The MP3 player is probably one of the most controversial developments in the home appliance industry. There is little help from this device in daily human activities, but, on the other hand, thousands of people around the world cannot imagine their lives without it. Especially in a big city, when you want to quickly replace the annoying noise of the metropolis with your favorite musical compositions.
Like any model of household appliances that is in demand in the consumer market, MP3 players are in conditions of fierce competition among dozens of leading manufacturers. How not to get confused in constantly improving and completely new models of players that replenish store shelves every year? How to choose an MP3 player? Believe me, for a non-specialist, this is not easy to do. However, if you arm yourself with knowledge, after reading this article you will be able to answer the question of which MP3 player to choose on your own.
PLAYER TYPE
There are three main types of players:
1. CD-MP3 players. One of the oldest types of musical devices. Now they have changed their name, as they can play music discs not only in CD Format, but also in MP3 format. More compressed, mp3 files occupy a minimum of space, about 120 songs fit on the disc. The disadvantages of these devices are that the players are rather bulky, they do not fit in your pocket. In addition, to listen to a variety of music in such players, you need to constantly change discs in them, which causes some inconvenience. You always have to carry a certain number of disks with you. Another disadvantage of this type of device is the lack of an “anti-shock” function, a buffer that compensates for the poor playback quality of media files distorted during shaking. If you are on the move, you should not expect comfortable and high-quality listening to musical compositions - playback will be distorted. However, this problem has already been solved in the latest models of CD-MP3 players. They are equipped with a buffering system. Among all types of modern music players, CD-MP3 devices are, on average, the cheapest.
2. Flash Players. The most popular type of music player today. These models are convenient and compact, multifunctional and practical. Flash players are much lighter than their predecessors. This is due to the absence of metal parts in their design. Files are written to this device very quickly - just connect it to a PC using a special cable that comes with the player. You can record songs both on the built-in Flash-memory and on a removable memory card. You can transfer files to the player from a computer either directly or using the appropriate player software. The software does not need to be searched for additionally, it is supplied on an installation disk included in the accessory kit for the device you purchased. By using licensed software, you bypass potential copyright infringement restrictions and make listening to music safer.
The size of the memory card may vary. The minimum is comparable to the amount of memory of a CD, the maximum exceeds the memory of a disk by dozens of times.
Often a memory card is not supplied with the device. In most flash players, the amount of built-in memory is not too large and it becomes necessary to purchase a memory card. Such a need significantly increases the cost of a model that does not include such an important accessory.
Flash player software is, in general, a very important thing that affects many components, it is directly related to your comfort and enjoyment when using the device. So, for example, programmatically, the player is able to independently convert tracks into audio formats playable on the device or reduce them to save space.
Another advantage of flash players is their clear, Russified interface and incredible resistance to external influences. They are not afraid of heavy traffic, shaking and even immersion in water. But not all of them are. The only problem for some users of flash players may be their direct dependence on personal computers. Without them, updating the music library on flash players is almost impossible.
3. HDD Players. A relatively new type of musical device. These models have a number of additional functions, in addition, they can replace an external computer drive, retaining all its data. A distinctive feature is the huge amount of memory. They are measured in tens of gigabytes. In addition to the advantages, this feature also generates disadvantages - large dimensions and weight. In addition, HDD models are inferior to flash players in terms of shock resistance and energy savings. But for users who are constantly on the road, forced to travel due to some circumstances, this type of player is the best fit. HDD-players resemble PDAs, they can not only play music, but also display photos and show movies. However, it is worth recognizing that every year manufacturers of flash-players release models with more and more memory and a list of additional functions, and soon the tangible advantages of HDD-models will be lost.
4. MD players.
This type of player plays mini discs and is suitable for holders of music media data collections.
