"Asterix" wrote in message


I own an HP h4350 Pocket PC. I have a 256mb chip that I use to store
music on. I would like to know, how does the sound quality of this
unit compare with the sound quality of the MP3 players out there,
such as iRiver iHP or iPod players. Thanks.

One of the problems with questions like this one is the fact that many
produce categories like portable MP3 players have proliferated to the point
where you may have trouble finding other people with the exact same
configuration. You may have to answer this question for yourself.

A MP3 player can be broken down into two components - the MP3 decoder and
the audio amplifier and controller sections. MP3 decoders tend to have
similar performance, the major differences are in the encoders, not the
decoders.

Portable music players do seem to have major differences in their amplifier
and controller sections. The most audible ones are related to how much
undistorted audio output that they are able to produce. The most common
complaint that I've heard relates to their ability to drive common
headphones loud enough to be enjoyable.

If you are technically inclined, there is some free software that could be
used to do some technical tests on the audio amplifier and controller
sections, using a PC's audio interface and an inexpensive digital voltmeter
for measuring equipment.