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MP3 PORTABLE PLAYER OFFERS CHEAP STORAGE

Despite all the notoriety associated to MP3 with its condemnation by the music industry and spawning web sites such as Napster that continue to challenge intellectual and copyright laws, devotion to this audio compression standard remains strong and continues to enlist thousands of new listeners every day. And why not since the attraction to free, high quality music that can be easily downloaded and exchanged without any loss in audio quality is a sirens' song that's hard to resist.

At first, MP3 files could only be played on a computer running the proper software. This proved to be highly impractical when trying to listen to tunes on the road. Strapping a desktop computer to your belt as you go jogging would make for a very strange fashion statement and besides, what's the longest power cord you could buy anyway? No, a portable MP3 player was needed and that's exactly what the industry delivered. Today, you can choose from a wide variety of make and model portable MP3 players that fit in the palm of your hand and sport all sorts of nifty features such as screens that display the name of the tune that's currently playing, the artist, playing length and other relevant information.

One thing these portable players have in common is their use of flash memory to store MP3 files. Unlike conventional computer memory, flash memory stores data without the requirement of a constant supply of electricity. Currently, flash memory modules are available in three standards; Compact Flash, SmartMedia and Memory Stick. Storage capacities vary between these standards but modules are typically available in sizes that range between 2 and 80 megabytes. And since they contain no moving parts that can be sensitive to a sudden jarring , they make ideal storage devices for these portable players. However the downside to flash memory is cost. Depending on the modules size and model, flash memory can cost as much as 2 dollars a megabyte or more. And given that music storage goes at about a megabyte per minute, this could prove to be a limitation as to how many tunes you bring along for the ride.

Fortunately, Iomega, the makers of the highly popular Zip drive has come up with an alternative storage solution. Formerly known as a Clik disk, this tiny mechanical diskette has been renamed to the PocketZip disk. Encased in a metal shell, just one holds 40 megabytes. But the real news is that a PocketZip sells for $9.95 bringing the cost per megabyte down to around 25 cents. I know I'd be more inclined to give someone an under ten dollar PocketZip filled with tunes than a flash memory module that cost me fifty bucks. This is much more in line with the free exchange of files associated to MP3.

The PocketZip works with Iomega's HipZip portable MP3 player. Sporting all of the more popular features found on MP3 players, the HipZip connects to a PC or Macintosh via a USB connection and comes with a nice selection of software that lets you collect, edit and manage all of your MP3 music files. One other really handy feature is that the HipZip can be used as a portable disk drive that's capable of storing any computer data files if needed. And don't be concerned regarding the mechanical nature of the PocketZip disks. The HipZip has 2 megabytes of built-in memory that buffers the data making it just as immune to shock as its flash memory counterparts. Other features include permanent rechargeable Lithium-ion batteries that will play for up to 12 hours of continuos play, a backlit screen and the ability to have its operating system upgraded over the Internet. This lets Iomega upgrade the HipZip to accept and play additional audio standards as they become available. The HipZip sells for $299.95.

www.iomega.com
1-888-4IOMEGA