An MP4 player works like an MP3 player as a container of digital data for entertainment purposes. The device is designed to record and play videos in a compact and portable way, providing hours of easily transportable and accessible entertainment. Inevitably, the storage is important for the video out put of the device. It needs to be able to contain the information, provide enough playing time, and at a high quality.



There are two types of MP4 player; the hard disc storage and the solid state memory type. The solid state is named as such because it does not contain any moving parts such as discs. Each have their pros and cons, so it important that you understand the differences before making your purchase.

Both types of MP4 player provide the same level of performance with regards to other general features. Both will store photographs, videos and music files which can either be downloaded from the internet or recorded directly. Both devices will have colour screens and both work best when the stored information is kept uncluttered. This means having clear files and storing only the required information on the device, keeping it reserved on the home computer until required. However, there are also some subtle differences that may affect your choice.

An important feature of the MP4 player is the storage capacity. The hard disc has the larger storage capacity of the two types. The hard disc can store up to 250 films, and so this is a major attraction. However, to achieve this it needs the addition of several components built in. These extra components make the hard disc device bulkier in terms of appearance and so this gives it the disadvantage of being less portable.

The solid state MP4 player stores less film, but the minimum amount is still around the hundred range. What it loses in terms of capacity, the solid state device makes up for in terms of portability. The solid state device is sleek and incredibly light in comparison to its hard disc counterpart.

Cost is also a consideration when choosing an MP4 player. The solid state version is less expensive as it does not have as much storage capacity. The quality of the images and sound on the solid state device is not as good quality as that provided by the hard disc player.

In some scenarios, the solid state music/video player does not have the capacity to play some films from the internet; in other scenarios they are played but with poorer quality. If they are not compatible, this will be stated on the website. Alternative versions can usually be found so this is not as disadvantageous as it may initially seem. Again this difference in output is down to the memory capacity and the graphics and so the higher price tag of the hard disc MP4 reflects the product performance.

The battery life is usually slightly longer with the hard disc MP4 player though not by much. The average battery time for the hard disc device averages 16 hours in total. The hard disc device battery can take up to double the time to recharge than the solid state version, which does not seem compatible with its minimal increased battery life. Neither version has any real advantage here. Both versions of the MP4 player are excellent entertainment devices, and whichever chosen is bound to please the owner.

The purchaser simply needs to decide their budget, and whether the MP4 player of their choice needs to have a huge array of films stored or be more compact and portable, needs higher quality graphics or whether standard quality is sufficient.