Microsoft MP3 Player

Microsoft Mp3 Player

By Anne Ahira

Portable music is big business and some big names in computing are getting in on the market. Enter the computer giant Microsoft, they have created a popular line of mp3 players in every size imaginable.

The Microsoft mp3 player is better known as the Zune and they are cropping up everywhere. From flash-based memory to the larger hard drive models, there is a Microsoft mp3 player for every taste.

Flash Based

Mp3 players with flash memory are the best for very active people. This is because the memory does not depend on moving parts. Therefore jostling around will not damage the player. You can get a Microsoft mp3 player in several sizes of flash memory, 2, 4, 8 and 16 GB.

Hard Drive

Hard drive players are just what they sound like an mp3 player with a small computer like hard drive inside. Generally speaking, anything over 16 GB is most likely a hard drive based player. Today the memory capacity of a Microsoft mp3 player with a hard drive can be as big as 120 GB that is larger than some older computers!

The down side to hard drive is they will not take a lot of punishment. You cannot bang them around during a routine workout and expect them to last very long. This is because also like your home computer these mp3 players have a tiny hard drive with moving parts. The moving parts can be damaged when they are subjected to intense motion.

Pros

Hard drive players can hold more media than you would ever need in a days’ time. At 120 GB, you are looking at the capacity to hold thousands of songs and hundreds of hours of video.

Flash-based players do not hold as much media however, they are more resilient and with the addition of SD slots in many models, the memory capacity is steadily increasing.

Both types of Microsoft mp3 player come with FM radio built in and the ability to record both voice and radio. All their players are sleek and nice looking with a substantial feel to them. The only thing you really have to consider when choosing one is what the most important feature is, size or durability.

Cons

It seems no company has been able to address two common problems that you will find even with a Microsoft mp3 player. These are battery life and ear bud quality.

The players themselves have wonderful function and capability but the batteries seldom reach the manufacturers promises. Some come close but few reach the 10-20 hour battery life promises on the packaging. Thus far, the median range is about 3 hours for video and 6 for audio.

There are quality ear buds on the market nevertheless mp3 players normally come bundled with sub standard ones that are frustrating to say the least. Most consumers purchase a quality pair and throw away what comes in the package.

Overall

A Microsoft mp3 player is a good consumer choice. They have made them competitive with the Apple brand of media players and kept the price within reason. Compare prices on these sites:

• Amazon
• Tiger Direct
• Jr.com
• Microsoft Store

We have additional information on this subject you may be interested in reading: MP3 Waterproof and iRiver Player.

Here's Microsoft MP3 Player Selections:

Zune HD 16 GB Video MP3 Player (Black)...	Customer Review: I admit at first seeing this out of the box, I wondered how something this size could measure up to other media players out there. Fortunately, everything about this player makes up for it. I don't know the size of the iphone or itouch; I honestly th... Read More
Zune 16 GB Video MP3 Player (Black)...	Customer Review: I like the simplicity of the Zune, but this is the second none HD zune that has up and died. This one didn't even last a day, the other one died after a few months. I just bought a Zune HD and so far, so good-I pray I am not making a mistake by sta... Read More	(567)
Zune HD 32 GB Video MP3 Player (Platinum)...	Customer Review: I admit at first seeing this out of the box, I wondered how something this size could measure up to other media players out there. Fortunately, everything about this player makes up for it. I don't know the size of the iphone or itouch; I honestly th... Read More
Windshield Car Mount Holder with Large Suction Cup...	Customer Review: I purchased this for my Zune 30 GB mp3 player, but it would fit just about any MP3 player. It's very adjustable, and well constructed. It also comes with a vent mount, which fit perfectly in my Volvo vent. I already have a GPS unit on the winshield, ... Read More	(2)
Ultimate Premium Accessory Bundle Combo for Micros...	Customer Review: Everything worked great and you can not beat the price. I like the fact most of the items are universal. Seller has great comunication.... Read More	(4)