MP3 players ... there are so many choices! How do you know which one is best for you?

Read the tips below and you will surely find the right mp3 player for your own needs.

• First, determine what are your needs. It sounds obvious, but being satisfied with your mp3 player choice starts here.
• Ask yourself, "what kind of mp3 player do I want?" and "what will I be using it for?"
• Then, determine if you can afford an expensive mp3 player, or if you want a less expensive one to get started?
• Will you use it while driving to and from work, working around the house or exercising?
• Does it need to play video files and show pictures as well?
• Does it need it to have a FM radio tuner or digital voice recording features.

If you decide exactly what you need it for, it will be much easier to choose the model that's best for you.

TYPES OF PLAYERS

There are two types of mp3 players: flash mp3 players and hard drive mp3 players.

Flash mp3 Players

• One advantage of the flash mp3 players is that they have no moving parts (they have an embedded memory chip) and are ideal to use while running or exercising.
• Another advantage is that they are cheaper than a hard disk mp3 player.
• A disadvantage is that flash mp3 players have relatively low memory. However, they can be upgraded by choosing a larger memory card.

Hard Drive mp3 Players

• Hard drive mp3 players are similar to computers due to the fact that they hold the memory on a hard disk.
• They are also known as "jukeboxes" and have hard drives of 20 GB or more. This is their main advantage, because you can store much more content on them. For example, you can store and play music, audio books, display pictures, and play video files as well.
• It's important for you to know that the hard disk is not upgradeable. So, decide right from the start how much storage space you really need.
• A disadvantage is that hard disk mp3 players are more expensive when compared to the flash mp3 players.

If price is important to you, then you need to know that you can have a flash mp3 player for $100 or less. The most expensive hard drive mp3 players can cost in the $500 range. However, as new models are introduced all the time, the previous quality model versions may be available at cheaper prices. Even for the hard drive mp3 players.

Research before you buy. We often tend to buy on impulse, but please don't do it. Pay special attention to a models features and benefits. It is very easy to get on the Internet and find a "comparison website" that has reviews from actual users. This way you can find "insider" information that you would otherwise not have access to. You can even find websites that will compare prices offered on other web sites for the same mp3 player. Sometimes the differences can be quite large and you never know when you might find a really good deal.

Basically, know what you want and need, then do the research. This way you can be assured that you will choose the right mp3 player for you!