Just a couple of years ago shopping for and choosing an MP3 used to be a much easier task than it is today.
It was easier because you could only play MP3 music on MP3 players.
Today everyone that has a cell phone, memory storage device or laptop can play MP3 music.
Take into consideration whether or not you need to spend money on or even need an MP3 player.
Ask yourself if you even need one.
Does your cell phone already come with an MP3 player? What about your laptop? Well, if you want to make phone calls on the go then your cell phone is the device to have but if you want to play good quality MP3 music, then buy an MP3.
You will by far get the most quality and performance out of your MP3.
Before spending some serious money on one take into consideration what you require of your MP3.
Do you want something that plays well, looks good, or sounds good.
(You will probably want all 3).
Some brands will have all three qualities but will cost you an arm and a leg.
Others will have good sound but may not look good.
Some will look great but will have poor playing quality.
Most of the time, practical people start with performance or quality and just hope they can hide the way it looks.
It is a choice between performance (play time, memory, compatibility, gizmos, other functions), quality, (usability, interface, design, battery life) or image (size, shape, style, color).
If you require something that you are going to spend a good amount of money on to last long enough that you won't feel tempted to throw out you car window because that is all it is good for then you need to keep in mind that battery life, memory, interface and compatibility should probably be the most important thing to look for when you purchase an MP3 player.