iPod and Portable Media Player Buying Guide
How to Pick Up the Player You Need at the Price That You Want
Your Guide to the Most Valuable Media Players on the Market
When the transistor radio hit the market in a big way during the early 1960s, the dream of carrying your own soundtrack with you wherever you go became a tantalizing reality. Portable music technology took an even more dramatic step forward with the development of the Walkman in 1979. This device’s convenient headphones allowed listeners to have a personal musical experience while out in a crowd – and its tape deck freed them from dependence upon the whims of radio programmers. And yet, the Walkman (and its successor, the Discman) could not relieve users of the need to tote unwieldy tape and CD collections all over town. Fortunately, the digital revolution has resolved that difficulty as well. Today’s portable media players are capable of housing huge libraries of varied music and podcasts to keep even the most fickle ear amused – and many have now added a visual component to the mix.
With one of these devices in hand, no lineup, commute or waiting room need ever threaten you with boredom ever again. The only question now is: which of the hundreds of models will you choose? This guide is designed to help you to find exactly the right portable media player for your needs and budget. Before moving on to a discussion of the tremendous variety of media players on the market (along with a shortcut to finding the best deals on each of them), it’s important to determine what kinds of features you are looking for. The sections below will help you to zero in on 5 of the key factors in choosing a portable media player.
A. Screen and Body Size (and Screen Resolution)
Ideally, you’ll want to strike a perfect balance between a thin, light body and as large a screen as you can afford. This is particularly important if you plan to watch a lot of movies or videos on your device (in addition to simply being easier to see, larger screens also allow for better screen resolutions – a feature that will help to optimize your viewing experience). However, even if you will mainly be relying on your player for music, a larger screen size will definitely help you to navigate through your library more quickly and efficiently. Of course, larger screens do cost more money, so only you can make the final decision in this regard – but all shoppers would do well to avoid devices that add unnecessary surface area around the screen. Another important thing to keep in mind is that a larger screen size will place heavier demands upon your battery’s power supply – so always verify that the manufacturer has adjusted for this factor by pairing a more expansive display with a hardier rechargeable battery.
B. Flexibility of Controls/ Interface
Aim for a player that gives you as much control over the listening or viewing experience as possible. Quick file navigation is a must when you’re looking for exactly the right song to get you through a particularly trying or boring situation. Touch screen devices typically offer the most flexibility in this regard, because they can literally pile up an endless array of options on multiple menus. Touch screens also decrease the need for space-consuming buttons on the face of your device, freeing up more room for a vivid display. A few external buttons (especially for controlling simple input – but crucial – factors like sound volume) can definitely come in handy though. This is an especially important consideration for users who intend to rely on their players mainly for music while they’re on the go – i.e. classic buttons will always be more intuitive to use when your eyes aren’t free to pay close attention to the task in hand. Furthermore, as mentioned above, all of that touch screen real estate can really drain your battery’s power supply – so this option isn’t the best way go unless you are definitely planning to use your media player to watch movies and videos!
C. Battery Longevity
Make certain that you don’t get caught with a player whose battery can’t take you through the lengthiest jaunts on your schedule. Always keep in mind that battery life expectancy depends upon whether you are using your device primarily for audio or video playback. Heavy video watching will drain your player’s power much more quickly than audio use. Fortunately, there are many affordable options on the market that can offer a minimum of 5 hours’ worth of video performance – and this should save you from being stranded without a viable place to recharge during a long trip. Still, even a five-hour period can really fly by when you’re watching movies or playing games that require sophisticated graphics, so be sure to prepare a recharging strategy (i.e. perhaps by purchasing a charger that will work in your car).
