Whether you're looking for a top-of-the-line portable MP3 player or one simply to get you by, it's important to note the manufacturer of the player.
After all, there isn't really anything anymore when you don't consider the brand name. Why should a portable audio player be any different?
Today, nearly every major electronics company has designed their own digital audio players for consumers. But it's obvious which companies are serious about serving customers' product needs and which are only after the quick buck.
With such a large global market available, many different categories, sizes, styles, and brands of digital audio players have sprung up. It could easily be said that something must be available to suit every consumers' needs.
There are a few popular companies that are doing just that: satisfying their customers. These top manufacturers include:
- Apple - Holding the largest percentage of the market, the famous iPod is the most popular MP3 player on the market. Apple's innovative players offer something for everyone, whether you're a gym rat or college book worm. Their early versions had problems with the batteries, but most have been cleared up by now.
- Sandisk - Well known for their flash drives and memory cards, Sandisk has entered the market with an impressive Digital Audio Player and Cruzer Companion. The flash Sandisk players are based off of their data storage technology for thumb drives.
- Rio - No, I'm not talking about a river in spanish. Rio Audio primarily develops both hard drive and flash based MP3 players. Their popular Forge and Carbon models are very trendy and dominate the industry.
- iRiver - Built for music junkies everywhere, iRiver audio products are well known and hip. Their vivid color video displays set them apart from the competition and make for an interesting music session.
- Creative - While they don't make MP3 players exclusively, Creative Labs has many well known models on the market. The Zen and MuVo models are very popular and well known for their ease of use.
It's essential that you evaluate many different models and brands before making a decision solely base on what your friends own. You'll be much happier with your device if you purchase for your needs, not someone elses.