I am a classical musician and need an MP3 player that I can load with recordings of my rehearsal pieces. Sound quality and ease of use are important, and it should be compatible with Rhapsody. I also don’t want to spend a ton of money on a product.
–L. Turley, Brooklyn, NY
Fortunately, when it comes to MP3 players, you have a wealth of options at your fingertips–from a variety of vendors (Apple, Creative, and iRiver are some of the top names). Creative, however, offers products from the high-end to the basic. For starters, try the ZEN Vision: M (http://us.creative .com/products), which features a built-in voice recorder. The device comes in 30GB and 60GB capacities, and is priced at $249.99 and $299.99, respectively.
Another good option is the ZEN V Plus, which lets you record directly from an audio source via an inline cable (supplied). Pricing starts at $84.99 for a 1GB device and goes up to about $199.99 for an 8GB model. The ZEN Nano Plus, priced at $69.99 (available in 512 MB and 1GB capacity), is also a good option if you’re on a tight budget.
As with any technology purchase, though, keep in mind not just what you need for now but how the device will serve you in the long run.
For additional information on MP3 players, reviews, and more, head over to CNET (www.cnet.com).or try ConsumerSearch (www.consumer search.com).
Mail your technology questions to Cyberwise, BLACK ENTERPRISE130 Fifth Ave., New York, NY 10011or send an e-mail to donaldsons@blackenterprise.com.