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| | | The Apple iPod accounts for three quarters of all players sold but other new players, including the Zune 80GB player, offer viable alternatives, and tight competition means prices are dropping. But shop carefully -- your choice of player will determine your music downloading options. | | |
| Typical costs: | - Very low-end, lower-capacity flash memory MP3 players up to 1GB, such as the 1 GB COBY MP-C582 can cost less than $30.
- Low-end, lower-capacity Flash memory MP3 players from 1GB to 4GB, such as the iPod Shuffle, the SanDisk Sansa Clip, and the Sony NWZ-B105F can be bought for $50 -$80.
- A 4-8 GB "nano" type of photo/mp3 player can be bought for $100 -$250. Apple iPods usually command a premium over other brands. Examples include the iPod Nano 4GB ($150) and 8GB ($200) and the Zune 4GB ($150) and 8GB ($200).
- At the high end, a 30GB-160GB photo/mp3 player, or an 8GB to 16GB multi-touch interface player with web browsing capability, can be bought for $250 -$400. Examples include iPod classic 80GB ($250) and 160GB ($350), the Zune 80GB ($250) and the iPod touch 8GB ($300) and 16GB ($400).
- Tip: Buying an iPod directly from Apple from the Apple website can include free laser engraving, which makes for a nice gift.
- Tip: Be aware that new models are released frequently, which usually leads to sharp price drops on older models. For peace of mind, try buying from a store that has a 30-day low price guarantee.
What should be included: | - MP3 players typically come with a battery and ear buds (or headphones). If special software or drivers are needed to load music onto the player, it will be included.
Additional costs: | - Using MP3 encoding software, such as iTunes, you can convert your CDs into mp3s and download them onto your mp3 player, though many people end up buying additional songs for about a dollar a song.
- Some flash-memory players have the capacity to add extra memory; a 1 GB memory card that can allow you to add space for about 250 songs costs $20 to $50.
- Accessories, such as cases or armbands, can run $20 to $50 or more.
Discounts: | - It is becoming more common for cell phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs) and even global positioning system (GPS) location devices to have built-in MP3 players.
Shopping for an mp3 player: | - Find competitive prices online at sites such as Amazon.com or J&R Music World.Then, look for comparable or discounted prices at local electronics retailers such as Best Buy.
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Article updated November 2007 |
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