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Most people have heard of the iPod, but it's just one of dozens of MP3 players on the market. MP3 stands for MPEG-1 (Motion Picture Experts Group) Layer 3, but all you need to know is that it's simply the most convenient way to carry music around. It works by squeezing (or, to use the technical term, compressing) information in digital audio files, allowing you to fit every CD, cassette and LP you've ever owned into one tiny gadget.
In fact, to bamboozle you with technology, MP3 is only one of many audio compression formats. Some machines, the iPod included, use other formats, with such names as Advanced Audio Coding (AAC), Acoustic Transform Adaptive Coding (ATRAC), Windows Media Audio (WMA) and more. But, to simplify matters, all devices that play digital music files are known as MP3 players.
iPod calls the tune
The iPod accounts for two-thirds of the MP3 player market. Its manufacturer, Apple, announced at Easter that sales have reached 100 million since the first one was launched in November 2001. And with new models, such as Sony's video Walkman, arriving, the growth in the range of devices, especially mobile phones that also play and record music, shows that digital music is here to stay.
In the U.S., the biggest challenger to the iPod is the Zune from Microsoft.
It's not available in the UK yet, and a launch date is still unconfirmed, but its main difference will be the ability to share songs with other Zune owners. So, if a friend has a track you want, they can send it to your player using WiFi (a wireless connection). You'll only have the song for three days or three plays (whichever comes first), after which you'll need to buy the track from the Zune store, but it's an indication of the way MP3 players may function in the future.
Sound investment
How good your music sounds depends on how much you compress it. This is measured in the amount of information processed per second, or the 'bit rate'. An album downloaded at a lower bit rate takes up less space on your player but doesn't sound quite as good, while one that is downloaded at a higher bit rate takes up more space but sounds better.
MP3s make music portable - although this means sacrificing a little sound quality. But if you're jogging, sitting on a train or plugging your player into small portable speakers, you may not even hear the difference. And if you can, you'll probably agree it's worth it for the convenience of having all your songs with you.
Size matters
Since an iPod is basically a hard drive, like that of a computer, its size is measured in the same way, in megabytes (MB) and gigabytes (GB - a gigabyte being 1,000 megabytes).
Smaller capacity players use flash memory, which is smaller than a hard drive but more expensive.
Now that Apple and EMI have announced the introduction of higher-quality downloads, convenience isn't the only consideration any more.
As the largest-capacity iPod has enough space for 20,000 songs at a standard bit rate - 128 kilobits per second (kbps) - halving the space to 10,000 tracks is a small sacrifice to make in order to double the sound quality. But before you immediately plump for the highest bit rate available for your songs, bear in mind that, because you are downloading tracks from the internet, all the music will be duplicated on your computer (PC or Mac, though not all MP3 players can connect to Macs). So make sure you have the equivalent free space on your computer's hard drive. To check this, double-click on My Computer and you'll see an icon of your hard drive.
Right-click on this, and it will show you how much space is left on your hard drive.
If you're wondering whether music files will slow down your computer, the answer is no more than any other file.
How to download
To fill your MP3 player with music, you have to put the tracks you want on your computer. To start with, you'll need suitable software. The simplest of all is iTunes, which you'll want if you have an iPod. Visit www.itunes.com and download the software - it's free.
Next, you'll want to copy your CD collection onto your computer, a process called ripping.
This involves launching iTunes or other software (see page 80 for best websites for downloading), placing a CD in the computer's CD drive, converting the CD to MP3 or another compression format, and saving the tracks in the computer's hard drive. This takes a minute or so per track, and most of it is usually done automatically. If you have a broadband connection, when you place the CD in the drive, the software will check on the internet what disc it is and label the tracks accordingly.
Backing up the content of your hard drive is of paramount importance, so consider investing in an external hard drive. That way, you won't have to redo everything if the hard drive crashes and you drop your iPod in a puddle.
Once all the music is on your computer, just plug in your player and all your tracks will be transferred to it automatically.
Home systems
Although MP3 players were originally designed for music on the move, nobody wants to go to the trouble of downloading all that music and not being able to listen to it at home. A new generation of home systems allow you to play MP3 tracks through your hi-fi system.
