MP3 players: features, types, model overview, selection criteria

Many people cannot imagine their life without quality music. Desperate music lovers always prefer to carry their favorite tracks with them in their mobile phone or MP3-player in order to get their headphones at any convenient moment and plunge into the world of music. Let's take a closer look at modern MP3 players and figure out how to choose them correctly.

The MP3 player is a portable device that has its own internal memory and power source (most often a lithium-ion battery). Modern manufacturers produce many different models of such gadgets. In stores, you can find specimens of different sizes, designs, capacity and equipment. Both budget options are sold, the cost of which does not exceed 2-3 thousand rubles, and expensive devices, the price tag for which starts from 30 thousand.

Modern MP3 players are distinguished by their functionality. If earlier on such devices it was possible only to listen to your favorite music or catch your favorite radio stations, then today's gadgets are more practical and multitasking. The most popular in our time are models with Bluetooth and wireless interfaces. They are convenient to use, such devices are very useful in many areas, so they are often bought not only for playing music tracks.

Ultra-modern models of MP3-players are very popular, which have a built-in internet browser. Such a useful device is ideal for those users who like to listen to music and plunge into Internet surfing at the same time. Thus, you can spend time both with relaxation and benefit.

The MP3 player has long since ceased to be a gimmick. Modern gadgets no longer cost fabulous sums and are presented in the widest range, so consumers have the opportunity to find a suitable option for themselves in any case. This is one of the reasons why the popularity of such musical devices has not diminished over the years. But it's not just about their availability and prevalence. RLet's find out what other positive characteristics are inherent in MP3-players.

• Players of this format are different rich functionality... As mentioned above, many of them are complemented by wireless interfaces, browsers, "readers" and many other necessary components.
• Many models of MP3 players equipped with large batteries... With such a component, the music device can work offline for quite a long time. There are also such options that are designed for 40 hours of operation without recharging.
• Modern MP3 players are predominantly made compact... It is convenient to carry such portable equipment with you everywhere. You can always allocate a free pocket for it in a bag or briefcase, put the product in a pants / jacket pocket. In the modern pace of life, the mobility of gadgets is an important parameter.
• The considered devices are made as easy to use as possible.... They are easy and convenient to manage, configure and connect to other devices. Anyone can figure out how to use an MP3 player.Even if there are any questions, the user will always be able to look into the instruction manual for the equipment, which is always included in the kit.
• The attractive design of modern players should also be noted.... In stores, there are both relatively simple and very original copies in bright colors. Stylish options with a silver surface are popular. A properly selected device can become not only useful, but also successfully complement the image of a person.
• Today there are models of MP3 players that sound very good.... Of course, you won't be able to feel the full depth and shades of sounds, as in the case of Hi-Fi technology, but the sound will still be excellent. The user will be able to fully enjoy their favorite tracks.
• The MP3 player can be bought in any case... Not only plastic, but also metal or aluminum options are available. Such devices not only last longer and are as durable as possible, but also look attractive.
• Customers are also pleased with the rich assortment of currently produced players. They are produced by many well-known brands. On store shelves, you can find a great variety of different models, different in technical characteristics, design and functions. Even the most demanding user can find the optimal technique for himself.

MP3 players have enough pros, but there are also some downsides. Let's get acquainted with them.

• Despite the fact that these devices are distinguished by good sound quality, nevertheless they are noticeably inferior to modern hi-fi devices in this. MP3 players use inexpensive and simple amplifiers. With such details, the music lover will not be able to feel all the colors of the music and the voice of the soloist.
• MP3 players are made by many major brands such as Sony. Similar manufacturers have one common problem - a huge number of counterfeits. When buying a player from a well-known company, you will have to be as careful as possible so as not to purchase a replica, the quality of which will never be the same as that of the original.
• Some models of MP3-players are not the most convenient device due to the ergonomically installed components. For example, the popular Mpio FY300 has a USB plug, which forced the device to be oversized.
• Some MP3 player models are very expensive... Many well-known devices are classified as expensive, for example, those released under the Apple brand. Their functionality is not always so unique and rich. In most cases, the final cost is influenced by the brand that released the gadget.
• You can buy a device with high power consumption... Such an MP3 player will need frequent recharging, which is completely inconvenient.

MP3 players come in many distinct types, each with its own specific qualities and characteristics. Let's take a closer look at the most popular options that are in demand among modern buyers.

These are the smallest turntable optionswhich are the same dimensions as your average PC flash card. They are often confused with conventional external storage media. The player-flash drive is very lightweight. Some models weigh only 30-40 grams. Such gadgets run on batteries of different capacities.

Such devices usually have a standard rectangular structure. They are usually very light and tiny. They are cheap, but they do not differ in special functionality. In standard players, only everything you need is provided - there is nothing superfluous in them. On sale you can find such options, the dimensions of which are slightly larger than a matchbox.

Especially popular today are multimedia players. These are multitasking and practical devices with which you can not only listen to music, but also view photos or video files. Most often, such devices have an informative display, the diagonal of which can reach 5 inches, depending on the features of a particular model.

MP3 players also differ in functionality.

