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| | Your Guide to Buying an Mp3 Player |
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Mp3 players are becoming more popular everyday. Their portability and storage space makes them a very convenient appliance for those constantly on the go.
Of course, when manufacturers of Mp3 players first put them out on the market, they were originally designed for playing music but today they have more features and, more importantly for those of us who love audio books, more space than ever.
Using them for audio books is not a far stretch.
In fact, many people have Mp3 players for the sole purpose of listening to audio books.
With so many different brands of players - all with their own features - it can be hard to decide on which one will be best for you.
Below are a few of the factors you will need to consider when shopping for an Mp3 player that will make listening to your audio book easier.
1/ One of the most important things to consider is how the player handles interruption to play.
As most songs are only a few minutes long, if it is interrupted and has to start again this is generally not a drama. However, if you have been listening to an audio book for several hours and it has to start all over again you will probably not be too impressed, so look for a player that will allow you to start from the same spot again if you have to pause it or turn the player off.
Ideally ask if you can test the player before you buy it.
2/ Make sure the players volume is loud enough for you. Quite often you will be listening to your audio book in areas that can have excess surround noise, such as on public transport or in the outdoors, so even though you are using earphones and might listen to the player in store, keep in mind it needs to go a bit louder than the level you would normally listen to it at.
3/ A large memory space is a factor that you might not even think of as something you need to consider, however, audio books can take up a surprising amount of space so look for a player that will store an audio book of at least 5 hours or more.
Another point to consider is that you may originally only want an Mp3 player to play audio books but as you use it and discover its features you may want to store music, photos and other data files.
You will also find when shopping that a larger memory space does not necessarily cost alot more.
4/ Smaller Mp3 players may be more attractive but if it means poorer quality or durability, forget it. These days there are plenty of good players that have the miniature size many people love without sacrificing quality.
5/ Check that the brands you narrow down to have a good product history. The most popular brand does not necessarily mean it is the best quality and likewise the brand you have never heard of does not mean it no good. Ask around for stories of personal experience with the brands in question or at least find a decent salesperson who should be able to give you reliable advice.
6/ You also need to check for a player that can play encrypted files. Some publishers put extra protection on their audio files so you need a player that will play files that are using Digital Rights Management (DRM) also known as WMA DRM.
7/ The final point is for if you want to listen to you audio book in you car.
You can get a CD Mp3 player or you can get an AUX socket so you can plug the Mp3 player into you car.
If you have just started shopping for an Mp3 player this can seem like alot of information to tak in but go into a few stores, find someone who can give you decent advice, take notes and compare in your own time with these points as features to look for.
Mp3 players are perfect for playing your own audio books because they are so portable. So get out there, find the right player and start enjoying you audio books!!
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