Types of MP3 Players
MP3 players are usually categorized according to the electronic memory media type used for its data storage. There are three types of MP3 players on the market today: the flash MP3 player, the hard-drive MP3 player, and the CD MP3 player. Although they share the same basic functions, they differ in almost every other aspect: storage capacity, physical size, durability, and battery life.
Since flash memory is ultra compact and energy-efficient, flash MP3 players are extremely small and have a long battery life. Because flash MP3 players do not have moving parts, these units have eliminated the problem of skipping during audio play. Flash MP3 players are limited in their storage capacity.
Hard-Drive MP3 players have a large capacity and low cost per bit, thus this type of MP3 player offer large storage capacity. They are larger and heavier than flash MP3 players, and include moving parts, which may result in skipping during audio play. Recently miniature models and anti-skip protection technology have combined to alleviate these drawbacks.
Compact Disc MP3 players are not as popular as hard-drive or flash MP3 units, but continue to have a small market share due to consumer support for conventional audio CD. Recently these players have been enabled to burn audio files to inexpensive CD R/RW discs, and so therefore are a cheaper technology. Disadvantages of these units include their large size and occasional skipping during audio play.
Even though CD players paved the way for MP3 players, their eventual obliteration is predicted. Major manufacturers remain focused on flash and hard-drive MP3 players.
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