Which MP3 Player is Right for You?

If you're trying to decide on an MP3 player and you find yourself a little confused by the huge variety of products and MP3 player accessories on the market—don't worry. You're not alone. The last few years have seen huge growth in the market for these popular, portable music sources. But once you know a little about the various types of devices and their capabilities, you can choose the MP3 player that is right for your use and your budget.

Hard Drive Based Players

The first main type is the hard drive based MP3 player. These are the highest capacity devices, starting at 20 GB of memory and going up from there. A hard drive based player, as the name indicates, contains its own hard drive and can probably hold every song you own. These players also tend to have larger screens, more features, and are easier to use—some even play videos. As you might expect, they also cost more, starting around $200 for the less expensive models, and going up to $400 or more at the top end.

Micro Hard Drive Players

These devices offer some of the features and memory capability of a hard drive MP3 player, but at a slightly lower price and with greater portability. Their miniature hard drives yield decent memory (up to 12 GB), and they still have many features to offer. Recently, these "micro-drive" players have begun to be phased out in favor of the high-capacity flash-based players (below), but good models with lots of features are still available in the $150-$250 price range.

Flash Based Players

Flash-based MP3 players have no moving parts, so they're perfect to take jogging, hiking, or anywhere you want to be active. They're also smaller than either of the two other types, and can be pretty inexpensive—some models can be purchased for less than $30. Low memory used to be a problem, but advances in technology have changed this. Now most flash players sport at least 512 MB of memory. The downside of a flash MP3 player is that it tends to be less feature-rich than other types, and it can be a bit more difficult to use. Don't expect to find a flash based MP3 player with more than 8 GB of memory.

MP3 CD Players

Though these are becoming rarer these days, you can still find MP3 players that play data CDs with music on them—and they can play your music CDs, too. You can fit about 10 albums' worth of music (approximately 150 MP3 files) on a 650 MB disk.

What MP3 Player Accessories Do I Need?

The variety of MP3 player accessories available these days is huge—and growing every day. In fact, for just about any situation you can think of where you might use your MP3 player, someone has come up with a unique piece of equipment that will help you get the most from your MP3 files, whether they are music or video. Let's take a look at some of the creative MP3 player accessories that are available, both online and at your favorite local electronics source.

Cases and other Carriers for your MP 3

What's one of the best things about MP3 players? Portability, of course! One of the most-used MP3 player accessories for many people is a good, sturdy, great-looking case. Or, if you're a jogger, biker, or skateboarder, maybe what you're looking for is an armband, so you can take your tunes with you while you're on the go. Clips for belts and backpack straps are another popular option. You can expect to pay from $9.99 for some of the least expensive cases, up to $29.99 or more for the higher-end sport armbands or other carriers.

Speakers

But enjoying your MP3 player isn't always about portability, right? There are lots of great speaker solutions that allow you to get that concert-hall sound right in your living room. Often, these speaker docks will have built-in chargers for your player, and some feature built-in FM radios receivers and other features as well. Many of the most respected names in sound equipment offer speakers for your MP3 player that allow you to listen to your music with impressive depth and volume of sound. Prices can run from the high $20s to $250 and more, depending on the features you need.

Car connections

One of the most creative MP3 player accessories on the market today is a device that allows you to listen to your MP3 files through your car's stereo system. In fact, some auto manufacturers have begun installing MP3 inputs at the factory. But even if your ride didn't come with a built-in MP3 jack, don't despair—plenty of vendors have what you need to hear your favorite music (or watch your video files with sound from your car's audio system) while you're cruising down the road. Many of the most popular MP3 player accessories for the car use the FM receiver in your car system to play files through the stereo. Many of these devices, in fact, are wireless—just plug them into the appropriate input on your MP3 player, tune them to the proper FM band, and you're all set!

Other Cool Stuff

The above list is nowhere near exhaustive. Other MP3 player accessories that can enhance your enjoyment of your system include headphones and ear buds, FM-capture devices that allow you to convert FM radio to MP3 files, universal docks, headphone splitters to permit multiple users to connect headphones to the same MP3 player… and lots more!