D. Storage Space
As with home computers, portable media player storage space has exploded in recent years. Today, some of the best players offer up to 64 GB of available memory (i.e. enough to store up to 18,000 songs, or more than 60 movies in avi file format). One key thing to remember is that more storage space generally necessitates the use of an internal hard disk drive – a technology that is more vulnerable to damage than smaller flash drives with no moving parts (although today’s media players definitely offer a great deal of protection for your HDD). Still, if you don’t have an immense music or video collection, this is one area in which you might want to economize by choosing a 4 GB flash memory player over a larger, HDD-driven machine. In general, the hard disk drive is on its way out as a media player storage device, since it will always take up more space than flash memory and, as with portable technology, the trend is toward the development of ever smaller and more conveniently transportable devices.
E. Format Compatibility
Most crucial of all, make certain that your new device is properly configured to play the media files that you want to listen to or watch. If you intend to use your player for both types of activities, you should verify that it can read (at the very least) MP3, WMA, AVI, WMV, JPEG files. If you like to digitize your DVDs and CDs with software that generates less common types of files, be sure to check for their names on the player’s list of compatible formats before you purchase it. Another important thing to keep in mind is that not all manufacturers are created equal, when it comes to sharing and transferring your music from one player or system to another. Apple, in particular, tends to build roadblocks to library sharing into their devices and software programs. Astute users can overcome these restrictions with the help of sophisticated media file conversion software, but this can be a rather time consuming process.
1. iPod Players
Apple’s iPod remains virtually synonymous with the term “media player” – and the company has pulled out all of the stops in recent years to maintain its healthy share of this market. In these subsections, you’ll find an extraordinary range of media players, suitable to just about any user requirements or budget.
A. iPod Touch/iPhone 4
Introduced in the autumn of 2010, the iPod Touch is Apple’s most recent contribution to the portable media player field. The device features a number of unique advances beyond its predecessors, including a full-service multi-touch graphical user interface and direct access (via built in Wi-Fi) to the iTunes store, so that you can purchase and download music right onto your player, rather than going through the middle stage of acquiring it via your PC and then transferring it to the iPod. More than a simple media player, the iPod Touch also functions as a PDA (personal digital assistant), an e-book reader, a webcam, an internet device and a mobile video phone (via FaceTime). In fact, the iPod Touch is practically identical to Apple’s state-of-the-art smart phone, the iPhone 4 (although the more expensive iPhone 4 also brings cellular phone functionality to the mix).
The iPod Touch is definitely the premiere portable media player choice for users who intend to focus primarily on visual media (including extensive internet-based viewing – i.e. videos on Youtube) and are prepared to deal with the frequent recharging schedule necessitated by this use pattern. (As mentioned above, videos will place a much greater strain upon your battery’s power supply than audio playback.) Among the device’s most exciting components are the revolutionary A4 system chip, a battery that can play up to 40 hours of music or 7 hours of video and 960 X 640 resolution on the LED-backlit LCD screen.
As Apple’s latest-generation release, the iPod Touch is somewhat more expensive than most portable media players. However, these devices do come in a number of different models, available at a variety of price points. For example, a basic white or black 8 GB Touch (which contains all of the revolutionary functionality described above) sells for as little as $200! For much less than half that price, users with large audio-visual libraries can quadruple their storage space with a 32 GB Touch. And for the optimal experience of this state-of-the-art multimedia player and all-around electronic communications center, you can pick up a 64 GB iPod Touch for just above $400.
B. iPod Nano
Designed to go where no iPod had gone before, the miniature Nano is now in its sixth generation of pint-size portability! The Nano is the perfect iPod option for users who are primarily interested in listening to music while on the go, but want to reserve the option to settle in and watch a good movie or television program every once in a while (during a long car, train or plain ride, for instance).
The latest version of the device provides graphics in a 240 x 240 resolution on a square 1.54 inch multi-touch screen. The Nano uses flash memory storage and boasts a battery that can be expected to play 24 hours’ worth of music (or 5 hours’ worth of video) before it needs to be recharged. It lacks many of the tablet-like features of the Touch, but it does provide FM radio tuning and a pedometer for exercise enthusiasts, and comes in a wide variety of attractive colours. You can pick up an 8 GB Nano for less than $150! For double the storage capacity, a 16 GB version of the device sells for less than $200.
