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Ipod Cradle Dock

Sounds Confusing? Mp3 and Mp4 Player Buying Guide

If you are planning to buy an MP3 or MP4 player, you should take into account its memory capacity, supported formats, accessories and battery. Apple, Sony, Microsoft, Samsung, Philips and several other brands are available. Need help choosing the right product? This guide can assist you in picking the best player suited to your needs.

What are MP3 and MP4 players?

MP3 and MP4 players are digital devices that let you take your music and videos with you, wherever you go. You can transfer files from your computer to the player and enjoy them anywhere using headphones or portable speakers and the built-in screen. Use MP3 players to play music and MP4 players to view photos and play videos. These players are convenient to own and easy to use. They provide entertainment for hours on end.

What are the different types of MP3 and MP4 players available for sale?

You can buy various types of MP3 players like flash memory players and hard disk drive players. You have a large selection of MP4 players to choose from as well, including basic models, MP4 players with digital cameras, HDD media players, DivX MP4 players and TV MP4 players.

How many songs and images can a player store?

The number of songs you can store on a player depends upon the memory space available. The memory capacity of an MP3 player ranges from 256 MB to 160 GB. MP4 players have a much higher memory capacity with ranges of 20 GB to 100 GB and above. A 1 GB player can store more than 350 songs and 300 images. Since MP4 players playback video, they have more memory, as videos consume much more space. MP4 players use hard disks for better storage capacity. If you have to store hours of video, opt for an MP4 player with 20 GB of storage, as a minimum. Memory card slots allow you to expand the memory space available in MP3 and MP4 players, so check for them before making your final selection.

What formats do these players support?

Before buying an MP3 or an MP4 player, make sure that it plays the formats you want. An MP3 player supports other formats like AAC (the default format used by iPods), WMA (Microsofts technology), and Atrac (Sonys audio compression technology). MP4 players can play more file formats than MP3 players. The basic MP4 player can support MP4, MP2, MP1, DivX, AVI and WMV video files. They also support audio formats like MP3, WMA and Ogg Vorbis.

What features do MP4 and MP3 players have?

MP4 players come with built-in screens and recording features. Theses players usually include an MP4 conversion software and instructions on how to best encode video content. High-end MP4 players can record audio directly to the memory from an in-built FM radio tuner, line-input or microphone. For added convenience, some players feature an in-built microphone. You can also record TV shows directly from your television and output your saved data to your TV.

Many MP3 players feature backlit screens for better viewing, radios and Wi-Fi capabilities. Wi-Fi enabled MP3 and MP4 players let you download songs and videos from the Internet. Most current models support high-speed USB 2.0 transfer and a few models support FireWire.

Which player is best for you?

If you will use your player only for short durations, then choose a small, compact and lightweight one. Looking for a player to store your entire music collection? Go for players with 30 GB of memory or more. If you intend to use your player on long trips, select among models with lengthy playback times. If you are looking for an MP3 player for sports or working out, you will need an ultra-compact player like the iPod Shuffle or a small flash memory player that clips onto your clothes. Get a compact flash-based player with a pair of noise-canceling headphones if you travel by bus or train.

What accessories are available for MP3 and MP4 players?

There are many accessories available for MP3 and MP4 players. Here is a look at some in detail.

Headphones:

Most Portable Audio or MP3 and MP4 players come with earphones. If you listen to music at work, clip on or wrap around headphones might be more comfortable. Noise-cancellation headphones provide clear sound when your travel. Buy a headphone splitter to share music with a friend.

External Speakers and Docking Stations:

There is a wide range of external speakers available for MP3 and MP4 players. Most of these speakers include docking stations that will recharge your player.

Travel Speakers:

Carry travel speakers with you when you picnic or hit the beach with your friends and family. These speakers use rechargeable batteries.

FM Transmitters:

FM transmitters allow you to transmit songs stored on your player through any radio.

Batteries:

Almost all MP3 and MP4 music devices use a rechargeable battery. You can recharge a player by connecting it to your computer.

AC Adapters:

Many MP3 and MP4 players come with a standard AC adapter to quickly recharge your music device.

Cases and Skins:

Protect your music player from scratches with cases and skins. They come in many different designs and colors, so choose your favorites to personalize your player.

Cradles:

Cradles hold MP3/MP4 players in your vehicle while you drive.

Armbands:

Strap your music player on your arm with an armband. Get one if you plan on exercising with your player often.

Cassette Adapters:

Cassette adapters allow you to play MP3 songs from your portable music player in your vehicles cassette deck.

About the Author

Bob Shanty has been researching and writing articles that help shoppers make more
educated buying decisions on Portable Audio for online shopping
mega store BIGshop for years. For more articles by Bob please visit http://www.bigshop.com.au.

