Here's a bit of imformation about the uses of MP3s:
Downloading Legal MP3s: If you want to get some *legal* mp3s of (some) Christian artists, check out ZPoC...there are many srtists that support this free trading software.
MP3-CD players: Also, there are MP3-CD players that are becoming more and more popular. Basically, you burn a CD with, say, 150 MP3s on it, stick it in the player and you can play it. Most have "Display" and can read ID3 tags (for title, copyright date, etc. inside the MP3 file) and can search by album. Two years ago I bought one for $250.
iPods: If you have a lot of money to spend, invest in an iPod. Don't buy more than you'll need though. For instance, there is 10GB, 20GB, and 40GB. I recommend the 20GB because it comes with all sorts of awesome stuff (headphones, dock, usb2, etc.) that the 10GB doesn't have. If you have a large collection of MP3s, invest in a 40GB. I don't have an iPod, but I've done a lot of research and hope to get one in the near future. I'm very sure the price is going to drop, so if you hang tight with these things, they'll be a lot cheaper (hopefully) soon. Currently the 20GB is $599.
SHOUTcast: This free software is run on a server and can be connected to from a player such as
Winamp and you can listen to MP3 streamed from a server.
*All prices are in CDN (Canadian Dollars)
Technical Specs of MP3:
Bitrate -> Actual filesize (kilobytes per second)
Highest Quality (BEWARE: High filesizes result from this, but the sound is excellent)
320kbps -> 40kbs
256kbps -> 32kbs
196kbps -> 24.5kbs
128kbps -> 16kbs (The standard bitrate, good balance between quality and filesize - sounds great with most songs)
92kbps -> 11.5kbs
64kbps -> 8kbs
56kbps -> 7kbs
24kbps -> 3kbs
Lowest Quality (BEWARE: Although this will get you the smallest file, the result is horrible)
* Not tested, this is all theory
Not all possible bitrates are included.
Well, I know that's a long post, but I pick up a lot of information on the road. Sorry about the long loading times
I'm back to make a post or two every couple years...