Getting the Most from Your MP3 Accessories

Your life is digital, and a host of creative MP3 player accessories are available to help you take your music, videos, and other files wherever you go, for on-demand listening and viewing. Companies like SanDisk, Altec-Lansing, Griffin, and Digital Lifestyle Outfitters have developed products designed to help you get the most from your MP3 player.

Technology from a Leader

SanDisk has built its reputation on reliability, convenience, and quality. A leader in data storage and memory technology, it's no wonder that their Sansa line of MP3 players have become so popular and inspired so many creative MP3 player accessories from an array of world-class partner companies. Everything from lightweight, portable speakers, to durable, practical cases and clips, to FM radio adapters and chargers is available. You can find the latest SanDisk MP3 player accessories both online and at your favorite local electronics retailer.

Great Sound on the Go—without Headphones!

SanDisk MP3 player accessories in the Made for Sansa® line incorporate the high quality you've come to expect from your Sansa MP3 player with convenience and quality from some of today's best-known electronics innovators. The Altec inMotion IM 510 Mobile Audio speaker system delivers high-quality sound wherever you go. Avoid the limitation of headphones and still get ultra-clear reproduction.

A Case that Can Take It—Anywhere!

Digital Lifestyle Outfitters offers the DLO Action Jacket for Sansa. It features a slick, neoprene case attached to a durable, 180º swivel belt clip, and even includes a fully adjustable arm band. With these creative MP3 player accessories, you'll be workout-ready, and your MP3 player will be completely visible, yet protected from dirt, sweat, and moisture.

Who Needs the Cord?

Sure, headphones are great—but the cord is a hassle. Get rid of the cord between you and your music with a set of cordless headphones for your Sansa MP3 player from Mace Group, Inc. Their Macally Cordless Stereo Headset fits all Sansa e200 Series players, delivering great sound without the need for an annoying cord running down your back or getting caught on stuff while you're working.

Chargers, Batteries, Cables, and Kits

To keep your MP3 player in top shape, clean, and delivering crisp, reliable audio SanDisk offers a wide variety of creative MP3 player accessories to give you simple, dependable solutions for your SanDisk MP3 player. Whether you need a charger that doubles as a speaker system or travel kit to keep all your equipment and accessories in one place, SanDisk has a solution for you!

Where Can I Find SanDisk MP3 Player Accessories?

If you're like most SanDisk MP3 users, you've started to realize that you need more than just your player and the earbuds that came from the factory to get the most out enjoyment and use out of your device. Fortunately, there are lots of options and sources for everything you'll need: from wireless earphones to durable, dust- and waterproof cases for your MP3 player.

Variety? Well, It Depends…

But not all MP3 players are created equal, and that is also true for accessories. At some local retailers, for example, you'll find a greater selection of SanDisk mp3 player accessories than some other brands, even well-known ones. One local retailer I checked, that also has a large online presence, carried a much wider variety of products for SanDisk's Sansa® players than other brands. Their selection of Samsung mp3 player accessories, for example, was somewhat more limited.

What's out There?

At most online and local retailers you can find everything from armbands, charging kits, and headphone splitters to FM radio converters, speakers, and base stations. On sites I checked, SanDisk MP3 player accessories included all the above, and then some. My personal favorite was the Timex clock radio with dual alarm for the Sansa MP3 player. What better way to start your day than with one of your carefully chosen, favorite tunes, instead of whatever happens to be taking up space on the FM band at the time?

The Usual Places

Best Buy is one of my favorite online and local destinations for all things electronic, but your choices are a lot broader than that. The company website, www.sandisk.com, is also a great place to start your shopping and also to locate a nearby retailer, in case your search for SanDisk MP3 player accessories necessitates holding the object of your search in your hand before you plunk down your hard-earned cash. Circuit City, and sometimes even OfficeMax can be good places to check pricing and selection for the SanDisk MP3 player accessories you're looking for. Naturally, Amazon.com, Ebay, and other online giants are great places to make price and feature comparisons—as long as the shipping costs don't eat up your savings on the item.

Reliability and Value?

Support boards and forums, like the one at www.reviews.cnet.com, are a good way to educate yourself on the strengths and weaknesses of any of the accessories you are thinking about buying—or the MP3 players, too, for that matter. You can get a pretty good idea about issues other consumers are having and also find out what products are working well. It's never a bad idea to do some basic research before you buy!