Playback Options
Flash players, using the software installed on them, have the ability to convert a large number of track formats into the same large number of formats that the device can recognize and then play it. For many users, it is also important to independently control the size and quality of the recordings copied to the player. These parameters are directly affected by the way the data is encoded. There are two ways to do this: constant bit rate recording (CBR) and variable bit rate recording (VBR). With a constant bitrate, the size of the recording after copying to the player is always equal to the same value, no matter what it was before recording to the device. This method of encoding data significantly affects the quality of playback. Often not for the better.
With a variable method of encoding data, the quality of playback of music files "output" remains unchanged. All the features of the sound, the nuances important for music lovers, remain the same. But with all this, you cannot control the process of encoding files. Ultimately, the choice is yours.
Player dimensions and weight
The main factor affecting the dimensions of music players is the amount of memory of these devices. The larger the amount of memory, the larger the size of the device, respectively. At the same time, HDD-players, on average, are more voluminous in comparison with flash-players. This is due to the presence of a hard drive and a large external display.
The results of modern technologies had practically no effect on the appearance of CD-MP3 players. This device simply cannot be smaller than the size of the disk itself. However, it is worth noting that modern disc players have become an order of magnitude thinner than their predecessors.
Memory size
There is no need to talk about the memory of CD-MP3 players, they simply do not have it. Flash-players have memory, the volume of which ranges from 1 to 32 gigabytes. Which volume suits you more, you can choose for yourself. The value of this parameter, however, can be influenced even after the purchase of the device, if the player is equipped with a slot for removable memory cards. They are sold separately, have volumes from 1 to 64 gigabytes.
Playable format types.
It should be noted that the types of music players have serious differences in reproducible formats. CD-MP3 models can play only two options - CD and MP3. Flash-players in this sense are much better, they are able to play most of the formats known to us - CD, MP3, WAW, OGG and others. In addition, thanks to the software, flash players are able to convert formats from one to another, depending on your wishes. But do not forget about the possible impact of such actions on the quality of the recording.
HDD players have practically no restrictions in playing music files. In addition, they are able to play most well-known video formats and some text formats. There is no need to talk about documents of the Microsoft Office type here, but texts in txt format, with a test editor, these devices are quite capable of not only storing, but also successfully opening.
Power type.
In all types of players, there are some differences in this parameter, which give both advantages and certain disadvantages.
CD-MP3 players are mainly charged with ordinary batteries. They are not dependent on the computer, which means that you need to take on the road not only the player and your favorite collection of discs, but also the required number of batteries. One set is enough for about 5 hours of continuous use, and due to their low cost and ease of swapping one set for another, they make CD-MP3 players the most advantageous option for travelers who simply do not have the opportunity to constantly charge their music device.
But if you are prone to a sedentary lifestyle, constant purchases of consumables are unlikely to appeal to you. And a relatively small amount of time of continuous operation of the device and other inconveniences associated with the size of the player will make you pay attention to the flash-player. We have already talked about its compactness, as for the type of power supply, the models of these devices can work both on batteries and on a rechargeable battery.
The lithium battery "does not get tired" three to four times longer than standard batteries, moreover, it does not need to be replaced regularly. It's easy enough to charge. True, this requires access to the mains, the battery is charged through it by connecting through a special cable supplied with the player.
Interface
CD-MP3 players have the simplest interface. They were conceived as independent devices that do not need to be synchronized and dependent on a personal computer. In addition to a small display, this device does not have additional options.
Flash players and HDD players have USB 1.1 and USB 2.0 connectors, which are used to connect various devices and a personal computer. Connectors allow you to transfer large amounts of information from one device to another in a matter of minutes. Unfortunately, not all music players are equipped with standard-looking connectors. This adds to the inconvenience when the situation arises when the respective cable needs to be replaced.
Some players are equipped with a Bluetooth function. Having this file sharing method is very handy when you don't have a computer at hand. But this feature increases the cost of the device. However, models with Bluetooth function are very popular, as they expand the user's capabilities.
Thanks to Bluetooth, you can use wireless headphones, transfer information from the device to a mobile phone and other peripheral devices, exchange information with a PC even if there is no cable.