Home speakers
There are numerous home speaker systems for MP3 players. Apple makes its own hi-fi, called, rather aptly, Apple iPod Hi-fi (GBP229; www.
apple.com/uk). Slot your iPod into the top and use the remote control to operate it. The sound quality is good and it is even portable, as it works from batteries as well as mains, though it's fairly heavy. It will work with the iPod shuffle and non-Apple players. The Bose Sound Dock (GBP250; www.bose.co.uk) offers rich, detailed sound, but only works with the iPod or iPod Nano. The Harman Multimedia Soundsticks II (GBP120; www.harmanmultimedia.com), however, will work with any player and are striking to look at and simple to set up. The Aego M speakers (GBP99.95; www.firebox.com) provide room-filling sound from two small satellite speakers and a larger subwoofer.
Docks
You can also connect your MP3 player to your hi-fi system via the player's headphone socket, but for the best sound from an iPod, choose a purpose-built dock - a gadget that links player and hi-fi. Apple makes its own iPod Dock (GBP25, or GBP19 for the Shuffle version; www.apple.com/uk), but there are several others that are worth considering. While most docks will charge your iPod's battery while you play, with the rDock from Arcam (GBP129; www.arcam.co.uk), you can choose not to. This, it is claimed, improves the sound quality by reducing distortion caused by the charging process.
Whatever the theory, it works beautifully.
Streaming
If you want to take music from your PC and play it on your hi-fi in another room, a wireless streaming system (a device that transfers sound from one location to another, without the need for cables) is the answer. The Sonos (from GBP800; www.sonos.com) is one such product, and it even has its own speakers. You simply connect a wireless amplifier to your computer and place the wireless speakers wherever you want them, though you will need to have a wireless network already in place for your computer. The sound quality is excellent, and you can play internet radio stations through it, too.
A cheaper option is the Pinnacle Sound-Bridge HomeMusic (GBP100; www.pinnacle sys.com), a striking brushed-aluminium tube.
The output cables that come with it connect to the back of your hi-fi, and the built-in WiFi card locates the computer where your music is stored. It supports iTunes and other software such as MusicMatch (www.musicmatch.com).
BEST WEBSITES FOR DOWNLOADING
If there's anything that puts new users off when visiting music sites, it's the minefield of compatibility. So the first thing to do is check which compression formats (see previous page) will work on your player. And don't forget Digital Rights Management (DRM), either. This is software, embedded in digital music files, that restricts how many times you can copy a track, how many computers or portable players you can transfer the music to and even, in the case of renting music (see www.napster.co.uk, right), how long the tracks will play for.
For each of the sites below, we'll tell you which formats they favour and whether restrictions apply. Don't be put off. You'll quickly find what works for you, and the rewards are many: you can choose to buy music by the track or the album, for instance, from vast online catalogues.
www.itunes.com If you have an iPod, this is the most user-friendly site.
And it's not just music that you can download - iTunes now offers games, music videos and podcasts. Podcasts are audio and video programmes, from trailers for comedy DVDs to companion pieces for popular TV shows such as The South Bank Show and Doctor Who. Podcasts on iTunes are free. Videos are currently limited to short animated films (GBP1.89 each). Tracks are in AAC format, and you can play them on up to five computers (Mac or PC), but unlimited numbers of iPods.
www.virgindigital.co.uk Easy to use, and as well as buying albums (from GBP6.99 each), you can also rent music (see www.napster.co.uk, below). It uses WMA format, and is not compatible with Apple Macs.
www.musicrecommenders.com A new music site from Nokia. Some of Nokia's phones, such as the new whizzy N95, include music players that are as sophisticated as an iPod. Tracks cost 89p.
They're all in WMA format, so they're of no use to iPod owners. All tracks have DRM, with restrictions that vary according to record label. Only for PC users.
www.emusic.com This excellent site charges a monthly subscription: for GBP8.99 you can download 30 tracks from its library of two million, all from independent labels.
They're in MP3 format, so will work with any player and have no DRM restrictions.
Mac- and PC-compatible.
www.connect.com If you have a Sony Walkman, you can choose from sites such as this one, which downloads only in Sony's own ATRAC format, with prices starting from around 89p per track. But there are harsh DRM restrictions, and it isn't Apple Mac-compatible.
www.napster.co.uk This subscription service, for PC users only, has three million tracks available to non-iPod users at around GBP15 a month. This fee allows you to rent music - stop subscribing and your audio files become unplayable - but you can also download tracks to keep for 79p each. These are WMA files.
