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[[File:MP3 Players.jpg|right|thumb|500px|My collection of MP3 players. From Top left to bottom right they are: Original iPod (don't try running with a hard disk player!), 1<sup>st</sup> gen iPod Nano, 3<sup>rd</sup> gen iPod Nano, 5<sup>th</sup> gen {{iPod Nano}}, two 4<sup>th</sup> gen {{iPod Shuffle}}s, 3<sup>rd</sup> gen iPod Shuffle, Zune HD, {{ClipZip}} (with case), {{ClipZip}}, [http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002MAPT7U Clip+], Motoactv.]]
I nearly always run with music, and I've tried many different MP3 players over the years. My favorite player is currently the SanDisk {{ClipZip}}, but different people want different things from their music player, so I've got a number of recommendations depending on your requirements.
=What to look for in an MP3 Player=
* '''Size. '''For running, an ideal MP3 player should be small enough to clip on. While a larger MP3 player can be strapped to an arm or put in a pocket, smaller is better.
** If you want to use a non-iPod with iTunes, the free open source [http://notpod.com/index.html notpod] works well.
** I prefer [http://www.mediamonkey.com/ Media Monkey] to iTunes, which is free and works with most devices.
=Recommendations=
These four players are my top recommendations depending on your requirements.
! Capacity
|-
| {{<jfs id="B0097BEEW8" n="iPod Shuffle}} " msrp="$49.99"/>
| Runners who are happy with iTunes and 2 Gb capacity
| 2 Gb
|-
| {{ClipZip}}<jfs id="B005FVNGRS" n="Clip Zip"/>
| Running geeks who want the best running MP3
| 4-8Gb built in, expandable to 72 Gb
|-
| {{<jfs id="B0097BEDOC" n="7th gen iPod Nano}} (7<sup>th<" msrp="$149.99"/sup> gen)
| Apple lovers who need more than 2Gb
| 16Gb
|-
| [http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007C1KKW8 {{Motoactv]}}
| A water resistant player that doubles as a nice GPS sports watch, but now discontinued.
| 8 Gb
|}
=iPod Shuffle (4<sup>th</sup> 4th generation)=
The {{iPod Shuffle}} has a number of flaws, the biggest being its 2 Gb capacity, but its ease of use makes it an ideal choice for many runners.
==iPod Shuffle Pros==
* If you're happy to use iTunes to manage your music, the Shuffle is remarkably easy to use.
* The clip on the shuffle works well, so there is no need for a case.
* The voice menus allow for some simple operations, including selecting a playlist.
==iPod Shuffle Cons==
* The Shuffle is only 2Gb with no expandability, which limits the amount of music and makes it expensive for the capacity at $25/Gb.
** There is a [http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009IZUZ8U Waterproof iPod Shuffle], but it's expensive at $135. It's waterproof to 100 feet, so it might be worthwhile if you're expecting to get seriously wet.
** There are waterproof cases for the Shuffle, but they tend to be expensive and comparatively bulky.
=SanDisk Clip Zip (with Rockbox)=
The {{ClipZip}} is nearly perfect as a music player for running, but it requires some geek knowhow as you'll need to use the open source [http://www.rockbox.org/ Rockbox firmware] to get the best out of it.
==Clip Zip Pros==
* The {{ClipZip}} is small, but large enough to have usable buttons and display.
* I've found that battery is about 14 hours of continuous playback, but shorter if you use the display much.
* It is possible to use nearly all of the functionality of the player using just the spoken menus and buttons.
==Clip Zip Cons==
* The biggest problem with the Clip Zip is that it's best with the open source firmware from [http://www.rockbox.org/ Rockbox]. This is not difficult, but requires some technical knowledge and confidence. (The SanDisk firmware has a reputation for being buggy but mostly workable.)
* The Clip Zip is not waterproof, but like the Shuffle, a Ziploc bag works well even in heavy rain. However, there are no fully waterproof cases available.