C. iPod Shuffle
Even tinier than the iPod Nano, the Shuffle is an audio-only device that introduced flash memory to the Apple line of portable media players in 2005. It’s the ideal iPod for users who want an ultra-compact media player to keep their ears company while jogging, powering through a circuit at the gym or taking a long bike ride across the countryside.
Now in its fourth generation, the Shuffle is smaller and more convenient than ever before, measuring a mere 1.1 x 1.24 x 0.34 inches and weighing in at 12.5 grams. The Shuffle’s battery can play up to 15 hours’ worth of music before it requires recharging, and the tiny device also features Apple’s patented VoiceOver functionality, which allows users to listen to and select from lists of songs read aloud by the software itself. 2 GB Shuffles in silver, pink, green, orange or blue models are generally price in the $50 range!
2. Sony Video Walkmans
The original developers of portable music playback technology, Sony now offers an excellent range of video-enabled players. Their most affordable 4 GB Video MP3 player (the E series) features a 2” colour LCD display (with 320 x 240 resolution), a built-in FM tuner, an easy drag, drop and go interface and a powerful battery that can power you through up to 50 hours of music or 10 hours of videos (price range: $60 to $70). An 8GB version of the same model generally sells for just a little bit more, while a 16 GB version will cost you a bit more than $100. Meanwhile, if you’re looking for a more intense visual experience, Sony’s S Series Video Walkmans boast a larger screen (2.4”), along with interesting features like voice and FM recording. The 8 GB version of this device sells in the $110 to $130 range, while the 16 GB model will cost you only a few dollars more.
3. SanDisk MP3 and MP3/MP4 Players
SanDisk offers an interesting array of memory card powered audio and video players. Their reliance upon memory cards gives users the flexibility to preload a variety of mixes onto a number of different disks for different situations or moods. The company’s entry level model of MP3 player, the 2 GB Sansa Clip+, which can store up to 500 songs, has a 15-hour battery, built-in clip for convenient transportation and a digital FM tuner, sells in the $35 to $40 range. For a 4 GB player that adds voice recording technology, bright OLED screen, and SD/SDHC memory card expansion slot, try the Sansa model for just a few dollars more. You can watch movies in 320 x 240 resolution on a 2.4” QVGA screen with the 4 GB Sansa Fuze MP3/MP4 player for as little as $60. Or get SanDisk’s top of the line player, the 16 GB Sansa Fuze, powered by a battery guaranteed to deliver 24 hours of music or 5 hours of video, for just a little over $100.
4. Coby Media Players
Coby’s simplest Micro MP3 (or WMA) player, featuring a 2 GB flash memory drive and an 8 hour battery life often sells for less than $20! Coby also offers a 2GB player that shows videos on a 1.8” LCD screen and features an integrated FM tuner for less than $30 – and a 4 GB version of the same device sells for just a few dollars more. For a more stunning visual experience, try Coby’s 4 GB 2.4” LCD media player (generally priced below $40). Check out their 4 GB widescreen 2.8” model, with 400 X 240 resolution and 10 hours of battery life (priced in the $40 to $50 range). Or pick up an 8 GB version of the same device that sells in the $70 to $80 range. Coby’s 3” LCD touchscreen model with 8 GB of flash memory, 480 x 272 resolution and 22 hours’ worth of audio play time generally sells for just a little bit more, while their top of the line 16 GB version of that series should cost you between $160 and $170.