MINI PLAYERS
Samsung YP-U2 GBP99
WEB www.samsung.com/uk
VERDICT This tiny MP3 player has an integral USB plug that connects directly to your computer without the need for cables. It has 2GB of memory, and works as well with Apple Macs as it does with PCs. Excellent sound - and value.
Apple iPod Shuffle GBP55
WEB www.apple.com/ukstore
VERDICT This minuscule 1GB iPod is smaller than some remote controls. It is light enough to clip on to a shirt or handbag, and efficient enough to give 12 hours of playback between charges. The buttons are idiot-proof, but the lack of a screen occasionally infuriates.
iRiver S10 GBP70
WEB www.iriver.com
VERDICT Your fingers will love this tiny player, which is almost all display - you even control it by pressing down the edges of the colour screen.
Tunes from its 1GB memory can sound a bit wobbly, and the woeful headphones it comes with should be recycled immediately.
Mcody M20 GBP89
WEB www.amp3.co.uk
VERDICT Turn on this featureless sliver of black glass and plastic to reveal a text-only display and five touchsensitive buttons. 2GB of storage is paired with a crackly FM radio and a recorder for radio or voice memos. Even with the cheap earbuds, songs sound great.
Finis SwiMP3 GBP112
WEB www.amp3.co.uk
VERDICT This waterproof player has ingenious 'cheek-phones', which conduct sound through the cheekbones to the inner ear.
Its 256MB of memory gives several hours of playback - enough for all but cross-Channel swimmers.
MUSIC SPECIALISTS
Apple iPod Nano GBP130
WEB www.apple.com/ukstore
VERDICT It's not hard to see why Apple has just sold its 100-millionth iPod.
From its aluminium shell to its simple clickwheel controller, the 4GB Nano looks as good as it sounds.
It lasts a day between charges and can hold hundreds of digital photos as well as music.
Sony Walkman NW-S203 GBP80
WEB www.sony.co.uk
VERDICT Liven up your gym sessions with this water- and sweat-resistant 1GB sports player. It also calculates running distance and calories expended, and you can even set it to play songs with a rhythm to match your exercise pace - or to automatically switch off when you've finally burned off that second Kit-Kat's worth of calories.
iRiver X20 GBP150
WEB www.iriver.com
VERDICT The X20 comes with a clever, future-proof feature: a microSD card slot that allows you to expand its 8GB of internal storage. You can connect it to your CD player to create instant MP3 versions of your CDs, and it will also record voice memos and entertain you with music and chat from its FM radio.
BESTBUY
Philips GoGear SA9200 GBP120
WEB www.philips.co.uk
VERDICT Look beyond the cramped 134in screen to enjoy the best of this straightforward and stylish 2GB player. There are no frills or extras, just solid build and sound quality, with a far better pair of headphones than is usually included with MP3 players. Its battery life, which is just 14 hours, could be better, though.
Sandisk E260 GBP150
WEB www.sandisk.co.uk
VERDICT Oversized and a touch overpriced, the E260 wins back points with a microSD memory expansion slot and reliable audio playback. If you want to view photos on its bright screen, you have to convert them using Sandisk's own software - a timeconsuming task.
VIDEO PLAYERS
Archos 704 WiFi GBP330
WEB www.archos.com
VERDICT With its 7in touchscreen, the 704 is big enough for shared viewing.
The 40GB Archos also links to your PC so that, with the addition of a GBP70 DVR Station, you can record direct from your television.
The most hitech portable player on the market.
Creative Zen Vision W GBP250
WEB www.europe.creative.com
VERDICT More like a multimedia powerhouse, this sleek 30GB player blasts out great sounding tunes as well as a wide range of digital videos. The 414in display is its real selling point, but using it to play movies cuts the 13-hour battery life to 412 hours.
Apple iPod GBP260
WEB www.apple.com/ukstore
VERDICT The 80GB Apple's 212in screen is a little small for watching feature-length movies, but everything else is perfect. It breezes through videos and audiobooks, plays games and stores tens of thousands of tunes.
It also connects seamlessly to the iTunes software.
Sony Walkman NW-A808 GBP180
WEB www.sony.co.uk
VERDICT Sony's first video Walkman is a slice of multimedia magic. The 2in screen is small but crisp and bright, and its 8GB capacity can hold more than 30 hours of video footage. At just 9mm thick, it's by far the slimmest video player in this selection.
iubi Blue GBP269
WEB www.amp3.co.uk
VERDICT This unassuming player conceals Bluetooth technology for use with wireless headphones, and lets you plug in your TV or DVD player to record TV shows and films.
