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4 Things To Know About iPods and MP3 Players

While different companies produce different types of media players (which all have different functions and designs) there are some similarities between all portable media players that you will notice.  Then there might be some problems unique to the type of device you are handling, while others will have exclusive features.  Consider 4 important things you need to know about MP3 players.

1. It Does Other Things!

MP3 players are more commonly referred to as digital media players.  Modern technology has allowed even these small devices to playback not only MP3 or WAV audio files, but also to record sound, and to playback and sometimes record video footage.  Some models can double as digital cameras and record and display image files.  A simple radio or tape recorder won't cost you more than $20.00.  Portable media players do so much more.

2. An iPod is just a digital media player.

Because of an intense marketing campaign, some consumers might think an iPod is different or superior to the average MP3 player on the market.  Not so, the iPod is Apple's own answer to the portable media player and like any other, has its advantages and disadvantages.  First, iPods are known to be very user friendly; they have LCD screens and can show iPod videos just as well as they playback MP3s.  iPod video is high quality and the iPod software review is generally considered easy to use.  Problems with iPods have also been reported, however.  Criticisms of major models including the iPod Shuffle, iPod Photo, iPod Mini, iPod Nano, dealt with high costs of units (most products over $300.00 with additional iPod accessories and iPod cases that were also expensive) and the internal batteries, which can only be professionally removed and replaced)

3.There are plenty of MP3 player choices!

Don't think the Apple iPod is the only digital media player around just because it is ubiquitous.  Creative Zen, iRiver, Dell, and Hewlett Packard all produce products to compete with the iPod; in fact, many users believe Creative Zen and iRiver offer more options and impressive features than Apple currently does.

4. MP3s Are Not Illegal - You won't be arrested if you buy an iPod.

While MP3s have certainly affected the music industry in a negative way, it's not illegal to download MP3s.  Such file sharing entities as PirateBay, Torrent, Kazaa, ISOhunt, and Limewire are not illegal.  However, downloading commercial music that you haven't paid for like everyone else is against the law.  The RIAA and MPAA are cracking down on illegal file sharing, and DRM technologies are constantly seeking ways to stop copyright infringement.  A better idea to download commercial MP3s is to go to iPod Lounge, AllofMP3.com or Apple's ITMS site.  It's legal and it's actually much safer than chasing after Bittorent files and exposing your computer to viruses.