5. Archos MP3 and Video Players
You can pick up Archos’ basic 2 GB Clipper MP3 player for less than $25! For a credit card sized device with 4 GBs of storage, a built-in audio recorder and FM tuner, 22 hours of battery life and 128 x 128 video resolution on a 1.5” screen, try Archos’ 15B Vision MP3 player for less than $30. Or get the 4 GB version of the same device for a price in the $40 to $45 range. The 18B Vision player gives your visual imagination a larger (1.8”) screen to work with, and generally sells in the $45 to $50 range. For just a little more, you can get a 4GB 3” touch screen model with about 13 hours of battery life – or pick up the 8 GB variant for less than $70! Archos’ state of the art portable media player, a 3.5” widescreen model with 8 GB of storage (plus micro SD expansion), 480 x 272 resolution, voice recording technology and 14 hours of music playback (or 5 hours of video playback) battery life, generally sells for around $100.
6. Mach Speed MP3 and MP4 Players
Mach Speed’s basic 4 GB Eclipse MP3 player, with a 10 hour battery life, generally sells for less than $20. For a stylish audio and video player that boasts a 1.8” LCD screen, 4 GB of storage, digital voice recording technology and seven equalizer modes, try the MP4 version of the Eclipse for less than $30. Or pick up an 8 GB version of the same device for a price in the $40 to $45 range. To add some luster to your video experience, get a Mach Speed Trio model, which features a 3” LCD screen, 4 GB of storage + expandable micro SD slot, built in FM radio tuner, 320 x 240 resolution and about 8 hours of battery life (price: generally around $60). Or gain access to a truly panoramic view with the 5” display version of the touchscreen 8 GB Trio MP4 player, which typically sells for around $100.
7. Philips MP3 and MP4 Players
Philips’ basic MP3 player, the 4 GB GoGear model, boasts a 1.8” screen, ultra-convenient navigation interface, FM radio tuner and JPG photo display (price: generally less than $50). To give yourself a more extensive selection, the 8 GB version of the same device sells in the $60 to $70 range, while a 16 GB variant will cost you about twice as much. Philips also offers the deluxe GoGear Muse, which features a 3.2” HVGA touchscreen display, 8 GB of memory (with MicroSD card slot), FM radio tuner, voice recording and a longer battery life, for about prices in the $120 to $130 range – or a 16 GB alternative for just a few dollars more.
8. RCA Portable Players
RCA offers an excellent 2 GB digital audio player with touch LCD display, carrying clip, 30 hours of usage power for every AAA battery used and the company’s patented “easyrip” media software for prices in the $30 t0 $35 range. Their 4 GB Ultra Compact MP3 player comes with many of the same features, but uses a rechargeable lithium battery that provides 15 hours of uninterrupted audio playback (price: in the $40 to $45 range). Or perhaps you’d prefer an 8 GB model with 1.5” colour display, video player technology (including automatic format conversion), photo display, FM radio and audio recording (price: in the $75 to $90 range).
9. XO Vision MP3 and Video Players
XO Vision’s basic 4 GB Silver Flash Portable Media Player offers video display technology on a 1.5” colour screen and typically sells for less than $30! Or you could opt for a 4 GB Video MP3 player that features a touchscreen interface, up to 22 hours of rechargeable battery life and a 3” colour display with 320 x 240 resolution (price: in the $45 to $55 range). The 4 GB Ematic Video/MP3 player, which doubles as a 5 megapixel camera and provides a 2.4” LCD screen for a rich viewing experience (and even functions as an E-Book reader), sells in a similar price range. Meanwhile, for just a few dollars more, you could choose the 8 GB version of the Ematic player/camera. Finally, XO Vision’s state of the art 3” screen, 8 GB multimedia player/camera generally sells in the $65 to $75 range.
10. iPod & MP3 Player Accessories
As one of the most popular electronic devices on the market today, the iPod has generated a great deal of demand for accessories and adapters of all kinds. Your iPod can become an even bigger part of your life, with just a little technological push from the items described below!
