by James Shimoda

Created on: May 30, 2009   Last Updated: June 06, 2009

To start off, first understand that mp3 is a file format for music. Second, an mp3 player is a generic term for any device that is capable of reading the mp3 format. Thus with that understanding, technically an ipod is a mp3 player. All right, now on to the point of the article.

Today's culture is invaded by the iconic symbol of Ipod. You see the apple logo, the distinct white ear phones, the familiar rectangular shape. It's the average person's mp3 player. But, is that really the best mp3 player to buy is the question. I will not deny that the ipod is a fantastic mp3 player because it's the truth. when ipods started coming out with the scrolling wheel design, it was perfect. All you had to do was move your thumb in a circle and you could move up and down on the ipod's menu effortlessly. It was a natural movement that could go on and on. The buttons were very simple and easy to understand. It was able to sync with a computer perfectly. Typically, Ipod memory capacity are bigger than most mp3 players. With the latest model, the Ipod Touch, the quality hasn't suffered. But not everything is great about ipods.

The price of ipods are extremely high. The quality is good, but ipods don't have additional functions. It's common for other mp3 players to built in radios, yet it's a function that has never been put on the ipod. You can receive radio on an ipod, but it requires you to go out and purchase that attachment. Some come with voice recorders. Considering the player is $150 at a minimum, I would think that there could be more. the other problem you have to worry about is theft. Since Ipods connect rather easily on computers, it's not a problem to steal an ipod. To continue loading music requires a computer with Itunes. Unfortunately, since ipods are popular, it is quite easy to find a replacement connection cable, recharging cable, etc. Or if the thieves don't use it for themselves, they can sell it to somebody else at a cheaper price.

The smaller ipods, known as shuffles, are not worth buying. You have no indication of a battery life, so the shuffle could run out of power at any moment. the price is expensive for something that only plays music. There are other mp3 players that are just as small and have more functions than shuffles. Since it is called shuffle, there is no order the music is played. From that perspective, it becomes a small, expensive, and limited radio. The lastest shuffle is shown to be controlled by your headphones. Not the greatest idea

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