Couple Tips for Buying an MP3 Player from Lauren Bishop, Enquirer staff writer:

Thinking of buying someone an MP3 player for the holidays? Here are some things to consider.

What’s your budget? You can buy an MP3 player for less than $100, but be aware that it usually will contain only enough memory to store dozens of songs, rather than the hundreds or thousands of songs you can store on larger-capacity players. If the person you’re buying for has a large music collection, plans to download lots of songs or wants extra features, be prepared to spend about $200 or more.

Do they really want an MP3 player? “It’s really an empty vessel. It’s not like you can tear into the plastic and play with it on Christmas morning,” says Christine Frietchen, managing editor of ConsumerSearch.com.

If you know the person well, “a great idea would be to put music on it yourself,” Freitchen says. “I could see that becoming the mix tape of the future.”

Do they own a computer? It’s necessary so they can transfer digital music files onto the MP3 player, Frietchen says. The player must be compatible with the version of the operating system that their computer uses, and if it’s not, be aware that system upgrades can be expensive. The computer also must have a USB port to connect to the player.

Where will they want to get their music, beyond their existing collection? Frietchen and James Kim, senior editor of digital audio at technology Web site Cnet.com, point out that iPod owners are limited to buying music from Apple’s iTunes store, and owners of Sony MP3 players are limited to using its Connect music store.

Most other music stores, such as Napster, offer music in WMA (Windows Media Audio) format, which is compatible with most other MP3 players. Unlike iTunes, many music stores also offer monthly subscription services.

Are they picky about design? Some MP3 players are the size of a pack of gum, while others are big and bulky. Some players have touch screens, while others have buttons or click wheels. It’s all a matter of personal preference, so if the person you’re buying for is style-conscious, it could be risky to guess about what they want.

How will they use it? An iPod probably isn’t the best bet for someone who wants to listen FM radio, record his or her voice or record music from other audio sources. Those features come standard on many MP3s but not iPods – although you can purchase FM tuner and microphone attachments.