Differences Between the iPod & MP3 Players

The iPod, although considered an MP3 player, has several traits that make it different from a regular MP3 player.

File-Playing Capabilities

An iPod is capable of playing AAC files, which is Apple's codec of music, and is the only player that can play AAC files downloaded from iTunes. But most other MP3 players have Windows Music Audio (WMA) codec playability, which the iPod does not possess.

Varieties

MP3 players might have different variants, but Apple simplifies this by incorporating an entire family into the fray: iPod Touch, iPod Classic, iPod Nano and so forth.

Hard-Drive Capabilities

Many MP3 players can also double as a backup hard drive. The iPod, on the other hand, is prohibited from doing so by Apple's programming.

The iPod Touch

The iPod touch is essentially an iPhone without a Phone, and offers apps and a PDA-like experience you don't normally get with an MP3 player.

FM Radio

The iPod does not contain an FM radio, although add-ons exist for one. Many other MP3 players such as the Zune include an FM radio built into the device.

References

• IPod vs. MP3 Players: What's the Difference?
• IPod vs. the Others