MY HOME MADE IPOD DOCK CRADLE

Vehicle Dock docking cradle $235.99 Intermec Vehicle Dock - Docking cradle

Octopus Remote Interactive IPOD Dock $99 - Sangean remote interactive iPod dock- SD / USB MP3 and WMA playback function- IR Remote control- Supports FAT 16/ FAT 32 file system- Supports SDHC to 16 GB- Line out socket connected to audio amplified speaker system- Build-in iPod cradle for rechargin

Single Dock docking cradle $132.99 Intermec Single Dock - Docking cradle - USB

Clock Radio Dock S400i - clock radio $82.99 Logitech Clock Radio Dock S400i - Clock radio with iPhone / iPod cradle

PORTABLE PA WITH IPOD DOCK $249.99 PORTABLE PA WITH IPOD DOCK

Denon ASD-51N iPod/Networking Client Dock $170.99 1.57" Height x 5.51" Width x 4.33" Depth 11.29 oz ASD-51N iPod/Networking Client Dock 1 x Remote Control Unit 1 x AV Control Cable 1 x AC Adapter 1 x Rod Antenna Apple: iPod 5G (video) 30GB, 60GB iPod 5G (video) 80GB iPod classic 80GB, 160GB iPod classic 120GB iPod nano 1G 1GB, 2GB, 4GB iPod nano 2G 2GB, 4GB, 8GB iPod nano 3G 4GB, 8GB iPod nano 4G 8GB, 16GB iPod touch 1G 8GB, 16GB, 32GB iPod touch 2G 8GB, 16GB, 32GB The ASD-51N features a wide range of connectivity for the various iPod and other Apple models, and provides stereo audio outputs along with S-video output, so you can enjoy viewing photos and videos on your TV. ASD-51N ASD-51N iPod/Networking Client Dock Antenna DC Power In Denon Denon Electronics (USA), LLC Digital Player Digital Player Cradle Dock Control Docking/Port Replicator Not Applicable RCA Audio Out RJ-45 Network Remote Control Wired Yes mini-DIN S-Video Out www.usa.denon.com

Powermat PMR-AID1 Charging Cradle $29.99 1.13" Height x 2.56" Width x 2.56" Depth 4 oz Apple iPod nano Digital Player Apple iPhone Smartphone Universal dock for all dock-able Apple handheld devices, adjustable to fit devices from iPod nano to iPhone. Works with all Powermat Mats. Not compatible with iPod shuffle. Cellular Phone Charging Cradle Digital Player Not Applicable PMR-AID1 PMR-AID1 Charging Cradle Powermat Powermat USA, LLC White Wireless Yes www.powermat.com

FlexDock Desktop Dock - docking cradle $277.99 Intermec FlexDock Desktop Dock - Docking cradle - USB - for Intermec CK70 CK71

FlexDock Desktop Dock - Docking cradle $285.99 Intermec FlexDock Desktop Dock - Docking cradle - for Intermec CS40

Kensington Nightstand Charging Cradle $32.99 2 Year Limited Apple iPhone Smartphone: iPhone iPhone 3G Apple iPod Portable Audio/Video Player: iPod touch iPod nano (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th gen) iPod classic iPod mini iPod (1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th gen) Much more than just a charger, the Kensington Nightstand Charging Dock for iPhone allows you to download, at no extra cost, an application that transforms your iPhone or iPod touch** into a bedside clock and weather center. Charging Cradle K33458US Kensington Kensington Computer Products Group Nightstand Charging Cradle www.kensington.com

Kensington Nightstand Charging Dock $44.99 2 Year Limited Nightstand Charging Dock Charging Cable Apple Smartphones: iPhone 3GS 16GB, 32GB iPhone 3G 8GB, 16GB iPhone 4GB, 8GB, 16GB Apple Portable Audio/Video Players: iPod 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th generation iPod touch 2nd generation 8GB, 16GB, 32GB iPod touch 1st generation 8GB, 16GB, 32GB iPod nano 1st, 2nd, 3rd generation iPod nano 4th generation(video) 8GB, 16GB iPod classic iPod mini iPod 5th generation(video) 30GB, 60GB, 80GB Charging Cradle K33458USA Kensington Kensington Computer Products Group Nightstand Charging Dock www.kensington.com

Griffin PowerDock 2 Charging Cradle $37.99 1 Year 110 V AC 240 V AC 50 Hz 60 Hz 7.13" Height x 1" Width x 3" Depth 9806-MLTDCK2 PowerDock 2 Charging Cradle 8 x Universal Dock Inserts Apple Products: iPhone iPod touch iPod nano 3rd generation iPod classic iPod with video iPod nano 2nd generation iPod nano iPod photo iPod mini iPod (click wheel) Does your family own a family of iPod or iPhone models? Can you only find one charger when all of you need to recharge? Call a cease-fire with PowerDock, a charging cradle where every iPod and iPhone in the house can get together to charge its batteries. Charging Cradle Griffin Griffin Technology PowerDock PowerDock 2 PowerDock 2 Charging Cradle www.griffintechnology.com

