Which MP3 device is best for business use?

So you're looking for an MP3 player for your business?Where do you start?How to know what you're looking for depends largely on what you will be using it for.MP3 players can be a great business tool because most of the MP3 devices come with so many different features.Here is some basic information on different types of MP3 players, basic features to look for, and how to decide which is best for your business environment.

There are three types of MP3 devices out there.
1. Hard-drive based players
2. flash-based players
3. MP3 CD players

HARD-DRIVE BASED PLAYERS-( MP3 device that reads digital audio files)

PROS

- Formatted material is easily transferred, stored, and recorded
- Do not need a full size computer to utilize its technology
- Larger players can hold up to 23000 songs
- Large screen
- Easy to use

CONS

- Usually are larger players and heavier
- Not conducive to strenuous physical activity (to many moving parts within the hard-drive)
- Uses rechargeable batteries that may need replacing after several years costing you more money

Although there are cons to buying this MP3 device, they are the most commonly used in the business world because of its memory capabilities the hard-drive possesses.A very popular MP3 device used today is the Blackberry.
MP3 devices with hard drive-based players are the most commonly used devices in the business world. This is the case largely because of the memory capabilities that the hard drive-based players possess. These sorts of devices are more commonly recognized by their brands names. The newest device with MP3 technology is the phone (just recently released) but the ever popular and widely used Blackberry device is also very popular with most business people.
FLASH-BASED PLAYERS- (MP3 device that hold digital audio files)
PROS
- MP3 device is a one piece device that has the ability to recover from a "shock" without major permanent damage.(example, dropping it)
- Can be used for music and audible files
- Device has no moving parts within it so battery life is extended
- Small and ultra portable
- Can be used during physical activity (jogging, working out, etc.)
- Many extra features
CONS
- Does not hold as much audio information as other MP3 players
- Have the highest "per- megabyte cost
- Max out at 8GB
- May be more difficult to operate due to the many extra features
Because Flash-based players can be used for audible files as well as music they come in handy in the business world.Lectures, trainings, conferences, etc. can be shared through flash-based players because of the MP3 audio file.
MP3 CD PLAYERS- (portable CD player)
PROS
- Portable CD player
- Reads data CD's with digital music
- Can burn multiple songs onto one disc
- Can also play standard CD's
- Least expensive of all three devices
- Use cheap, replaceable media
CONS
- Much larger than hard-drive and flash-based MP3 devices
- More likely to skip with movement
MP3 players are less popular than other smaller, compact and feature filled devices already mentioned.But they are convenient if you already have MP3 files and don't want to convert them onto a hard-drive before listening to them.
Now that you know a little bit more about what types of MP3 devices are out there for business use, let's look at some of the different features that MP3 players offer.These are usually extra features that set one device apart from the next.One or more may be the key feature you are looking for in helping you decide which MP3 device is best for your business.
EXTRA FEATURES
1. Music and voice recording
2. Data storage
3. Wireless capabilities
4. Personal Day planner
5. Photo and video options
6. Color screens
7. Improved playback features
Naturally it will depend on what you are using your MP3 device for to determine what kind you will need.If you want to use it for Lectures, or slideshow trainings, or you know you will be moving around regularly, you will want to go with a flash-based player.Then you may want to look for some extra features if you need for example wireless capabilities, or photo and video options.If those are not important to you, then you might want to consider hard-drive based players that can easily transfer and store information.Choose the MP3 device that suits your business needs.