Changing portable device settings

When you copy files to your portable device, Windows Media Player uses compression technology that makes the files smaller so that they donÆt use as much space on your portable device. The compression technology is called Windows Media Audio, and it creates Windows Media files with a .wma extension, which are one of four file types your portable device can play.

Using the Portable Device feature, you can select the amount of compression used when copying files from your computer to your portable device. Typically, the more compression you use, the smaller the file is and the poorer the listening experience. The tradeoff is that when files are smaller, you can store more music on your portable device. The following compression rates are available:

• 32 kilobits per second (Kbps), 22 kilohertz (kHz), Stereo. This format takes up the least amount of storage space on your portable device. It is a good choice for spoken word audio files or 64-Kbps .mp3 files.
  
  
• 64 Kbps, 44 kHz, Stereo. This format produces sound that is near CD-quality, but it also takes up less storage space on your portable device. It is a good choice for use with source files, such as 128-Kbps .mp3 and Windows Media files that have already been compressed.
  
  
• 128 Kbps, 44 kHz, Stereo. This format produces CD-quality sound, but it takes up more storage space on your portable device. It is a good choice when you want near exact duplication of a sound track from a CD or a source .wav file.

Related topics

• What types of media files can I copy to my portable device?
  
  
• Configuring portable device options