MP3 players have been around much longer than the Apple iPod, but there is no arguing that this one device opened the market to a much larger customer base. In addition to Apple's own success, the iPod paved the way for dozens of other manufacturers to offer their own twist on this technology. This Tech Tip will attempt to simplify things by taking a look at eight basic features of a typical MP3 player that may be important to a potential buyer, including: storage technologies, capacities, file for mats, displays, batteries, extra capabilities, computer interfaces, and size.