Alternatively, consider the flash memory MP3 player, a lesser option: less
playing time, less music storage, less complicated and … well, LE$$!
These lightweight players actually plug directly into your computer's USB
port. MP3s, or pictures or files or pretty much any other data, can just be
dragged and dropped to what shows up on the computer as an optional drive. (You
will need to convert your CDs to MP3s, but recent versions of the most popular
media players, such as Windows Media Player and Real Player, come with this
capability.)
These devices are available everywhere (electronics stores, discount stores,
even drug stores) in many sizes and shapes with convenient little lanyards for
hanging them.
The price is directly related to how much storage and battery life they have.
The most common and least expensive ones usually hold 256 mg., about 60 songs.
There are fewer choices in how the songs are ordered or arranged, but it is also
much easier to scoot through the playlist using their simple, straightforward
controls. These players are battery operated by one or two A or AA batteries,
which can be a very good thing if an electrical outlet, a computer or a car
cigarette lighter are not in close proximity. This feature also keeps the
players lightweight.
Some of USB MP3s have removable media, such as flash drives, so you can load
a song selection in much the same way as a playlist–a nice feature if family
members share the player but not musical taste.
Kid Friendly
Speaking of family members, you are much more likely to permit a child to use
your flash drive MP3 player. They withstand being banged around much better than
the larger players. While every model will hang up at times due to selection
overload, or repeated rapid button pushing, the flash drive MP3s can be rebooted
simply by removing and replacing the battery, and since there are no
organizational structures in use, they restart ready to play. At the very least,
the intricate system of the organizational structure of the larger players must
be re-navigated, and often they must also be re-synced after rebooting.