Built-in memory
The amount of built-in memory installed in the player.
This parameter directly determines how much music and other content can be stored in the device without resorting to memory cards (especially since some models do not support such cards at all). For comparison: the size of one MP3 file usually does not exceed 20 MB, the same composition in lossless format has 3-4 times more volume, a film in standard quality takes on average from 700 MB to 2.5 GB, in HD 720p — up to 5 – 6 GB. Thus, in terms of data storage, the more internal memory, the better. On the other hand, the price of the player directly depends on the storage capacity. Thus, some models are available in several modifications, differing in the amount of memory and price.
When choosing, note that part of the memory will inevitably be occupied by software firmware and pre-installed applications; sometimes this part turns out to be quite significant — for example, in models with an OS on board (see above), several gigabytes can be occupied. Also note that memory cards in terms of gigabytes of volume are cheaper than built-in drives, and from the practical point of view, in most cases they are not inferior to them. So it makes sense to specifically look for a player with a large amount of internal memory, first of all, if this model does not work with memory cards.
Now there are players on the market with such a memory capacity:
up to 8 GB,
16 GB,
32 GB,
64 GB and
more. However, there are also models
without built-in memory, designed for use only with memory cards.
Charging time
The time required to fully charge the battery in properly powered players.
In this case, we mean the battery charging time from 0 to 100% when using a standard charger (or a third-party charger with identical characteristics). Accordingly, in practice, this indicator may differ from the declared one, depending on the specifics of the situation. However, in general, it is quite possible to evaluate different models and compare them with each other.
Also note that an increase in battery capacity inevitably implies an increase in charging time. To compensate for this moment, special fast charging technologies can be used - however, they affect the cost and require the use of specialized memory.
Charging connector
The type of connector used to charge the player’s built-in battery, or more precisely, to connect an external charger. The role of such a device can be played by a network or car adapter, a power bank, or even a USB port of a PC or laptop. As for specific connectors, the most common options are:
-
microUSB. A smaller version of the USB connector designed for portable devices. It appeared quite a long time ago, but does not lose popularity in our time and is used by many manufacturers.
- MiniUSB. Similar to the connector described above, which differs only in the size and shape of the socket - for this interface they are slightly larger than for microUSB. Because of this, the connector is less common.
-
USB C. A miniature USB connector, positioned, among other things, as a potential successor to microUSB. Unlike its predecessor, it has a double-sided design, thanks to which the plug can be inserted into the socket on either side.
— Lightning. Apple branded connector. Like USB C, it has a reversible design, while being somewhat more convenient and reliable, but the use of Lightning is limited to products from Apple itself.
- Branded. A connection connector that does not belong to generally accepted standards and is used to a limited extent - in equipment from one or several manufacturers. However, due to general standardization, this option has practical
...ly disappeared from the scene.