Hi --

iPods are just one type of MP3 player, although as a Mac person I hate to use the word "just" as they are the best engineered, top performing and nicest to use. And most stylish, yes!

BUT (again, I hate to say this) I am not sure they are best for bird songs as some other brands allow downloading directly from a CD player or even tape deck (no computer required). Becaue I have scores of tapes, after some research we have bought an iRiver MP3 player -- this brand is generally ranked #2 in performance after iPod in reviews so should be pretty reliable. We can download from any source (no computer) with the provided cable and also record in the field with an external mic. The one negative I have heard about iPods and any of the hard-disk (20 and 40 gig players) is that they are somewhat vulnerable to being dropped as the disk is a moving part. However millions of people use iPods out there and I think this must be pretty rare.

In Bhutan we used a 256 mb flashcard player (no moving parts) with 3 CDs loaded and also, we recorded in field although quality not as good as with my tape deck/mic. This little player (brand not available in USA, but appeared very similar to iRiver flashcard players) was very durable and resistant to moisture (rain, fog, snow). 

All of these players require an external speaker for field use although the flashcard player we had in Bhutan did have an internal speaker which played very softly -- not any good for field use but OK to sit in van and listen to songs. Amazing what could be fit into an item about half the size of a pack of cigarettes!

Gail Mackiernan
Colesville, MD