A young man takes a look at a music player while enjoying the songs on his MP3player at one of Yangon’s many electronics shops. Pic: Zaw Win Than

MUSIC has become an important way for people to define their personal space and time, especially since the arrival of tiny portable music players like MP3s, MP4s and iPods.

These items have become essential electronic aids for many people, particularly young people, for their ability to record information and provide entertainment.

The spread of such players among Myanmar people has been rapid since they arrived in 2004. But after 2005 the trend has accelerated as a number of Chinese brands have flooded into the market

New electronic stores are springing up all over Yangon and their most sought after products are MP3 and MP4 players, a number of electronics retailers told The Myanmar Times.

MP3 players boast an array of functions, including audio recording, FM radio and data storage and some of the newer versions can also play alternative audio format wave files – like those from Windows Media player. Prices for the players usually range from K30,000 to K50,000 and they come in a range of shapes, colours and sizes.

There are also watches and sunglasses equipped with MP3 functions but both are rare and expensive.

Ko Min Min Tun from Global Electronics said MP4 players were increasingly in popularity among buyers and he expected the trend to continue.

“MP4 players, especially those equipped with cameras, are popular among the youth because they allow new opportunities to record data. Buyers can also enjoy listening to songs or watch videos on them,” he said.

“JXD brand MP4 players are particularly in demand now. These players allow users to take photographs, record videos and audio, display photos, store data and play FM radio. You can also play games on it or connect it to your TV so more people can watch,” he said.

Other retailers were also impressed by MP3 and MP4 players, with buyers particularly keen on cheap versions from China.

“All of my MP3, MP4 and iPods are imported from China. They are very cheap and will last for a long time,” said Kyaw Kyaw Zin Latt from DiGi wholesales and retail electronic shop.

“Most of the MP3 and MP4 players come from China under the SONY brand but some come without any brand name at all,” he said.

Today’s digital revolution has built on the strengths of the “Walkman” cassette and Compact Disc players of the past but has added a number of abilities; while downsizing the final product into something which can easily be kept in a pocket.

“All portable tape and CD players were limited in what they could do but with my MP3 player I can record my voice, music and other sounds,” said Ma Thandar, a computer student.

But while Ko Min Min Tun said MP4s were increasing in popularity, he saw a downside to their use in Myanmar.

“Most MP4s rely on rechargeable batteries and they can be difficult to recharge when the power is unreliable. If you go out of city it will be difficult to recharge,” he said.

“The MP3 players which take normal batteries are in higher demand because you don’t need to worry about the power,” he said.

The popularity of portable music players in Yangon does not extend to upmarket and genuine models like Apple’s iPod range and Singaporean-made Creative Zen players.

“All of the iPods in my shop are made by a Chinese electronics factory. They are just like iPods but aren’t genuine,” said Kyaw Kyaw Zin Latt from DiGi electronics.

“The original iPods are less in demand here, maybe because of their high price compared with the imitations,” he added.

Ko Min Min Tun agreed.

“If a customer wants to buy a genuine iPod, we will order it from another country but it will cost between K400,000 and K500,000,” he said.

But some people have refused to settle for anything less than the real thing and have taken their search overseas.

“I bought my iPod from Singapore because it is difficult to find one in Myanmar. There are only Chinese-made fake iPods around Yangon,” said iPod lover Ko Thurein.

And what does he use it for?

“I use it for listening to music while I’m on a bus or just relaxing,” he said.