Finding the portable mp3 player that is right for you

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For the first time buyer, picking a portable mp3 player is a difficult task. It can still be tough to choose even if you have owned a few models in the past. With that in mind, I recommend building a check list of criterion to aid you as you shop.

Budgeting

A portable mp3 player can be expensive, so you should begin by determining how much you are willing to spend. This will give you a framework going forward.

Purposes

Besides your budget, you'll also want to keep in mind the reasons you have for getting a device. Do you want to listen to tunes while you jog or exercise? If so, you'll want to look for lightweight models that can easily be carried around. The good news is that there are many options available for this purpose, the bad news is that the reduced size comes at a premium.

If you have a gigantic music library, you may have to get a bulkier item. Generally speaking, the larger a portable mp3 player is, the more hard drive space it offers.

Multiple purposes

Another thing to keep in mind is the extra features. There are basic, bare bones devices out there and those can help to keep your costs down if you aren't a big fan of the extras.

Do you want other features? Make a list of the ones you want before you go shopping. You can do much more than listen to music on a portable mp3 player. A device may offer video playback, an address book, a calendar, a calculator, games, the ability to check e-mail and much, much more!

Brand Matters

I would also encourage you to think about the brand before you make your purchase. A well respected company is likely to offer better warranties and repair service, though that isn't always the case.

Another reason to look at the brand before you buy is that the more popular a portable mp3 player is, the more likely there are to be add on gadgets and modifications available that can make your music listening experience more enjoyable. Examples include: equipment that lets you playback your music through a car radio or tape deck, protective cases and decorative skins.

Battery Life

It often goes overlooked, but the length of the battery can make a big difference to the frequent user. Most packages contain a rough estimate of how much time the machine can go without a recharge.

Reviews

This guide should help you narrow down your decision quite a bit, but if you're still stuck then read some reviews of whichever portable mp3 players you are interested in. Claims from the manufacturer cannot always be trusted. See what other people in the real world think about the model before you commit your hard earned money to it. Remember: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.