Dear Answer Girl,
I am interested in buying an MP3 player. What do I need to know about them when I buy one? How much do they cost?Curious Shopper

I’m assuming you are referring to a portable MP3 player; if you have a decent computer, you can easily download and install a player for little or no cost.
Portable MP3 players are quickly becoming popular, however, to take the MP3s that you already have on your computer “to go.”
But isn’t there already high-quality portable music available with a Discman or similar portable CD player? Well, yes. But instead of needing to carry 15 different CDs (or even just one compilation CD) to hear the songs that you like, you can download your favorite playlist to your MP3 player and change it at will, without the added expense of a pack of CD-R or CD-RW discs.
Of course, the sound quality is slightly lower with MP3 files because of the nature of the compressed data, but the only measurable losses are supposedly in the highest and lowest ranges – outside the scope of normal human hearing.
With all this said, there is no need to run out and buy an MP3 player right this minute if you are perfectly satisfied with your current setup. CDs are in no danger of becoming obsolete, at least for a good while.
But if you are interested in buying this latest audio toy, there are many different options to consider before you hit the store.
First of all, are you interested in a player that plays audio, CD-R and CD-RW CDs as well as MP3 CDs and downloaded MP3 files? Or are you leaning more toward a simpler, non-CD player?
The advantages of having a do-it-all system are obvious, but the price almost certainly reflects them. So maybe the first place to start is with your budget.
Portable MP3 players are available in a wide range of prices, from around $70 for a sound, basic MP3-only unit to over $400 for an everything-and-a-bag-of-chips package with gobs of storage.
Accessories like a remote control, rechargeable batteries, FM tuner, LCD display that shows song titles and artist names and belt or arm clips and features like anti-skip protection for CD players, SDMI protection for copyrighted songs and expandable storage capacity are the major distinguishing factors between the cheap and the not-so cheap.
Shop for an MP3 player just as you would for a CD player, DVD player, VCR or computer. Brands and prices will vary, features and storage capacities are available for a price, and there will inevitably be an increase in technology and a decrease in cost over time.
Assess your budget and particular needs, and arm yourself with some information about the features that you desire before you approach the glittering display of players that insistently whisper your name.
There are a lot of web sites that have reviews and product specs for your perusal. Ask the salespeople. Ask your friends. The more you know before you go, the happier you will be with the end result.
Good luck and happy shopping.

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