Buying an MP3 player

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MP3 players are small, portable machines that can be used to store and play MP3s - digital music files which can be quickly and easily downloaded from the internet using a PC. Because they have no movable parts, MP3 players are lightweight and durable. This makes them ideal for use on the move - while jogging or travelling.

How they work
What to look for
Other points to consider
Our range of MP3 players
John Lewis Partner quotes
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How they work
MP3 is short for Motion Picture Experts Group 1, Audio Layer 3 - the standard technology and format for compressing a sound sequence into a very small computer file (about a twelfth of the original size), while preserving the original level of sound quality.

Loading music

Transferring music from your PC to the player is not a complicated process. Software is provided with most MP3 players, normally on a CD-ROM, which enables music to be transferred via a cable. This same software will also convert music on a CD played in your computer into MP3 format, subject to copyright. You will need an internet connection to download music from online stores such as iTunes.

Connections

Different models of computer use different interfaces or methods for plugging in accessories. MP3 players typically connect using USB, USB 2.0 or FireWire ports. Transferring a song via USB 2.0 or FireWire is twice as fast as USB and takes a matter of seconds.

Note: Check the minimum computer requirements of the player to ensure compatibility. Most MP3 players are not compatible with Macs, however Apple’s own iPod is compatible with both PCs and Macs.

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What to look for

Memory

The amount of memory will determine how much music you will be able to store on your MP3 player. Models range from 512MB (enough room for up to 125 songs) right up to 80GB (enough room for up to 20,000 songs). If you choose a lower capacity you’ll be able to change the songs on your player but you’ll have to swap them around on your computer first. With a higher capacity model you’ll be able to access your entire collection at any time. A higher capacity is also useful if the player is capable of storing other types of media e.g. photos and videos.

Formats

An MP3 file is one of a number of different music files that are available. You’ll need to check the compatibility of your player before purchasing music online. Other similar formats include:
  • WMA: Windows Media Audio
  • WAV: Windows Audio-Video-Format
  • AAC: Advanced Audio Codec (Used by iTunes)
  • ATRAC: Adaptive Transform Acoustic Coding (Used by Sony products)
  • AIFF: Audio Interchange File Format

Additional features

Many MP3 players offer far more than just playing music. Look out for additional features such as:

  • Integrated FM tuner
  • Store and view digital photos
  • Store and watch video
  • Voice recording
  • Play games
  • Store data files (including documents, contacts, calendars and to-do lists)
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Other points to consider

Accessories

As MP3 players have increased in popularity, the range of additional accessories has grown ever wider. We offer an extensive selection of useful add-ons from protective cases to stereo speakers.

Legal downloading

Most MP3 files can be downloaded legally. However, it is a breach of copyright to download songs that have been copied illegally and put on the internet. It is best to download music from official sites.

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Our range of MP3 players
Price is always a good general indicator of the quality of an MP3 player. It is influenced predominantly by factors such as the amount of memory or whether it has any additional special features.

View our MP3 players under £130   View our MP3 players £170 and over   View our range MP3 player speakers  
     
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John Lewis Partner quotes
"If you buy an iPod, it’s a good idea to buy the USB adaptor at the same time so that you can still use your gadget when you’re on holiday or away from your computer."
Jackie, Call Centre, Glasgow
   
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