What Are Mp3 Files And How Can You Use Them?

By Paul Simari

Mp3 is a name for music files that are compressed and allow for ease in downloading music for personal use, while developed in 1991 the portability of the mp3 has only occurred in mass production over the last few years. Portable mp3 players have replaced many compact disk players and the almost obsolete portable tape players since they do not have the problems with skipping and the scratching that happens to compact disks.

Mp3 players have come a long way from the beginning with models that allow for viewing video and downloading files, while they are primarily used for music many cellular phone companies have begun incorporating mp3 players into their phones in order to tap in to the market of the portable mp3 player.

The 1980’s began with boom boxes held on the shoulders and later with the portable tape deck, later compact disk players took off now with the portable mp3 player we as a society show our interest in music and with the variety of models available we can also show off our style and interests.

Portability is no longer for the individual wanting to listen to music while exercising but to listen to while on the bus, train, plane or with the new portability of mp3 players attached to sunglasses and mp3 player stands as well as other products you can listen on motorcycles, in your car on your bed and to share with others.

Some of the popular brands already on the market are: Apple, Microsoft, Creative Labs, iRiver and SanDisc. An internet search for mp3 players can boggle the mind with the brands, prices, reviews, features and accessories available. One of the most important features to consider in an mp3 player is storage space. The amount of storage on an mp3 player is advertised in GB or MB.

Now for the math lesson

A 1 GB mp3 player has one gigabyte of storage which is equal to 1024 megabytes-abbreviated MB. One megabyte is equal to 1,048,576 bytes and a byte is equal to eight bits. Bit is a combination of two words: binary and digit. A bit is defined as the smallest unit of information in a media storage device and is represented as a 0 or 1. Are you confused yet? Remember 'The Matrix'? The characters could read that code of zeros and ones at a glance and form a picture in their minds. That is essentially what a computer or mp3 player does and then passes that "picture" on to you in the form of your favorite song or audio book.

Choosing a byte

Choosing how many megabytes or gigabytes you will need in an mp3 player depends on what you are going to store and how much. An mp3 player can be used to store audio books for listening on the go. Audio book lovers may require a higher level of storage. The most popular use of mp3 players is listening to music. Choosing a storage size for music files depends mainly on how many songs you want to store on your mp3 player. A 1 GB mp3 player is a good choice for anyone who is unsure about how much storage will be necessary. Most 1GB mp3 players hold about 240 songs at an average song length of four minutes.

A 1GB mp3 player may cost $80 to $180, depending on the brand and features desired. A review of available brands is easily found online to help you choose. If you prefer the good old fashioned, face to face shopping approach, most sales persons in your local electronics store can answer any lingering questions you might have.

While mp3 players are available with storage sizes of mere megabytes to 60GB and above, the 1GB mp3 player is a good starting point for the music enthusiast.

Paul Simari owns and operates an online Downloadable Digital Audio Book Store (ADCO Audio Books). He also likes to write articles about various products and services relating to Internet Marketing. You can find his website and free downloadable Audio Books here: http://www.AdcoAudioBooks.com/free Additional sites include: http://www.MediaInMotionGroup.com - http://www.HighlandsHiker.org