* The open source Rockbox firmware does not support DRM formats, including Audible books. (The stock firmware does support Audible.)
=Motoactv=
The [http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007C1KKW8 Motoactv] is a brilliant but rather flawed [[Best Running Watch| Running Watch]]. While the Motoactv is not intended to be used primarily as an MP3 player, it fulfills this role well. The pros and cons below are focused on the MP3 capabilities; for a look at the Motoactv as a sports watch, look at [[Best Running Watch]].
==Motoactv Pros==
* The Motoactv is one of the few water resistant MP3 players. This resistance is not perfect, as there are small plugs that have to be in place, but it's better than the competition.
* The Motoactv is not only an MP3 player, but includes a fully functional GPS sports watch.
* There is support for Bluetooth headphones that works well.
==Motoactv Cons==
* The Motoactv price varies considerably, listing at $250 for the 8 Gb version, but retailing anywhere from $145 to $250. Even at $145 that's over $18/Gb, making it an expensive MP3 player. Of course, if you use the sports watch functionality the Motoactv becomes good value.
=iPod Nano=
The seventh generation {{iPod Nano}} is an elegant player that can be used while running, though its flaws make it hard to generally recommend.
==iPod Nano Pros==
* The {{iPod Nano}} has 16 Gb capacity, far more than the Shuffle (but less than an expanded {{ClipZip}}).
* The Nano has a simple pedometer that can be used to roughly track your workouts. This is not based on the more sophisticated [[Footpod]] technology or GPS, so its accuracy is rather poor. (The 7<sup>th</sup> generation Nano does not support the Nike+ Footpod.)
* There is support for Bluetooth headphones, though there are reports of people having problems with some headphones unless the Nano is mounted on the upper arm rather than at waist level.
==iPod Nano Cons==
* The {{iPod Nano}} is expensive to buy at $150 ($9/Gb).
* There is no way of locking out the buttons against accidental presses, which can make it frustrating to put into a pocket.
* Not really a con, but be aware that the Nano interface looks similar to an iOS device (iPhone/iPad), but it's not, so don't expect to run apps on it.
=Smart Phone=
There are pros and cons to using a Smart phone as your MP3 player.
==Smartphone Pros==
* If you already have a smartphone, this is the cheapest option.
* Carrying a phone allows you to [[Running Safety| call for help]].
* It is possible to use a smart phone as a [[Best Running Watch| Running Watch]], and some of them support a [[Heart Rate Monitor]] or even a [[Footpod]].
==Smartphone Cons==
* A smartphone is usually bulky and has to be mounted on your upper arm.
* Most touchscreens do not work well with gloves, in the rain, or with sweaty hands.
* Few smartphones are waterproof, so a specialist case is required to protect it.
=Discontinued iPod Nanos=
The older iPod Nanos were a little large, but had a display and hard buttons. I've used several different models over the years. You can still get the [http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=iPod+nano+3rd+Generation&_sacat=0&_odkw=iPod+nano+4th+Generation&_osacat=0&afsrc=1 older iPod Nanos on eBay] for a reasonable price.
* Generations Four and Five returned to the form factor of Generation Two, but with larger displays. They had greater capacity (8 or 16Gb).
* The [http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_2_9?url=search-alias%3Delectronics&field-keywords=ipod%20nano%206th%20generation&sprefix=ipod+nano%2Celectronics%2C207 sixth generation Nano] had a touch screen only, which makes it a poor choice for running. It's also expensive, at $140 for the 16Gb unit.
=Other SanDisk Clips=
The earlier version of the SanDisk Clip Zip is the SanDisk Clip+, and while it's a fine player, the Zip is better and cheaper. There is a newer version, the Clip Sport, but sadly it's not such a good player. There is no Rockbox support and the base firmware does not even support playlists. The player does have a touchscreen, but that's not enough to make it worthy of consideration.