Rock Your Budget

When buying an mp3 player, the main thing to consider is how you’re going to use it. Do you plan to run with it, or just listen to it on the bus? Are you only going to use it with headphones or through a dock? Do you want to be able to choose a specific song, or are you happy listening to music on shuffle? Knowing exactly what you want will help you maximize your budget.

If you want to listen to music while running, choose a small mp3 player that doesn’t have a hard drive. Hard drives don’t like to be shaken about and can easily break. Consider either the iPod shuffle or the iPod nano. Apple iPod nano

The shuffle is the most basic iPod and costs $79. The newest 4GB version is the width of your thumb and can hold up to 1,000 songs. True to its name, it’s best used in shuffle mode. There’s no screen, so you can’t choose a specific song.

The nano is about twice as wide and has a color screen. It comes in 8GB ($149) and 16GB ($199) sizes. If that sounds expensive, it is. There are cheaper models on the market. The nano, however, does have one big advantage. Unlike other mp3 players, it’s compatible with the Nike+ iPod running kit. At $29, the kit is an absolute bargain. Use it as you run to keep track of time, distance, and calories burned. It’s the cheapest personal trainer you can buy.

If the iPods are outside your budget, there are other options to choose from. The SanDisk Sansa Clip (1GB) is a fantastic value for the money. Prices start at just $19. It even has a digital radio built in. It’s perfect for the gym.

At $60, the Creative Zen Mozaic (2GB) is slightly more expensive. It does have a screen, plus a voice recorder and speakers. It plays videos as well as digital music. The downside is that it’s only compatible with Windows XP and Vista, so it’s not for Mac users.

If you want a more substantial mp3 player to listen to your music downloads, consider the Sony 16GB X Series Walkman. It has a stunning 3-inch display so you can watch videos, as well as listen to music. It has a wi-fi receiver and comes with noise-cancelling headphone. At $299, the Sony isn’t cheap, but it does have a lot to offer.

Whichever you choose, knowing what you want before diving in will help you rock your budget.