Shopping for Samsung MP3 Player Accessories

Unlike some manufacturers, Samsung's strategy is to focus on the best possible engineering and manufacturing for their MP3 players, then partner with other electronics manufacturers to provide accessories for the devices. By contrast, many, if not most Philips mp3 player accessories, for example, are made by Philips itself. However, Belkin makes many Samsung MP3 player accessories, but other manufacturers provide items also—particularly the non-electronic, but still important add-ons such as cases, jackets, and arm bands.

Variety, Variety, Variety!

A quick scan of online search results quickly shows that Samsung MP3 player accessories are available in a wide variety. Whether you need a replacement battery pack, a new skin for your MP3 player, cables for syncing and charging, or an FM radio adapter to allow you to listen to your music on your car stereo system, you can find what you're looking for. Samsung MP3 players come in some of the sleekest designs on the market, and the full line of Samsung MP3 player accessories guarantees that no matter which Samsung device you pick, you'll be able to choose the right color, function, fit, and price for your needs.

Skins and Cases

If your tastes run to the elegance of leather, Belkin has a variety of professional-looking wallet-style cases for your Samsung MP3 player. On the other hand, if you’re the athletic type and you still need to have your music with you, Belkin offers a selection of armband cases that will keep your MP3 player secure and protected, no matter how active you want to be. Silicone skins help keep your MP3 player clean and dry, and when it comes to colors, the sky is practically the limit. Blue, pink, green, clear, and charcoal are just a few of the options you’ll find. And you can order your skin with an armband, also. Speck Products manufactures a selection of skins.

Chargers and Batteries

While you’re looking for Samsung MP3 player accessories, don’t forget the basics: your power supply. Rechargeable batteries are great for the environment and great for your budget, too, and the YP-TX6 battery charger makes it easy to "go green." It's also not a bad idea to have one or more replacement batteries available, and many online and local retailers can provide you with the right battery for your Samsung MP3 player. Chargers keep the music rolling, and a Belkin charging kit can keep you prepared to recharge your MP3 player with a wall socket, car power socket, or via USB port on your computer.

The Best Philips MP3 Player Accessories

A longtime leader in consumer electronics of all types, Philips not only manufactures its "GoGear" line of MP3 players and accessories, they also produce accessories for popular brands by other manufacturers, such as iPod. Philips mp3 player accessories, however, are among the best, whether you need them for your Philips MP3 player or another make.

What's Out There

Philips MP3 player accessories can be found at most online and local electronics retailers, and also at mass retailers like Target and Wal-Mart. You'll want to make sure that you have a good case for your device, and possibly a skin to further water- and dustproof your MP3 player. If you're an iPod owner, be sure to check out the Philips docking stations and speakers made to perfectly fit your digital music system. In addition to Philips' own products, RCA MP3 player accessories can also find a place in your necessary supplies list, since RCA manufactures many of the basic connectors, cables, and adaptors you'll need to connect everything. One of the most popular new models, the Philips GoGear HDD6330 Jukebox (30 GB) has its own small line of accessories, including a carrying case with a carabiner clip, a docking cradle to connect it to your stereo or TV, and a camera cable to allow you to load pictures directly from your digital camera to the Jukebox.

Keeping your Stuff Safe

Cases for the Philips MP3 players come in everything from soft Napa leather to silicone. You can also choose a neoprene model equipped with an arm band, if you need to take your MP3 player to the jogging track, the skateboard park, or just keep your music handy while you work on your next do it yourself project.

Don't Forget the Batteries!

No set of Philips MP3 player accessories is complete without one or two spare batteries (for those models with user-replaceable batteries). Philips GoGear features the Hdd070 Li-ion battery pack to give you longer-lasting performance. And you can choose from a variety of chargers, both for the wall and your car power outlet. In fact, some of the car charger models are designed for high-output, rapid charging, to get you up and running faster. You can also choose from chargers with retractable cords and even sets with plugs and adapters designed for international electric service standards. And don't forget—you can also opt for the combination charge/sync stations that let you manage your music and recharge your player at the same time. Philips MP3 player accessories come with everything you need to fully enhance your listening and viewing experience.