The 414in screen can handle a variety of video formats, with sluggish menus being the only disappointment.
ACCESSORIES
Sennheiser PXC 450 headphones GBP300
WEB www.sennheiser.co.uk
VERDICT Tune into an oasis of calm with these noisecancelling headphones.Not a whisper of music leaks out, and at the touch of a button you can turn down the music and talk to those around you, thanks to microphones on the outside of the headphones.
Logic3 iStation Traveller GBP20
WEB www.spectravideo.com
VERDICT Liven up a day trip with these folding travel speakers. They connect to any MP3 player's headphone socket and come in six colours, but their sound doesn't quite match their looks. The Traveller runs on three AAA batteries - use rechargeables to prevent waste.
istuff iCast GBP30
WEB www.iworld.co.uk
VERDICT This newly-legalised gizmo turns your MP3 player into a mini radio transmitter. Simply plug it in to the headphone socket and you'll be able to hear your digital tunes through any nearby radio by tuning it in to an empty
Fatman iTube GBP500
WEB www.fat-man.co.uk
VERDICT Do you ever miss the sound of your vinyl collection?
Now you can have the best of both worlds, with an iPod dock that combines digital technology with retro speakers.
Griffin iKaraoke GBP30
WEB www.firebox.com
VERDICT Forget Pop Idol, this gadget can turn anyone into a radio star.
Attach it to an MP3 player, tune in a nearby radio and choose a favourite song from your playlist. The iKaraoke has a circuit to remove recorded vocals, and a microphone for adding your own.
MUSIC PHONES
Sony Ericsson Walkman 950i GBP325
WEB www.sony-ericsson.co.uk
VERDICT This large handset delivers superb sound. The 212in display has a handy stylus, and its 4GB of storage gives room for 4,000 tunes. The lack of camera and memory card slot makes it feel old-fashioned.
Nokia 5300 GBP150
WEB www.nokia.co.uk
VERDICT This smart budget phone could have been designed with teens in mind: it has dedicated music buttons, a fun 1.3-megapixel camera and a simple drag-anddrop PC interface for adding music. Better still, it's made from tough, rubberised plastic.
Motorola RAZR MAXX V6 GBP250
WEB www.hellomoto.co.uk
VERDICT Not only does RAZR MAXX sound like a bad American rock band, the phone itself excels at pumping out American rock - of all qualities - through wireless Bluetooth earphones. It's a hightech 3G handset for fast data transfer and web surfing, too.
LG Prada GBP400
WEB www.pradaphonebylg.com
VERDICT Apple's eagerly-awaited iPhone (due in the autumn) already has a touchscreen rival in the elegant, key-free Prada. Tap the 3in display to dial, text (slowly) or choose tunes, which can be stored on tiny microSD memory cards.
Sony Ericsson Walkman W880i GBP310 WEB www.sonyericsson.co.uk VERDICT This ultra-slim handset is also clever.
If you hear a song you don't know (whether out loud or on its built-in FM radio), the phone has a recognition program that tracks it down online. It comes with a 1GB card for storing music.
Mel C's favourite downloads Once you've mastered the art of downloading, here suggestions from former Spice Girl, Melanie Chisholm
Maximo Park Girls Who Play Guitars I've always been a fan of this band, and when I saw them live in Milan recently, this was the standout track.
Mark Ronson Stop Me Mark Ronson is the man of the moment after producing for Amy Winehouse and Lily Allen.
This is an introduction to vocalist Daniel Merriweather - his voice works brilliantly here.
Christina Aguilera Hurt Christina is amazing. She immerses herself in a project, musically and visually. This is a beautiful ballad, co-written by one of my favourite collaborators, Linda Perry.
Queens Of The Stone Age No One Knows This fabulous track is great fun to play air drums to, with my band on the tour bus!
Melanie's new single Carolyna is out on 11 June. She sings live at London's Mean Fiddler on 6 June, and at the Isle of Wight festival on 10 June.
Mel C's favourite downloads Once you've mastered the art of downloading, here suggestions from former Spice Girl, Melanie Chisholm
Copyright 2007 Associated Newspapers Ltd, Source: The Financial Times Limited
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