So you want to go digital with your music...but you don't know which way to turn.  It can be pretty confusing out there in the world of electronics, but hopefully I can help make the decision easier and help you find the player that's right for you.

First of all, let's look at what a digital music player is.  A digital music player is a device that takes digital files (usually MP3 files and WMA files) and stores them, making them available for playback.  Some devices can also hold data files and picture files.  I'm sure most folks have heard of iPods.  I work at a department store and am often asked what the difference is between an iPod and an MP3 player.  My answer? The name.  That's right--an iPod is an MP3 player with a catchy name and lots of great publicity.  It also happens to be a decent product, but just because it's well-known doesn't mean it's the right product for you. 

The first step in choosing the right player is to first decide what it is you want. Do you just want to store music files? Did you need a device that can store and transfer data files from your computer to another? Or, do you want something that can store and play back photographs and even video files?  How many songs do you want to be able to listen to, and do you want to be able to select the order of the songs or do you just want something that you can listen to while you jog?

Once you have an idea of what it is you want, the next step is to look at the different brands and models of digital music players available.  Apple's iPods come in a variety of models, everything from the tiny Shuffle, which holds a handful of songs that can only be played back in the order they were recorded or randomly to the 60 gig video iPod. Other brands also have different models with different features.  Research what features appeal to you the most and compare what each player has included in its package. For example, a 30 gig iPod comes with software, ear buds and a USB cable while the 20 gig Creative Zen Touch comes with earbuds, software, USB cable, AC adaptor/charger and a decent case.

The last step in buying the right player for you is to shop around for the best price.  Sometimes an electronics speciality store like Best Buy has the best price, while other times department/big box stores might.  For older models of reliable and desirable players I've found eBay to be a great source of good products at great prices.  Make sure you check the seller's ratings and make sure you're happy with the terms of the sale before bidding.  The last step is to read the manual that comes with your MP3 player and to enjoy!