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Whether you're a seasoned MP3 user looking for the latest model, or are new to digital audio and want to replace your cassette Walkman, you'll find the perfect portable digital audio player on eBay.
There are hundreds of MP3 players to choose from, all with their own advantages. Read on for a full guide to making the right choice.
| Features to Consider |
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Audio Formats
MP3 (Moving Pictures Expert Group Audio Layer 3) is just one of the many formats you can play on digital audio players.
MP3 is a digital audio format encoded on computer from a source such as CD. The files are compressed but retain near-original sound quality.
Most MP3 players can play one or more other compressed audio formats too, such as AAC, OGG and Microsoft's WMA. Here's a quick look at how the formats differ:
- WMA: A WMA (Windows Media Audio) file is roughly half the size of an MP3 file but offers comparable sound quality. WMA was launched after MP3 had become the best-known audio format.
If you want to fit as many songs as possible onto your audio player, look for WMA compatibility. A 60GB WMA-compatible MP3 player, such as the Creative Labs Zen Touch, can take up to 30,000 songs in WMA format - or just 15,000 in MP3. The popular Apple iPod doesn't accept WMA files.
If you want to download music in WMA format, try the Internet music store Napster. See below for details on matching your player to the right downloads website.
- MP3Pro: Better audio quality than MP3, but hasn't been widely adopted by manufacturers. The exception is RCA, whose Lyra range of audio players also includes video capability.
- OGG: Ogg Vorbis format has excellent sound quality and is gaining popularity.
- AAC: Dolby's Advanced Audio Coding format is only used in Apple iPods and can be downloaded from Apple's Internet music store, iTunes.
- WAV: Uncompressed audio, just as you'd hear on a standard CD.
Storage Space
An MP3 player with lots of storage space can accommodate your entire CD collection - and probably your friend's CD collection too. Your player's capacity depends on its memory type:
- Flash memory: Early MP3 players had about 32MB of Flash memory, enough to store seven or eight songs in MP3 format. You'll still find early 32MB players on eBay, but it's rare to find a new player with less than 128MB memory (about 30 songs). New 128MB MP3 players include the OraCom Q600167 and the Creative Labs MuVo.
Flash memory players have the advantage of no moving parts, so your tunes won't jump if you do. Storage capacity is generally modest by today's standards - usually 4GB (4,000MB) or 6GB, enough for about 1,000 and 1,500 songs in MP3 format.
You can increase storage capacity with a removable memory Compact Flash card. Alternatively, invest in a Microdrive, a mini hard disk that fits into the Compact Flash slot. Microdrive was launched in 1999 with a 340MB capacity, expanded to 4GB in 2004.
Popular examples of 4GB and 6GB Flash memory audio players include the Creative Labs MuVo2, Apple iPod Mini and Creative Labs Zen Micro. Most are also available in 6GB versions.
- Hard disk: Hard disk MP3 players are the storage giants of the portable audio world. Hard disk Apple iPods now have at least 20GB of space - enough for 5,000 songs in MP3 or 10,000 in WMA. iPods are also available with 40GB, 30GB and 60GB hard disks, as are Creative Labs' WMA-compatible Zen Touch range. Sony's NW Walkman range includes 20GB and 30GB versions.
MP3 player hard disks are re-usable, so you can add or delete songs as often as you like. But you won't be doing much deleting with a 60GB Creative Labs player, which accommodates 30,000 songs in WMA format.
Tip: Most new hard disk MP3 players can also be used as portable hard drives. Connect it to your computer and download files (photos, documents etc) to the player for storage or transfer to another computer.
Software
Good bundled software is a great bonus, but don't panic if the software CD isn't listed for sale with the player - most software can be downloaded from manufacturers' Internet sites.
The software included with MP3 players lets you "rip" and encode songs from other formats, usually CDs. The quality of your recordings depends on the quality of software you use. The best software will let you make your own playlists and create a database of album names, track titles and artists.
Battery
Hard disk MP3 players have a rechargable lithium-ion battery, which typically last up to four years, though this varies from make to make. Other types of player use AA or AAA batteries, and some have an internal rechargeable cell.
Display
Most MP3 players display title and artist information about the song that's playing. Most have a backlit LCD for reading in the dark.
Many high-end hard disk players, such as the iRiver PMP, Apple iPod Photo, fourth-generation (4G) Apple iPod and Archos Jukebox have a colour screen for song info and for viewing your digital photos.
Connection
All new MP3 players use a USB connection for data high-speed data transfer to and from your computer. You'll find older players listed on eBay that use a serial port interface, and this can mean very slow transfer rates. If in doubt, click "Ask Seller a Question".
Computer Compatibility
Before bidding, make sure that the MP3 player you want is compatible with your computer. Nearly all work with PCs, but not all work with Macs. If you use a Mac, you're best sticking to an Apple iPod.
