MP4 players

The term 'MP3' should be familiar to most members of this fairly tech-savvy community. That, however, does not mean that most of us know what exactly it is. An MP3 is a compressed audio format that allows you to reduce the actual size of the music file, without affecting the other characteristics of the audio file, like time length. However, sound quality may be affected based on the rate of compression. Simply put, more songs in the same available storage space.

Well, the principle of an "MP4" file format is no different, but that it relates to video. This file format is nothing new and has been around for some time, but was made popular with the introduction of products like the Ipod video, the Microsoft Zune, and quite a few compatible and capable cellphones. (Most really tech-oriented individuals will say they knew of this technology long before these products).

Well, now MP4 players are much more readily available and consumers have a wider variety of players to choose from, and these are just a few of the more affordable and worthwhile options.

Nembhard

SanDisk SANSA E250

In the last article, I mentioned the SanDisk SHAKER, and spoke of the strides this company has been making in the industry, and this product demonstrates their continued improvements.

The SANSA E250 is a welcome, affordabl to the more popular, higher-priced brand-name players already on the market. At almost a third less than the price of an Ipod NANO, this player is great value for money. With a 1.8" LCD screen, an attractively lit bright-blue navigation wheel, this MP3/MP4 player comes in 2gig, 4gig, 6gig, and 8gig and holds at least 500 songs. The SANSA plays video clips, has a built-in micro SD card expansion slot, fm radio with fm recording capability, a photo viewer, a voice recorder, has a durable metal backing, and is only slightly bigger than a NANO. The E250 also comes with the SanDisk media converter software which supports most image and video formats, and can give up to 256 hours of playback, depending on the model.

With its even more affordable and attractive design, this media player is a definite consideration for a must-buy and is now available at Watts New Liguanea (970-0192/4664), Tropical Plaza (906-4174/3091), and the Little Pub Complex in Ocho Rios (974-7539/4139).

If you want to get a bit more familiar with the SanDisk SANSA players, you can check out the following URLs.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crkvC0yPCFY

Dear Reader,

In answer to your question: After further usage of the shaker, I have found that I was both able to switch music randomly and also to track to the next song. I don't know if I am just lucky or I am doing something right. I am still looking into whether there is a specific way to do this. I just shake it.

I have, however, had the SHAKER just skip to the next track once or twice. I find it is very sensitive, and so, even the slightest movement sets it off sometimes. I will continue to investigate the matter through the troubleshooting forums available and send you an email if I find anything. If your problem continues, I suggest you do the same or contact the manufacturer.

Email Tariq at:tnem19@yahoo.com or lifestyle@gleanerjm.com.