A. Basic Speaker Docks
When you want to share the wonderful music on your iPod or other MP3 player, a basic speaker dock can do the trick at a very cost effective clip. For example, the Curtis Black Sylvania dock (which will connect to any iPod or media player and makes a convenient stand for the device while it recharges) generally sells for between $10 and $20. For a price in the same range, you can pick up a stylish oval-shaped Curtis Sylvania speaker dock (in either blue or pink) that runs on regular AC power OR batteries (for outdoor mood music). Meanwhile, a translucent blue 2.0 speaker system/iPod support from iHome typically sells for between $15 and $20, and a compact Curtis Sylvania iPod charging base/speaker system will cost you about the same amount of money. Or you might want to opt for a Kinyo 2.0 portable sound system for PSP that is compatible with all media players and portable game consoles (providing 4 Watts of total power output and pre-amplification) and comes with its own handy carrying bag (price: in the $20 to $30 range)!
Another interesting option to consider is a dock that is designed to interface with the home audio system you’ve already got in place. For example, if you own a Cambridge Soundworks 720 radio, you can pick up an iPod dock to accompany it for an attractively low price. Or you could opt for Onkyo’s handy Remote Interactive Dock for iPod/iPhone, which syncs up seamlessly with any home entertainment system, doubles as a charger and gives you remarkable control over the playback experience via a dedicated remote control that interacts with an onscreen display (price: typically in the $130 to $180 range).
B. Clock/Radio Docks
To integrate your iPod even more completely into your daily routine, why not get a classic Curtis Sylvania Dock and Clock Radio (with AM/FM tuning, digital alarm clock, iPod dock, auxiliary input and charger) that sells in the $20 to $30 range? Or, for a similar price, match your player’s modernistic look with a stylishly designed silver Curtis Sylvania model with a gleaming, blue-backlit digital clock display. Sylvania also offers an ergonomic-handled, portable “boom box” style clock radio dock (in blue, silver or purple models) for just a few dollars more. Meanwhile, Pyle makes a compact clock radio with FM receiver and dual alarm clock that is compatible with most current iPod and iPhone models, and allows you to preset up to 10 stations (price: in the $35 to $40 range). Coby, Memorex, iLuv, iHome and JVC also sell excellent iPod dock clock/radios in the $40 to $60 range.
C. Wireless Docks
Free yourself from dependence upon your headphones and the electrical outlet with a Hip Street Wireless Indoor/Outdoor speaker dock for iPod or iPhone that features weatherproof speakers, powerful Lithium Ion batteries and a 2.4 GHz wireless range of 150 feet (price: generally in the $75 to $85 range). Meanwhile, Pyle’s wireless speaker/charger/docking system offers a 100-foot transmission range, automatic tuning and 3 transmission channels (to limit interference) for a little more than $100. Samsung, Jensen, Royal, Sonos, Pioneer and Roth also offer impressive wireless docking speaker systems for anywhere from $120 to $150. Or, for universal media player compatibility, a 150-foot wireless range, 2.1 stereo sound, a handy infrared remote control system and a Wi-Fi friendly GigaWave wireless audio transmitter, get Eos’ state of the art dock for anywhere between $250 and $300.
D. Adapters and Connectors
No matter what you’d like to do with your iPod, chances are there’s an adapter out there that can make it happen! For example, a mini stereo (3.5 mm) to ¼” ear plug adapter from Ultimate Ears can usually be had for less than $5. Belkin offers a convenient mini-phone stereo audio-to-RCA audio cable for less than $10. Or pick up an iLuv splitter that magically turns one headphone jack into two for about the same price! If you need a new USB sync cable for your iPod, Belkin offers a sturdy, lifetime guaranteed model for less than $20. Globetrotters will benefit from having a Franklin Electronic universal AC adapter for portable players on hand (price: in the $20 to $25 range). Play your iPod library through your car stereo system with a Smartsound MP3 modulator from Wagan Tech for about the same price range. Or pick up a complete world travel kit from Apple that includes 6 AC plugs that will interface safely and efficiently with power outlets in China, Japan, continental Europe, the United Kingdom, Korea, Australia and Hong Kong, among other places (price: typically less than $50).
