Guide to MP3 players

MP3 players let you enjoy music, photos and videos on the go. Here are the basics.

HARD DRIVE v. FLASH

There are two kinds of MP3 Players, those that use hard drives to store files and those that use flash drives.

Hard drive players have by far the greatest capacity - Apple's 160 gigabyte iPod Classic can hold up to 40,000 songs - and tend to have more features. They are usually bigger, with larger screens, but this means they are also heavier.

They have moving parts, so are not as durable as flash drives, and most have rechargeable batteries that you cannot replace yourself. Hard-drive players tend to offer best value for money, giving more memory per dollar than flash drive players.

Flash drive players are becoming more common than hard-drive ones. They have less storage space - most models range from 1GB to 64GB of memory - and are smaller and lighter.

Flash drives have no moving parts, so are less prone to damage and therefore more suited to vigorous physical activity, and their batteries also last longer. However, reviewers say flash drive players can be more difficult to use and are more expensive.

FORMATS

Music files come in different formats and MP3 Players support different formats. There are three major formats. Most players, including iPods, support the MP3 format - the most common type and where MP3 players get their name from. AAC is the format used by Apple's iTunes and AAC music files will play only in iPods.

The other major format is WMA, which is supported by non-iPod players and used by online music stores such as Napster and Rhapsody. iPods do not support the WMA format. If you're going for a MP3 player, not an iPod, try and get one that is compatible with as many formats as possible - MP3 and WMA are the most important.

SCREENS

Most players have colour screens for displaying images in the JPEG and BMP image formats, meaning you can look at photos and, in some cases, watch videos. Touch-screens are becoming more common, particularly for higher-end players.

Almost every major MP3 player manufacturer has launched a touch-screen model. Reviewers say the iPod Touch is the best of these.

SIZE

Size does matter when it comes to MP3 players so it pays to think about what you'll use it for. If you want to store a lot of songs and files and don't necessarily need a small player, it's a good idea to go for a hard-drive player with extra capacity.

If you're after a player so you can listen to your favourite music while at the gym or walking the dog, a smaller, more robust player is more suitable. Two of the smallest available are the iPod Shuffle - which weighs less than 20 grams - and the SanDisk Sansa Clip - about 25 grams.  You can buy armbands for smaller players to strap them to your arm while exercising.

HEADPHONES

Probably the most important accessory for your player, a good pair of headphones can be all the difference between a mediocre and fantastic listening experience.

Most ear- and headphones that come with players are of average quality so if you're serious about sound it's probably worth buying a separate pair that's up to your standards. Some headphones have noise-cancelling or sound-isolating technology for a clearer sound and less background noise.   

EXTRAS:

MP3 players differ widely in functionality but all should let you create song playlists. Some of the latest models, for example Apple's iPod Nano, have built-in video cameras, while others (such as the iPod Touch, Microsoft's Zune HD and the Sony X Series Walkman) have their own web browsers and wireless internet capability.

Some players let you watch videos and can pick up HD radio, which gives near-CD quality sound. Other players let you record audio, email, make notes and diarise appointments. Some also let you insert memory cards to boost storage capacity.

ON THE SHOP SHELVES:

Samsung U4 2GB  $99
Has an FM tuner, a voice recorder and flip out USB plug for connecting to your computer. 4GB version available for $129.

Sony B-series Walkman 4GB- $120
Records voice and radio, a colour LCD screen to display track titles and artist names, and Zappin technology for quick song searches. 2GB version available for $80.

Apple iPod Nano 8GB - $259
Has a video camera, can pause live FM radio, a pedometer, audio record and a 2.2-inch colour display. 16GB version available for $318.

Philips Go Gear Muse 8GB - $349
Has FM radio, built-in noise cancellation, up to 30 hours of music or 6 hours of video playback, and a 3-inch colour display. 16GB version available for $399.