Lets not even discuss KaZaa and other peer-to-peer, file-sharing services that are responsible for the distribution of millions of illegally acquired songs.
Of course, there are also users who like to transfer their legally purchased CD collections into a more portable format which is not illegal since they are making back-up copies of something they paid for.
The iPods premium price (entry level is at P15,000), however, makes it a luxury item affordable to a select few.
Other manufacturers, like NAPA, have made diminutive MP3 players that, while not as prodigious in storage capacity, can muster up to around four hours of playing time in a size thats roughly smaller than a Post-It note. Better yet, they have kept costs down and made their MP3 players no more expensive than portable CD players.
NAPAs PA 28 MP3 player retails for around P8,000. It has a built-in 128-MB Flash card that can store the equivalent of 88 floppy diskettes or 30 MP3s. And even better, it also plays 60 WMA (Windows Media Audio, Microsofts answer to the MP3 format).
The NAPA PA 28 is capable of recording about eight hours of voice, which also makes it a handy recorder. The units preset equalizer offers Classic, Pop, Rock and Jazz settings for playback.
Another useful feature of this tiny player is its USB recharge capabilities, which can charge the unit simply by connecting it to a USB-powered PC. The NAPA PA 28 is compatible with PCs and Macintoshes and does not require drivers to install and use.
The NAPA device also has the benefit of transporting file types other than MP3s so it can be used as a USB storage device. The recording quality of the on-board microphone is quite awful and works okay for voice; anything more dynamic (such as live acoustic concerts) will produce poor playback and noise.
For those ready to take their MP3 collection with them, this device is recommended for its ease of use and size. It also has a one-year warranty and comes with a decent set of headphones.