E. Battery Chargers
You can bring home a basic iPhone/iPod/iPad compatible charger from nGear for between $5 and $10! For a 12 volt iPod charger that will connect to your car, get CTA Digital’s Rapid model that sells in the same price range. Or get a dual automobile charger that will power up any two USB-enabled media players simultaneously from Technology Direct for between $10 and $15. For extra peace of mind, a Belkin mini surge protector with 3 AC outlets and a USB battery charger is a bargain at prices less than $20. And for conscientious revitalization, you can’t go wrong with an iGO dual USB wall charger that will replenish your iPhone and iPod at the same time, while exceeding Energy Star green energy-use requirements by 85% (price: typically less than $20).
F. Carrying Cases
You can pick up a durable iLuv case for your iPod Nano that comes with a glare-free protective film to safeguard your device’s screen for less than $5! Meanwhile, Belkin’s translucent, 3-piece Lillian case for the 5th generation Nano typically sells in the same price range. Ladies can opt for a different look in protective strategies with a pink leather Elan case for the Nano from Griffin Technology for between $5 and $10. iPod Touch users can purchase an ergonomic grip case with a convenient carrying strap from Belkin for about the same price – or get a thin, lightweight metallic case that provides full button access to the 4th generation iPod Touch for between $10 and $15. Or add a touch of distinctive beauty or seasonal relevance to your protective system with a wonderful array of themed Speck Fitted Hard Shell cases for the iPod Touch from Zazzle (with designs like the Dolphin Nose, Coffee Cup and Spoon, Halloween Pumpkin Patch, 1968 Malibu car, Horses or the eerie Dia De Los Muertos Girl Skull motif). These much coveted items sell for anywhere from $50 to $60, depending upon the model.
G. Accessories For Use in the Car
It’s no secret that portable media players have revolutionized the experience of commuting and automobile travel – and manufacturers now offer a wide variety of accessories to further enhance your time behind the wheel or in the passenger’s seat! For example, a Belkin or Monster mini stereo cable will connect your iPod or other portable player to your car’s sound system, so that the whole family can enjoy the music (price: beween $10 and $20). You don’t want to run low on battery power while you’re on the road, so keep your devices functioning at peak capacity with an nGear two port mini USB charger, a TechnologyDirect dual USB charger or a Pyle power source/ USB charger that connects to your car’s cigarette lighter (all priced in the $5 to $20 range). Or consider a handy FM transmitter from Pyle that will interface with your media player and provides an easy to read 14-inch screen display (price: between $25 and $30). And for the ultimate in automotive iPod or portable media player use, check out iSimple’s Simple Trazit Car Interface Kit (which contains all of the cables and adapters you’ll need to fully integrate your device into your dashboard) or Magellan’s Premium Car Kit for travelers (which transforms your iPod Touch or iPhone 3GS into a full-service GPS navigator, and includes a built in speaker and a sturdy, adjustable mount that will accommodate most hard cases on the market). Each of these kits generally sells for between $105 and $130.
H. Skins
Konnet Technology’s silicone skin for the 5th generation iPod Nano will keep your device safe from scratches and give you full access to all of its crucial buttons and connector slots (price: less than $5). Or you can sheathe your device in a slim, form-fitting polycarbonate case from Belkin for about the same price range. Fourth generation iPod Touch users can choose from a wide variety of ultra-thin (below 1mm thick) GelaSkins in fun themes like the “Phono Bird”, “The Way is Out There”, “Rites Passage” or “On a Boat” for between $15 and $20. Or take even greater care of your Touch with a Roots Tuff Skin model that offers 3 mm of silicone rubber protection, and comes packaged with a screen protector (price: generally between $20 and $30).
