Technolocigs Here! By Techno Girl: Budget shopping tips for audio gear

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June 10, 2009

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Jasmine France Senior Associate Editor, CNET.com		Budget shopping tips for audio gear I swear: the next time I see or hear "in this economy" as an intro to an advertisement or buying advice article, I'm going to drop kick the responsible party out of the nearest window. Regardless of gainful employment, who doesn't want to spend a little less to get something cool? I don't know about you, but finding a great deal always puts a little bounce in my step. What I like even more is helping others find what they want without requiring them to drop a massive wad of cash. In that spirit, we've rounded up a collection of buying tips that will help you find cool audio gear on a tight budget. Tips for buying MP3 players Tips for buying headphones

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New in audio

Great MP3 players for $50 or less

If you're on a razor-tight budget, it's not hard to find an MP3 player for less than $50 these days. The problem is finding one that's any good. Most of the players you'll find in the sub-$50 price range are iPod Shuffle clones--small players with no screen, limited features, and scant memory. You can do better! Read more

Wireless MP3 players

We've come a long way since the 5GB iPod. Today, you can find pocket-size video players, MP3 players with tiny flash drives offering up to 32GB capacities, and even digital audio players built into sunglasses. But one of the most advanced features you can find in today's MP3 players is wireless capability. Read more

Memorex Travel Speaker with iPod Dock (White)

The Memorex Travel Speaker offers a compact, foldable design and some handy extras, but the so-so sound quality and cheap plastic construction will likely be a turnoff for some potential buyers. Read more

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Miccus BluBridge Mobile Speaker

The BluBridge speaker design is easy on the eyes, but sound quality is lacking. Read more

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How To

Exporting song lists from iTunes
Donald Bell
Senior Editor

People sometimes criticize Apple's iTunes software for looking too much like a spreadsheet--but for some people, it's not spreadsheet enough. If you're the kind of data-devouring music nerd who dreams of spinning your iTunes library database into a killer Microsoft Excel pie chart, then you have come to the right place. Read more

Ask the Editors

On iTunes ripping and file types
Posted by Jim, via e-mail
I have yet to really build a music file online. I have dabbled with Napster and iTunes, but really don't have much of a collection. I would like to begin ripping music CDs to my computer. It is confusing, but from what I have read, it appears I should rip my music up in MP3 format, which would make it very versatile for different uses. I have several music players (an iPod Touch, a Nano and a Creative Zen V Plus for the gym). I do like iTunes and probably would download less than 75 songs a year. Is there a way to purchase iTunes Plus songs in MP3 format? Do you have any other suggestions for me? Read more

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