What's the Difference Between an iPod and an MP3 Player? By Russell Baxter

While the terms iPod and MP3 player are sometimes used interchangeably, there is a major difference between these two devices. They are different in terms of compatibility, brand, price, and battery needs. Read on to learn more about the difference between MP3 player and iPod products...

- BRAND: iPod is specifically a product of Apple Inc, whereas an MP3 player may be sold under a variety of different brand names. These brands include Sony, SanDisk, and RCA; they are usually brands that also make portable CD players or removable storage devices. You can find them almost anywhere electronic devices are sold. They have both become widely popular, and surprisingly affordable.

- COMPATIBILITY: It is possible to use an iPod with recent versions of Windows or Mac OS. Other brands support Windows and occasionally provide Macintosh drivers. A non-iPod player is more likely to work under Windows 98 or 2000, an important difference for some users.

- CAPABILITIES: Both iPods and MP3 players can play MP3 sound files along with various other formats. If either one of these players don't support a specific format, a simple MP3 conversion software can usually convert files in that format to one that is supported.

- PRICE: An iPod will typically cost more than another player with equivalent music file storage capacity. One or two gigabyte iPod Shuffle units are usually priced at about double the cost of a similar generic player (a difference of approximately $20).

- BATTERIES: iPods come with rechargeable batteries and can be charged via USB, while other players may use regular "AA", "AAA" or other battery types, and don't necessarily have a built-in charger. Some people find one option more convenient than the other; either way has its benefits.

Despite the difference between them, the iPod and regular MP3 player have many similarities. They both play digitized music files, have standard 1/8" earphone jacks, and connect to computers via a USB cable. Keep in mind that the term "MP3 player" may also refer to computer software which plays digital audio files.

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