Optional Extras
- Radio: FM radio reception is more common on Flash MP3 players than in the more common hard-drive models. Some even feature FM recording and presets.
- Line-in remote: A control area in the middle of the headphone cord is useful for larger hard disk MP3 players that you can keep in a bag. Apple's iPod and some other players have a clip for attaching the remote to your bag, and the iRiver remote displays song info.
- Voice record: Some MP3 players have a small internal microphone - great for conversations or lectures, but not for high-quality music recording.
| Pick Your Perfect Player |
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Think about what sort of music listener you are. Not whether you prefer jazz or rap, but how often you listen and whether you listen when exercising or commuting. Then find your perfect match on eBay:
- Music Obsessive
If your CD collection is bursting at the seams, rip it all onto your computer and transfer it onto a large-capacity hard disk MP3 player. A Flash player won't have the capacity you want. Choose a 60GB Apple iPod, Toshiba Gigabeat or Creative JukeBox Zen NX Extra (which costs less than a 40GB iPod). Other sizeable hard disk players include the iRiver PMP, Archos AV700 and Xclef HD-500 Jukebox.
If audio quality is priority, look at the 20GB Rio Karma or iRiver H320, which has an excellent built-in microphone.
- Commuter
If you just want some tunes on the train, choose a player with space for enough music to get you through the journey. Also look at sound-isolating headphones to spare you from train noise and your fellow commuters from your music. If you commute by car, look for an adapter and cigarette-lighter charger.
Great MP3 players for commuters include Creative Labs' MuVo Micro N200, which has a 1GB hard drive and replaceable AAA batteries.
- Runner
If music keeps you going when you exercise, you don't want a player that jumps and cuts at the first sign of movement. The player should also be lightweight, compact and easy to operate with one hand.
The answer is a Flash MP3 player such as the Apple iPod Shuffle, iRiver iFP series, Rio Cali or Rio Forge, all of which are small and can withstand lots of movement. Many support removable memory cards and Microdrive, but check before bidding. Also consider buying an armband and headphones that stay in place. The earphones and earbuds normally supplied with MP3 players will pop out when you run.
- Occasional Listener
Flash players are good if you just want to listen now and then, but a micro hard disk player will give you more gigabytes for your money. Micro players contain miniature hard disks with 4GB or 6GB capacity. Examples include the iPod Mini, Rio Carbon and the Creative Zen Micro, which has a replaceable battery.
Another money-saving choice is a hybrid CD/MP3 player such as the iRiver SlimX or Rio Volt. Again, hard disk players are better value per gigabyte, but a combined MP3/CD player usually costs less overall. MP3/CD players also play back audio CDs as well as MP3s burned to CD.
| All About iPods |
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 iPod has become shorthand for "MP3 player", and you'll find thousands of them for sale on eBay.
Apple's iPod comes in all shapes and sizes, from the tiny iPod Shuffle to the 60GB hard disk iPod to the latest fourth-generation (4G) full-colour iPod which combines a standard iPod features with an iPod photo.
Find out which accessories are included with your iPod. Good eBay sellers will include a dock (speaker and charging unit), headphones (sometimes called earbud headphones) and a FireWire or USB 2.0 cable.
Here are just a few of the iPods you'll find on eBay:
- New iPod 4G (20GB, 40GB or 60GB): The 4G models have the full-colour display and slideshow features of the iPod photo, plus all the advantages of the standard hard disk iPod. Still not WMA compatible, though.
- iPod photo (30GB or 60GB): Carry your photos along with your music. The hard disk iPod photo has a colour screen for viewing JPEG, BMP, GIF, TIFF and PNG images. You'll also see older 40GB models on eBay.
- iPod Mini (4GB or 6GB): This dinky hard disk audio player has up to 18 hours of battery life and comes in colours including pink, green, blue and silver.
- iPod Shuffle (512MB or 1GB): Apple's first Flash player is about the size of a pack of chewing gum and has no moving parts, so it's perfect for runners.
- iPod U2 Special Edition: Has all the features of the newest 20GB iPod, plus a black case includes a red click wheel and U2's autographs on the back.
Buying a Retired iPod
Older iPods cost less than their 4G successors, but there are things to consider when buying one.
- Battery life: iPods use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, which you can recharge between 300 and 450 times. After that, the battery dies completely. Many MP3 experts regard the iPod's battery life as disappointing. Check with the seller that the battery still works or was recently replaced.
- Windows compatibility: First and second-generation (1G and 2G) players usually need extra software to work with Windows.
- The wheel: 1G players have a mechanical scroll wheel for selecting menus, 2G players use a touch-sensitive non-moving wheel and 3G players use touch-sensitive buttons. If you don't want to select things accidentally, choose a 4G player.
- Connections: 1G and 2G have a FireWire data port; 3G players use a connector dock. Make sure a dock is included with players that have lower storage capacity.
| Get Music for Your MP3 Player |
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Download music from a reputable online service such as Napster or Apple's iTunes Music Store. Napster and iTunes charge £0.79 per song, making it a quick and easy way to build up your music collection.
