The MP3 Player is part of the revolution in this age of ever changing technology. It is the most recent entry in the music world. None of the previous models come near to the amenities provided by this MP3 Player. The bonus point is that you can hold it in your hand or slip it into your pocket carrying more than thousand songs as you move about. The whole contraption weighs less than an ounce. This point about portability has appealed most to consumers.



The revolution came about in the latter half of the 90`s. MPEG stands for Moving Picture Experts Group. The target was to compress into one device innumerable data - either audio or video. A person who is using an MP3 device with 1 GB storage capacity can carry 240 tunes that is the same as the amount contained in 20 CD`s.

The story of capturing music began in 1877 with Edison inventing the first phonograph. In 1887 flat zinc discs came to be incorporated. In 1896 the radio made its debut. Sony and Philips now took up the gauntlet and introduced one marvel after another - Walkman compact disc, 8-track magnetic tape etc. In 1989 the Fraunhofer Institute in Germany patented the MP3 format. The idea was to take off where audiocassettes left off. Philips and Sony came up with their version and the first MP3 players were introduced and sold in Korea.

The previous models of music players required mobile parts but a MP3 player uses only solid-state memory. It is a storage tool that has software embedded in it. It allows transfer of MP3 files to the player. The MP3 can also copy music not only from the radio but also from CD`s and Internet web sites. The list is organized for the convenience of the user. An MP3 is an amalgam of many technologies. The basics consist of data port, memory, micro and digital signal processors, display, playback controls, audio port, amplifier and power supply point.

The files of the MP3 are stored in the memory of the player. The types of memory are internal-flash, compact-flash, smart-media, memory stick and internal micro-drive. Except for internal micro-drive all the types are solid state. It means there are no moving parts and therefore more reliable with no hopping in the music.

The brain of the MP3 player consists of the microprocessor. Through playback controls the input is monitored. Information is displayed and directions given to the chip regarding the storage and playing of music.

Rechargeable batteries power all the MP3 players. It lasts for 10 to 28 hours. There are also AC adapters that can be plugged in to an electric point. Others have DC adapters that can be used in cars.

There are innumerable types of MP3 players. The choice depends on the load of music you want to store and how much you are willing to pay for it. Basically there are four types. A flash memory player is the tiniest and holds fewer songs. The hard-drive and mini- hard models are bigger and offer more storage capacity. The MP3 CD player and mini-disc models can contain 10 hours of melody. For this model a CD burner is required. The MP3 has not stopped in its tracks but with each passing day new amenities are being listed. It comes with satellite radios, DVD players, sunglasses, and even with an army knife! It is a hybrid culture within your budget.