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	CLIE MUSIC You have 2 options (hardware wise) when it comes to playing MP3 quality music on a Clie. The first option is to buy a N760/770C which includes an integrated MP3 audio player, very good quality but odd looking headphones and OpenMG Jukebox v2.2 desktop software for transferring and editing your files before transfer to the Clie (see picture left). The second option is to buy the Sony Audio adaptor (see picture right) which retails for $129.99. Here are the specs for the adaptor- The SA500 Audio Adapter lets you play MP3 files stored on standard (blue) Memory Stick® media**, and watch video clips with stereo sound in the palm of your hand with gMovie™ video player. Hardware included: Audio adapter and headphones. Software included: CLIÉ Audio Player, PictureGear™ 4.4 Lite, Real Jukebox® 2 Basic for Sony (Real Networks), and gMovie™ (Generic Media) Compatible with S300/S320/N610C. ** Memory Stick® media sold separately. The options above also give you the ability to hear stereo sound with your gMovie files (see Clie Movies)
Whichever option you decide on your can be sure of a very good quality sound from your new MP3 set up. I personally use a N770CU and am constantly amazed that this quality of sound can come from a device which is built into my PDA. I admit to being a bit of a music snob and have sworn by Mini-disc for years as having the best quality sound available in a portable device but, to be honest, the Clie runs it very close. You can add 'skins' to your audio player to give it a personal feel and there are a few alternative players available such as CRS Jukebox and CustomPlayer which even includes a Windows Skin making program- both of these programs are available from the Yahoo Clie Users Club. When it comes to software for ripping MP3's or editing your files before transferring to the Clie the options are endless. I use FreeRIP which is a free, very simple and quick CD to MP3 ripper- it allows naming of tracks, a choice of 9 Bit Rate quality settings (I use 112 Kbps which gives a very good sound) and the options to convert WAV to MP3 and WAV to Ogg. I personally do not use the included OpenMG software as I find it slow and prohibitive and prefer to rip my MP3's and transfer direct to the audio player on my Clie (instructions are included in your manual)
The final option is which type of Memory Stick to use- MagicGate or the standard Blue stick. It very much depends on your point of view as to which is the best way to go- the MagicGates are approx $20 more expensive but they do allow you to store music encoded using Sony's Copyright Protection Technology which gives a very good sound in a smaller file size. To be honest the debate will continue as to if they are worth the extra money so the choice is yours.
MP3 SOURCES WinMX MP3.com