One I like is called DEEP RIPPER (Do a Google to download it, it's free). Yes, it takes time and effort, but you only have to do it once. If you want, you can then write those mp3 files onto a CDR to back them up forever- You can usually fit 10 or twelve CDs in MP3 format on a single CDR.
All players are different, but in the case of my sansa, I just connect a cable from a spare USB port on my PC to a socket in the player. Then a "Folder" appears on my desktop and I just drag and drop the music files I want to copy over to the Sansa folder. It works like this on Windows, Linux and OS X without any installed software.
If I want to, I can delete all the audio files and use the Sansa as 1 GB memory stick as well- you can copy anything to it, not just audio.
My Sansa also has a built-in FM radio, but to be honest I do't use it.
One thing to consider is power. Some players take batteries while others are rechargable. I personally prefer plain old AAA batteries. they're cheap, and when one dies, I just toss it and plug in another. Recharging when you're walking in the park or in the car just isn't feasable. I can keep a spare battery in my pocket if the old one is getting low. I get about 12 hours of actual play for a single AA battery.
I debated A LOT before buying it. I figured I would hardly ever use it. I was wrong. WAY wrong. If you figure dollars spent per hour of enjoyment, it's one of the best gadgets I've ever bought.
Dr. Arcane, revelator of mystical secrets http://www.drarcane.com
Got questions about the secrets of the universe?
posted on August 16, 2006 09:34:41 PM
Mines the E140 1 GB, and Amazon has it for $74.94
I'm not quite sure what the difference is between the two models. Mine is smaller, but yours is advertised to get an extra 2 hours on a battery.
Actually, if I had to replace mine today, I'd go with the Sansa M250 2 GB for $94.95. The extra memory space would be really useful.
[ edited by DrArcane on Aug 16, 2006 09:36 PM ]
posted on August 17, 2006 01:13:06 PM
I don't know about the MP3 players but Apple's support for the IPOD is remarkable. Both of my daughters have had problems with their IPODS (I am not 100% convinced it wasn't from their own carelessness) and Apple provided a mailer,paid for shipping both ways and replaced the units and returned within the week. You may pay a little more for an IPOD, but I think they're worth it.
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posted on August 17, 2006 01:27:31 PM
I bought an RCA Lyra last month it came with software to make your CDs into MP3s but I alreadhhad that software so knew all about that part. One I bought was $39.95 at Wal-Mart. It has slot for SD cards to make it any size I want beyond the 256 built in memory. I really do like it and it came with nice pouch cover case or what ever they are called. Snap to use. I currently have about 40 songs on it that filled up the built in memory but then again I had saved my MP3 music into about the largest file size available for best quality of sound. SD cards are fairly cheap now, so plan to get a couple to fill with different kinds of music for easy switching etc.
Only thing I don't like is the earplugs to ALL MP3 players they hurt my ears and always fall out. I just bought new earplugs that are smaller and are held in place with small flexable head band type (over the head)earphones. I really like them. I didn'
t like the clip over the ear ones either.
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posted on August 17, 2006 03:40:33 PM
I've had a couple of iPods since they first came out and basically had zero trouble with them. Some iPods are easy to scratch so the first accessory to buy is a protective case or glove. All my old iPods have trickled down to the kids so at least they get some enjoyment out of them... oh, and they simply work as well as they look. Some of the other mp3 players I looked at are too complex or downright ugly designs, plus savvy shoppers know how to get discounts on Apple products (hint: student/teacher discount)
