The digital audio player is a device that stores, organizes and plays digital music files, more commonly known as an MP3 player. Records, cassette tapes, eight-track players and CDs did not provide the convenience and control that MP3 players give to us music lovers. The owner of a  hand or pocket MP3 player can create personalized lists of songs and carry thousands of them at all times. MP3 players come in all sizes and shapes and create wide appeal among its users.  Some of the MP3 players are no larger than a pack of cards.  Some players may be integrated with other devices and consumer products.

Earlier forms of music players required moving parts to read encoded data on a record, tape or CD.  MP3 players use a solid state memory and is no more than a storage data device with software applications that allows the user to transfer MP3 files to the player.  MP3 players are able to copy music from CDs or a web site and can organize a play list of songs right in the order you want to hear them.

MP3 players is a conglomerate of many technologies. By themselves the components of the MP3 are no big deal. But the convergence of these technologies in the MP3 creates an awesome and unprecedented product.  Some of the components installed in the MP3 consists of a data port, memory, Microprocessor, digital signal processor, display, playback controls, audio port, amplifier and of course power supply. The memory consists of flash memory, compact flash cards, Smart Media cards, memory stick all solid-state types of memory with the exception of the internal micro drive.

All of the portable MP3 players use one or two AA batteries lasting 10 to 12 hours on a single charge.  Many of the players come with AC adapters and some with DC adapters to be used in a car.

Henry Leyva