Additional functions
If we compare music players with such popular devices as smartphones or tablet computers, then, of course, they will yield to them in terms of the number of additional functions. There are practically no additional functions in CD-MP3 players, with the exception of the ability to connect to a TV. However, less than half of the models have such an opportunity, and watching movies is possible only in VCD format. This format has been considered obsolete for several years.
Flash players have a wider range of additional features. This radio, screen, voice recorder and built-in speaker. It is worth noting that the quality of recording on a voice recorder in flash players leaves much to be desired. The recording process is affected by the low quality of the microphone. In addition, playback quality is lost due to file compression and the lack of separation into low and high frequencies.
Players are rarely equipped with external speakers. This makes little sense, since the sound quality of such speakers will be noticeably inferior to playback with headphones. The radio function is not very convenient for people who are constantly on the move - on a run, on a trip, just on the go. The fact is that during the movement there is a restructuring of radio waves, which causes interference in signal transmission. Screens of flash players, unfortunately, are not intended for viewing video files, despite the fact that this type of device has the ability to play video. The batteries of the players are not able to withstand such a load. The problem is solved only when the device is connected to the mains.
HDD-players, both externally and internally, are very similar to PDAs. This is also indicated by a large set of additional functions that the devices are equipped with. Convenient, large TFT-display, with which you can comfortably view photos, videos and text files. In addition, HDD players are equipped not only with a built-in voice recorder, but also with a camera for photo and video shooting. The radio function is, of course, also there.
Design
The design of HDDs and CD-MP3 players is rather monotonous. The case of HDD players is rectangular, while CD-MP3 players have it round. For HDD players, most models are equipped with a fairly wide screen. Differences exist only in the color and shape of the panel. The panel may differ in the number of buttons or their absence if the device is of a touch type.
The difference between flesh-players and other types of these musical devices is only in form. The body shape of flash players can be completely different.
Non-standard models of music players
1. Player - headphones
In this model, the developers combined two devices, headphones and a music player, in one. Thanks to the combination of headphones and a player, you no longer need to connect one device to another and get tangled in wires. You just need to put on the player and enjoy great sound quality, even over the roar of the subway. The player is ideal for athletes and people leading an active lifestyle. You can use removable memory cards for recording files, and a set of AAA batteries for recharging.
2. Player glasses.
A player that combines not only headphones and a music device, but also such an indispensable accessory as glasses. In addition, most models of player glasses have a Bluetooth function. The Bluetooth function expands the possibilities of the player. Now you can not only listen to your favorite music, but also talk on the phone without taking it out of your pocket or bag. This possibility is implemented by synchronizing the Bluetooth headset built into the player with a mobile phone.
3. Player clock
The development from the Japanese company Casio is distinguished by style, compactness and simplicity. A watch from one of the leaders in the digital watch market and a wireless music player is the perfect solution for people who put practicality first.
4. player-alarm clock.
The best device for business users. The alarm clock player has an unusual shape, compactness and wireless power. You can take this device on a short trip or on a long trip. Copying files to a device is more than a standard process. Downloading is done using the included USB cable. The amount of built-in memory in such devices is usually small. But you can always increase the total memory of the device by connecting removable memory cards.
5. Player for swimmers and travelers
The original model of the musical device, the sale of which was launched by
Finis company. First of all, the player is designed for swimming enthusiasts. The device has a waterproof case, while the headphones are integrated. Despite this, due to the transmission of sound vibrations to the bones of the skull, the effect of listening to music through ordinary headphones is created. There is no display, the control is as simple as possible. The amount of built-in memory reaches a value of 256 megabytes. The power supply type of the device does not differ from other flash-players. Charging takes place from the battery.
Conclusion
As you have already seen from this article, the variety of simple, at first glance, devices is amazing. It is easy to get confused, but it has its advantages. Sorented in dozens of models, you really have the opportunity to make the right choice.
Home | Articles
April 23, 2024 09:35:47 +0300 GMT
0.005 sec.
