Several unique terms and phrases describe the features of hardware we review on this site, some easier to grasp than others. This list briefly defines terms relevant to Flash MP3 Player.

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Ratings

Features

These are the players basic features, including what they can play and display, what they can record from and their organization tools. The best products in this review can play music, radio and video, can display images and text, can record from any source and have a clock and alarm.

Music Formats

The most flexible mp3 flash players can play a variety of music formats including mp3, wma and wav. iPods are the only ones that support aac and aiff.

Photo and Video Formats

The top players can play well over 10 hours before they need to be charged.

Physical Features

Physical features include size, appearance and the type of controls. We also looked at the screen size and resolution.

Help/Support

Customer service is a key to customer satisfaction; considerate manufactures provide several ways to contact the company, including by email, telephone or chat. It is also helpful if they post extensive online product information and useful downloads.

Features

Equalizer

This is a function that alters sound, which may include the ability to adjust bass, treble and balance.

FM Radio

Player can play FM radio, some can also record radio or offer the ability to preset stations.

Photos

Mp3 player can display image files.

Video

Portable can display video files.

Games

Simple games can be played on the flash mp3 player.

Record Voice

Can record through an integrated microphone, sometimes only in mono.

Record Line-in and/or Radio

Records from a line-in or the radio as it is playing or at a preset time.

External Data Storage Function

Some players can receive regular computer files, similar to a PDA or other portable device for backup or transfer.

Expandable Memory

Is compatible with memory cards like SD or Lexar for extra storage or file transfer.

Read Text Documents

Displays TXT files.

Alarm

These are time keeping features that can help music listeners stay organized and on task.

Calendar

Player can build and display photo slideshows, often with a music accompaniment.

Sleep Timer

Player can be set to turn off after a set length of time.

Customizable Backgrounds

Screen backgrounds can be altered by preference, which may include changing images and themes.

Customizable Parts/Colors

There are several colors of cases available, which may offer a choice of accent colors.

Physical Attributes

Screen Resolution

The higher the resolution, the clearer the images can display. In small players, screens with 220 x 176 are good.

Main Menu Scroller Type

This is the type of control used to navigate through the main menu. Some players have clickwheels or joysticks while others offer simply buttons.

Full Charge Time (hours)

This is the time it takes to fully charge the battery.

Signal-to-Noise Ratio (dB)

This represents the difference between the level of the audio signal and interference; the larger the number the cleaner the sound.

Help/Support

Email

Manufacturer provides an email address or form for online correspondence.

Live Chat

Customers can contact customer support through live chat, which is an IM type program.

Phone

Company posts an easy to find telephone number to customer and technical support.

FAQ/Knowledge Base

Online documentation that explains common problems and product features, knowledge bases are usually searchable by keyword.

Forum/Blog

An area hosted online for customers to interact with one another.

Updates/Firmware

These are free downloadable updates or product software.

Documentation/Product Details

Product comes with a user manual, quick start guide or other documentation.

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