• With bluetooth... Some of the most common options. They allow you to listen to music on headphones wirelessly. Remote file transfer is possible depending on model specifications. Synchronization of the gadget with a laptop, personal computer or smartphone is allowed. Modern players can easily recognize most phone models.

• With FM transmitter. The built-in FM transmitter allows the music lover to listen not only to music tracks, but also to their favorite radio stations.

• With radio and FM tuner. In fact, it is a standard radio receiver built into a digital audio player. The energy consumption while listening will be small, so you can safely listen to the radio without worrying about the percentage of charging.

• With TV tuner and DivX. Players with such options are perfect companions on a long and boring journey. The compact gadget picks up the signal using an antenna.

• With Wi-Fi. Currently, devices with this option are especially in demand and relevant. With this connection, the gadget can be connected to a computer and other possible devices. It is also possible to connect to the Internet if there is a Wi-Fi distribution point nearby.

• With an internet browser. Devices with this add-on are among the most useful and functional. The user has the opportunity to simultaneously listen to music and search for the necessary information on the Internet or sit on social networks. It is quite convenient.

• With voice recorder... MP3 players with voice recorder are great solutions for schoolchildren or students. You can record lectures or lessons on the recorder so that you can listen to them later at home.

• With a notebook... Basically, this function is supplemented by players with the Android operating system. In terms of typing, this is not the most convenient option, but on devices equipped with a large screen, such an addition will come in handy.

• With a DAC. Music devices with a D / A converter boast better soundtrack reproduction.

Let's take a closer look at some of the popular MP3 player models and learn more about their specifications.

If you are looking to buy a cheap and very small player, then you should consider this option. Wireless technologies Aceline i-100 does not support and does not have its own "memory", but you can insert a microSD card into it. The device reads WMA, MP3 formats. FM tuner not provided... In autonomous mode without recharging Aceline i-100 can work no more than 6 hours.

Perhaps the characteristics of this musical device seem too weak, but it is worth considering the player's price of 300 rubles. This is a good "workhorse", which itself is made like a clothespin and can be easily attached to bags or clothes. With the Aceline i-100, you can go to the gym or go for a walk with friends or your pet.

Small multimedia player. Lightweight, comfortable, with a bright body color. The model can play both audio and video formats (AMV).There is a microUSB interface. The gadget also supports text files, the format of which is TXT. This inexpensive audio player has its own memory of 8 GB, however, you can additionally install a microSD memory card with a maximum capacity of 32 GB. In offline mode, the gadget can work up to 10 hours.

Inexpensive pocket player with convenient push-button controls and a clip for attaching to clothes or a bag. This model also does not support wireless technologies, but it has its own memory of 4 GB and provides for the installation of memory cards. Time of continuous work without recharging is 10 hours.

This is a multimedia model of a branded player equipped with a microUSB interface. The device has a 3.5 mm jack, built-in memory of 4 GB... There is no memory expansion option. There is a display with a diagonal of 1.77 inches. Control of the gadget is push-button. There is a digital equalizer. There is a lithium-ion battery that provides 35 hours of battery life.

An interesting player made in the form of headphones. It features excellent sound without interference and noise. The product is compact and looks original. There is a microUSB interface. The device reads formats such as MP3, WMA, FLAC, AAC, PCM. Built-in memory - 4 GB, expansion is not provided. Continuous working time is 12 hours.

Let's figure out what to look for when choosing "your" MP3 player.

• First, you should decide for what purpose you need such a gadget. Based on this, you should choose a specific model. For example, for going to the gym, a small and inexpensive option will be enough that will not bother you. If you need a device for work or study with a lot of options, then it makes sense to take a more expensive model with wireless interfaces, a browser, the ability to read text files, and a voice recorder.
• Pay attention to the technical characteristics of the player you like. Pay attention to the amount of internal memory (and the possibility of its expansion), the quality of the battery and the allowable battery life. Frequency characteristics and sound power are also important. It is not recommended to blindly trust the words of sellers who tell you about the parameters of the device, since in such situations many values ​​are deliberately exaggerated in order to attract your interest. All characteristics are always indicated in the technical documentation - here they should be considered.
• Pay attention to the design of the device. Choose the options that you like. Otherwise, the use of the gadget will not bring enough pleasure - an unattractive appearance will definitely not help to improve your mood.
• Make sure you are comfortable using the player... Hold it in your hand, try pushing the buttons. If it seemed to you that the device does not quite suit you, and it is not very convenient to use it, it is better to refuse the purchase. Look for another, more ergonomic option.
• Do not rush to pay for the model you like. Inspect its condition, test the sound quality. There should be no defects on the case or display, and the sound should be clear - without distortion and noise. If you nevertheless notice any shortcomings, it is better not to risk it and look for another device.
• It is advisable to buy a branded player... Well-known manufacturers value their reputation, therefore they produce high-quality, reliable and durable devices that are not subject to breakdowns. Even if you buy a Chinese gadget, try to give preference to well-known companies, many of which also produce very good players.
• Go shopping for an MP3 player at a specialty store that sells home appliances or audio equipment... Here you will buy an original branded device with a manufacturer's warranty.

For information on how to choose a portable player, see the next video.