Microsoft, not a maker of MP3 player hardware, has nonetheless deemed itself enough of an authority on the subject and is offering its suck…, err, Microsoft Windows Media website visitors, “Six Tips for Buying an MP3 Player with Flash Memory.”
Microsoft warns, “If you’re the type of person who’s on the go all the time and wants to jam to your favorite tunes while commuting to work, trekking across campus, or working out, then having the ‘right’ MP3 player is essential.”
Some selected tips* from Microsoft:
Make sure you’re getting all the goodies: Many portable music players can do more than just play music. Some players have a built-in voice recorder, FM recorder, or stopwatch. And some come with extra accessories like high-quality headphones, a belt clip, or an armband. Because most of these features are included at no additional cost, make sure the device you choose is filled with these fun extras.
You’ll want a display: When you have hundreds of songs on your player, you really need an easy way to select your music by artist, album, or genre. This is critical if you want to find that one song or artist you really want to hear. A display also comes in handy when you’re looking for your favorite radio station.
Let a professional make your next playlist: Having an FM radio lets you put your player on autopilot as you mountain bike, cycle, or rollerblade. And when you’re sweating it out on the stationary bike at your health club, you can listen to the program airing on the club’s TV. You want to have something that is fun, lightweight, and flexible. And FM radio is a key feature that many players offer at no extra cost, even for less than $100.
Don’t get locked into one online store: Have you ever been on the hunt for a particular song? Some obscure indie rock tune or rare jazz performance you heard on the radio? You might have to shop at more than one store before you find the song you’re looking for. Having the flexibility to choose from over 1 million tracks of music from multiple online music stores such as MSN Music, Napster, MusicMatch, and Wal-Mart can be the key to getting the music you want. Several stores even offer subscription services so you can download all the songs you want for about the cost of a CD each month.
If you buy a device that has the PlaysForSure logo, you’ll know that you can use it with your choice of PlaysForSure music stores. Shop for devices at the PlaysForSure.com Web site.
MacDailyNews Take: So remember, don’t buy an Apple iPod shuffle, don’t use Apple’s iTunes Music Store and you’ll be all set, the Microsoft Way. It’s better to have a second-rate codec from one place, a random non-iPod music player from somewhere else, and an also-ran online music store from a third outfit. It’s okay, it’s okay – they’ve all got identical PlaysForShit stickers stuck on them – it’ll all work just fine, just like you’re used to with Wintel! Enjoy your “experience.”
[Attribution: Digital Media Thoughts]
*Please remember, it’s “tips,” not “propaganda,” okay?
Wow. This is sad.
First Post.
Does anyone know what Bill Gates’ middle initial is? Is it B?
As in Beelzebub?
Man, I’m glad I read this before I did something stupid…….
no Bill Gates middle initial is H
have fun!
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What? No mp3 players with flashlights or lighters? That must have been an oversight.
They forgot “Make your player isn’t white and is larger than a stick of chewing gum.”
“Always be sure your player doesn’t come from a company named after fruit.”
“Players are best when all the words in their name are properly capitalized.”
“Be fair. Try buying a crappier flash player and give some struggling company a chance.”
H, as in Haven’t got an original thought
Brilliant headline, MDN!
It is another example of how MDN outshines the rest of the Mac Web’s “also rans.” MDN gets it.
nose trimmer!
“Let a professional make your next playlist: Having an FM radio lets you put your player on autopilot”
A professional? How about an algorithm that chooses songs from a list of the most “popular” (not necessarily good) that said professional crafted from the billboard list. Yo, microsoft! People get portable players so they can listen to the music THEY choose.
Just a and Ipod Shuffle on the weekend.
No regrets, though this Microsoft Proganda seals the deal, I’m even more happy with my purchase now……
iTunes ALONE makes it worthwhile.
p.s. If you are the Richest Man in the World, Bill Gates, why would you name your company to decribe your penis?!?!
they forgot teh final and FOREMOST tip: “Now bend over and grab your ankles once again…”
“Some players have a built-in voice recorder, FM recorder, or stopwatch.”
Yeah, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve needed a stopwatch in everyday life. Damn you, Apple, for overlooking this vital feature!
Oh, and I think they meant to say FM tuner, not recorder. Duh.
I know the political orientation precludes a lot of you from agreeing with me, but how we view the actions of Microsoft is exactly how conservatives currently view the democrat party.
The viewpoint is this: that they are losing, and all they are doing is digging themselves into a deeper hole by deigning to think that they are the intellectual elite and that the public can’t think for itself.
I beleive you have my stapler…
It’s a Swingline…
This article is worth at least one pop-under to me. I gladly paid earlier this morning. Thanks, MDN. Keep up the great work!
I can give ten thousands reasons not to use Windows XP but many suckas still buy PCs!!!!
it’s true. How dare democrats talk intelligently to the public. It makes them seem sooooooooo…intellectually elite. Really the Dems should learn to talk dumb to the people like the Republicans and they’d get more votes.
I like the pic on the linked website. The song displayed on the Rio is “The Year 2000”. Must be because that was the last time those other players were relevant. Maybe they’re just living in the past, like how some 1980s high school grads still tight-roll their jeans and wear mullets.
There we go. A new slogan. “The PlaysForSure logo…a stylish mullet for your music player”.
It’s really scary when I see this kind of shit. They really think the masses are dumb drones just waiting (and needing) to be programed. Yea, we all know that. The scary part is that they have gotten where they are by doing this over and over again. So maybe they’re right!
Oh my God!!
I always take MDN literally and follow whatever it tells me.
Essefgy —
LOL 😀
What did you expect them to say – go buy an iPod?
At least you dont get anoying popunders when you visit their site!
And how we view the actions of Microsoft mirrors how the rest of the world views the USA
edd1e… It’s safe to say that people are not thinking for themselves when they support the republicans!
I mean really… the democrats are pretty much the intellectual elite by default when you have the other party saying that people in vegetative states are the same as the mentally disabled.
And c’mon… Not supporting an ANTI-LANDMINE treaty… I thought you guys were all about values!