The Clash of MP3 Players and iPods

In the music universe, being number one means having the best of everything. From storage space and versatility to style and functionality, engineers have been moving towards the realization of that need. Not since the mp3 players and ipods have we seen the most amazing array of music devices available for audiophiles and techno rats.

It is interesting to note that MP3 players and ipods have always been mistaken for each other. And as hard as the brand managers try to differentiate their product from competitors, society has the last say on which product makes it and what its nickname will eventually become. MP3 players and ipods started out fairly the same; both are portable, audio players designed to eliminate the need for compact discs. MP3 players and ipods play a variety of music file formats from WAV, MP3, WMA, and MPEG to name a few. Both can also work as file storage devices. However, MP3 players are flash drive storage devices only. They have a limited capacity of up to 1 GB whereas ipods give the user a choice between a flash drive and a hard drive that can store up to 60 GB in memory size.

The competition between MP3 players and ipods extend to the capabilities of the devices. The features offered by MP3 players include an audio player, storage device, voice recorder telephone directory and an FM radio. Though it sounds like a fully loaded car, you are actually limited in terms of accessories. The wildest thing you can do to MP3 players is change the neck strap. Ipods have a wider selection and gives you more freedom to personalize it. Aside from being audio players, there are ipods that can show your pictures with its small LCD display. And with the latest ipods that play videos, you will always have something to keep you company on those stormy nights, alone in the car.

Ipods also give its user the freedom to dress up or dress down their units. There are websites that offer stick-on covers for ipods like the ones at Decalgirl.com or Ipodstyle.com. Ipods can also be used as a slight PDA since some fanatics have tinkered with these digital players and used it to upload their address book and calendar from their computer.

Other accessories available to this device include waterproof cases, headphones, dock, speakers, a home clock/radio system, battery pack, cassette adaptor, media reader and FM transmitters. The list goes on and on as more people find ways to enjoy their ipods.

With technology changing as often as the months do, it is no wonder that the once prized MP3 players are now only second – bit players to ipods. From just being portable audio devices, they have come out of our pockets and have invaded clubs. The most favorite accessories of hardcore music junkies are these docks that serves as a “mixing table” for tunes right from their ipods’ playlist.

Club disc jockeys have a field day with this device since they can create new dance floor beats with their trusty ipods bringing in the crowd thus spawning a new generation of digital mixers. Even club patrons can get into the action by downloading their favorite tunes and taking it to the mixing table for a spin.

MP3 players are not yet obsolete. It still is the next best thing to ipods and as long as there are people willing to make do without the extra features, MP3 players will always be around. If you are tight on the budget but would still like to carry your tunes around without lugging the heavy compact discs then this is the device for you.

Yet, hands down to the winner of this clash of the best audio device – the ipods. More than a just an audio player, ipods have established itself as the icon of the digital age. Its popularity, ease of use and huge potential has taken the music industry by storm. It has taken a life of its own because it has created numerous gadgets and applications that appeal to the geeks, yuppies, artists and fashionistas. As more and more people fall in love with ipods, engineers will continue to work and deliver us the accessories that we can use to fully enhance our beloved toys.