mp3 players

CD players have become increasingly less popular with the overabundance of mp3 players hitting the market. CD sales have slumped as well.

According to Ed Christman of Billboard.com, CD sales have plunged 16.6 percent in the first quarter of 2007, compared to last year. In sync with the sales of mp3 players, digital media tracks have sold considerably better. In the future, the hard copy CD format will probably follow the path of the dinosaur.

CD players are still much cheaper then iPods or Zunes, but the lack of convenience and additional utility of the mp3 players are phasing out their existence.

CD players have the tendency to "skip" (a pause created in the playing of a song by shaking the CD player). Users must also lug around a case of discs with their favorite music. The mp3 player can store staggering amounts of digital media internally. Saving money on batteries is also a benefit because most mp3 players are rechargeable. Attachments to mp3 players can even play your music through the speakers in your automobile.

The mp3 player may soon relegate the CD player and its discs to a place alongside vinyl records - on the shelves of collectors.

Greg Norman is a senior at Arlington High School. Send questions or comments to: Teen Ages, Life Dept., Poughkeepsie Journal, P.O. Box 1231, Poughkeepsie, NY 12602; fax 845-437-4921; or e-mail bfarrellATpoughkeepsiejournal.com.