by Stephanie L. Bryant

Created on: June 13, 2008

When choosing an MP3 Player, many factors should be weighed. How much does brand matter? How much space do I need? How much do I want to spend? What and who I am getting it for?

As it stands, most people care more about brand than quality. IPods have become the American standard for what people what. But why? Because of the name. If that is how you choose your electronics than you are fooling yourself. Don't get me wrong, Brand is important, but not most important.

The first thing you have to consider of course is price. If you are price conscious, then you will want something inexpensive yet reliable; something durable and easy to use. For this I would suggest any SanDisk MP3. In my experience they are the best for their price.

If you are a music fanatic and need a lot of space to hold your eclectic taste and vast collection of music and video, you will want something with higher gigs than most. Of course, the more gigs you have, the more money you will be spending. I know most people would say that an IPod is the best when it comes to the most memory but I beg to differ. The Creative Labs Zen collection has MP3 players that hold just as many songs and movies as the IPod, but with fewer complications and a better, more durable design.

Now, if you are like me, you love to have our music on the go with out having to carry extra items, such as a FM transmitter to listen to you music over the radio or carrying a "MP3" player at all. If you want everything in one small convenient package, I suggest a MP3 cell phone. True most don't have the built in FM transmitter in them but a few innovative phones do. The LG Fusic and Musiq from Sprint are top of the line when it comes to music phones. With it's built in FM transmitter, expandable memory port, and direct downloads from your phones internet, it is convenient, easy, and stylish. How can you go wrong with a phone, MP3, and camera all in one wonderful package?

Now, if you are a trendy person and who what is seemingly the best of the best, of course you are going to shop for name, and name only. A lot of very credible companies have tried to get in to the MP3 game, like Sony or Microsoft. Though their other home entertainment products are widely accepted as great buys, they fall short in the MP3 market. What name is associated with the best of the best? Of course, everybody knows that it is IPod. Not just any IPod, but the IPod video. Though, IPod defiantly has its problems and, in my opinion, is far from the best on the market, 8 out of 10 people disagree with me, making them the Top Dogs in the game. Also, let's face it, they have more accessories then people know what to do with, and people love it. Zunes come in second on the trendy list, but it is a far second.

In any case, the only real thing to consider when buying a MP3 player is your own feelings. With as much as you will be spending for this item you want to make sure you buy one that you will enjoy for years to come. Don't go for what is trendy because trends never last. Get what feels right to you.

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