Most of us have a true music lover on our Christmas list. Fortunately, there are many options when shopping for such people; from equipment such as home stereo, Hd radio, Cd players, and Mp3 players to gift certificates for music downloads and services such as satellite radio. Probably the most favorite item, and the one that provides the most music entertainment for the money spent, is the very personal entertainment offered by Mp3/Mp4 players.
For the music lover who does not yet own one of these devices it can open up a whole new world of listening. However, even for those who currently have a device, a newer model may be cherished for the upgraded features. There have been some prominent changes to some of the former contenders in the Mp3 player world in the current year that gift givers should reconsider for the audiophiles on their list.
For many who have an older Mp3 player, the option of adding WiFi capabilities, video- or better video, a radio feature, more memory, or a slicker seeing appearance may prompt gift givers to reconsider some of the upgrades offered by Apple and Microsoft.
First, a delineate of changes to Apple's iPod models are worthy of mention. As most know, iPod introduced their next generation of devices adding in video screens to some models that did not possess them previously, beefing up storage, adding a touch screen and WiFi capabilities, and even polishing up the outside with cool new colors. Probably the biggest news with iPod was the addition of the long awaited iPod Touch to their lineup. The Touch offers a touchscreen, 3.5 inch widescreen viewer, and WiFi capabilities. The 8Gb now comes in colse to 9 and the 16Gb at 9. surely the touchscreen updates the "cool" factor for the gadget and the screen is also a step up in the potential of the viewing experience.
While the Touch brings the new features mentioned, some of the older models have been revamped with new colors, more memory, and price cuts. Ipod Nano now has a 2 inch wide screen and comes in a rainbow of colors with a 4Gb model for 9 and an 8Gb model for 9. With the added video capability, Nano should be an even more attractive alternative for those hoping to keep their spending under control.
While the iPod Shuffle is still colse to too, the iPod Video was renamed iPod first-rate and can now be had for 9 (80Gb) or 9 (160Gb) giving users the video they want with the memory that some more ardent music fans long to have.
These iPod changes offer buyers the opportunity to add video to their listening contact and still stay within their allocation with the Nano or for those who are more interested in the cool factor and connectivity, Touch should be the gadget given more attention.
Microsoft's Zune also announced changes that come to be ready in November 2007. One of the most attractive changes is the introduction of the 80Gb Zune with hard drive. It offers a 3.2" screen and is significantly thinner than when Zune was first introduced in 2006. This new Zune offers a touch sensitive pad and WiFi syncing while still contribution a radio feature for even more listening opportunities; all for a price of 9. The 4Gb Zune (with flash memory) still offers fullness of storehouse for most of us and comes in colse to 9 while the 8Gb model costs 9. For those wanting a more streamlined Zune that adds radio and a hard drive as well as an thrifty price, the newer model could be the excellent gift.
Certainly, both iPod and Zune have been great ways to enjoy music since their initial introduction. However, with up-to-date upgrades in storage, connectivity, and video capabilities, newer models may well move back to the top of a music lover's wish list.
Mp3 Player Changes - A Merrier Christmas for Music Lovers?