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Description - MP3 Players are hardware devices that play MP3 music
files downloaded from the Internet.
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MP3 is an audio compression codec that allows users to compress songs, speeches, and any audio sound. The great thing is there is no dramatically noticeable loss of quality. MP3 stands for 'Motion Picture Experts Group Audio Layer 3' (MPEG Audio Layer 3), and since the mid 1990's has become the de facto standard for music distribution over the web. There are now plenty of good portable MP3 players on the market from companies such as Apple, Creative and iRiver. Currently portable MP3 players come with varying features, dependent upon the size of the device. While large MP3 players can hold over 60GB's of data, smaller players hold around 1GB. Other common features are an LCD screen, FM radio, voice recorder and a sound equaliser. All this means, is that a standard MP3 player can store in the region of 10,000 MP3 files. Newer players like the iPod Nano include a colour LCD screen to browse stored files. And are generally evolving into 'media' players, with the MP3 player just one feature amongst many.
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Microsoft Zune
Pros:Looks the part, Cons:Dimensions are bulky. The style press really gave the Zune a good kicking, I'm not surprised, MS are usually viewed as the geeky brand, and Apple the hip brand. I decided to take a neutral position when judging whether to pick a Zune or an iPod. For me, the Zune handles the fundamentals rights, no gimmicks, just a simple, stylish, functional device.
When listening to both an iPod and the Zune at my local recrocenter, the sound quality of the Zune was superior. The interface was also a match for Apple's, similar in respect to the scroll wheel, which I handily admit MS has ripped off from the iPod. The Zune tended to feel more tactile and solid to the touch, more positive and responsive when scrolling through the menu.
Now when it comes to software, I know iTunes is the award winning industry standard, but again the Zune software has proved suitable for my needs. The software was not actually a deciding factor in my decision, because I could not compare them both instore. And I've never actually used iTunes, so comparing them both is a mute point a believe.
In summery, I am indeed more than satisfied with my Zune, and have
no regrets in not buying an iPod. The Zune is well put together piece
of kit, which I believe will hold up well against the test of time.
Mik
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Sony MZR410L
The included software is confusing, muddled, and extremely disappointing, considering this is Sony I am talking about. It's got so many bugs and requires immediate patching and even then doesn't operate smoothly and sometimes even shuts itself down. I doubt it has anything to do with my PC because it's pretty new and has been scanned for viruses, and scumware etc. I think the software is simply poorly designed. Apart from the software the actual mpr machine produces sound that is above average, about a 7 out of 10. The recorder itself is small enough to fit in a shirt pocket, and the battery life is very good. The reason I bought this machine was the price, which is competitive and comparable to other MP3 playback devices. It's less money and better built than any of the iPod player. It if wasn't for the software I would give it a 4/5.
Edward
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