Audio players come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and features. Every major manufacturer normally has multiple models that can highlight some special purpose or particular use. After which of course you will find the color coordinated and designer models. What started out like a simple method to take your music with you has converted into a business.

The quantity of models and price ranges are staggering. After the major brands you’ve as numerous or even more knock off brands that attempt to emulate the big sellers. These knock offs and me too models look exactly the same but may not have the quality or even the toughness for the big brands. But for half the cost, most are willing to go ahead and take chance.

Probably the most popular uses of the MP3 Player is while people exercise. There are many models and accessories available to attach the units like arm and wristbands, clips, and belt holders. Earphones are available in all shapes, sizes, and designs to help hold them on when you are exercising. However, many manufacturers take it to the next level with engineered models.

Among the best I’ve seen for exercising with some special features may be the HHS1A-2G sport by Haier. It arrives with a built-in pedometer and heart-rate monitor, water resistant design, and workout and calorie tracking software. The Haier player includes 2 GB of memory, armband, earphones, and USB cable. It retails for around $50.

If you don’t want or need the pedometer or hrm and still desire a small rugged Music player for exercising Sansa has a great one too. The SanDisk Sansa Clip+ is very inexpensive along with a built-in belt-clip, a MicroSD card slot, a voice recorder, an FM tuner, 2 GB of memory, and weighs less than an ounce. The Sansa Clip+ retails for around $40.

There’s also MP3 players which have special features that outperform the fundamental function. People who like to pay attention to their favorite radio station instead of recorded music have several models which have FM tuners. The SanDisk Sansa Clip+ mentioned previously does and offers good reception. The Creative Zen Mozaic has among the best FM radio setups with great reception, autofind, and 10 preselects. Along with a voice recorder, built-in speaker, and photo and video support. All these features for under $100 retail and 8 GB of memory too.

Another special purpose player that also comes with a very heavy dose of “cool” is the Oakley Split Thump sunglasses that offer wireless music by integrating a person right into a compact and wearable design. Excellent for all outdoor activities, the Split Thumps use both Windows and Mac plus have up to 1 GB of memory. These stylish sunglasses come in several colors, polarized lenses, and typical 8 hours of life of the battery. The only real drawback is the price, around $200.

Probably the most unusual and hi-tech specialty models I’ve ever seen would be the SwiMP3 v2. The SwiMP3 V2 uses bone conduction technology rather than plugging in earphones. It consists of two “earpieces,” which are attached by a cord that loops around the back of the neck or onto goggles if you put them on for swimming. You just affix them to your cheekbones where vibrations in the player are resonated from the cheekbone to your inner ear. You’re going to get some strange looks since should you wear goggles along with a swim cap these units make you look much like an alien. Not for that bashful or easily embarrassed. The memory is just 256 Megs but exactly how many laps are you going to swim? These units retail for around $120.