I. Arm and Wrist Bands
Wear your music on your sleeve as you wander or workout with a Skin Tight sport armband from Speck that’s compatible with first generation 2 and 4 GB iPod Nanos (price: typically less than $10). Or lock your Eclipse media player into place with a specially designed, soft-but-durable Mach Speed armband that sells for about the same price range. Speck also makes rugged, Velcro strap armbands for later generation iPods and Motorola players for between $10 and $15. If you’d prefer to wear your sixth generation iPod Nano on a watch sized wrist strap, SwitchEasy offers an attractive line of black, red, pink and yellow Ticker wrist straps for less than $20. Or go for the ultimate in convenience and style with a Disney Mickey (red), Kermit (green) or Minnie (pink) Magic Wrist Band that provides immediate access to power and volume controls – available from the Apple Store for prices in the $25 to $35 range.
11. Headphones and Ear Buds
Replace your old headphones or ear buds with a brand new set of Super Bass Coby Jammerz MP3 buds that offer in-ear isolation and high-performance neodynium bass drivers (price: typically less than $5). Or pick up a pack of Pyle Ultra Slim In-Ear Ear Buds designed specifically for portable media players, with 3 sizes of silicone rubber buds so that you can get exactly the right fit (price: also generally less than $5). Pyle’s line of ergonomic and comfort sound isolating Flat-Wire earphones come in black, green and pink variants, and sell for around $10. If you’re looking for DJ quality sound playback, Skullcandy’s Heavy Medal ear buds are worth the extra cash (they are generally priced in the $75 to $85 range). Meanwhile, Nixon’s Micro Blaster ear buds boast a custom tuned 8mm titanium driver that delivers a massive sound for between $100 and $115. And Monster Cable’s state of the art Monster Mobile Jamz high performance ear buds will allow you to take the sound of your favourite club with you anywhere, and also come bundled with the ControlTalk Universal microphone so that you can use them to do more than just listen, when the phone rings (price: generally about $150).
12. Portable Speaker Systems
To go beyond the basic iPod dock/speaker system into a world of truly high performance audio playback, consider an iHome portable sound system that comes with 4 speakers, a class D amplifier, SRS Wow sound enhancement, a protective zippered case and a universal dock for your media player (price: in the $95 to $105 range). Turn things up a notch further with iHome’s 100W class D biamplified speaker system with twin 4” woofers and 1” dome tweeters, Bongiovi power station signal processing and flexible bass and treble controls (price: in the $200 to $225 range). Or go all with the way with a Bose SoundDock Series II Digital Music System that will accept connections from multiple MP3 players and can easily toggle between different playlists via remote control, in addition to offering high quality sound playback (price: generally between $300 and $350).
13. Miniature Portable DVD Players
Keep an eye on your favourite movies (or load up huge numbers of songs on a data disk), wherever you are, with a 7” Swivel Display portable DVD player from Coby that offers 480 x 324 resolution on a vibrant LCD screen and built-in stereo speakers for anywhere from $65 to $75. Or, for about the same price, try a Philips 7” portable DVD player that will accept DVD+/-R and DVD+/-RW disks, as well as CDS – and display them on a high contrast (200:1) screen with anti-glare polarizer and a quick 30 millisecond response time. RCA, Mustek, Audiovox and Supersonic also offer an attractive range of ultraportable DVD players that will help to keep your mind engaged while you’re on the go, at prices ranging from $70 to $90.
Get the Best Gear For Your Eyes and Ears
Today’s market offers a virtually limitless array of choices for people who want to tote their tunes (and vids) around town! With industry leader Apple setting a blistering pace with its latest generation iPod Touch, manufacturers like Sony, Philips, RCA, SanDisk and Archos are all generating exciting new products designed to offer an attractive balance between lower prices and efficient, vibrant performance. The media player revolution has also benefited immensely from the development of a wide variety of accessories designed to increase its impact in day-to-day life. With the increasing availability of high performance ear buds, speaker/dock/clock/radios for every budget to bridge the gap between solitary and social listening and snazzy protective cases and skins to keep your investment snug and unscathed, it seems like a safe bet that these devices are only going to become more popular in the years ahead. So what are you waiting for? “Portabilize” your playlist today!
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