It's not just Walkman anymore. Audio players to entertain yourself when walking come in many sizes, capacities, and varieties. Smaller players include MP3 flash players and tiny FM radios. You can carry hours of tunes or audiobooks along, and customize your playlist. You can listen to standard CDs or transfer your favorite music to minidisc or MP3 flash memory or good old cassettes.
1. MP3 Flash Memory Player
I use an MP3 Player because I can download audiobooks from Audible.com or load it with tunes from my CDs, no need to carry discs or tapes. Look for one designed for walking or jogging with a strap or clip holster. Disadvantages: price, and you need a computer to download to it. Advantages: Small - about the size of a deck of cards. No skipping. Holds 2-3 audiobooks or hours of music.
2. CD Player
A standard portable CD player lets you use the same CDs in your home, car, and while out walking. Disadvantages: big - you may need to buy a hip pack designed to carry it. Problems with skipping in older/cheaper units. Advantages: Lower in price than MP3 or mini-CD players. Don't need a computer to download music to it.3. CD MP3 MiniDisc Player
The answer to the CD's bulk is the MP3 minidisc player. If you have a CD burner, you can transfer music from your CDs to an 8 cm minidisc in MP3 format, holding 3 standard CDs of music. Player/recorder combo units are available if you don't have a burner. Disadvantages: Price. Need a computer/CD burner. Advantages: smaller than CD player. Holds more music. Custom make favorites on disc.4. Audio Cassette Player
The Walkman is still going strong. Disadvantages: Old technology and tapes are getting harder to find. For longer walks, tapes are bulky. Not as small as an MP3 player. Poorer audio quality, especially if you record your own favorites. Advantages: Price. Can record from other media on inexpensive recorder - no need for a computer. Audiobooks on cassette free to borrow from libraries.5. Radio
FM, or (less-common) AM/FM radios can be a feature of the other types of audio players, or you can buy a stand-alone radio. Disadvantages: Reception and finding a station you enjoy. Interruption by ads. Advantages: Cheap for stand-alone radio units, and is a flexible feature when combined with other audio players. News junkies stay connected. No need to download or carry discs or tapes.