However, make sure that your player will work with the formats offered. "Format wars" mean that iTunes downloads only work on Apple iPods, and Napster downloads only work on anything that's not an iPod. If you want to use Napster or another service that uses WMA files, buy a player that supports WMA, such as those from Creative Labs, Dell, iRiver and Rio.
| Service |
File Type |
iPod Compatible |
| iTunes Music Store |
AAC |
Yes |
| Napster |
WMA |
No |
| OD2 |
WMA |
No |
Other ways to get music:
- Files on your computer: If you've already ripped or downloaded lots of music, choose a player that supports the same format.
- CDs: First you'll need to convert your CDs to MP3, WMA or another compatible format. If the seller can't supply the necessary software, check the manufacturer's website for downloads and updates.
| MP3 Player Accessories |
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eBay is full of accessories that will protect your hardware, improve your player's audio quality or turn it into a hi-fi or car stereo.
- Headphones: Sound quality of MP3 players varies, but not as much as sound quality of headphones. Some headphones have special features that keep external noise out - for example, Etymotic ER-4 earbuds have rubber seals that block out surrounding noise.
- At Home: You'll find many different MP3 player docks on eBay. Some can transform your player into a room-filling stereo and are tiny enough to pack for holidays.
- In the Car: Take your music on the road with an adapter, car cigarette lighter charger and iTrip FM transmitter. Be careful when buying a charger. Even if the plug physically fits, it still needs to have the right polarity and voltage.
- On the Go: Look for a protective case or armband for running.
- Optional add-ons: In eBay's MP3 Players category you'll find in-line remote controls, jogging kits, deluxe carrying cases, Flash memory cards and adapters, Microdrives, USB/FireWire kits, extra rechargeable batteries and all your little audio player could possibly desire.
| How to Find MP3 Players on eBay |
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There are lots of ways to find the audio player or accessory you want on eBay. Here are a few tips:
- Search
If you know what you're looking for, use the Search box. Go to the Consumer Electronics Overview page, type in your keywords and select MP3 Players from the drop-down box. For example if you're looking for an iTrip FM transmitter, type in "iTrip" and select MP3 Players.
- Narrow your search
Just above the listings you'll see a short list of the most popular brands matching your search. In the MP3 Players category these may include Apple, Creative Labs, iRiver, Archos and Rio. Click on a brand to see matching items currently for sale.
The list may also include popular search terms such as Shuffle, iPod Photo, Mini, earphones, Zen, iTrip, memory card and Microdrive.
You can also narrow your search by using the Categories list on the listings page. For MP3 Players, the list includes Apple iPod, Archos Jukebox, Creative Labs Nomad, D-Link, Iomega, iRiver, Rio, Sony and 1GB & Below.
- Browse the categories
To browse for MP3 players and accessories, start from the Consumer Electronics Overview page and click the categories that interest you. For example if you want a Rio Nitrus 1.5GB Mini Jukebox, click the Rio link to see all Rio MP3 players and accessories currently for sale.
- Want It Now
Desperately seeking a remote for your iPod Shuffle, or a battery for your Creative Labs Zen Micro? Post a message on Want It Now and tell millions of sellers exactly what you want. Post your message in the MP3 Players category, or target specialists by posting in MP3 Player Accessories.
- Go to eBay Shops
eBay Shops are run by experienced eBay sellers who sell hundreds of items each day. They tend to specialise in one area such as hard disk MP3 players or storage devices such as memory cards and Microdrives, so you're buying from someone who knows their stuff. Click the eBay Shops link on the eBay homepage, then click MP3 Players to explore items for sale by iPod specialists, Creative Labs experts, headphone shops and so on.
To search just within eBay Shops, go to the eBay Shops homepage and enter your search term, such as "iRiver". The results will look similar to any other listings page, but the sellers are all Shops sellers.
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If you can't seem to find exactly what you want on eBay, try shopping at an eBay Store, tell the eBay community what you want by creating a post on Want It Now, or save a search on MyeBay and eBay will email you when a match becomes available.
| Buy With Confidence |
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You may find the racing bike of your dreams and want to bid on it. But before you do, here are some tips:
- Work out the postage and insurance: Include the cost of delivery in your calculations when deciding how much to bid. If you spend a lot of money on an MP3 player, make sure the seller will insure it when posting it.
- Read the item description carefully: This is particularly important with expensive items like 4G iPods, iPod photos and 60GB Creative Labs players. Check whether the original software is included with the player. If the listing doesn't say so, click the "Ask Seller A Question" link to find out before you bid.
Is it under guarantee? What are the terms?
- Check the return policy: Email for clarification if you need it.
If in doubt, ask. Important information about included software, battery age, earphone quality, included memory cards or hard disk size will be crucial to your decision to bid.
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