What are the basics of non-iPod MP3 players?

SanDisk Sansa e280 8 GB MP3 Player at Amazon.com
Once upon a time, audiophiles who wanted to take their music with them simply popped a cassette into their Sony Walkman and hit the road. Times certainly have changed. Now it seems that every month brings the announcement of another manufacturer eager to take a bite out of the multibillion-dollar portable music industry.

And while choice is always a good thing, when it comes to digital players customers have a dizzying array of options. In addition to decisions about the device’s physical size and storage are a number of other factors to consider when buying an MP3 player.

If you want to learn all about iPods and which one is right for you, check out our help guide on the topic. If you love music just as much as the next guy but you just don’t want to have the exact same player he has, keep reading. This page is all about non-iPod MP3 players.

Still, choosing the device that suits you best isn’t as easy as it sounds, thanks to a list of MP3 players and manufacturers that is growing exponentially. Although no guide can be all-inclusive, here are some suggestions to help you find a player you’ll enjoy.

Go to the top of the page

How much storage space do you need on an MP3 player?

This is often the easiest place to start because it can help you narrow the field. Choices range from Creative’s 1 GB version of its Zen Stone and the 2 GB version of its Zen Stone Plus players to the robust 80 GB versions of the Microsoft Zune and 80/160 GB versions of the Archos 605 and 705.

Go to the top of the page

Do you want to play videos as well as music?

Today’s MP3 devices can do much more than just play music. The Archos 705 Wi-Fi is a prime example. You can use it to record your favorite TV shows, download videos, or surf the Internet.

Go to the top of the page

What is a good size for an MP3 player?

For devices designed to show video, the display takes priority. But if you’re looking for maximum totability, it’s amazing how small some of the players can be. Measuring a slim 0.3-inches wide, you can take Samsung’s slim-line MP3 players virtually anywhere.

Go to the top of the page

Are you using a Mac or a PC?

The world of MP3 players offers more choices for PC users. For example, Microsoft’s Zune is not compatible with the Mac. But other manufacturers’ devices are compatible with either Mac or PC platforms.

Go to the top of the page

What are some other features of MP3 players?

The myriad of other options include everything from data storage, voice recorder, and FM radio to picture viewing, calendar syncing, and wireless capabilities. Both the Microsoft Zune and the Archos 605 and 705 Wi-Fi offer wireless connectivity along with a long list of additional features.

Go to the top of the page

How do you plan to purchase new music?

Companies eager to secure dollars from your music budget have instituted proprietary file formatting, which imposes limits on where you can buy new music. In general, a device only plays songs purchased at its manufacturer’s preferred store. For example, songs purchased on iTunes cannot be played on devices other than iPods. This digital rights management, or “DRM,” commonly refers to software that is designed to control or limit how a file can be played, copied, downloaded, shared, or accessed. However, Amazon MP3 provides DRM-free MP3s, which means that the MP3 files you purchase from Amazon.com do not contain any software that will restrict your use of the file. Amazon MP3 files can be played on any device, including iPods. Read more about Amazon MP3 in the Digital Downloads Help Center.

Go to the top of the page

Do you want more than just music and videos?

Archos 705 Wi-Fi Portable Media Player at Amazon.com
The Archos 705 Wi-Fi is chock full of functionality: a 7-inch high-resolution display, superior video quality, touchscreen menus, and Wi-Fi capabilities for streaming content to your player or TV. This abundance of technology weighs in at a feather-light 22 ounces.

Available in 80 GB and 160 GB capacities, the 705 plays the most popular music and video formats, including movies and TV shows from Amazon Unbox. It also comes Internet ready, giving you on-the-go access to the Web and hassle-free purchasing and downloading of content.

Away from your TV? There’s no need to miss your favorite shows. The DVR Station Gen 5 is an optional docking station that converts your 705 Wi-Fi into a portable DVR. Not only does this make it possible for you to record straight from your TV, but you can play back video files from your Archos player through your home entertainment center.

Go to the top of the page

Do you want robust functionality without the Wi-Fi commitment?

Creative Zen V Plus 4 GB Portable Media Player at Amazon.com
If you’re among the millions who don’t want to worry about Wi-Fi when considering a player, the Creative Zen V Plus is for you. This feature-filled MP3 player–offered in 1 GB, 2 GB, 4 GB, 8 GB, and 16 GB capacities as well as a host of colors–delivers superior sound quality in a compact design. The Zen V Plus also includes an FM radio tuner with up to 32 station presets, making it possible to catch a game, keep up with the news, or check traffic reports while you’re out and about.

A few other features unique to the Zen include a built-in voice recorder; the ability to sync up the player with your Microsoft Outlook calendar, contacts, and task list; and a line-in jack, making it possible to record CDs, records, and beats without ripping files to your computer first.

Go to the top of the page

Do you want to share your music?

Zune 80 GB Digital Media Player at Amazon.com
Microsoft’s Zune plays music and video, but that’s where similarities with other players end. Zune is designed as an interactive player, with owners encouraged to create online profiles through the Zune Social site.

Members of the Zune Community create cards personalized with images and their favorite songs as well as links to information about online friends–all displayed through Zune profiles. The site also lists the most played songs, albums, and artists, making Zune Social an easy way to discover new music while sharing your taste with the world.

Zune is available in a variety of sizes, including 4 GB and 8 GB flash as well as 30 GB and 80 GB hard drive. Audio and video playback is offered regardless of which size you select. Using Microsoft-provided software, music can be purchased through the Zune Marketplace, a site loaded with more than three million songs, albums, music videos, and podcasts.

Go to the top of the page

Do you want a basic, no-fuss player?

Samsung YP-U3JQW 2GB USB Digital Audio player with FM Radio at Amazon.com
Compact, reliable, and straightforward, the Samsung U3 is proof that “basic” doesn’t have to mean “ugly.” The functional 4-line screen displays artist and title information, and touch-sensitive controls on the front of the player let you quickly get to the song of your choice.

The small (1 x 0.4 x 3.1 inch) player makes use of a retractable USB so you can add and remove audio files without additional cables, cords, or docking stations. It’s ready to go right out of the box, so just plug the U3 into your computer, then drag and drop songs. The U3 plays MP3, WMA, and WMA-DRM10 formats and is available with 2 GB of storage.

Tired of your music files? Tune into the U3’s FM radio with an automatic preset scanning function. You also can use the device as a recorder.

Go to the top of the page

Do you want a player geared toward children?

SanDisk Sansa Shaker 1 GB MP3 Player at Amazon.com
Whether your little one is addicted to a song or just likes to shake things up, the Sansa Shaker from SanDisk offers a fun take on portable music. Designed more like a toy than an MP3 player, the sturdy plastic case is proportioned for little hands to grasp.

Traditional controls are straightforward: twist the base to move between tracks, twist the top to adjust volume, and hit a single button to pause/play songs. But the non-traditional controls are the best part: give it a shake to shuffle the playlist and hear fun sound effects.

SanDisk provides a USB cable, lanyard, preloaded songs, and stickers (for device customization), as well as either 512 MB or 1 GB of storage. A single AAA battery powers the 2.6-ounce device. Plus, the Shaker features two headphone jacks so that two buddies can listen at the same time.

Although the single speaker will not produce top-quality sound, that isn’t the point. The Sansa Shaker–available in blue, pink, and red–provides a fun, interactive way to introduce youngsters to the world of digital audio.

Go to the top of the page