Chief IRDS-1 Digital Player Cradle $101.99 1 x Docking/Port Replicator 2564 FireWire 4-pin Type A USB IRDS-1 In-rack iPod Cradle 1 x USB Cable 1 x Remote Control Plastic Inserts All iPod, iPod mini and iPod nano Secure and easy to use with a simple magnetic system to open the docking platform and dock the iPod. Easy release system allows you to take your iPod with you. The integrated docking platform closes for that clean, sleek rack appearance. Audio Out Chief Chief Manufacturing Digital Player Digital Player Cradle IRDS-1 IRDS-1 In-rack iPod Cradle Wired Yes www.chiefmfg.com

Griffin TuneFlex Auto Charger Cradle for iPod Nano 1st Generation $18.58 Griffin Technology TuneFlex The TuneFlex is a dock and power adapter for the iPod nano that plugs directly into your car s cigarette lighter. The dock rests at the end of a flexible steel neck that can be positioned conveniently at any angle. While charging a builtin fuse protects your precious iPod nano from any power anomalies.Features: Charge your iPod Nano 1st generation on the go with this auto charger and cradle Flexible automobile solution for iPod Nano Charger has a strong flexible stem adjusts to any angle Cradle rotates to keep your Nano upright Charges your Nano even while you use it Translucent lightpipe at the base of the stem glows blue when connected Features 0.125inch jack for audio out Passthrough dock connector lets you use TuneFlex with other iPod devices

Sangean America MMC96i Ioctopus Interactive iPod Dock $155.94 Connectivity technology: Wired. Charging capability: Yes. Compatible devices: Digital player. Compatible devices: iPod. Wireless technology: Infrared. Host interface: USB. Interfaces/ports: 1 x 4pin type A USB 1 x remote control 1 x line out 1 x audio out 1 x AC powerin apple dock connector. Dimension: 1.70 Height x 4.33 Width x 4.65 Depth. Miscellaneous:. MMC96i Multi Function iPod Cradle. 1 x AC Adapter. 1 x Remote Control. 1 x Audio out Cable.

Single Dock AD20 - docking cradle $193.99 Intermec Single Dock AD20 - Docking cradle - USB - for Intermec CK3 CK3A CK3B

Kensington K39258US Charging Cradle $32.99 2 Year Limited Apple Smartphones / Digital Players: iPhone 4 (16GB, 32GB) iPhone 3GS (16GB, 32GB) iPhone 3G (8GB, 16GB) iPhone (4GB, 8GB, 16GB) iPod touch 2nd generation (4GB, 8GB, 16GB, 64GB) iPod touch 1st generation (8GB, 16GB, 32GB) iPod nano 4th generation video (8GB, 16GB) iPod 5th generation video (60GB, 80GB) iPod 5th generation video (30GB) K39258US Nightstand Charging Dock Charging Cable Much more than just a charger, the Kensington Nightstand Charging Dock allows you to download, at no extra cost, an application that transforms your iPhone or iPod touch into a bedside clock and weather center. ACCO Brands Corporation Cellular Phone Charging Cradle Digital Player K39258US K39258US Nightstand Charging Dock Kensington Not Applicable Wired Yes www.acco.com

Belkin Power Dock AV $34.99 1 x 4-pin Type A USB Power Dock AV 6ft. USB-to-mini-USB Cable Dock-adapter Inserts for: iPod nano 2nd and 1st generation iPod 5th generation video 6ft. 3-RCA-to-3.5mm Audio/Video Cable AC Power Adapter User Manual Apple iPod Provides complete solution for viewing your video content on your TV and listening to music through your home audio system The Power Dock AV offers a great way to charge and play your iPod through your home entertainment center. It syncs with iTunes using the included USB cable. Everything you'll need to sync, charge, and play your iPod is included with the Power Dock AV. A/V Out Belkin Belkin International, Inc Digital Player Digital Player Cradle F8Z126 Power Dock AV USB Yes www.belkin.com

SKUL_S7PIDZ015_PIPE_IPOD SPEAKER_DOCK_C $63.99 SKUL_S7PIDZ015_PIPE_IPOD SPEAKER_DOCK_C

SKUL_S7PIDZ003_PIPE_IPOD SPEAKER_DOCK_B $63.99 SKUL_S7PIDZ003_PIPE_IPOD SPEAKER_DOCK_B

AUDIO/VIDEO CHARGING DOCK-IPOD $67.99 AUDIO/VIDEO CHARGING DOCK-IPOD

Alesis Jamdock Practice Dock For Ipod $90.09 Alesis JamDock Practice Dock for iPod