MP3 Player Buying Guides on the Web

The Internet is full of MP3 player buying guides; there are so many that it can be very confusing! The best one we have found is the one on CNET (www.cnet.com), which breaks down recommendations and buying information into categories, such as hard drive based MP3 players, flash-based MP3 players and MP3 CD players. It even includes a guide on how MP3 players work for newbies to this technology.

Another great buying guide that will help you clarify which type player you need is on About.com under Portables. This guide helps you clarify what you need in a player, and what you don't.

The key questions to ask yourself when shopping for an MP3 player are these:

• How long will I use my player at a time - how much memory will I need?
• Will I be using it while working out in rugged environments?
• Do I want it to replace my car radio - should I get a built-in FM tuner?
• Do I need it to also record voice messages?
• How important is sound quality?
• Does it have to work with a MAC (some players are PC only)?
• Does it have to have a long battery life, and do you need the batteries to be easily accessible?
• Does it have to look cool?

Review the answers to these questions with the available MP3 players on the market, and choose the most affordable one that meets your criteria best!