Mini-players: features, model overview, selection criteria

Despite the fact that all modern models of mobile phones are capable of high-quality music playback, traditional mini-players continue to be in great demand and are presented on the market in a huge range. They deliver great sound, have a solid body and allow you to listen to music without draining your phone's battery. In order to choose the right one or another player model, it is important to take into account many indicators, since the duration of the equipment operation will depend on this.

The mini player is a compact player for listening to music while walking or playing sports. Manufacturers release this device both with built-in (charged from the mains) and removable rechargeable battery or batteries. The first option is characterized by a long service life without recharging, but if the battery fails, you have to completely change the player.

As for the screen, it can be simple or touch, in some models there is no display, this makes them ergonomic and easy to operate. Additionally, mini-players are equipped with Wi-Fi and FM radio functions. Thanks to this, you can listen to not only the recorded songs, which eventually get bored. There are also players on sale with a dictaphone function that allow you to record lectures and meetings. The connection of this type of equipment to a computer is carried out via USB or other connectors.

The MP3 music player is considered a popular device for enjoying high quality sound from songs. Today the market is represented by a chic assortment of mini-players, which differ from each other not only in design, size, but also in price and quality. The most common models that have received many positive reviews include these.

• Apple iPod nano 8GB... Ideal for athletes as it comes with a clothes clip. The main advantages of the model: stylish design, excellent sound, the presence of interesting functions (there are applications for fitness) and a large amount of internal memory from 8 GB. As for the shortcomings, there are not many of them: no video camera, lack of ability to play video files, high price.

• Archos 15b Vision 4 GB... A small square turntable that looks like a keychain. All device settings are located on the front panel, so you can comfortably hold it in your hand and are not afraid to accidentally press a button on the side. The only inconvenient thing is moving in the menu, it happens from top to bottom or from left to right. The player has a bright color but small display with a simple interface.

• Cowon iAudio E2 2GB... This model is compact in size, light in weight, so it fits easily in your pocket. Manufacturers release this player without a screen, control is carried out using voice prompts and four buttons. The device is capable of playing files in various formats - from MP3, AAC, WAV to FLAC, OGG.The memory capacity is 2 GB, a full charge of the battery lasts for 11 hours of listening, in addition, the device is sold complete with headphones. Disadvantage: inconvenient location of control buttons.

• Creative Zen Style M100 4GB. This mini player is considered the market leader. The device is produced with built-in memory of 4 GB and has a slot for a microSD card. It is additionally equipped with a voice recorder, supports many formats and is capable of working without a full recharge for 20 hours. The device is produced with a powerful speaker, in four colors, with a small touch screen. Pros: high-quality assembly, easy operation, great sound, cons: high cost.

• Sandisk Sansa Clip + 8 GB... It is a super-portable model with a 2.4-inch screen. The device is controlled using buttons, on one edge of the structure there is a volume control, and on the second there is a slot for installing an external media. Thanks to the well-thought-out interface, working with the player is simplified, it supports all file formats. Additionally, an FM radio and a voice recorder are provided, the built-in battery lasts for 18 hours. There are no downsides.

• Sandisk Sansa Clip Zip 4GB... A very travel-friendly miniature turntable with a stylish design. Unlike other models, it has a user-friendly interface, is equipped with a slot for a microSD card, a voice recorder and FM radio. In addition, the product is sold complete with headphones. Disadvantage: low volume.

Today the technology market is represented by a huge range of mini-players, so it is difficult to choose compact devices that would have excellent sound and last a long time. First of all, you need to pay attention to what format the player supports, whether it plays music without loss of information (does not compress files).

Players equipped with the High Resolution Audio playback function received good reviews. they have a high sound frequency and quantum capacity, so the output signal is fully consistent with the original. If you choose an inexpensive player with a low expansion, then they will not be able to decode high bitrate tracks and will stop playing them.

In addition, you need to pay attention to the following characteristics:

• display type;
• number of slots for memory cards;
• the presence of built-in memory, its volume;
• availability of wireless interfaces;
• the ability to use the device as a DAC.

Also, experts recommend giving preference to models with a clothespin and complete headphones. This will allow you to play sports comfortably. The rating of the brand under which the player is produced is also considered important in the choice. The manufacturer must have positive reviews.

For an overview of the player with Aliexpress, see below.