The MP3 players are available at different shapes, sizes, features, storage capacities, file formats and download services. These days, manufacturers are adding an ever-widening range of features to their players to set them apart from the competition. Here are the extra features available at your mp3 players that may want to consider.



Radio - Many players provide FM radio reception, although they are more widespread on flash devices, which require the spinning hard drives and the CD-playing aspects that can interfere with the signal. AM radio is very rare. Other radio-related features has FM recording, transmission (for just playing back audio wirelessly through home and car stereos with FM tuners), and presets.

In-line remote - For larger hard drive-based or CD MP3 players that you stow in a carrier, an in-line remote control between the headphone cord is a superb feature. Look for a model, like iPod, with a clip for joining the remote to your bag strap.

Music recording - Most MP3 players that record high-quality audio apt for music recording as different to voice memos or interviews do so through an analog line-input, however there are exceptions. Some devices also record digitally or from mike-level sources. The former works great for dubbing tracks from present stereo components. The latter allows you use a small, un-powered microphone for live recording. If you require the highest-quality recordings, ensure the player has a decent ADC and can record to uncompressed WAV files.

Voice recording - A few MP3 players have a small inner microphone for recording the spoken word. These are suitable for documenting a lecture, a meeting, or a talk but inapt for high-quality music recording. The sampling charge is naturally low, and the recordings are mono.

Data storage - Many MP3 players can twice as exterior storage devices, letting you to shuttle data between PCs. A few models do not even need drivers; thus, you could move a resume or a presentation to the laptop of the individual seated next to you on a flight. So-called plug-in players do not even require a wire since they have built-in USB connectors.

Personal information management - A few MP3 players--notably the Apple iPod and Creative's Zen line--can allow phone books and schedules. The information usually entered into Outlook or another PIM program, and then synchronized to the tool where you can view it but not modify it on the go.

Sound-tweaking options - Audio purists normally prefer to hear songs just the way the recording engineers mixed them and do not have much utilize for digital signal processing (DSP), which adjusts a song's equalization or spatial characteristics. However, since digital audio files come from numerous sources and people have individual sonic preferences, EQ and other DSP settings can be of use. Seek a customizable EQ setting (the additional bands the better; five is the norm), with the standard presets (Rock, Jazz, Bass Boost, and so on). In terms of spatial enhancers, DSP features like SRS Wow add-on can create music coming through headphones sound like it is bouncing around a big room. It is simply a matter of individual liking, but we feel music sounds better with some degree of customization.

Advanced playback features - Almost all player presents shuffle, repeat, resume and play list functions. Still, there is space for improvement. Newer models provide the ability to make on-the-fly play lists sans a computer; smart play lists that can serve up. For example, a combine of ?80s hip-hop, song-rating techniques in which preferred tunes show more often in Shuffle mode; automatic cross fading that includes soft transitions between songs and automatic volume control, which composes all songs evenly loud and additional artificial intelligence modes that can make it experience like a pro DJ is spinning tunes for you.

Port compatibility - All present Macs and definite PCs also ship with FireWire ports, while numerous PCs have either USB 1.1 or its faster descendent, USB 2.0. Every MP3 players use FireWire ports, USB 1.1, or USB 1.1/2.0 for loading melodies from a computer. If you plan to connect your MP3 player to your stereo, find a device with a lineout port or your stereo carries digital output, be definite your player does so also. These outputs compose songs sound somewhat cleaner over speakers.

Color screens, video playback & photo viewing - Many latest hard drive- and even flash-based players come ready with a color screen that can show JPEG and BMP digital images. This is a fine feature for those who like to take their precious digital memories with them, but be careful that you pay a little extra for it. Color screens are the wave of the upcoming, and as well the photo viewing, the displays are brighter and easier to study. As well, look out for players with crystal-clear OLED displays. Ever more, MP3 players are even providing video playback.