How to Buy a Minidisc Player

Besides being small, minidiscs are recordable, with fidelity similar to that of a CD. Both portable players and decks are available.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Headphones
• Minidisc Players
• Credit Cards And Loans

1. Review the available features to decide which you value. Features worth comparing for portable units include battery life, ease of use and size. For decks, compare remote controls and look for a unit with a headphone jack that has a volume control.

2. Narrow your choices to units with the programming and display features that offer the level of convenience you want.

3. Price the models with those features.

4. If you want to listen before you buy, visit your favorite consumer electronics store.

5. Listen to models you selected through your online research.

6. If you are buying a recorder, ask to hear a comparison of a CD and the minidisc copy.

7. Make your buying decision based on sound quality, price, features and the service provided by your salesperson.

Tips & Warnings

• Most major Japanese manufacturers make minidisc products. Sony, the inventor, and Sharp have the most models available.

on 11/22/2005 Keep in mind that some MD recorders can record in mono, allowing twice as much recording time. This feature is great if you are recording lectures.

on 11/22/2005 Make sure the Minidisc has the same digital input as the output on your CD player (most CD players have only coaxial digital output and most Minidisc decks have only optical input).

on 11/22/2005 Check online auctions llike Ubid and Onsale.