Swimmers who want to enjoy their favorite music while in the water have several options. The first option is to insert an mp3 player into a waterproof case. The second option is to use a special mp3 player with a waterproof design. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages.
A waterproof case can easily hold any mp3 player, including the iPod. The case usually attaches to the arm with an arm strap. This allows swimmers to listen to their mp3 players while in the water. A waterproof case is relatively inexpensive, but extra money must be spent on waterproof headphones. Another great feature of a waterproof case for mp3 players is that it will not sink. However, when swimming and listening to music through a sealed MP3 player and headphones, there is a significant loss of sound quality.
A waterproof MP3 player is another alternative for swimmers. There are actually two types of water resistant mp3 players; one that uses headphones, and another that uses bone conduction technology. Both types of devices can connect to the computer via USB and could be easily attached to goggles and other swim accessories.
A waterproof mp3 player that uses headphones resembles a regular device such as the iPod. Water resistance is the only major difference. The Speedo Aquabeat is an excellent example of this type of waterproof MP3 player.
The most innovative type of waterproof MP3 player is the one that uses bone conduction technology to transmit sound. Instead of using headphones to deliver music the ears, this type of mp3 player sends sound waves directly through the bones of the ear. In water, bone conduction is the best proven method to deliver clear sound to the ears. The Finis SwimMP3 is a popular waterproof MP3 player that uses this type of technology.
One of the downsides of waterproof mp3 players is limited memory capacity, usually up to 2GB. If you want to bring along thousands of your favorite tunes into the water, then a waterproof case for your regular mp3 player is the best option. On the other hand, a few hundred songs are usually enough to last through a typical swimming session. |
