| The MP3 players are available at different shapes, | | | | Sound-tweaking options - Audio purists normally prefer |
| sizes, features, storage capacities, file formats and | | | | to hear songs just the way the recording engineers |
| download services. These days, manufacturers are | | | | mixed them and do not have much utilize for digital |
| adding an ever-widening range of features to their | | | | signal processing (DSP), which adjusts a song's |
| players to set them apart from the competition. Here | | | | equalization or spatial characteristics. However, since |
| are the extra features available at your mp3 players | | | | digital audio files come from numerous sources and |
| that may want to consider. | | | | people have individual sonic preferences, EQ and other |
| Radio - Many players provide FM radio reception, | | | | DSP settings can be of use. Seek a customizable EQ |
| although they are more widespread on flash devices, | | | | setting (the additional bands the better; five is the |
| which require the spinning hard drives and the | | | | norm), with the standard presets (Rock, Jazz, Bass |
| CD-playing aspects that can interfere with the signal. | | | | Boost, and so on). In terms of spatial enhancers, DSP |
| AM radio is very rare. Other radio-related features has | | | | features like SRS Wow add-on can create music |
| FM recording, transmission (for just playing back audio | | | | coming through headphones sound like it is bouncing |
| wirelessly through home and car stereos with FM | | | | around a big room. It is simply a matter of individual |
| tuners), and presets. | | | | liking, but we feel music sounds better with some |
| In-line remote - For larger hard drive-based or CD MP3 | | | | degree of customization. |
| players that you stow in a carrier, an in-line remote | | | | Advanced playback features - Almost all player |
| control between the headphone cord is a superb | | | | presents shuffle, repeat, resume and play list functions. |
| feature. Look for a model, like iPod, with a clip for | | | | Still, there is space for improvement. Newer models |
| joining the remote to your bag strap. | | | | provide the ability to make on-the-fly play lists sans a |
| Music recording - Most MP3 players that record | | | | computer; smart play lists that can serve up. For |
| high-quality audio apt for music recording as different | | | | example, a combine of '80s hip-hop, song-rating |
| to voice memos or interviews do so through an analog | | | | techniques in which preferred tunes show more often |
| line-input, however there are exceptions. Some | | | | in Shuffle mode; automatic cross fading that includes |
| devices also record digitally or from mike-level sources. | | | | soft transitions between songs and automatic volume |
| The former works great for dubbing tracks from | | | | control, which composes all songs evenly loud and |
| present stereo components. The latter allows you use | | | | additional artificial intelligence modes that can make it |
| a small, un-powered microphone for live recording. If | | | | experience like a pro DJ is spinning tunes for you. |
| you require the highest-quality recordings, ensure the | | | | Port compatibility - All present Macs and definite PCs |
| player has a decent ADC and can record to | | | | also ship with FireWire ports, while numerous PCs |
| uncompressed WAV files. | | | | have either USB 1.1 or its faster descendent, USB 2.0. |
| Voice recording - A few MP3 players have a small | | | | Every MP3 players use FireWire ports, USB 1.1, or USB |
| inner microphone for recording the spoken word. | | | | 1.1/2.0 for loading melodies from a computer. If you plan |
| These are suitable for documenting a lecture, a | | | | to connect your MP3 player to your stereo, find a |
| meeting, or a talk but inapt for high-quality music | | | | device with a lineout port or your stereo carries digital |
| recording. The sampling charge is naturally low, and the | | | | output, be definite your player does so also. These |
| recordings are mono. | | | | outputs compose songs sound somewhat cleaner |
| Data storage - Many MP3 players can twice as | | | | over speakers. |
| exterior storage devices, letting you to shuttle data | | | | Color screens, video playback & photo viewing - Many |
| between PCs. A few models do not even need | | | | latest hard drive- and even flash-based players come |
| drivers; thus, you could move a resume or a | | | | ready with a color screen that can show JPEG and |
| presentation to the laptop of the individual seated next | | | | BMP digital images. This is a fine feature for those |
| to you on a flight. So-called plug-in players do not even | | | | who like to take their precious digital memories with |
| require a wire since they have built-in USB connectors. | | | | them, but be careful that you pay a little extra for it. |
| Personal information management - A few MP3 | | | | Color screens are the wave of the upcoming, and as |
| players--notably the Apple iPod and Creative's Zen | | | | well the photo viewing, the displays are brighter and |
| line--can allow phone books and schedules. The | | | | easier to study. As well, look out for players with |
| information usually entered into Outlook or another PIM | | | | crystal-clear OLED displays. Ever more, MP3 players |
| program, and then synchronized to the tool where you | | | | are even providing video playback. |
| can view it but not modify it on the go. | | | | |