Apple iPods are the most popular MP3 players around.
Now you can get the micro stylish iPod Shuffle with 2 GB of music storage (500 songs) for $54.99 or less!
iPod Shuffle comes in lots of colors and is also available in 4GB, which holds up to 1,000 songs!
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Is Apple iPod the Best MP3 Player?
by Lily S.
There are Apple iPod users that wouldn't trade their MP3 player for anything in the world. Instead, other persons can't stand it. As always, the truth is somewhere in the middle.
The Apple iPod has been released in 2001 and in short time became almost substitute for the term MP3 player, having an impressive market share (over 80% of the hard drive based MP3 player market and around 70% of the entire MP3 player market).
This means that almost everyone has heard of the iPod, which is another reason for it selling so well, besides the real advantages, of course.
Let's take a look at some advantages and disadvantages that can help you decide if the Apple iPod is the best MP3 player for you.
iPod is cool, trendy, fashionable, stylish, classy ... whatever word you want to use to describe this. However, it is also one of the most expensive MP3 players out there. If you want to impress and price is not a problem for you, you will probably choose an iPod.
Then it has genuine advantages: small size, very good sound quality, easy to use navigation with the click wheel and large storage capacity. What's more, the latest models can play video files and display pictures in multiple file formats. The iPod Nano also has a full color screen, a stopwatch and lap timer. Another plus is that you can find many iPod accessories.
When it comes to disadvantages, the iPod has a big one, especially if you're an audio book lover. Downloadable audio books are becoming very popular and more and more websites are now offering them.
Unfortunately Apple have refused to enable the Windows Media capabilities of the iPod, while the majority of audio book publishers do request that their titles are available only in a copy protected WMA format. In this situation, you can only use iTunes to add new content to your iPod MP3 player.
Virtually all other MP3 player manufacturers support WMA files now, so it hopefully won't be long until pressure from customers forces Apple to enable it.
Until then, there is an easy solution. You need to burn the files to a regular compact disc and then rip as MP3 to your iTunes. However, this might not be convenient for everyone.
Another drawback becomes apparent if you want to connect the iPod with your home stereo system. And that's because the iPods do not have other needed output connections besides the headphone jack. In this case, you will need to separately buy a special docking station.
The good thing is that the docking station can also act as a charger for the battery, it has a remote control and output connections for video as well. However, this is an extra expense and you need to be aware of this.
For example, I've seen the iPod Shuffle 512 MB priced at $64 (or the 1 GB version at $94) and the docking station for the Shuffle is $34.
Also, the iPod does not play radio, record voice or have a text viewer. However, if all you need is to play music, this should not bother you.
Now you know some advantages and some disadvantages of the well-known Apple iPod MP3 player and you can make an informed decision.
And I think you already know this, but sometimes it's good to be reminded: there's no point to look for "the best mp3 player". Because all you need is the best MP3 player for you.
About The Author:
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The New Ipod Shuffle
By JW MatthewsThe smallest device among Apple's personal music player offerings, the new iPod Shuffle offers an easy to use feature set coupled with maximum portability. If you are in the market for a new MP3 player, the iPod Shuffle is worth looking into. In this article, we will give you a brief overview of this miniature music powerhouse, and its features and benefits.
The streamlined look and ease of use of the new iPod Shuffle is no fluke. With previous generations of this iPod installment being criticized for durability and navigation issues, Apple set out to make sure that this generation of the Shuffle met the standards that iPod users have come to expect. Now available in five different eye-catching colors, the Shuffle boasts a feature set previously available only on more expensive models. With a price tag of less than $75, the Shuffle delivers big features for those on a small budget.
The most notable change to the iPod Shuffle is the improvement in its user interface. With a remote tethered into the earphone wire acting as the centerpiece of command for this device, Apple has made fantastic progress in making the Shuffle's features easily accessible. Forward and back buttons still provide easy navigation through playlists, but the new powerful "Voiceover" feature adds a new dimension of control for even experienced users. The "Voiceover" feature actually speaks the name of the song and artist you are listening to into your headphones. Even more, Voiceover is designed to speak this information in 20 languages. So while previous models of the iPod Shuffle were limited in navigation capabilities because of the lack of a screen, Apple has solved this problem by designing this model to speak to you.
In addition to improved navigation and usability, the new iPod Shuffle is also available in storage capacities up to 4GB. With earlier generation Shuffles having smaller storage capacities of only 512MB, music enthusiasts found it difficult to store all their favorite songs and artists on their iPods. The new and improved 4GB capacity provides users with the ability to store up to 1,000 songs on these miniature devices.
Even if portability has been an issue for you in the past, the new generation iPod Shuffle is sure to meet your needs, no matter how small you need your music player to be. Featuring a staggering profile of just .7 x 1.8 inches, this music player can easily accompany you no matter where you go. With a casing constructed of either polished stainless steel or anodized aluminum, the Shuffle remains the world's smallest and lightest MP3 player. In a world of excess cords and plugs, it's nice to see a device that is actually designed to save space and clutter.
So whether it's maximum portability or ease of use you are looking for in an MP3 player, the Apple iPod Shuffle is designed to suit your needs. If you have been searching for a way to take your music with you wherever you go, this miniature iPod with super-size features is the device for you.
Looking to save on your next purchase? Mp3playertips.com has found the perfect resource for iPods and accessories, and be sure to check for free shipping options.