Help! What are the main differences between an MP3 and IPODs other than price?

Question

I'm old and technologically challenged. My husband mentioned an MP3 or IPOD for Christmas. We don't need hours of memory or that extensive of a play list. Also, I don't know how to download music for either of the two. I know I sound like an idiot, but I really appreciate your help!

Answer 1

there really is no difference. The difference is in the way each is operated. IPODS are the ones that are the easiest to use. If you want something just to play music, you can get an ipod nano that hold 250 songs, which should be enough for you. It is a nice playlist, you can also hold photos. To download music you just use limewire, bearshare, which are for free. Or you can use itunes to download music. It is so easy. You just click on the download button, and then you import the song into itunes. Then when you hit update ipod, it will appear on your ipod. Also if you have a cd, itunes takes the songs from that and puts it onto your ipod, and it will all be good.

Answer 2

The biggest difference between an Ipod and any other MP3 player is that once tunes are on the device, Apple makes transferring files off the Ipod difficult. If you don't care to exercise this function it doesn't really matter. Some MP3 players do not support the AAC format, which Apple does. I personally prefer a non-Apple device, as I want something smaller than an Ipod and don't feel I need to carry every song in my library at once.

Answer 3

Both play the mp3 format. The ipod uses Itunes to download its music were as the mp3 player would use Windows Media. I have had both and the Ipod works better and is more user friendly than other mp3 players. Not to mention the fact that you can buy oodles of accessories for the ipod but accessories for other mp3 players are hard to find. There is a new mp3 player out called Zune which is Microsofts answer to the Apple Ipod, but it is to new to determine if it is worth the money. I suggest the Ipod even though it costs a bit more.

Answer 4

An ipod is a storage and playback device that allows you arrange and manage your existing music.You would download your existing cd's to your computer and using Apple Itunes you could play music from your computer and from the ipod.You can also buy songs from the Itune store. You can take the ipod anywhere.Mp3 players are essentially the same but the sources of music is more diverse .If you buy an mp3 player you can go to a variety of sources like Yahoo music or Musicmatch and do the same thing you would with an Ipod.However the ipod music and mp3 music cannot be shared without tiresome conversions.The Ipod is spectacularly successful because it is easy to use and friendly to buy music.The mp3 option will probably take more effort to research but might be the route to more music from sources leading to cheaper music purchases or music subscriptions.Check out Rhapsody,Napster and Yahoo Music.The ipod might be the easiest device to master but the Samsung Iriver and Zenbrands are close behind.The Zune from microsoft is only out a few weeks to mixed reviews.Consumer reports March 2006 has a comparison of two players that will probably make some of these poijnts clearer .Good Luck

Answer 5

When Apple decided on an mp3 player, they realized that the only way to make it a success is to have complete integration of music source (iTunes Store) computer program (iTunes) and mp3 player (iPod)

That is the main reason why iPods outsell all the competition put together. It's not that any part of the system is any better than the competition, it's because the whole package has been around longer that the competition, and it just works. Smoothly. Easily.

Answer 6

iPods and mp3s are both the same kind of device, meaning they both play mp3 files (music files). iPod is made by Apple and is the leading brand of mp3 devices available b/c of its storage capacity and functionality. Other mp3 brands are cheaper but may not have the same features as an iPod. You should visit cnet.com where you can read several mp3 reviews and figure out which is best for you. To play at least 300 songs you will need about 3 gigs. iPods also come with free software to create a music library so you can download new music and easily add it to your iPod. if you don't want to spend hundreds go for another brand however I think iPod would be a wise investment and you won't be disappointed.

Answer 7

ok im young and i know these things.Ipods are good for cetain things, they dont skip and its easy to play you music. other mp3 players can work just as well. it depends what he wants and his taste. If he wants to choose his sonds he shouldn't get and ipod shuffle or any mp3 player without a screen. ipods are easy to get music because it comes with the program and it was made for people who dont understand technology. when it comes down to the bottom i think the ipod nano is the best for what he wants or, a sandisk mp3 player with a screen.they arent as expensive as ipods and they have good capabilities, it even plays the radio when the ipod dosent so get either 1 of these.!!!!!

Answer 8

An MP3 player has all the same things, and is less $. They are also, i believe, better quality. People like them usually for the decorations and things, but you can easilly do that if you wanted to on an MP3 with some felt, etc. I would go for the MP3- easier,less expensive and better quality. May i suggest Sansa MP3s? They come in silver, blue and pink.

* * *~GOD BLESS~ * * *

Answer 9

iPods are way better. Worth hte Money, on doubt. Great sound, and ive never seen some other MP3 player with 80GB(that is like 10,000 songs, thats alot) of memory, and some even play videos.