by Roberta Claus

The cheapest portable MP3 player is absolutely attainable to everyone. These days it is not surprising to find most people thinking budget when it comes to any electronic purchases. There are an abundant amount of choices of good quality MP3 players available that you can get reasonably priced.

With an MP3 player, a consumer can create personalized music lists and carry thousands of their favorite songs wherever they go. Some people use the term iPod when referring to an MP3 player. But an iPod is Apple’s version and isn’t the cheapest MP3 player on the market. But with newer models coming out all the time, it is possible to find a used iPod at a discount.

Portable MP3 players are merely a device that stores data and utilizes a software application that lets users transfer MP3 files onto the player.

MP3 players can weigh less than an ounce. The portability contributes to the MP3 players popularity. Many of the newer MP3 players have added functions, such as video, photo, and alarm functions. Some models also have cell phone and Web service but if you are looking for the cheapest portable MP3 players, you may have to get a more basic model.

MP3 players are as varied as the people who buy them. Choice is based on several factors, including how you plan to use it, the amount of music you want to carry in your MP3 player and how much you are prepared to pay. Remember, the cheapest portable MP3 player may be limited so you want to consider all the factors.

All portable MP3 players are battery operated. Most have a lithium battery that is rechargeable and can last between 10-28 hours. A lot of players come with AC adapters to be plugged into a home outlet and some have DC for cars.

Let’s take a look at the some basic types of MP3 players:

The flash memory is the smallest and lightest MP3 player. This would store fewer songs than a hard drive but is very portable. Due to the fact that it has no moving parts, it’s ideal to use while exercising. Some have up to 8 GB which allows up to 2,000 songs.

Hard Drive and Mini hard Drive MP3 players have more storage than the flash memory players but they are also heavier and larger.

For those looking for a player that can contain their entire music collection (up to 20,000 songs), photographs, data, and video and allow podcast recording, the hard drive is best. (The Apple iPod has models with 80GB).

Finding the cheapest portable MP3 player at discount prices is only a click away. You can find them at ebay and by shopping online at a number of sites that compare prices to models you select.

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