Chances are you already know about the volumes of free music that can be accessed on the web. Sites like Napster pioneered this frontier only to find itself knee deep in lawsuits; but fret not listeners, it is all still out there and now better than ever. This possibility of accessing free music on a computer is exciting, but often proves to be limiting to the listener. Large personal music archives can jamb hardrives; and listening is limited to the machine you are using. Now, with portable Mp3 recorders, you can take it all with you; and have full advantage of this free music, regardless of where you may be listening from!

These tiny Mp3 recorders have been popping up everywhere. In a recent NYC demonstration one such manufacturer had his recorder run over by a trailer truck to prove to his customers the durability of these completely solid machines that contain no moving parts. These little recorders, however indestructible, can produce a consumer nightmare for many out to buy one.

Here are a few tips that will ensure the recorder you buy will be right for you. First and most importantly, check the interface type. Make sure the machine will be able to communicate with your Mac or PC (with windows 4.0 or higher). Secondly consider the price. Recorders can run from $99-800. Most range $150-200. Also find out about the recorder’s onboard and expandable memory. Many of the cheaper machines cannot hold many songs. Keep in mind that 32MB of memory is about six songs. Most players have at least 32MB with an expansion capacity of 64MB-96MB. Some recorders will also have features like voice recorder and digital phonebook.

A good way to start shopping is to take a look at activebuyersguide.com. They will lead you through a step-by-step process to find the machine right for you. Two that have come recommended by this site are the Frontier Labs NEX ($179 at buy.com) and Rio by Diamond Multimedia for Mac or PC ($169 at diamondmm.com.) Both come with interface software that features digital EQ and mixing capabilities.

Now you can take it with you when you go: in your pocket, home stereo, car, and office. Go out and get it while the music is still free!